Troy vs Avondale matchup preview

This Thursday at 7 pm Avondale will travel to Troy for a very anticipated opening game for both teams. Let’s take a look at the biggest difference-makers for both teams, and what they need to do to win. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Avondale </span></strong> As I said in my <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/08/team-preview-auburn-hills-avondale/">Avondale preview</a>, the Yellowjackets have lots of returning talent with a young coaching staff that’s ready for a breakout season. With Senior quarterback, [player_tooltip player_id="93689" first="Jake" last="Herzog"], and other talents including <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11127185/Gavin-Betts">Gavin Betts</a>, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12982566/Deshawn-Robinson">Deshawn Robinson</a>, [player_tooltip player_id="188032" first="Eric" last="Christoff"], the yellowjackets set their sights on an opening week victory. A key to an Avondale victory is going to be just how good their air attack can be. On paper, they look like the best group in the OAA blue, but they’re going to have to prove it in the next few weeks. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Troy</span></strong> With Troy, I would like to see significant improvement from their best talent. [player_tooltip player_id="30347" first="Darius" last="Whiteside"] II has the potential to be a power-5 receiver especially if significant improvement is shown, and he’s going to be a true difference-maker this season. The duo of <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11337847/Xavier-L-Newell">Xavier Newell</a> and <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11337821/Jose-Manuel-Manzanares">Jose Manzanares</a> is going to have to play well to stop Avondale’s high-powered offense. Troy needs a steady, balanced offensive attack and they need to protect the air attack on the defensive end. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Biggest difference makers </span> </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="93689" first="Jake" last="Herzog"], QB Avondale - It’s finally Herzog’s time to shine as the senior stater of the yellowjackets. With impressive showings at camps, with great talent at receiver, all the pieces are in place for a great season. I’m confident in his ability to shine under the lights in this week 1 rivalry matchup. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11127185/Gavin-Betts">Gavin Betts</a>, SB/SS Avondale - I’m looking at Betts to be an absolute game-changer on the defensive side of the ball this season. Last year Avondale had great safety play and this season isn’t going to be any different. On the offensive end, Betts is going to be a senior leader and I’m interested in how he’s going to be utilized. [player_tooltip player_id="188032" first="Eric" last="Christoff"], WR Avondale - This kid is going to turn heads this season I guarantee it. If Troy doesn’t gameplan accordingly, Christoff is going to absolutely ball out this Thursday night. The offseason work is impressive, the camp performance is even more impressive. [player_tooltip player_id="30347" first="Darius" last="Whiteside"] II, WR Troy - The ceiling and hype are incredibly high for Whiteside as he had an incredible Sophomore campaign. Somewhat comparable to [player_tooltip player_id="30134" first="Jaden" last="Mangham"], Whiteside is a receiver who has excellent hands and is of course great in the open field. If Troy can find a way to get Whiteside the ball consistently, they have a good chance at a victory. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11337821/Jose-Manuel-Manzanares">Jose Manzanares</a>, DT Troy - Pressure up the interior would be game-changing for the colts. Manzanares is a more athletic interior defensive lineman, and if he can consistently get pressure with stuffing the run, Troy’s chances of winning will significantly improve.