Nashville dropped their home-opener in a tough game to Magnolia last week 26-7. The Scrappers are returning their QB Karson Chambers from last season, who tossed 15 TDs and ran in 5 TDs, as well as RB Tucker Dixon, who had 6 rushing TD’s last year. Even though they are returning multiple skill guys, up-front the Scrappers have some new faces and Hope is going to try and find the advantage in the trenches on Friday night. With a lot of size and speed on the D-line, the Bobcats could really control the game with Sidney Ross, JJ Gulley, and newcomer Christian Matlock. “Man, Christian Matlock, move-in from Mineral Springs, he’s a motor he has that dawg in him, he’s been very impressive,” Coach Phillip Turner said as he spoke on the defensive line. Turner went on to rave about sophomore Joel Bello when he spoke linebackers, “Joel is our guy, he’s catching on quickly and he goes full speed.” On the back end, look for the Hope secondary to present a lot of speed and give the Scrapper wideouts a hard time. 

Offensively, the Bobcats will use a couple of guys at QB this week, as Austin Courtney is out 4-6 weeks with an injury, Aiden Dean will get reps at QB, as well as athlete Zyun Brown. The O-line will be the backbone of this team, especially with guys like Dominique Lacy and Hunter Godwin returning on the offensive line. Running behind this impressive O-Line will be a handful of sophomore RBs in Amari Scott, Tra Gomer, and JJ Gulley. This trio in the backfield could be in for a big night. 

Special Teams, look for kickers Josh Ramos (returning from last year) and Jonathon Hernandez to each get opportunities. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Look for the O-Line to create some running lanes for Amari Scott and Tra Gomer as both could have really good season-openers. Zyun Brown should be in for a great night, as you could see Zyun lineup in a number of places on the field. On defense, Joel Bello could be primed for a big game at LB and JJ Gulley will move from LB to the D-line so he could be a game-changer for the Bobcats. Look for Kentorian Cheatham to make some big plays in the back-end of the defense this week. 

KICKOFF IS SET FOR 7PM AT HAMMONDS STADIUM.