Preview: Otis Bulldogs vs. Branson/Kim Bearcats
After two games on the road, Otis is heading back home. They will take on the Branson/Kim Bearcats at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the two teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Otis had already proven themselves in the regular season, and didn't miss a beat now that it's playoff time. They really took it to Primero for the full four quarters, racking up a 56-14 win on the road. Otis might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team's won seven games by 29 points or more this season.
Otis found their leader in underclassman Mitchell Stivers, who rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns on only five carries. Erick Thorn was another key contributor, rushing for 57 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Saturday Branson/Kim sidestepped Peetz for a 39-37 win. The victory was just what Branson/Kim needed coming off of a 58-14 loss in their prior contest.
Branson/Kim got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kolter Cranson out in front who rushed for 163 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 9.1 yards per carry, and also threw for 86 yards and a touchdown while completing 100% of his passes. Cranson's longest rush was for an incredible 70 yards. Another player making a difference was Brock Doherty, who gained 263 total yards and two touchdowns.
Otis' victory bumped their record up to 9-1. As for Branson/Kim, their victory was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 8-2.
Saturday's match might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. Otis has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 236.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Branson/Kim struggles in that department as they've been even better at 289 per game. It's looking like Saturday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
