Preview: Winton Woods at Kings
- Updated: November 3, 2021
Kings WR Michael Mussari (photo by Greg Shoemaker/TriStateFotball.com)
Playoff football brings a whole new level of intensity and Friday night will be no different as the Blitz 5 Game of the Week takes us to Kings for a rematch of the ECC opener between the Knights and Winton Woods. The Warriors look to avenge a one-point loss in that affair. The home team hopes to keep their perfect season intact.
WINTON WOODS WARRIORS (8-3) at KINGS KNIGHTS (11-0)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., Friday, November 5th
Kings Stadium
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: In a rare treat, the ECC Offensive Player of the Year, Kings’ junior quarterback Will Kocher, and the ECC Defensive Player of the Year, Winton Woods’ senior lineman Jay’ron Gibson square off in the postseason. Gibson gave Kocher and the Knights’ o-line fits in the first meeting. He recorded 4.5 of his 14.0 sacks on the season and helped the Warriors force the Knights signal-caller into two interceptions. Kocher has been red-hot since that game, tossing 21 of his 23 touchdowns and throwing for 1,946 yards (243.2/game).
Another player on fire since that contest is Winton Woods running back TyRek Spikes. The senior has averaged 117.8 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns over the last seven weeks.
Senior running back Max Sanella and junior receiver Michael Mussari provide a potent one-two punch for the Kings’ offense. Sanella leads the Knights with 813 yards rushing. He and Kocher each have 11 touchdowns on the ground. Mussari has 42 receptions for 750 yards with 12 receiving touchdowns. On defense, Hunter Jones has nine sacks and Nick Hoying has six.
TEAM TRENDS: Winton Woods brings the pressure on defense. The Warriors have 38 sacks which has helped lead to 25 takeaways (16 interceptions) and three defensive touchdowns. Cameron Calhoun has a team-high six interceptions. Jayden Denton is second behind Gibson with 7.5 sacks.
The offense has averaged 35.5 points per game over the last seven games. If they continue to light up the scoreboard at that pace this will be a dogfight.
Kings is no slouch on defense either. The Knights allow just 12.4 points per contest. They have held eight of their 11 foes to 14 points or fewer. They thrive on forcing the issue, as well. The Knights have recorded 26.5 sacks with 33 takeaways (22 INTs, 11 FRs) and five defensive scores. Four different players have four picks – Michael Sarchet, Carson Caudell, Jake Cameron and Sanella. Offensively, Kings has posted 31 points or more nine times. Winton Woods held them to a season low 14 in Week 3.
HEAD COACHES:
Winton Woods: Chad Murphy (8-3 at Winton Woods, first year; 41-61 overall, 10th year)
Kings: Alex Garvin (24-5 at Kings, third year; 24-5 overall)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Winton Woods (13th appearance, 21-11) – 2021, 2020, 2018 (Regional Champion), 2017 (State Runner-up), 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009 (State Champion), 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 1998
Kings (16th appearances, 16-15) – 2021, 2020, 2108, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2007, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 1999
WINTON WOODS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Play disciplined. Don’t get antsy, and keep the ball in front of the secondary, on defense. The Warriors can’t afford 143 yards in penalties like they did in the first meeting. Kings is way too good and will capitalize on mental errors. Cherishing possession on offense is a must on offense.
KINGS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: This is an opportunity for the Knights to put an exclamation point on what they have earned to this point. It all comes down to execution on offense. The defense needs to shine and keep Winton Woods in third and long situations which will create chances for turnovers. The Warriors speed and athleticism should not faze the Knights. Lima Senior gave them a good tune-up for that last week.
Prediction: Kings 17, Winton Woods 13
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