Wyandotte, Gibraltar Clash in Key Downriver League Game

is heading to Gibraltar Carlson tonight for what could be one of the biggest challenges of the season.

and qualified for the state playoffs last week with a 28-0 . Carlson (4-2) comes into tonight on the heels of a 27-12 win over a previously undefeated Allen Park (5-1) team.

Aside from an two weeks ago, the Bears have dominated en route to their undefeated start. Carlson, a preseason favorite to compete for the Downriver League title, was and week four by Southgate Anderson (5-1).

Despite those losses, however, Roosevelt head coach Ron Adams said he's taking nothing for granted.

"Carlson is big and physical," he said. "This is going to be a tremendous challenge for our team. It is their homecoming game and we anticipate them coming out fired up and ready to play. We will have to match their intensity and play the best game of our season to win."

As week seven of high school football gets under way, here is a quick rundown of how Wyandotte and Gibraltar match up against each other tonight.

Offense

Both teams rely heavily on the run game to get the job done. The Bears, led by seniors Hunter Matt and Tyler Dunn, have more than 1,300 yards on the ground and have 23 rushing touchdowns. The Marauders, lead by senior Mike Henthorn, have more than 1,700 yards rushing and 22 touchdowns scored via the ground game.

Wyandotte’s junior quarterback Kevin Matejko has 480 yards passing and has thrown nine touchdowns, five of which have been caught by junior receiver Devan Stewart. The Gibraltar passing game, however, has been much less productive as two Carlson quarterbacks have combined to go just 22-62 and throw for only one touchdown.

Defense

Each squad has played tough defense this year, with Wyandotte allowing only 62 total points and Carlson yielding only 67. Roosevelt’s defense is loaded with quick, hard-hitting players such as Matt, senior Tyler Hamilton, senior Edge Jelsemeno and junior Kyle Campbell. The Marauders have posted two shutouts this year and despite being defeated twice, were still within striking distance in both losses.

Special Teams

On kickoff and punt returns, Wyandotte has combined for nearly 600 yards this season and Gibraltar has nearly 400 total return yards. The majority of the Bears return yardage belongs to Dunn, who has taken both a kickoff and a punt back for a touchdown this year. Dunn’s speed and extraordinary ability to fool would-be tacklers has forced some opposing teams to purposely kick away from him.

Intangibles

The Bears are heading into tonight’s game with revenge on their minds after having been crushed 39-18 during their last visit to Marauder Stadium in 2009. Gibraltar will be playing in front of a homecoming crowd tonight that it will not want to disappoint. The Marauders also know a loss ends their league title hopes and hurts their chances to qualify for the state playoffs.