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Preview: Anderson at Troy

Anderson WR Santos Alvarez (1) (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Two teams with totally different yet very productive offensive approaches do battle in the opening round of the Division II, Region 8 playoffs. Troy has been rolling since finding itself in Week 4. The Trojans feel as if they still have unfinished business to take care. They would love nothing more than to end this campaign with a satisfying postseason run.

Anderson is still trying to find its groove. A good Raptors team has had trouble getting over the hump versus quality opposition. The playoffs offer the visitors the chance to reverse their fortunes and forge a new path towards more success.

This a momentum mover and confidence booster game for the winner. The victors are going to feel pretty good about themselves and their chances in a potential Round 2 matchup with Miaami Valley League rival, undefeated and #2 seed Xenia. Troy would relish the chance at a rematch with the Buccaneers. Anderson will be “loosey-goosey” gunslingers if they move on to next Friday nights action.

#10 ANDERSON RAPTORS (5-5) at #7 TROY TROJANS (7-3)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., October 28th
Troy Memorial Stadium
Follow on Twitter: @TSFootball

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The trio of quarterback Griffin Scalf, running back Brodey Berg and receiver Santos Alvarez have been sensational for Anderson. Alvarez leads a quintet of receivers that has at least 30 receptions. The senior has reeled in 88 catches for 1,201 yards and 12 scores. The senior has seven games with at least 100 yards receiving and 1,878 all-purpose yards. Classmate Scalf has thrown for 3,308 yards, ran for 271 yards and accounted for 29 touchdowns (22 pass, seven rush). Berg is a dual threat out of the backfield. The junior has 621 yards rushing, 42 receptions for 572 yards and 27 touchdowns (24 rush, three rec).

Troy running back Jahiri Ward has been running downhill the past four weeks with 747 yards (186.8/game) and 6 touchdowns rushing. The junior has 1,331 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns (12 rush, two rec) on the year. Backfield mate Nick Kawecki has run for more than 700 yards in each of the last three seasons (871 in ’22). He has a career high 10 touchdowns (nine rush). Juniors have really stepped up for the Trojans. Devon Strobel tops the team with 48 total tackles with 18 tackles for losses and a scoop-and-score. Defensive back Logan Ullery tops the MVL with six interceptions and two pick-sixes.

TEAM TRENDS: This is the fourth time that the two schools have met in the playoffs since 2016. Troy won in ’16. Anderson advanced over the Trojans in ’17 and ’18. This the first time that they have faced off since the Trojans joined the MVL. The Raptors have beaten MVL teams the past two postseasons (Xenia in ’21; Piqua in ’20).

Anderson has committed 14 turnovers and has a (-8) turnover ratio in their five losses. The Raptors have lost to teams are combined 40-10 (.800 winning %). Anderson has given up 59.6 points per contest in those defeats. This will be the first time since 2015 that Anderson hasn’t won at least three games in a row game during the regular season.

Anderson has committed 14 turnovers and has a (-8) turnover ratio in their five losses. The Raptors have lost to teams are combined 40-10 (.800 winning %). Anderson has given up 59.6 per contest in those defeats. This will be the first time since 2015 that the program hasn’t won at least three games in a row game during the regular season.

The Raptors crank out 450.5 yards of total offense per game, 357.9  of those yards come through the air (92.6 rush). Ironically they have more rushing touchdowns – 32, than they have passing – 26. The Anderson defense is giving up 398.0 yards per game. The opposition has found the end zone 47 times (25 rush, 22 pass) against them.

Troy was sitting at 1-2 with back-to-back losses to Xenia and Piqua. They gave up 50 points in both of those setbacks. Since then, the Trojans are 6-1 and have only allowed 11.6 points per game, in that span. They have held five of those seven foes to seven points or less (six to 13 points or fewer).

Troy makes no bones about it. They are going to run the ball until you can stop them and then some more. The Trojans are averaging 296.3 yards per game rushing (49.4 yards passing) and have 32 of their 36 offensive touchdowns on the ground. This is an opportunistic Troy defense. The unit has 24 takeaways (15 INT, nine FRs) and six defensive touchdowns (five INT, one FR).

HEAD COACHES:
Anderson: Evan Dreyer (54-24 at Anderson, seventh year; 98-52 overall, 14th year)

Troy: Troy Everhart (7-3 at Troy, first year; 18th year, overall)

PLAYOFF HISTORY:
ANDERSON (16th appearance, 18-14) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2009, 2008 (State Runner-up), 2007 (State Champion), 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1996, 1994, 1992

TROY (18th appearance, 8-16) – 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2011, 2010, 2004, 2000, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1992, 1989, 1986, 1985 (Regional Champions)

ANDERSON’S KEYS TO VICTORY: This is all comes down to what is on this squad’s insides. The Raptors will bring the fight. Landing the knockout punch against upper echelon competition is the only thing this team hasn’t been able to connect on this season. For that to happen in Week 11 senior leadership and intestinal fortitude need to take center stage on the road. Execution is a top priority. Anderson will have to play its best game of the year.

TROY’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Do what you do best, and things should take care of themselves especially with so many factors in the Trojans favor.  A home field, brisk fall weather, a running attack that should thrive against a Raptors defense that has had trouble stopping the ground game and defense that will get its fair share of chances to make big plays. All the ingredients and matchups are there for this to be a fruitful night for the home team.

Prediction: Troy 38, Anderson 34

 

 

 

 

 

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