Previewing Parma Western vs St. Joseph
Both these teams have great revenge stories. Western comes into the game with just three losses on the season. One of their losses came in the regular season to Harper Creek (22-50). Last week, Western got the chance to play…
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Continue ReadingBoth these teams have great revenge stories. Western comes into the game with just three losses on the season. One of their losses came in the regular season to Harper Creek (22-50). Last week, Western got the chance to play Harper Creek again, this time beating Harper Creek in the playoffs for the District Championship. St. Joseph heads into this game at 7-4 on the year with a loss to Stevensville Lakeshore 28-35. St. Joseph was able to get another crack at Lakeshore in the District final game. This time they took down Lakeshore 17-14.
These teams have had ups and downs getting to this point, but have shown a lot of fight and definitely deserve to be facing off for a chance to advance to the Semi-Finals. Let us take a look at the key players from both teams in this game.
Parma Western
Caden Oliver | WR/CB |
Caden Oliver helped set the tone early in this game against Harper Creek, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter to help get Western’s offense rolling. Oliver finished the game with 107 yards on 24 carries. Caden Oliver has also shined on the defensive side of the football for Western, providing great coverage at the defensive back position.
Nolan Wheeler | QB |
Wheeler showed up big for Western against Harper Creek in the District championship. Wheeler threw for 188 yards passing, completing 9 out of 13 throws. He also scored 3 total touchdowns while adding 54 rushing yards. You get the sense just by watching Wheeler play that the team likes to rally around him and raise their intensity to match his. Teams that make it this far in the playoffs always have one good leader. It seems like Nolan Wheeler is that guy for Parma Western at quarterback this season.
St. Joseph
Matt Lanier | QB |
Lanier is one of the toughest quarterbacks I have seen this season. Lanier ran the ball multiple times against a tough Chelsea defense and just got right back up each time. You get the feeling that St. Joseph has a chance to win against any team they play with Lanier under center. His competitiveness is the reason why they have been in every game they have played so far this season. He is certainly a key player to watch in this game.
Joron Brown | RB/LB |
Brown is a guy that refuses to be tackled when he’s carrying the football. He is able to make quick cuts and find space to run through with ease. Brown also plays on the defensive side of the football, playing the linebacker position fearlessly and tackling with nearly perfect technique. Joron Brown has made key contributions to his football team this season and will look to continue that trend this upcoming Friday night.
Final Say
This has the makings to becoming an old-school, hard-hitting game. Both of these teams have great competitors on both sides respectively and understand the grit and determination it will take to win this game. I think this game is a high-scoring game that will be decided by 7 points or less.