The Overton Eagles will face off against the Howells-Dodge Jaguars on Friday. Overton has given up an average of 27.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Overton is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Thursday. They walked away with a 49-42 win over Elgin/Pope John.
Overton got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Eli Luther out in front who threw for 301 yards and three TDs while picking up 13.1 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 40 yards and one touchdown. Brock McCarter was another key player, picking up 143 receiving yards and a pair of scores.
Overton didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Luther, McCarter, and Quinton Anderson picked up one apiece. Anderson got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Howells-Dodge strolled into their game on Thursday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They blew past Hyannis 61-12. The result was nothing new for the Jaguars, who have now won six contests by 24 points or more so far this season.
Overton better keep an eye on Hunter Luther. He was instrumental in Howells-Dodge's win, rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns on only 11 carries. Luther is crushing it when it comes to rushing touchdowns: he's punched in at least two every time he's taken the field this season. Another player making a difference was Dane Meyer, who rushed for 12 yards and one TD.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Howells-Dodge was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 255 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 169 rushing yards in 12 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
One reason for the win was Howells-Dodge's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. That dominant display was truly a team effort as five different players picked up one apiece. Isaac Meyer got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Overton's win bumped their record up to 6-3. As for Howells-Dodge, their victory bumped their record up to 9-0.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Overton has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 182.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Howells-Dodge struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 282.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.
