The HONEY BADGERS and WRENIS PINKLES are two of the best teams in Division 2, but to win this week, they will need to play at the top of their game as they face off against one another.

The WRENIS PINKLES (5-2) currently sit atop the Steel North division, holding a slim half-game lead over the BLACK KNIGHTS. The HONEY BADGERS (4-4) are second in the Iron North behind the DISORDERLIES, who have shot out to an impressive 6-1 start.

Each team likes to air the ball out on offense, combining to throw 273 passes on the year. But they aren’t afraid to run either, as HONEY BADGERS quarterback Ryan Hall has scrambled a league-leading 33 times.

Hall’s play will be one of the keys to the game. In the HONEY BADGERS’ four wins, Hall was efficient, throwing for 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. He has been much more inaccurate in their four defeats, compiling a one-to-one touchdown to interception ratio and completing only 57 percent of his passes. If the WRENIS PINKLES are able to pressure Hall, it could be a long day for the HONEY BADGERS’ offense. 

The WRENIS PINKLES have had one of the best defenses in the league so far, allowing less than 10 points in more than half of their games. If anyone could slow down Hall and the HONEY BADGERS, this would be the team to do it.

Offensively, the group is led by quarterback Corey Blotzer and receiver Zach Follador. Blotzer has thrown for eight touchdowns on the year and is exceptional at eluding rushers, giving up only two sacks this season.

Follador has been the squad’s leading scorer, hauling in six touchdowns on the year. The unit distributes the ball very evenly, as Follador’s 22 receptions are tied for the team-high with Billy Bair and Anthony Naret.

This contest has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, and each team will be at their best, looking to win their respective division. Kickoff is at 10:35 a.m. at University Prep Field.