Game preview: Lawton Eisenhower at Yukon

Lawton Eisenhower (4-1, 2-0) at Yukon (4-1, 1-1)
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
Where: Miller Pride Stadium, Yukon

Last week: Ike rolled Choctaw, 41-14. Yukon trailed Norman North in the second half, but put the T-Wolves away, 35-17.

Why Ike could win: RB Louis Durant and QB Adrian McDonald are a dangerous duo in the backfield. One Yukon coach made the comment to me this week that Lawton Ike “runs the pistol the way it’s supposed to be run.” The defense has come up with a couple big performances as well, and Yukon might be without RB Terry Jones who injured his ankle last week.

Why Yukon could win: Whether Terry Jones plays or not, the Millers still have a stout offensive line that will give them a chance to run the ball. And QB Corben Jones, with his long list of dangerous receivers, will keep the passing game going.

Key matchup: Ike run game vs. Yukon linebackers. The biggest challenge for Yukon will be keeping up with the Eagles’ speed, so guys like Kollin Retter and Eric Granado — linebacker/safety hybrid type players — will have to utilize their speed as outside linebackers at the line of scrimmage to limit the speed option and zone read plays to prevent Ike from controlling the ball and the clock.

The pick: Yukon 27, Ike 24. There’s still a lot to be decided in District 6A-1, and every win will be valuable in this playoff race.

– Scott Wright, swright@opubco.com