We’ll have coverage live from Little River-Academy on Friday at 7:30 so make sure to check Twitter for updates on this rivalry showdown.
Two long-standing rivals in Central Texas will renew acquaintances on Friday night as Rogers makes the 13-mile journey to face Little River-Academy.
Friday will mark the 91st meeting between the two teams, dating all the way back to 1927. 2022 will be the 63rd consecutive season in which the two teams have faced off against each other.
Rogers has long dominated the series with a 65-23-2 record, which includes 24 consecutive victories between 1967 and 1990. However, the Bumblebees have bounced back in recent years as they head into this contest with six wins over Rogers across the past eight seasons.
Will Rogers extend its series dominance, or can Little River-Academy continue its recent uptick in success against the Eagles? Here are the key players to watch out for on Friday night in Little River-Academy.
Rogers Eagles
2021 Record: 7-4 (Bi-District round)
Head Coach: Charlie Roten (6th season)
Key Players:
The Eagles have some holes to fill with just nine total starters returning this season. The graduation of star quarterback Riley Dolgener and slot back Christian Riley mean their two biggest offensive contributors must be replaced.
However, their strength will likely be up front as Josh Kohring, Gavin Bennett, Jamie Reyna, and RJ Dolgener all return after earning second team all-district honors a year ago.
RJ Dolgener throwing up some BIG weight on squat! RJ is going to have a great senior year! pic.twitter.com/2HJGP5YgN4
— Rogers Football (@RogersFootball1) March 2, 2022
At the skill positions, look for slotback Karsen Gomez (223 rushing yards) and Jackson Landeros to step up after both made contributions in limited playing time last year.
On the other side of the ball, Gomez (28 solo tackles) and Landeros (33 solo tackles) will also make their presence felt in the secondary after earning second team all-district honors a year ago, while Brice Lisenbe is one to watch at linebacker after earning a district honorable mention in 2021.
Little River-Academy Bumblebees
2021 Record: 11-2 (Regional Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Chris Lancaster (3rd season)
Key Players:
The Bumblebees averaged 32 points per game a year ago, and several key contributors from that offense are back this year. Quarterback Kasey Mraz shined during his first year as the varsity starter, throwing for 2,968 yards and 33 touchdowns to just seven interceptions. He’ll be pleased to have Scout Brazeal (1,396 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns), his favorite target from a year ago, back as well.
The backfield is also well stocked as senior Brayden Bartlett (482 rushing yards and six touchdowns) and junior Zane Clark (444 rushing yards) both return after splitting carries pretty evenly a year ago.
Defensively, linebacker should be a strong suit as both Clayton Lawson (109 total tackles) and Lane Ward (105 total tackles) earned first team all-district honors last season.
Brazeal can also star in the secondary (92 total tackles), while senior safety Alex Lawton is also back after also earning first team honors in 2021.
Final Thoughts:
Friday night will serve as a litmus test for Rogers as the Eagles look for some new faces to emerge at the skill positions this year. They will hope their stout front serves as a good foundation for their offense to grow from this season.
For the Bumblebees, they have a wealth of talent returning as they hope to make the 2022 season a memorable one following their first third round playoff appearance in school history last season.
The Bumblebees appear to be the favorites for this matchup with the sheer talent they have back, but never count out the Eagles with their proven track record against Little River-Academy and the fact that anything can happen in a rivalry game.
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