Sunnyvale Raiders @ Quinlan Ford Panthers

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Sunnyvale Raiders @ Quinlan Ford Panthers

    The 6-1 Sunnvale Raiders will travel to an undefeated Quinlan Ford this week in their third district matchup of the year. The Raiders have looked sharp so far this season, with their only loss coming against Pleasant Grove. This game should be their toughest since then, and it is an important district matchup. Junior Quarterback Cayson Maupin has led a balanced and high-scoring Raiders offense this year, with the team averaging 246 passing yards, 203 rushing yards, and 42.4 points per game. Maupin also leads the team in rushing with 79 carries for 531 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Sophomore running back Aydin Brown has stepped up this year and has been effective as a runner and pass catcher, with 286 on the ground, 171 through the air, and six total touchdowns. Senior running back Jaden “P-Nut” Cross is off to a hot start after returning from injury, logging 306 yards on 27 carries and six touchdowns. The Raiders will need to take advantage of one-on-one matchups with their talented wide receiver group consisting of Hudson Leonard (Jr.), Grayson Smith (Jr.), Drew Gardner (Sr.), and Riley Harris (So.). The Quinlan defense likes to crowd the line of scrimmage and play man-to-man on the outside. Offensive efficiency will be key for the Raiders this week, since Quinlan Ford’s run-heavy offense will keep the clock rolling. 

The Raiders’ defense will have its hands full as Quinlan Ford is 7-0 and averaging 48 points per game with 394 yards rushing per game. They are a run heavy offense, featuring a lot of misdirection, that will require the defense to be disciplined in their gaps and assignments. Quinlan has a rotating group of running backs, but sophomore Devon Williams has stood out, with 81 carries for 833 yards and 8 touchdowns. Junior Mason Tigue has also had 427 rushing yards and ten total touchdowns. Sunnyvale’s leading tacklers, senior defenders Austin Helton, Drew Gardner, and Caden Lucas, will be important in stopping Quinlan’s running game. Junior defensive lineman Stephan Wilson leads the Raider defense in sacks (5), tackles for loss (14), and caused fumbles (2). Wilson and the defensive line will have to control the line of scrimmage to prevent the Quinlan offense from getting going. Early down success will also be important for the Raiders' defense, and forcing Quinlan into obvious passing situations will be an advantage.