HOWARD – This week’s matchup may very well be the ‘Game of the Year’ in the KMAC when all is said and done. East Knox (5-0) will face Northmor (5-0) on Friday in a game that will carry playoff and conference title race implications.
The Golden Knights and Bulldogs come into Friday ranked first and fifth, respectively, in the latest Division VI Region 22 rankings. Northmor has already defeated local power Lucas (4-1) and conference contender Centerburg (3-2) by a combined seven points.
Despite losing senior all-state running back Conor Becker to injury, the Knights have remained lethal on the ground, as senior Wyatt Reader has led the team with 578 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Starting quarterback Hunter Mariotti is back for his senior season as well, having racked up 14 total touchdowns – nine through the air, five on the ground – through the first five weeks of play.
East Knox, meanwhile, has yet to face a team with a winning record, but has outscored its first five opponents 251-38. The Bulldogs ran all over Highland two weeks ago, 40-9, conquering a team they had yet to beat since entering the KMAC. They’re led this season by senior tailback Caleb Gallwitz, who has tallied a mind-boggling 22 touchdowns through his first five games, as well as senior quarterback Kadden Lester, who has thrown nine touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Northmor beat East Knox last year in a 15-14 thriller. The Golden Knights qualified for the playoffs and placed second in the conference, while the Bulldogs finished one spot out of playoff contention and placed third in the KMAC.
Reporter Grant Pepper stopped by Lakeside Barber & Shave Parlor in Howard this week to talk with East Knox head coach Cody Reese and senior Gage Steinmetz about this week’s matchup. Kickoffwill be at 7 p.m. Friday from Northmor High School.
WEEK 6:
KMAC
» Northmor (5-0, 2-0) vs. East Knox (5-0, 2-0) | KMAC heavyweights square off in monster matchup
» Centerburg (3-2, 1-1) vs. Mount Gilead (2-3, 1-1) | Coming off blowout win over Danville, Trojans look to keep momentum rolling
» Fredericktown (1-4, 0-2) vs. Highland (1-4, 1-1) | Freddies, Scots meet in backyard clash
» Danville (0-5, 0-2) vs. Cardington (1-4, 1-1) | Blue Devils seek first win of season on Homecoming Night
OCC
» Mansfield Senior (5-0, 1-0) at Lexington (1-4, 0-2) | Tygers look to keep undefeated streak alive on the road
» West Holmes (2-3, 1-1) vs. Wooster (2-3, 2-0) | Despite slow start, Generals seek third straight conference win vs. Knights
» Ashland (1-4, 1-0) vs. Madison Comprehensive (0-5, 0-2) | Arrows look to build on momentous Week 5 win over Mount Vernon
» Mount Vernon (4-1, 1-1) at Zanesville (4-1) | Yellow Jackets, Blue Devils tangle in big-time non-conference battle
