Godley Looks to Challenge State Champs Grandview

By Joshua Price•September 10, 2020•4 Minutes

Godley Wildcats (2-0) (@Godleyisd) (4A Div. 2)

Head Coach: Curtis Lowery (2nd Season as HC)
Last: @ Mineral Wells W 61-20

Grandview Zebras (2-0) (@Grandview_FB) (3A Div.1)

Head Coach: Ryan Ebner (2nd Season as HC)
Last: @Salado W 21-7
Back to Back 3A State Championships

Game Info: Godley Field, Godley, TX, 7:30pm 8/11/2020

Godley has not missed a beat this year offensively as they go 2-0 to start the season by a combined scoreline of 111 – 47 against both Life Waxahachie and Mineral Wells. After losing QB Ethan McBrayer to Aledo, Caden Burke has been great in his first two starts at quarterback passing for 591yds, 8 tds, and a 53.2% completion rate. While Kolby Bartlett has been a beast in the running game with 35 carries for 321yds. Burke has had a great outlet to wide receiver Parker Priddy with 183yds on 10 catches. Things seem to be running smoothly under second year head coach Curtis Lowery and his Wildcats to start this season.

However they face their first real test in the the 3A Div.1 State Champs in the Dane Jentsch and the Grandview Zebras. The Zebras have been stout in their defense with only 31 points allowed in their games. Dane Jentsch has been on point with 529 all purpose yards and 3 combined touchdowns, 2 in the air and 1 on the ground. Running Back Gavin Leftwich has 44 carries for 239yds and a touchdown. The Zebras have threats on both sides of the field with two of their receivers having over 100yds: Luke Ferguson (158yds, 1 td, and 11 catches) and Sophomore Kason English (115yds and 9 catches).

The Zebras have never given up their lead in either of their wins, including the OT win against Malakoff; as it was Malakoff who forced OT with a big 2nd half. That is where Godley needs to press the issue and try to secure the lead early. Godley also needs to be careful as this Zebras defense is still as dominant as before. Grandview forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown against Salado last week. As a pass happy offense, the Wildcat need to protect the football as Dane Jentsch, noted two-time offensive and defensive MVP in the state finals, can intercept the ball and then throw it for a touchdown on the next drive.

While the Zebras already have a win against a top five team in Malakoff, this will mainly be a test for their defense on how well they can handle a high flying offense with Godley. Will they shut down Caden Burke on his third start at QB or will the Wildcats find a kink in the armor?

Prediction: Grandview by a score

I think defense will turn into a sideshow as this will be a chance for Dane Jentsch to show his arm. But if this turns into an air show, I think Caden Burke will settle into the game and challenge Dane Jentsch.

Grandview Players to Watch: