Gameday Breakdown: SM East

Gameday Breakdown
SM West vs. SM East
7:00 p.m. South District Stadium
Weather: Low 60's with clear skies at kickoff

SM East (3-5, 1-1)

Head Coach: John Stonner (19-34, .358)

Top Players: Marcus Webb, WR; Kevin Hertel, WR; Kris Hertel, RB

Key Stats: Webb leads the Sunflower Conference in receving yards with just under 500 yards.

Strengths: Passing game, balanced offensive system

Weaknesses: Lack of athleticism, no strong run game

Summary: Although on paper this game looks like a mismatch, the rivalry that exists between the two schools will keep the game at a hard fought level. This is a win (by 20) or go home situation for SM East so look for them to be airing the ball out quite a bit. They have nothing to lose, and therefore nothing to hold back. SM West needs to play a smart, physical game and work on getting pressure on the SM East quarterback. As with last week, SM West is favored by more than 30 points, and should be good for most of that.

My Prediction: The SM West seniors have too much pride and too much to play for to not come away with a victory today. Nut Cup, District 6A-1 Title, League Championship, top one or two seed in the 6A East brackets -- all the motivation in the world is there for the Vikings. I know they will be up for this one. SM West 35, SM East 7.

Other News and Notes:
According to the Kansas City Star, SM Northwest senior running back Bryce Atagi has been dismissed from the team for the rest of the season for disciplinary reasons. It was just a couple of days ago that SM Northwest head coach Aaron Barnett was raising praises for the football talent Atagi showed on the field. According to the Star, Atagi broke an unspecified team rule.