Newsome at Brandon -- Game of the Week

Video: Game Of The Week Preview

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., E.F. McLane Stadium, Brandon

WHAT NEWSOME MUST DO TO WIN:

STAY HUNGRY: Newsome is off to its best start in school history, and there is nothing but good feelings circulating through the Wolves' locker room. It's key for the Wolves, who have won 10 of their last 11 dating to last season, to leave those triumphs in the past and avoid complacency heading into this game.

CONTROL THE CLOCK: Newsome coach Kenneth Hiscock knows all about Brandon's playmakers on offense, which is why he's counting on his own to help neutralize that threat. As Hiscock said this week, the Wolves' best defense is their offense, meaning he needs Conner Powers and the running game to put together some long, time-consuming drives to keep Brandon's offensive game-changers on the sidelines.

GIVE PARKER A CHANCE: Senior quarterback Kyle Parker has done a great job this season of managing the offense, but the Wolves haven't needed much from him because of the outstanding rushing attack from Powers and Co. This might be a game to mix things up a bit and give the signal-caller a chance to shine and make some big plays.

WHAT BRANDON MUST DO TO WIN:

KEEP THE CHIP: The Eagles, believing they are disrespected and underrated, have played with a chip on their shoulders all season. Newsome is one of Hillsborough County's hottest teams, and this is the Eagles' chance to take care of business in the friendly confines of their home stadium and prove they are a force.

MAKE IT RAIN: Points that is, and to do it, the Eagles need to get their Thunder and Lightning backfield tandem of Marquel Gilmore and Samir Baker rolling. Both Gilmore and Baker had monster games last week in a win against Durant, each rushing for more than 100 yards while combining for seven touchdowns as the Eagles rolled up 280 rushing yards. Brandon's young offensive line has played well lately, and that group will need to do so tonight for the Eagles to have a chance.

STAY AGGRESSIVE ON D: This shouldn't be a problem, as it's seemingly the motto of Dale Caparaso's unit. The Eagles love to bring pressure, and the defense usually thrives in its blitz packages. As long as the Eagles stay sound in the tackling department, this unit could cause major problems for Newsome's offense.

X-FACTOR: Make no mistake about it: both teams' playoff hopes are on the line in tonight's Class 5A-District 7 matchup. The winner of this game will put itself in prime position to secure a playoff berth, while the loser will be forced to run the table and hope for help. That said, the Eagles had better be ready to play. While this is just the third meeting between the eastern-county programs, Brandon has never defeated Newsome. The Wolves won 29-28 in 2005 and 29-0 last year.