El Reno vs. Guthrie Capsule

El Reno (1-0) at Guthrie (0-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Jelsma Stadium, Guthrie

Gutrhie
Why the Bluejays can win: No disrespect to McGuinness, but Guthrie made a ton of mistakes in their 12-7 opening loss to the Irish on the road.  Kentrell Brothers dropped a sure touchdown pass and there were penalties and broken plays. Still, their defense played pretty good and they should be able to carry them to a win here. Freshman Bryan Dutton should also improve, though coach Rafe Watkins was quick to praise his poise in the opener.

El Reno
Why the Indians can win: Jakeil Everheart is a “water bug” according to Watkins who can beat you with his legs.  The Indians also have a capable running back in Cory Dauphin who is a also a state champion wrestler. His brother Cody anchors a good defensive line that could force Guthrie to throw more than they like.

Key matchup: Kentrell Brothers vs. El Reno’s defense. Brothers is a man among boys. If he can get in the open field he’ll be tough to stop. He was a step or two away from several more big plays against McGuinness and should be primed to make good on missed opportunities this time around.

The pick: Guthrie 24, El Reno 21