Douglas High wideout Aden Flory rises up to make a catch against Galena last Friday. The Tigers are looking for their second win in a row this season against Reed.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
After Gabe Foster and the Tiger offensive line powered their way to 215 yards and four rushing touchdowns last week, it won’t be terribly difficult to see who Douglas will rely on this Friday against Reed.
With the way Douglas’ schedule lined up this fall, most opponents play Carson before taking on the Tigers.
Last week, the Senators took down the Raiders, 17-13.
On the heels of Douglas’ first win of the season, the Tigers have a window to pick up their second win in a row on their home field Friday night.
Douglas football fans may not want to hear about their rival’s performance, but the Senators outlined a game plan to take down the Raiders last week.
Defense, defense, defense
The Senators allowed over 400 all-purpose yards to Reed last week, but in doing so, limited the Raiders’ to 13 points.
It started in the linebacking core, which has already proven to be a strength for Douglas this season.
Reed’s senior quarterback (No. 2) Armaan Bajwa was 32-of-52 with 275 yards and two touchdowns last Friday.
However, on the ground Reed was held to just 2.7 yards per carry.
For Douglas to find success against Reed, the Tigers will have to limit big plays over the top.
Bajwa and the Raiders have attempted the second most passes this season so keeping Reed in front has to be a priority for Douglas.
Foster and sophomore linebacker Cole Smalley will have some added weight on their shoulders this week.
Reed’s offense has managed the third fewest points in Northern Class 5A so far this season, meaning it could be another week of attrition for the Raiders.
Bajwa is also Reed’s leading rusher this season with 195 yards and three touchdowns.
Through the air, the senior is likely looking for one of two other seniors on the field.
Elijah Acklin (No. 20) and Adam McDonald (No. 23) lead the way in 240 and 188 receiving yards, respectively.
Acklin has also caught four touchdown passes in Reed’s first three games.
Bajwa has been careful with the football this year, having not thrown an interception to this point.
Douglas hauled in three picks last week between Robert Costello, Rock Gignac and Camden Altringer.
Chris Smalley to miss rest of season
Senior captain Chris Smalley suffered a broken arm in his return to action Friday.
Smalley went under the knife Tuesday for surgery and said he will be out the rest of the season.
It’s a significant loss for the Tigers as the sideline opened Friday’s game against Galena with a different energy.
However, having played nearly of the entirety of the season without one of their senior leaders, it’s not a new ask for Douglas.
Hunter Ulmer and Kyle Koontz made a couple of recorded plays in the backfield for loss last week.
Getting through Reed’s line and being able to pressure Bajwa will be important if Douglas is hoping to continue keeping the Raiders’ offense quiet on the scoreboard.
Kickoff is set at 7 p.m. Friday at Douglas High School.
