Week 3 Preview: Rumble on Route 50
In this Week 3 Matchup, we’re taking a look at the Rumble on Route 50 between the Peotone Blue Devils and the Manteno Panthers. This is a long-standing rivalry between these two teams and this game is always a sight…
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Continue ReadingIn this Week 3 Matchup, we’re taking a look at the Rumble on Route 50 between the Peotone Blue Devils and the Manteno Panthers. This is a long-standing rivalry between these two teams and this game is always a sight to see. Let’s dive into the preview for the Rumble on Route 50 Matchup on Thursday, April 1st.
Offense
Peotone has gotten things going on offense after two games. After their season opener against Herscher, they had some kinks to work out but after a dominating performance against Streator, there’s no doubt that they will use that momentum heading into this matchup. The Blue Devils have a dominant run game featuring four backs (Ben Balmer, Dawson Piper, TJ Chenoweth, & Ryan Moe) and have opened up the passing game with Tristan Weglarz who threw for 2 TDs last week. Look for Peotone to continue their smash-mouth football out of the double-wing offense and run play action out of this for deep shots down the field.
Manteno has been struggling to get things going on offense the first two weeks of the season. Caleb Borkenhagen and Cole Jackson have developed a connection with one another as one of his go-to targets in the passing game and Logan Worobey is the primary back for this offensive unit. They have a shortened week to get ready for Peotone but don’t be surprised if they get things going early with Jackson and Worobey. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Panthers install a special formation/package specifically for Peotone to throw them off and get a quick one on them.
Defense
Peotone’s defense had a great game against Streator last week with Tyler Hendricker Tyler Hendricker 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Peotone | 2022 State IL having 5 tackles (4 solos), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 Sacks, and Austin Masat having 7 tackles (2 solos), 2.0 TFL, 1.0 Sacks in the game. With Austin Massat moved to DE after Week 1, they have two dominant edge players that can get pressure on the QB and can stop the run. Look for Peotone to start the game off with their base 3-5 defense but as the game continues for them to bring pressure to disrupt Caleb Borkenhagen’s timing with his receivers downfield.
Manteno has had a rough start with giving up points on defense the first two weeks of the season but that’s not to say that they don’t compete and play aggressively each snap of the game. Two players come to mind, Manny Carrera who finished with 6 tackles (6 solos), 1 Sack, and Jack Prindeville who finished with 5.5 tackles (5 solos) in the Panther’s week 2 matchup against Coal City. Look for Manteno to shoot the gaps and stack the box with all 11 players. They might surprise Peotone and come out in a 5-3 look on defense to plug the gaps better and to limit this dominant run game the Blue Devils have showcased so far.
Key Points to win
Peotone
On offense, the Blue Devils need to get the run game going early with Ben Balmer and Dawson Piper as the primary backs. Once this happens then they can implement counters with TJ Chenoweth and Ryan Moe as they will have bigger lanes to run through. This will set up the play-action shots downfield for Tristan Weglarz to hit the open man downfield for an easy TD. On defense, they will need to bring pressure early in the game after they run their base defense on the first drive. By bringing pressure and making Caleb Borkenhagen rush his reads it will create turnovers and incompletions.
Manteno
On offense, the Panthers need to get the run game going early with Logan Worobey which will help open up the passing attack with Caleb Borkenhagen and Cole Jackson. What I believe the Panthers should do is work flood concept passing plays against this aggressive Peotone defense and incorporate halfback screens and WR screens to slow down the pass rush. On defense, they need to stack the box with all 11 players and shoot the gaps hard to limit Peotone’s dominant run game. Force Peotone to pass the ball and that will set the Panthers up with a chance to win the game.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, it’s going to be another great Rumble on Route 50 matchup between the Peotone Blue Devils and the Manteno Panthers. There’s no doubt in my mind that each team is going to have a play or two dialed up specifically for this game. That being said, I do think that Peotone has proved over the first two weeks that they are the real deal and a dominant football team. That is why I have them winning 31 – 17 against the Manteno Panthers.
That’s my preview for the Rumble on Route 50 between the Peotone Blue Devils and Manteno Panthers taking place on Thursday, April 1st. I look forward to watching the game and seeing these young men compete. Keep an eye out for the post-game report to drop Saturday with the score of the game and the top performers from each team.
Be sure to follow @jamaskane regarding news & information for Illinois High School Football, @PrepRedzoneIL, and @PrepRedzone.
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