Prep Football: N2 Media Game of the Week
Livestream: Mark Morris and Ridgefield will get the full treatment at Longview Memorial Stadium
Editor’s Note: The N2 Media Game of the Week has previously been featured in the Blast Zone Media weekly prep football previews, but now we’re giving Nick “The N2 Guy” Sisson his own little space to stretch out and do what he does best — call it like he sees it.
Nick Sisson for Blast Zone Media
Friday nights in the 2A GSHL have a tendency to either be insane back and forth games or just absolute blowouts. Either way, those games have a way of turning in surprising results. The Ridgefield Spudders will put their perfect (5-0, 3-0) record on the line on the road against Mark Morris (2-3, 2-1) in a pivotal Week 6 matchup for both teams. The Spudders are coming off back-to-back shutout wins after beating Washougal 21-0 last week, while Mark Morris is back in the win column after defeating Hudson’s Bay 26-14 at home.
On the surface this game doesn’t look like one that will turn out to be the blowout variety, and both teams know how important the final score could be at season’s end. For Mark Morris a win would put them right in the thick of the league title picture with a potential tiebreaker in hand as well. For Ridgefield, a win would accomplish more of the same, while also keeps the Spuds ahead, or even, with Woodland.
Getting to Know You
Name: RIDGEFIELD SPUDDERS
The Spudders’ offense is averaging almost 30 point per game so far this season and it starts with getting the run game going. Cly Stephens has worked his way back into the lineup after missing nearly all of the Hockinson game a few weeks ago. Stephens rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown last week and really takes pressure off junior quarterback Landon DeBeaumont. Jake Olson is another running back Ridgefield can turn to if needed who possesses a little power to go along with enough breakaway speed to run away from defenses.
Last week wasn’t quite so easy for DeBeaumont and company to get going though on offense against a tough Washougal defense. DeBeaumont was able to find wide receiver Wyatt Hemmelman twice for touchdowns, but only had a 7-0 lead going into the fourth quarter before pulling away.
The nice thing for the Spuds is that the defense has provided the offense with plenty of support and allowed them ample time to get going. Opposing teams are only averaging 9.2 points per game thus far and Ridgefield can rotate in plenty of fresh bodies to stay sharp late in games.
X-Factor
Ridgefield will need additional support from someone other than Stephens in this game. While Hemmelman was instrumental in last week’s win, look for receiver Talon Sosky to be a guy that can possibly work behind the defense and on the edges flanked out. He is rangy and might find some big opportunities. on the turf at Longview Memorial Stadium.
Howdy Neighbor
Name: Mark Morris MONARCHS
Coach Mike Peck will have his team fired up for the opportunity to take on a true State contender on the heels of a win that wasn’t the prettiest. Depending on how you look at it, you could see the glass half full or half empty version of the 2024 Monarchs as we pass midseason.
The theme over the last few weeks has been mistakes at costly times. Either turnovers or penalties have been self inflicted wounds Mark Morris simply can’t afford if they are going to have a chance to win against an opponent as tough as Ridgefield.
The glass half full outlook centers around overcoming adversity and finding a way to win. Plus, I don’t think we have seen nearly the best version of what Mark Morris is capable of becoming. If you take away the mistakes from a week ago we could be talking about a thirty point win over Hudson’s Bay.
And then there’s all talent. Deker Bartell is a must watch every time he touches the ball and added two more touchdowns to his resume against Bay. Carter Huhta started strong and finished strong last week with two touchdown passes, a rushing touchdown, and a rushing two-point conversion. When he gets time in the pocket he can really load up and push the ball down the field. Kenny Mullen continues to pound the rock for Mark Morris at running back, and he found pay dirt in the fourth quarter to give the Monarchs the lead for good.
X-Factor
For the price of none I’ll give you two.
First, after seeing this player a week ago I thought, “Wow, this could be a dude who has a major impact on a game at some point.” Freshman Avery Elliot earned a few carries at the running back position and also played in the secondary at defensive back. He showed really good quickness and some elusiveness carrying the ball. He could have a few more carries this week that could provide a change of pace.
Second, if Mark Morris is to win this game they will need a spectacular defensive performance from just about everyone, but one guy in particular is Aimen Flemens. He has tremendous instincts and just a nose for the ball. Multiple times against Hudson’s Bay he was able to meet the running backs behind the line of scrimmage. Look for him to play the part of disruptor against the Spuds.
LAST TWO MEETINGS
Ridgefield 42, Mark Morris 0 - October 6, 2023.
Mark Morris 20, Ridgefield 7 - October 7, 2022.
N2 Media Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/qNbLzHZmB6U?si=BC-V8R8I5lGhP-ew
Week 6 Power Rankings: https://n2media.tv/f/n2blast-zone-power-rankings-week-6#google_vignette