2021 Classic City Championship preview
The Cedar Shoals Jaguars will face off against the Clarke Central Gladiators in the 55th edition of the Classic City Championship. The Gladiators have taken the past two matchups and are looking to continue their current six game win streak. The Jaguars will look to overcome their three game slump by picking up a win Thursday night at Billy Henderson Stadium.
Team Statistics
| Clarke Central Gladiators | Category | Cedar Shoals Jaguars |
| 6-2 | Current Record | 2-5 |
| Beat Loganville 27-24 | Previous Game | Lost to North Oconee 42-7 |
| Six Wins | Current Streak | Three Losses |
| 28.5 | Points Per Game | 21.5 |
| 18.7 | Points Against Per Game | 26.5 |
| 87.7 | Passing Yards Per Game | 144.5 |
| 181.7 | Rushing Yards Per Game | 104 |
| 269.4 | Total Yards Per Game | 248.5 |
| 1.1 | Interceptions Per Game | 0.3 |
| 60.9 | Tackles Per Game | 68.8 |
| 2.9 | Sacks Per Game | 0.8 |
Who has the advantage?
The Gladiators started out this season 0-2, with tough losses against powerhouses Buford and Oconee County. However, they got hot and never looked back, as they have won six games in a row. The Jaguars, however, have fallen into a slump of bad luck, losing three in a row after starting 2-2. Clarke favors the run, with multiple players rushing every game. Quarterback Lucian Anderson III still puts the ball in the air when they need to, averaging 6.5 completions per game. Cedar runs a more balanced attack, with quarterback Mandrell Glenn passing the ball 50% of the time, completing 55% of those passes. Clarke’s running attack will speed up the clock and put more pressure on the struggling Jaguar defense.
Players to watch
Eli Warrington – Wide Receiver – Clarke Central
Warrington is coming off of back to back games with 100 receiving yards: 155 against Greenbrier, and 113 against Loganville. He has become the top target for passes, and is looking to add another triple-digit game to his tally this week.
Mandrell Glenn – Quarterback – Cedar Shoals
With Clarke Central’s rushing game being so strong, the Jaguars will need to turn to the junior signal caller to lead them to victory. Averaging 115 passing yards per game, Glenn can throw the ball well. Running back Jerdavian Colbert is a major impact player as well, totaling a combined 109 yards per game. The duo of Glenn and Colbert are looking to lead the Jags to a Classic City Championship victory.
Final Verdict
Central is one of the toughest opponents the Jaguars have faced this season. The great rushing attack and lockdown defense will keep the Jags on the hunt. They will need to play as hard as they can if they want to take home the win against their crosstown rival.
