The Yorktown Wildcats will take on the Granger Lions in the Area Playoff at Giddings on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.
Yorktown enters the game coming off a strong offensive performance against Agua Dulce, putting up big numbers, while the defense tightened up and delivered an impressive second half. Leading the Wildcats’ ground attack are Brody Metting and McKenzie Yanta, while key targets in the passing game include Brayden Knostman and Matthew Olguin. The offensive line, praised by head coach Ryan Knostman, consists of Gunnar Hughes, Manuel Macias, Colton Rogers, Cayden Mika, and Ryan Knostman.
Granger comes in at 9–0, most recently defeating D’Hanis 55–0. The Lions’ defense has been stout all season, producing three shutouts and holding opponents to an average of 16.3 points per game. Offensively, quarterback Wyatt Rochner threw for 928 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, adding 552 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns. Their leading rusher, Caleb Hobratsch, recorded 976 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, along with 279 receiving yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Granger finished last season at 9–4, advancing three rounds deep into the playoffs.
The Lions will also have to contend with Adam Serbin, who has tallied 29 solo tackles and 40 assisted tackles this season. And although Granger is primarily a rushing team, if they take to the air, Knostman could be a factor, having already recorded three interceptions this season. Clayton Schendel is another threat in the secondary, adding two interceptions of his own.
With Granger’s stout defense facing Yorktown’s balanced attack and strong line play, this Area Championship showdown promises to be an exciting test of both teams’ strengths.
