It’s week eight, and we have two matchups that will determine League and Division titles. The Downriver League Title is up for grabs as Allen Park will head to Carlson, and the KLAA-West title is up for grabs as Novi will host Northville.
Allen Park vs Carlson
A classic Downriver League matchup and the toughest test for each of these teams so far this season. The Allen Park Jaguars lead the all-time series 16-5 over the Carlson Marauders. However, Carlson will look to make it two in a row as they won the matchup last year 35-6. Not only will this game determine who wins the Downriver League, but it’s also Carlson’s Homecoming game.
Looking to make sure that the Marauders can kick off Homecoming with a bang is Sophomore Running Back Izaiah Wright. In the week seven victory over rival Woodhaven, the Sophomore Running Back is showing that being the lead isn’t hard, even in a rivalry game, as he rushed for 260 yards and a score in the victory. He is bringing back shades of former Carlson standout Cody Britt. Another standout for the Marauders has been defensive back Teegan Nagy. On the season, Nagy leads the Marauders in tackles with 53 and is tied for second in sacks with two.
Staying unbeaten is no easy task, and the toughest matchup for the Jaguars comes this week against the Carlson Marauders. One of the driving forces for keeping the Jaguars unbeaten is the play of Senior Quarterback Braylon Orsette. In the win over Trenton, Orsette finished 11 for 14 for 214 yards and three passing touchdowns, along with rushing for two more scores on the night. On the defensive side of the ball, the Jaguars have held opponents to 13 points a game, and you can credit that to the outstanding play of the unit; however, Linebacker Reid Picotte. Picotte had 12 tackles and a sack, resulting in a fumble he recovered.
Northville vs Novi-Game of the Week
In a game that will decide who will face off with Belleville for the KLAA title. In this western division showdown, we will see the 7-0 Mustangs of Northville head into Novi as they take on the 6-1 Wildcats. Last season, the Mustangs beat the Wildcats both times they matched up. In the regular season, Northville edged them out 21-10, and in the pre-district, they got them by a final of 26-14.
The Wildcats are coming off a 14-6 victory over Howell. In that game, they were led by Quarterback Caleb Walker. Walker completed 10 of his 17 passing attempts for 132 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed it four times for a loss of 24 yards, but he did finish with a score on the ground. On defense, they were led by Junior Johnny Aurilia, who racked up 14 tackles and forced a fumble.
Northville has been running through the KLAA-West this season, and last Friday was just the latest example of that as they beat Heartland 55-8. Quarterback Issac Pace went 16 of 22, passing the ball for 257 yards and three touchdowns. Pace found three different receivers for scores, including one to Cullen Murphy. Not only did Murphy play a big part on offense, pulling in all four balls that were thrown to him, but he also was a standout on defense, pulling in two interceptions, and both were taken back for the score.