Football Tuesday: Burnsville vs.Eastview

Burnsville (2-6, 2-6 South Suburban Conference) vs. Eastview (3-5, 3-5 South Suburban Conference)

PLAYMAKERS

-- Jamond Bailey/Ben Sherman (Burnsville –running backs)

Jamond led the Blaze with 19 yards rushing on nine carries last week and Ben was held to negative yardage on six carries against a Lakeville South defense that keyed on the run. Each has shown flashes of being able to be a big-play back and both will likely need to have good games to keep the Blaze offense on the field.

-- Chase Roullier (Burnsville – lineman)

The 300-pound Division I recruit has been really good on both sides of the ball this season, especially on the offensive line. Likely to be paired against Eastview’s Zack Johnson, Chase will need to open up some holes to get the Blaze running game going, while also plugging the gaps on defense to disrupt the Lightning ground game.

-- LeAndre Kennedy (Eastview – running back)

LeAndre ran for four first-half scores (4, 58, 2 and 19 yards) in last week’s win over Jefferson. The powerful back missed the game against Burnsville earlier this month. “He’s had a couple of nice games back-to-back. He’s kind of come on,” said coach Kelly Sherwin.

-- Andrew Johnson (Eastview – inside linebacker)

Sherwin said Andrew is quick at going sideline to sideline and has been one reason the Eastview defense has gotten considerably better down the stretch.

BLAZE WIN IF...

Since starting quarterback Dan Motl went down, Burnsville has struggled offensively in a 31-0 loss to Eagan and a 43-7 loss to Lakeville South, a game in which the Blaze managed just 53 total yards. “We just haven’t made plays the last two weeks,” said coach Tyler Krebs. “We need guys to step up.” It is imperative that the Blaze somehow find a way to move the football, especially on the ground. “It’ll take a team effort on offense. We need to block well, run well and throw a little,” Krebs said. Burnsville must also remember the winning feeling of coming back against the Lightning on Oct. 7.

LIGHTNING WIN IF...

They carry over the positive momentum gained from last week’s 61-0 pasting of Bloomington Jefferson. Eastview led the game 49-0 at intermission. Another strong start should be enough against a Blaze team that is in search of its offensive identity at the wrong time of the season. Coach Kelly Sherwin said the Lightning have become more diverse on  offense using the I-formation, using a wing and throwing it more. The defense should throw many different looks at whichever relatively inexperienced quarterback Burnsville has under center.

2-MINUTE DRILL

SITE: Eastview High School

TIME: 7 p.m. Tuesday

WEATHER: Cloudy, 49 degrees

LAST MEETING: Burnsville scored 21 fourth-quarter points to rally for a 36-29 win Oct. 7.

BURNSVILLE SCHEDULE

Thur. Sept. 1 vs. Bloomington Jefferson    L 20-18

Fri. Sept. 9     @ Rosemount                    

Fri. Sept. 16   @ Bloomington Kennedy    W 20-7

Fri. Sept. 23   vs. Prior Lake                    

Fri. Sept. 30   @ Lakeville North              

Fri. Oct. 7       vs. Eastview                     

Fri. Oct. 14     @ Eagan                          

Wed. Oct. 19 vs. Lakeville South             

Tues. Oct. 25 @ Eastview

EASTVIEW SCHEDULE

Thur. Sept. 1 @ Lakeville North          

Fri. Sept. 9     vs. Lakeville South       

Fri. Sept. 16   @ Eagan                     

Fri. Sept. 23   vs. Bloomington Kennedy   

Fri. Sept. 30   vs. Apple Valley           

Fri. Oct. 7       @ Burnsville                

Fri. Oct. 14     vs. Rosemount             L 28-21

Wed. Oct. 19 @ Bloomington Jefferson    W 61-0

Tues. Oct. 25 vs. Burnsville