Anderson’s Statistics/Key Players Through Homecoming Week

Well, everyone, it’s officially homecoming week. Friday night features what is sure to be a hard-fought game between Johnson and Anderson, under the lights, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important games of the year. Anderson has done a lot to improve recently, and the statistics tell that exact story. Let’s jump in to see how exactly the season has looked on paper so far.

Schedule: Anderson enters this week 2-2, (1-1 conf.) with the wins coming from the Taco Shack slaughter against Mac, and additionally with a tightly played game against Austin High. (17-14) The losses come from week 2’s fall to Rouse, and a district heartbreaker to Bowie just last week. With week 5 being a pivotal point in the season, the Trojans look to swing things back into their favor with a win this week. The stats show that Anderson usually has a strong and constructive first quarter, so allowing that momentum to continue throughout the game will be key to a victory this Friday night.

Opponent: Johnson enters this week also 2-2, with their two wins both being shutout trouncings. One of the wins, last week, came from a beaten Del Valle squad, with a finale of 37-0. Additionally, a win against out-of-conference Clark (San Antonio) made them equal with the Trojans. The two losses through the season for the Jaguars came from a heavy-hitting Lake Travis team, who doubled up on the Jaguars in a crushing first loss in district (52-24). Additionally, Temple’s Lake Belton gave Johnson another loss, this one with a final score of 51-44. In games that Johnson has won, they have outscored their opponents 65-0. In games total this season, it’s been 168-68.

Anderson’s Top Performers:

(Offense) Ed Small: It’s very challenging to put together a season leader’s list without including Small. The big junior is well above the national average in a large number of stats, including receiving yards, receiving yards per game, receptions, and total touchdowns. Small is at an astounding 460 receiving yards so far this season. Added to his 30 receptions for an average of 15.3 yards per reception, and you’ve got a reliable and prime target. Small continues to torch defenses with elite speed, and a highlight-level game could be imminent if the Jaguar’s secondary isn’t able to contain him.

(Offense) Brady Gephart: The Trojan’s signal-caller has been incredible this year, accumulating 765 passing yards on 77 attempts, allowing him to throw for an average of 191.3 yards per game. The senior has additionally completed 50 passes, 9 of which were for touchdowns. His overall passer rating right now is 125.7, and the completion rate sits at a steady .649%. As we saw especially in the games against Bowie and Austin, Gephart can be mobile and evade pressure when needed. This mobility has allowed him to accrue an average of 48.3 rushing yards per game, a team lead. The man under center for the Trojans looks like he’s on a streak, and he’s going to be needed at his best come Friday night.

(Defense) Jack Middleton: The big defensive presence of Middleton is a rock felt all around the defensive core. He leads the team with 3 QB hurries, and 2 sacks, and he sits second on the team for tackles per game with 10.5. His 36 solo tackles and 42 total tackles continue to be a force to be reckoned with for all offenses he encounters. One of the biggest strengths for Middleton, especially in the Bowie game, was coming off blocks at the right time to make a tackle. As plays develop, he’s going to be needed to charge the edge for the extra power. A strong Middleton contributes to a strong defense on Friday night, which will be much needed against the Jaguars.

(Defense) Gage Webb: This junior has been making absolute plays on defense, assembling the highest tackles per game stat on the team. (11) His 35 solo tackles and 44 total tackles make him a beast to get through. Coupled with the fact that he can burst into the backfield with power, as we’ve seen so far, I expect nothing short of a big game from him on Friday. His 5.5 average of TFL can be proof enough that no run play or QB sneak is threatening. The junior will be important on homecoming, and if he continues the season like this, he’ll be making waves all throughout the rest of the year, too.

This game is a big week for not only the Trojan team but the Trojan fans and loyal as well. The crowd is going to need to be rocking for this to seem like a proper home atmosphere. According to the record, the Trojans are 1-2 this season on the road and 1-0 at home. For the best possible chance of winning, a strong atmosphere and lots of loud noises will be necessary. This game is shaping up to be an absolute classic. Two teams in similar positions coming to battle it out in week 5. The coaches are ready, the players are ready, and the fans are ready. Everything comes to a head this Friday night, under the lights.