Casady: Rivals on collision course...

By Robert Przybylo
BPrzybylo@opubco.com

This is a fun week for me, personally. Whether it’s the Edlam showdown between North and Memorial or the SPC battle between Casady and Holland Hall.

A couple of weeks ago I would have given Casady a huge advantage in this game. Not so much because of the way the Cyclones were playing (that hasn’t changed all season) but because Holland wasn’t putting it together.

If last week is any indication, I might be wrong about that one. That was a huge win by Holland Hall against Houston St. Johns.

Now comes the showdown Friday.

Casady has been steered by its stellar senior class all year, anchored by quarterback Cale Shivers. A true leader. His stats don’t indicate what he means to the team.

When Travis Hibdon went down, it definitely put the Cyclones in a tough spot, but they’ve battled. Austin Katigan has become a solid No. 1 option.

Interesting to see that though Casady has given up 52 points in its last two games, it has allowed just one more point than Houston Episcopal (113-112). That’s how good this Cyclone defense is.

Holland Hall has a nice, balanced offense, but its defense seems to be where Casady can find some holes. HH has allowed 201 points in eight games, a little more than 25 ppg.

Offensively, HH is paced by RB Kwame Sexton. He has rushed for 982 yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Jay Swab is explosive but does make mistakes. He has nine TDs vs. 11 INTs. If Casady’s defense can force the action, it should create some turnovers.

I can’t be in two places at once, but this should be another classic in this outstanding rivalry. Each team is 3-2 in Division I of the Southwest Prep Conference.