GAME PREVIEW

What a showdown in 5A Division I as the two most dominant teams in the state meet up in a battle of unbeatens.

Denton Ryan, who has spent most of the season hearing about how weak its schedule is, proved a lot of doubters wrong last week with a 35-7 rout of previously unbeaten Frisco Lone Star. RB Emani Bailey (Louisiana-Lafayette commit) rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Ryan offense, while Texas commit Billy Bowman, Jr. had a receiving touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown.

Denton Ryan’s defense held one of the state’s most explosive offensive attacks to just 265 yards of offense and forced four turnovers.

Alvin Shadow Creek is one of the few teams in the state capable of matching the elite front-line talent Ryan has. In fact, Shadow Creek will have an edge in depth due to its big numbers.

Shadow Creek got off to a bit of a slow start for the second straight week, but the Sharks had a dominant second half to blast San Antonio Wagner, 45-21, to get to their second straight state title game.

QB Kyron Drones threw for 219 yards and three touchdowns, while CJ Guidry hauled in a touchdown pass right before halftime and then returned the opening second half kickoff for a touchdown.

The big question for Shadow Creek is whether or not Texas commit DB Xavion Alford tries to play after missing a lot of time with an injury. Rumors are he’s close to being able to play. Does he try to give it a go one more time for his team?

Shadow Creek can’t afford the slow start this week or Denton Ryan will roll. I think the Sharks come out focused and this one comes down to the fourth quarter. If it does, the edge goes to Shadow Creek, which has the title game and close game experience. 

Stepp’s Pick: Alvin Shadow Creek by 3

- Matt Stepp

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PLAYERS TO WATCH

Denton Ryan

Senior ATH Drew Sanders (HUDL)

Need a clutch reception? Drew Sanders. Need a short-yardage play? Drew Sanders. Need a pass rush? Drew Sanders. You get the point; Denton Ryan is going to use their five-star athlete in as many situations as he can handle, and he’ll dominate at pretty much all of them.

Senior RB Emani Bailey (HUDL)

Bailey might be the most explosive player on the field, Sanders included. Averaging over a first down per carry, the Louisiana-bound running back is unfair once he hits the second level and becomes a terror to bring down when he gets a head of steam. He has over 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

Junior DE/WR Ja’tavion Sanders (HUDL)

Similar to his unrelated counterpart, Ja’tavion Sanders is a nightmare to block on the edge and a mismatch no matter who’s covering him on the outside. He’s one of Ryan’s leading tacklers for loss with nine this season and over 600 yards receiving just in case the Raiders’ other receiving threats weren’t more than enough.

Shadow Creek

Senior DE Alec Bryant (HUDL)

The Shadow Creek defense only allowed more than 17 points twice this season and a big part of that is a monster defense spearheaded by Alec Bryant up front. His 22 quarterback hurries and six tacks this season is by far a team high.

Junior QB Kyron Drones (HUDL)

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more ideal-looking quarterback than Drones. He’s more than happy to sit and hit his targets but has the athleticism to keep plays alive when needed. When he’s clicking as he was against Richmond Foster in the playoffs, the Sharks are unbeatable.

Junior S Jaylen Lane (HUDL)

In the absence of star safety Xavion Alford, Jaylen Lane has stepped up in a major way to lead a secondary missing their best player with four interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 38 solo tackles on the year. Against a Denton Ryan team loaded with playmakers, he’ll be counted on again.

- Ish Johnson

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PREDICTIONS

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TEPPER'S PICK

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