Oxford is coming off a thrilling 29-27 win over crosstown rival Lafayette. The Chargers will travel to play an undefeated Pontotoc Warriors team. The Warriors are coming off of a 48-8 win over Aberdeen.

Players to watch:

Pontotoc RB’s Gabe Harmon and Immanuel Vance: The two headed monster in the backfield is what makes this offense go. Harmon is averaging over 100 yards per game this season after injuring his foot last year. Vance is averaging a whopping 8.8 yards per carry this season. These two backs will present a unique challenge for the Oxford front seven.

Oxford QB John Meagher: Meagher had a successful outing against a very talented Lafayette defense last Friday. Meagher threw for 107 yards and a score while he ran for 90 yards and another score. Meagher will face another challenge tonight in a stingy Pontotoc defense that has only allowed 10.8 points per game thus far.

Pontotoc QB Justin Carter: Carter has thrown the ball with a great deal of success for the Warriors this year. Carter is completing 62 percent of his passes for 191 yards per game. Carter has thrown six touchdowns versus only one interception. Oxford’s secondary will present a huge challenge for Carter, and the Charger secondary has been very strong so far this season.

Oxford WR Derrius Pegues: Pegues hasn’t necessarily been targeted often, but he has been on the receiving end of a lot of big plays. Pegues only has five receptions on the season, but two of those have been for touchdowns and he is averaging almost 20 yards per reception. Pegues is an emerging threat in the Oxford offense that not a lot of people know about.

Pontotoc LB Wyatt Stanford: Stanford comes into the game as the leading tackler for the Warriors with 40 tackles. Oxford found a lot of success on the ground last week versus Lafayette, and Stanford is sure to have a large role if they want to stop the Chargers’ rushing attack.

X Factor: 

Oxford LB Kiyon Williams: Last week against Lafayette, Williams had 12 tackles and two tackles for loss from the linebacker spot. The running back duo has been phenomenal for Pontotoc this year. If Williams and the Oxford linebacker core can slow down the Warriors potent rushing attack and put Justin Carter in some long third down situations, then they will have a strong chance to win this game.

Prediction:

Oxford seemed to hit their stride last week, but this week presents another tough matchup for the Chargers. This game should be close down to the wire, but I like Oxford to go on the road and get a win over Pontotoc. Chargers take this one 24-20.