Kennesaw Mountain visits Emory-Sewell stadium to close out the regular season and play NC in the Warriors’ senior night game for the Civil War Classic. Last season, the Mustangs hosted NC and lost 34-6. With a win over Kennesaw Mountain and a McEachern victory over Hillgrove, NC clinches second place and hosts its first round playoff game.  

Kennesaw Mountain uses a run-first offense, with two or three running backs in the backfield, and bases its passing offense around play action and quarterback roll outs. Kennesaw Mountain’s primary formation, the ski gun, is a shotgun/pistol hybrid offense that places the quarterback two to three yards behind the center, about half the distance of the standard five yards. A fullback, or “B-back,” aligns directly behind the quarterback while two running backs, the “A-backs,” line up to his left or right side. The two A-backs often motion in, out, or through the backfield.

Most teams utilize this formation in order to run the triple option, similar to what Georgia Tech or Navy aim to do on offense. However, Kennesaw Mountain relies primarily on power runs and sweeps through the running backs this season, as opposed to allowing freshman quarterback Jarrett Guest to carry the ball ten or more times a game. The offense, when it does throw, will often target junior receiver Jack Ozmer or running back Brycen Colon, among others. Ozmer plays big and strong, rarely outrunning defenders but utilizing his reliable hands to wrestle jump balls away.  

Expect NC to tighten down on defense, placing at least seven or eight defenders close enough to the line of scrimmage, eliminating the Mustang running attack and force Kennesaw Mountain to hold back NC’s superior pass rush and throw the deep ball.  

On defense, Kennesaw Mountain aligns with three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. The defense places a free safety in the middle of the field and plays entirely cover three zone or cover one man defenses. It aligns its two strong safeties over the slot receivers in order to prevent quick throws and screens. On occasion, especially to stop teams from running the clock out or picking up short first downs, Kennesaw Mountain aligns in a “Bear” front. This places the two outside linebackers in front of the offensive tackles, the three lineman over each guard and the center, and a middle linebacker behind them.

Expect NC to put up big yards on offense, as they carry talent on both sides of the ball. NC’s talent places it in a position for a blowout as juniors Jai Erwin, CJ Cole, Will Lovett and a host of Warrior receivers should rack up points early and often. Of course, after last week’s defeat at the hands of an inferior North Paulding team, expect NC to approach the game with greater respect and preparation than in week nine and in respect of its seniors.

The Chant’s prediction: NC 42, KMHS 9.