Raft River game preview

 Tonight's game means everything for this years Grace High football team.  The Grizzlies (3-5) will host the Raft River Trojans (0-7) tonight at Roswell field in Grace. This is a must win for the Grizzlies who are looking to make the playoffs for the first time in 8 years.  It will be a true test of the composure and focus of a team that has never experienced what it's like to be in a "must win" situation.

 The Grizzlies are coming in as heavy favorites which could have an affect on how the players play.  In their last 3 wins they were coming in as slight underdogs and proved that they deserved some respect, but tonight will show how they respond when the roles are reversed.

 The Trojans are averaging just 14 ppg, while their opponents are averaging 47.  The grizzlies offense shouldn't have much trouble scoring on the Trojans, but they can't afford to give up anything on defense and let the Trojans stay in the game early.  The last 3 games the grizzlies have won because of their ability to score, but their defense has struggled to make stops at times.  Defensive coordinator Mike Coburn will be pushing for his defense to hold Raft River scoreless tonight to set the pace for what he wants to see in the playoffs next week.

 The Challis Vikings are hoping for an upset by Raft River tonight due to their Wednesday night win over Shoshone.  A Raft River win would put Challis into the playoffs at the #2 seed instead of Grace.

 It will be Senior Night for the Grizzlies and I expect they will come out fired up for the opportunity to play in such an important game. The weather looks relatively good for a night this late in October which will hopefully pull out all the Grace High Alums to come witness the Grizzlies earn a playoff berth.

Tonights Odds:     O/U - 61          Spread   Grace -40