The Black Raiders play host to the visiting Roughriders tonight at Olsen Stadium. The Black Raiders need to win their final two regular season games to secure a playoff bid. Huge game tonight for a Black Raider team looking to equal a (7) win regular season for the first time since 2013.
KICKOFF: 7:00 PM Olsen Stadium
STREAMING: www.metrosportstv.com Mitch McCumber (pxp) Brian Jepsen (color)
WEATHER: Game Time Temp 48* NW Wind At 12 MPH
ROOSEVELT: The Roughriders of head coach Jared Barnett have won only once in their last four games and will need to try and establish a passing game against one of Class 5A better defenses. Senior QB Dominic Wade 6-1 (170) is completing (60%) of his passes and has passed for (1,067) yards and (15) touchdowns. Sophomore RB Jayden Davison has rushed for (258) yards and (3) scores. The main receiving threats for the Roughriders include senior TE George Williams 6-4 (230) who has a team leading (31) receptions for (360) yards and (3) touchdowns. Senior WR Danny Diggins 6-0 (165) has grabbed (26) passes for (360) yards and (4) touchdowns and the playmaker on the outside is senior flanker Peter Phanthoudeth (18) catches for (330) yards and (7) touchdowns.
The Roughrider defense is led by junior tackle leader Lesther Phanfil 6-1 (180) with (34.0) stops and (3.5) TFL. Senior DT 6-2 (220) Isaac Garcia (32.0) tackles and (15.5) TFL makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and junior LB Henry Claypool (28.5) and (4.5) TFL is usually around the football as well. Sophomore Eddie Fulton (27.0) tackles is a good cover corner for the Roughriders.
BLACK RAIDERS: The Black Raiders of head coach Mike Winklepleck broke up a two game losing streak with a solid 65-16 victory over Des Moines East last Friday night. Senior QB Cole Ritchie is having a heck of a senior campaign having passed for (1,880) yards while completing (63%) of his passes for (14) touchdowns. Senior WR Kelynn Jacobsen 6-3 (200) a college prospect has been consistent all season having caught (58) passes for (708) yards for (6) scores. Senior WR Preston Dobbs 6-4 (190) has emerged as the #2 receiver with (27) receptions for (252) yards and (2) touchdowns. Senior Destiny Adams has tacked on (13) receptions for (189) yards and is a threat with his speed. The running game is led by hard nosed senior RB Brady Wavrunek (40) carries for (267) yards and (9) scores. Fellow senior RB Brecken Schossow has added (174) yards and (6) touchdowns.
The Black Raider defense is only allowing (14.2) ppg on the season and is led by a trio of seniors who have really played well all season. Senior LB Wavrunek has a team leading (58.0) tackles and (9) TFL. The defensive line is anchored by senior DE Nick Wells (55.5) tackles and (18.5) TFL a South Dakota State commit. Senior standout and prospect DT Cale Pittenger has (41.0) tackles and (18.0) TFL to complete the trio of seniors that have paced the defense this fall.
ANALYSIS: This will be a very motivated Black Raider team tonight with what is on the line. The Roughriders have been riding a passing game so far this season but the high winds may have an impact on their game plan. The Black Raider defense will try to make the Roughriders one dimensional and get on top early. The difference in the game tonight will be the Black Raider defense as Wavrunek, Wells and Pittenger lead the way.
PREDICTION:
BLACK RAIDERS 27
ROUGH RIDERS 13