Castle at Reitz
One of the biggest matchups we have been waiting for the last couple of weeks, as 4-1 Castle travels to the WestSide against the undefeated 5-0 Reitz Panthers at the Bowl. Reitz is coming off another dominating win against Central in a shot out behind a strong performance of Vera (at QB), Summers, Burnett, Thomas and more. Reitz is coming off an impressive dominating performance over a tough Vincennes team, as the Knights have discovered a hidden gem in McCool. So, who wins this matchup, if Reitz wins, the remains king of the SIAC, if Castle wins they tie and for first and bust open the conference?
As @Football Fanatic has already said about common opponents. The most eye catching score is their wins over Vincennes. As Castle dominated the Alices last week, while Reitz went back and forth with them until the last game winning play (I’ll be fair as this was an early game). But this game won’t be played on grass, if you want to make that an argument. Let’s break down the stats:
Total Offense/passing/rushing:
Reitz- 430.6 YPG/269.8/160.8
Castle- 290.8/145.2/145.6
Reitz is definitely more of an heavy passing threat this season averaging around 270 passing yards a game, while doing well on the rushing attack.
Castle, on the other hand, is more balanced when it comes to the Passing/Rushing game, although pretty low statistically, they do their job.
Total Defense/passing/rushing
Reitz- 198.7 YPG/49.7/149.2
Castle- 298.6 YPG/133.8/164.8
Reitz currently holds the #1 spot in the SIAC defenses in being the top dog in passing defense, while placing #6 in the rushing allowed category.
Castle is currently 6th overall in the SIAC defenses, being in the middle of the pack statistically, although very quick to the ball.
Final judgment
Depending on the status for Davies tonight, I do think we will be seeing Burnett more. However, I still think Reitz will be fine either way due to their depth of skill players. However, I am under the impression Davies will play tonight against Castle. But, I am not counting our Castle at all, since they are a solid team with some ball hawks on the defensive side. But they are going to be very, very active against Thomas, Vera and Summers the entire night. Going to be interesting to see how well can Reitz defend against a very good Castle LB Corp. And how well can Castle pass the ball against Reitz D.
Reitz is inching towards that SIAC crown for the first time since 2017, I wouldn’t blink Reitz. Castle may have some tricks of their sleeves. Give me a hard fought victory on the West Side….
Panthers will be roaring over the Knights by 12
