Round 1 Playoff Vancleave vs East Central

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These two teams are very evenly matched for this first round of playoff games. Both the Hornets and the Bulldogs belong to competitive divisions where both teams ended the season 7-2 and are fighting for a chance to play next week. There are a few athletes that will be the difference makers in this contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The running game will be what decides the winner. Both the Hornets and the Bulldogs have very impressive running backs. The Bulldog's <strong>John Peterson (RB)</strong>has rushed for more than any running back in the state this year with an average of 210 per game. In addition to Peterson, <strong>Hunter Parker(QB),</strong> the Bulldog's Quarterback also poses as a running threat. The Hornets also have a formidable running back in <strong>Eli Smith(RB)</strong>. He is an electric running back that consistently rushes for nearly 170 yards a game and has been the Hornet's main mode of attack. If Eli Smith isn't enough the Hornets possess another high-caliber running back in <strong>Grey Bradley(RB) </strong>who has had multiple 100+ yard rushing games and 7 TDs for the season and is nearing the 1,000-yard rushing mark himself. Furthermore, the Hornets have incredible depth at running backs should the others need a rest. If either team can sustain their run game throughout the contest this may turn out to be a high-scoring event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stopping the run will be essential to winning the game. When comparing defenses East Central's Defense on paper appears to be the more defined unit as they have only allowed 194 points to opposing offenses while Vancleve has allowed nearly 270 points for the season. <strong>Tj Dunsford(MLB)</strong> is the leading tackler for the Hornets and will need to be especially productive for a desirable result on their part. Equally, The Bulldog's<strong> Ethan Davis(MLB</strong>) will need to be an excellent leader on the field and pushing his teammates to be involved in every tackle. A strong defense will be crucial to winning this matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prediction</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Central 35 Vancleve 28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the end of the day what this game will come down to will be which team can make a stop defensively and keep their running game going. Although Vancleve may have a better athlete in John Peterson the Hornets have a plethora of ball carriers to be utilized as well as a defense that can force teams into unfavorable 3rd and 7 or more. I can see this being decided by the team that can either force a punt or gains an extra possession. This game will certainly be a great one to see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Make your own prediction on the match up visit the link below for a side-by-side comparison.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-3-2022/football-22/east-central-vs-vancleave.htm?c=9GAYg1uthECMsOUoLrH6sg#tab=matchup&amp;schoolid=">https://www.maxpreps.com/games/11-3-2022/football-22/east-central-vs-vancleave.htm?c=9GAYg1uthECMsOUoLrH6sg#tab=matchup&amp;schoolid=</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->