J. Ray Dockter gives you his thoughts for each matchup (LISTEN BELOW: Michael & J. Ray Dockter give their perspectives on this week's edition of the Battle Born Preps Podcast)
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Central Catholic Raiders (Modesto, CA.) @ Bishop Manogue Miners
The Raiders come into the contest 1-1, Bishop Manogue 0-1. Last week Manogue made the trip Carmichael (CA) to take on Jesuit and lost 30-14. Bishop Manogue schedules a difficult non-conference schedule, and the Raiders will challenge Manogue in front of its home crowd. The Raiders have a balanced attack and a defense that only surrendered 12 points week one, but 42 points week two. It is difficult to predict the outcome of this
game with Central’s defense shifting by 30 points from week one to week two, and we all know Manogue boasts a plethora of offensive talent.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Central Catholic 35-28
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Bishop Manogue
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Bishop Manogue
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Bishop Manogue 38-31
Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, NV.) @ Reed Raiders
Faith should be a familiar foe, they recently completed a home-and-home series with Damonte and defeated Reed, in Vegas, last year 37-13. The Crusaders come in with a 1-1 record, having defeated Palo Verde, week one, and lost last week to Desert Pines. The Crusaders play stingy, physical, defense and love to run ball on offense. Reed comes in 1-1 after losing at Del Oro last week. There are a lot of questions about this game. Will Reed
be able to consistently move the ball on Faith’s defense? Will Reed be able to slow down Faith’s run game. How will each team respond to last week’s setback. The gap between the best teams in Vegas and the best teams in Reno is pronounced, and sadly I believe Faith will put that gap on display Friday night
Michael Reeves Prediction: Faith Lutheran 42-21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Faith Lutheran
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Faith Lutheran
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Faith Lutheran 28-21
Spanish Springs Cougars @ Marin Catholic (Kentfield, CA.)
The Wildcats are the 77th ranked team in California and blanked their week one opponent 52-0. The Cougars are going to come back to Reno 0-3, the Wildcats are a Bay Area program with a championship pedigree.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Marin Catholic 42-7
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Marin Catholic
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Marin Catholic
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Marin Catholic 49-14
Reno Huskies @ Grant Pacers (CA)
Grant started the season in Reno, defeating McQueen 52-12, and have a 1-1 record. The Huskies are coming off an inspiring home win over Northgate (CA), 35-10. Grant comes in ranked number 61 in California, dropping ten spots after last week’s loss to Oak Ridge, the 22nd ranked team in California. Grant’s senior running back, Wayshawn Parker, comes in averaging 157 yards per game and Luke Alexander, quarterback, averages 181 yards per game through the air. This game is going to come down to defense, which side’s defense will be able to make the other side’s offense uncomfortable? Reno High has a great offensive line and is running the ball well, but they are still working out some kinks in the passing game.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Grant 28-21
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Grant
Brady Raggio's Prediction: Grant
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Grant 28-14
Sutter Huskies (CA) @ McQueen Lancers
The McQueen Lancers enter this week looking for a win with an 0-2 record, their opponent is Sutter (CA), who started the season by defeating Carson High School 54-7. Sutter is ranked number 273 in California. McQueen’s losses are to Rocklin and Grant (Reno’s opponent this week), both ranked in the top 75 in California. This matchup should prove competitive, Sutter boasts a balanced offense and a defense giving up 16.5 points per game. The Lancers need the win, they do not want to start the season 0-3, but Sutter is a strong program, the last two years they have gone 21-3, advancing in the playoffs both years.
Michael Reeves Prediction: Sutter 42-7
J. Ray Dockter's Prediction: Sutter
Brady Raggio's Prediction: McQueen
Lynn Ault's Prediction: Sutter 35-21
Truckee Wolverines @ Damonte Ranch Mustangs
Truckee comes in the higher ranked team, number 8 in Nevada versus number 14 Damonte.
Neither team has really been challenged in their opening two games, so this game should prove a good challenge for both sides. Both teams lean on their run game, Truckee is averaging 284 yards per game on the ground, Damonte will have to prove they can do what they struggled to do last year, stop the run. Truckee’s defense will also be tasked with stopping the run, the Mustangs are piling up 309 yards per game on the ground. Will this game come down to the team that can pass the ball better? I believe Damonte’s defense will be able to slow the Wolverine’s run game down enough to force passing opportunities which will allow Damonte’s pass rush (Braelen Toles, hello) to assert itself.