This week’s D1QB Lab Game of the Week takes us to the jungle as the Allen Park Jaguars (4-2) host the River Rouge Panthers (4-1). Due to construction on the track the game had to be moved to River Rouge
For the visiting Allen Park Jaguars, they have played all of their games, with the exception of Homecoming, on the road. This season has been the true definition of road warriors.
The Jaguars are still running a two Quarterback system with Steven Doyel and Braylon Orsette still seeing time in the backfield with Doyel going 8 for 17 in the passing game for 181 yards and two touchdowns while also running it 11 times for 34 yards and two more touchdowns. Orsette on the other hand has gone 21 for 35 in the passing game for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Orsette has also ran the ball 17 times for 112 yards and three more touchdowns.
Owen Alverez has been the Jaguars best player this season as he has been all over the field making an impact on both sides of the ball. Alvarez has carried the ball 48 times for 303 yards, and three touchdowns on the ground. In the passing game, he has caught four of the six passes thrown to him for 37 yards and a touchdown.
The Jaguars just got wide receiver Kevin Lebrun back for the Woodhaven game. Coming back from injury in two games Lebrun has pulled in three of the six passes thrown his way for 95 yards and a touchdown. With him back that should open up more downfield for the Jaguars offense.
For the home Panthers of River Rouge, they come into this one having only played in four games. They have won a game via forfeit. The only loss for the Panthers came in week 5 versus Cleveland St. Ignatius when they lost 21-14. For the Panthers, they are led by new Head Coach Eric Pettway who took over for long-time coach Corey Parker after he left to pursue a job at the college level.
On offense, the Panthers are still led by Michigan State commit Nick Marsh who in two full games, as the starters haven’t been needed much this season, has 17 receptions for 330 yards and three touchdowns. As for the Quarterback position the Panthers have still had to rely on backup McKale McDowell who had to come in during the week 1 win over Cedar Springs when starter Christan Johnson went down with an injury. In place of Johnson, McDowell has completed 40 of 61 passes for 626 yards and seven touchdowns.
The Panthers are being cautious with Johnson as he just got back on the field last week for two series. We were told they don’t want to rush him back, which is also the same with Marsh’s running mate Jaylen Watson who just got cleared for a return to action after dealing with an injury that has kept him out of action since week one.
The Jaguars have a system worked out, but will it be enough to stop the Panthers offense? Or will the high-powered Panthers offense behind the likes of star Nick Marsh be too much for the Jaguars to overcome? We will find out Friday, October 6 at 7 pm.
Game Picks
Jason: River Rouge
Josh: River Rouge