WEEK 10 PREVIEW

Only 3 weeks left in the regular season! We have the previews for tonight's best!

11/1/20243 min read

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#3 Riverbend (5-3) at #6 Brooke Point (5-4):

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Friday night, #3 Riverbend (5-3) travels to face #7 Brooke Point (5-4) in what looks to be a high-stakes battle for both programs. For Brooke Point, this game is likely do-or-die, as they currently hold the 8th seed in the 6B region and are at serious risk of slipping out of playoff contention. Riverbend, meanwhile, is riding high as the top seed in region 5D, looking to build on last week’s statement win over previously undefeated Stafford in a commanding 35-14 performance. The Bears have been on fire offensively since moving Cam Simmons from wide receiver to quarterback. This unexpected shift has added a new layer to their already hard-hitting, run-heavy attack, transforming them into one of the most physically dominant teams in the area. Simmons’ dual-threat ability has made their offense increasingly hard to contain, and paired with their usual physicality, Riverbend has been able to impose their style on opposing defenses week after week. On the other hand, Brooke Point’s QB Gabe Dombek has been nothing short of steady, showcasing both accuracy and resilience, making key throws under pressure and consistently keeping his team in the game. Last week’s heartbreaking loss to Colonial Forge highlighted Dombek’s reliability even when faced with adversity. Down 14-12 on the final drive, Brooke Point marched to the goal line, only for a costly fumble to end the game in a crushing 21-12 defeat as Forge ran it back 99 yards to seal their win. The Black-Hawks are determined not to let that happen again, knowing a win here is critical to extend their season. For Brooke Point, it’s all about tightening up on defense and executing down the stretch. They’ll need to contain Simmons and Riverbend’s relentless offense, which has been difficult for anyone to slow down lately. If Dombek can continue his strong play and the Black-Hawks avoid mistakes in the red zone, they’ll give themselves a shot. But with Riverbend’s momentum and physical edge, Brooke Point faces a tall order.

Caroline (5-3) at #10 Courtland (6-2) :

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Friday’s matchup between Caroline (5-3) and #10 Courtland (6-2) is a crucial game with high stakes in Region 4B playoff positioning. Caroline, currently sitting as the 11th seed, faces a must-win situation; their playoff hopes hinge on winning out. Courtland, meanwhile, is securely in the 5th seed but has ambitions of hosting a first-round playoff game, a goal that likely requires them to keep up their winning streak through the end of the season. Last week, Courtland showcased their defensive strength, handling Chancellor with ease in a 40-6 rout. They’ll lean on a trio of playmakers—running back Marcus LaRue, wide receiver/defensive back Killan Perry, and tight end Keegan Parker—to keep up the momentum. Each has proven to be a versatile threat capable of stepping up in critical moments. Caroline, on the other hand, suffered a heartbreaking 22-21 loss to Colonial Heights but has shown they can light up the scoreboard with playmakers like Malik Johnson, Blake Morris, and the explosive Vladimir Joacin at running back. Their offense is capable of putting points up quickly, and with the stakes at their highest, they’ll need that firepower to push through Courtland’s defense and keep their playoff dreams alive. Courtland’s defense will be tested against Caroline’s attack, while Caroline will need to limit mistakes to stay competitive in what’s likely to be a close, playoff-intensity contest. With both teams needing a win to achieve their postseason goals, expect a hard-fought game that could go down to the wire.

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