Mr. Gatti's Showdown: Previewing this week's Richardson rivalry game

GattisShowdown2Richardson and Pearce enter the Mr. Gatti’s Showdown on somewhat of a slide, as each school is coming off of a loss in their last game. While both teams had a bye week last week, Richardson (0-3) has lost three straight games to start the season and Pearce (1-2) lost 54-28 to Frisco Wakeland on Sep. 9. Richardson has struggled offensively three games into the Greg Pels era, and is averaging just six points per game this season. The Eagles lost several key skill players from last season, and they haven’t found a rhythm on offense. The defense, led by a strong frontline of Darius Vann and Christian Garcia, has kept the team in games through the first half for the most part. Richardson has trailed by fewer than two touchdowns at halftime in two of three games this year. Offensively, the Eagles have utilized a run-heavy attack but haven’t been able to get into the end-zone as much as they have in recent years. Richardson will need one of its running backs – Deon Gallington (196 yards, 1 touchdown), and Dyland Jackson (109 yards) – to step up in order to be successful this week against Pearce. Richardson has completed just 19 percent of its passes this season, so the production in the run game will be imperative both this week and for the rest of the season. For Pearce, this game is about putting together a complete game on the scoreboard. The Mustangs have faced a non-district schedule that is a combined 6-2 to this point, and have led or been within one touchdown at halftime in both of their losses. The Pearce offense has been fairly balanced, but has had more success on the ground by way of senior running back Otix Blanton. Blanton is averaging 5.7 yards per carry and has rushed for 407 yards and six touchdowns, and is sure to be the focal point of the offense this week. Senior quarterback Gray Rodgers (670 yards, 4 touchdowns plus 173 yards, three touchdowns rushing), and the receiving trio of Jack Brewer (216 yards, two touchdowns), De’astone Barlow (155 yards, two touchdowns) and Cody Benton (176 yards, two touchdowns) give the offense a complementary dimension through the air. The offense has averaged 38 points per game, but the Mustangs defense has surrendered an average of 52 points. Coming up with stops on defense early will be a key for Pearce to get back to .500, and Ricky Gonzalez (30 tackles) and Stone Sawyer (24 tackles) will be important. Richardson will need its defense to slow down the Pearce offensive attack and get a big game out of at least one of its running backs in order to stay in the game. Richardson has just 32 passing yards this season, so the Mustangs will be able to focus on stopping the run defensively. Pearce’s defense has been a weak point both this season and in the past, so it will be important for the Mustangs to set the tone early against Richardson’s struggling offensive unit.