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GAME PREVIEW

Surprising Windthorst will look to put an end to Mart’s dominance at the Class 2A level as the Trojans make their first appearance in the state title game since 2010, while Mart is after their fourth straight state title and ninth title overall. Windthorst needed a herculean defensive effort and a trick play to get past Wellington last week in an absolute struggle, taking down the unbeaten Skyrockets, 7-0. Windthorst gained just 92 yards and earned just five first downs in the win, but the “hideout play” was executed to perfection as QB Cy Belcher found a wide open Max Owen for a 26-yard touchdown that wad the night’s only score. Windthorst’s defense held an explosive Wellington attack to just 171 yards of total offense and allowed the Skyrockets to convert just 4 of 15 third downs on the night. Their challenge on defense will be trying to contain the team speed that Mart brings to the table as the Panthers have the kind of speed you rarely see at the 2A level. Mart took care of Falls City in the semifinals for the third consecutive year as Kevin Hoffman’s squad coasted to a 48-21 win. QB Roddrell Freeman showed he’s more than just a runner in last week’s win completing 7 of 8 passes for 193 yards and three touchdowns while adding 132 yards and two scores on the ground. All three of Freeman’s TD passes went to De’Traevion Medlock. This game comes down to Windthorst’s defense; can this Trojans defense keep Mart’s dynamic playmakers contained? If Windthorst can do that, much like what Hamlin did a year ago, then there’s upset potential. But this Mart team is a year older, a year wiser and a bit faster than last year. 

Stepp’s Pick: Mart by 16

- Matt Stepp

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mart

QB Roddrell Freeman - He’ll be the best player on the field and it won’t be close. Freeman is simply a man amongst boys the majority of the time he’s on the field due to his rare combination of size (6-1, 220) and speed (4.6) at the 2A level. He’s the focal point of Mart’s ground game, but don’t sleep on his passing abilities.

OL Cameron Atkins - He was selected as an all-state performer a season ago for a reason. Atkins is big, agile and nasty in the trenches, doing all the dirty work to allow players like Freeman the time to do what they do. He’s the anchor of Mart’s offensive line.

WR/De’Traevion Medlock - Game-changer. Deep threat. Too fast. Great hands. Shifty. Medlock can do it all. Freeman should look for him early and often as he’s coming off a three-TD game against Falls City.

Windthorst

DL Andrew Scheffe - He’s not only one of the emotional leaders, but one of the best players on a defense that has been absolutely sensational of late. Scheffe found his way into the Wellington backfield routinely in the Trojans’ 7-0 last week.

QB Cy Belcher - Windthorst’s second-year starting QB is once again putting together an incredible season having accounted for over 3,000 yards and 34 TDs in 2019. He’s more than capable of making highlight-reel plays with his feet too.

LB/RB Ethan Belcher - Cy’s cousin will lead the way for the Trojans on the ground, but he’ll really do his damage on defense where he racked up over 130 tackles in 2019 and is seemingly always around the ball. He’ll need to play the best game of his career if Windthorst wants to pull off the upset.

- William Wilkerson

KEY MATCHUPS

Mart’s experience vs. Windthorst’s hunger

No one has been able to touch Mart since they moved down to 2A Division II. The Panthers are searching for their fourth straight state championship at that level. Playing in Arlington is old hat at this point. On the other side, Windthorst has not played in a state title game since 2010. Will Windthorst be able to step up in the moment and go toe-to-toe with one of the most dominant dynasties in the state? 

QB Cy Belcher vs. Mart’s secondary

Windthorst quarterback Cy Belcher has put together a fantastic second season as a starter, throwing for more than two touchdowns per game and completing 63.2 percent of his passes. However, Mart’s secondary is a whole different story. Belcher will have to be pinpoint accurate against this group to spread out the defense and give the running game a chance to get going. 

Windthorst’s defense vs. Mart’s team speed

It’s pretty simple how Mart keeps running away with games – it’s by running. Mart lists four players who run at least a 4.6 40-yard dash led by incredible running back Roddrell Freeman, one of the best players of the past few years in 2A. Windthorst has to keep the game in front of it because Freeman and the Panthers offense is a threat to score every play.

- Shehan Jeyarajah

PREDICTIONS

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