Warriors to host Bearden in playoff opener

GAME PREVIEW

The EPC Warriors (9-1) will host the Bearden Bears (4-6) in the Class 2A state playoff opener for both team this Friday at Warrior Field in Lepanto. Warriors are the number one seed from the 2A-2 conference and the Bears are the fourth seed from the 2A-4. EPC is coming off a 38-32 double overtime win over Marked Tree and Bearden is coming off a bye week after losing 30-12 to Hazen on Oct. 27.

EPC's high-powered offense with averaging 43.8 points a game and are led by Dennis Gaines, Jr. and Cooper Argo. The Warriors lost Omar McCuiston to a fractured ankle against Des Arc and may have lost Tyler Moore with an ankle contusion this past Friday.

Moises Penaloza

Tyrus Reel also suffered a leg injury but his status is unknown for this week. The Warriors well lean on Gaines, Jr. who had 230 yards Friday night.

Michael Collins, Jr., Landon Nichols, Moises Penaloza, Tyler Blagg and Doug Reel continue to open holes and provide protection for Gaines, Jr. and Argo. Dee Buchanan is back after missing games with a broken collar bone and helps in the backfield and the passing game.

The Warriors fast defense flies to the ball as Collins, Jr., Gaines, Jr and Argo are sure tacklers. Jacob Gaines and Argo provide good pass coverage as freshman Quincy Perry had a solid outing replacing Tyrus Reel at cornerback. Penaloza provides good pass rushing and teams up with Doug Reel as run stoppers on the line.

Bearden comes in averaging 17.1 points a game on offense as their defense is giving up 28.7 points a game. The Bears were 1-4 at mid-season before winning three straight to get to 4-4. Bearden has lost their last two games.