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Preview: Badin at Fenwick

Badin WR/DB Braedyn Moore (photo by Autumn Duncan/TriStateFootball.com)

Buckle up! We are mere weeks away from the start of the high school football playoffs. This week we have a battle set in the GCL co-ed division as the Badin Rams make the short trip to Franklin to take on the Fenwick Falcons. Badin looks to continue its reign of dominance as they gear up for a hopeful return trip to the state finals. Fenwick will attempt to pull the upset and put themselves in prime position for a conference title. Plenty is on the line for both teams come Friday night.

Badin Rams (8-0, 3-0) at Fenwick Falcons (6-2, 2-1)
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m., October 14th
Krusling Field
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PLAYERS TO WATCH: Badin has an assortment of riches on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Alex Ritzie has stepped up to the challenge in his first season as a starter. The junior completes 71% of his  passes and has thrown for 1,507 yards and 17 touchdowns against only one interception. His favorite target and one of the premiere players in the state is wideout Braedyn Moore. The UC commit has caught 45 balls for 638 yards and nine touchdowns. Carter Russo leads the rushing attack with 683 yards and seven scores. This three headed monster has been a problem for opponents all season as they rank first in the conference in their respective categories. Defensively Reese Anzalone leads the team with 64 tackles.
Fenwick has been paced by quarterback Jude Hooks who should be considered as the premiere dual-threat quarterback in the league. Hooks has thrown for 428 yards and three touchdowns on the year but has done a bulk of his damage on the ground. The senior has rushed 100 times for 505 yards and seven touchdowns to lead the team. Connor Schmuelling has 550 yards and six touchdowns to help the Falcon backfield be a double threat. On the defensive side of the ball, Kale Shaffer (61) and Connor Cole (47) both rank in the top 13 in the conference in tackles. Shaefer Janick and Bryce Pearce both have three interceptions in the secondary.
TEAM TRENDS: Badin is 23-1 in their last 24 outings and 18-0 in the regular season dating back to last year. The Rams’ defense has been just as impressive as the offense this season. The stout unit has shut out three opponents, is only allowing 8.6 point per game, and have three players with 50 or more tackles. The offense scores a shade under 33 points per game and have made the big play when it has mattered the most.
Fenwick has turned things in a positive direction after a down year last season. At 6-2 they look squarely in the playoffs in division IV. The Falcons love to run the football and have been successful on the ground this season. As a team they rush for close to 233 yards a game on the ground, bringing a tough physical approach to the game. Defensively the Falcons only give up 9.8 point per game and have 11 takeaways.
HEAD COACHES:
Badin: Nick Yordy (51-15 at Badin, 5th year; 51-15 overall)
Fenwick: Mark Mueller (9-8 at Fenwick, 2nd year; 106-39 overall, 13 years)
PLAYOFF HISTORY:
Badin (26 appearances, 31-25) – 2021 (State Runner-Up), 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 (Regional Champion), 1995 (Regional Champion), 1994, 1993, 1990 (State Champion), 1989 (Regional Champion), 1987, 1982, 1981 (Regional Champion), 1980 (State Runner-Up), 1979 (Regional Champion), 1978 (Regional Champion)
Fenwick (18 appearances, 16-16) – 2020, 2018, 2015 (Regional Champion), 2012, 2004, 2003, 1991, 1988, 1987 (Regional Champion), 1985, 1984 (State Runner-up), 1983 (Regional Champion), 1982, 1978 (Regional Champion), 1975 (Regional Champion), 1974 (State Champion), 1973 (State Champion), 1972 (Regional Champion)
BADIN’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Play fast and explosive. The Rams have been at their very best when they are scoring at a high clip. Ritzie has been exceptional at getting the ball to his playmakers and when that happens, Badin is hard to beat. Defensively, stopping the run is the supreme objective. If Badin produces a number of three and outs, they should cruise to victory.
FENWICK’S KEYS TO VICTORY: Limit possessions. The Falcons run the football very well and should look to dominate time of possession with a solid run game to keep Badin’s offense off the field. If they can keep it low scoring they will have a shot to pull the home upset.
Prediction: Badin 38, Fenwick 17

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