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After qualifying for the playoffs last week, the 6-2 (3-2) Cadillac Vikings are looking to score a big momentum building victory over the 7-1 (5-0) Traverse City Central Trojans. The Trojans have already clinched the Big North conference title, but Cadillac is attempting to ruin their perfect conference record. In order to do this, their quarterback Jalen Brooks is going to need to hit the holes that his offensive line opens up, which will fall on the shoulders of their standout tackles Riley Norman and Jack Ford.
Traverse City Central started their season off on the road at the Grand Haven Buccaneers. The Trojans gave up a late touchdown that was the difference maker as they lost 17-14. Their quarterback TJ Schepperly struggled in this one, as he completed 12 of his 25 passes for 120 yards, but couldn’t find the end zone through the air.
The Trojans would go on a roll from here. Their next game was also on the road and had them travel to the Escanaba Eskymos. They couldn’t slow down the Trojans’ offense as they defeated the Eskymos 50-6.
Traverse City Central hosted their next two games and dominated their opponents in both. The first started conference play against the Alpena Wildcats – who didn’t stand a chance as they were defeated 47-6. The next game was against the Petoskey Northmen who were sent home after being blanked 40-0.
The Trojans went back on the road when they traveled to play the Ogemaw Heights Falcons, who couldn’t keep up with the offense of Traverse City Central as the Trojans won 49-21.
The Trojans then returned home for two more as they faced first their cross-town rivals in the Traverse City West Titans, who were sent back across the city with a 35-21 defeat. They then hosted the University of Detroit Jesuit Cubs. This game was a defensive struggle, as the Trojans scored the 9-7 victory over the Cubs.
This last week Traverse City Central went on the road to face the Gaylord Blue Devils. The Trojans dominated once again as they won 43-19.
Cadillac’s defense is going to have their hands full. They’re playing an offense that can put the ball into the air for success. A problem that this brings is that they can run the ball when they need to, which makes them that much more dangerous. All I can say for the Vikings is that they need to keep everything they can in front of them – don’t let receivers get behind them, and take care to bring down the ball carrier when they get there. They have done that in all games except their two losses this year. I think they can cause turnovers, but this team is more about executing than taking risks. It is still going to be tough for Cadillac to slow down Schepperly when he is spreading the ball around. He also can tuck it and run, which puts more pressure on the other side.
The Vikings’ offense is going to need to execute. Not turning the ball over is going to be the first thing they focus on. From there, they are going to need to execute their running game. Norman and company are going to need to open up holes and Brooks needs to hit them. They also are going to need someone to step up and help him though, because he will not be able to defeat this tough Trojans’ defense alone. I don’t know if it will be a running back like Tanner Derror or if a receiver will emerge as a go-to-guy. Someone is just going to need to take focus off of Brooks so they can get it going.
Last year when these two teams faced off, Traverse City Central dominated 49-7. I think there’ll be a similar result this year. I believe the Trojans are just too strong on both sides of the ball; while the Cadillac is a very good team and will make it closer than last year, but they won’t be able to get close enough. Even with the game in Cadillac, I still think they will lose this one. My prediction is that the Trojans win handily, 35-17.
This game will be played at 7:00 p.m. on Friday October 17th at Cadillac High School in Cadillac, Michigan.
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