East Ridge Knights (2-2) at Lake Minneola Hawks (0-4)

When: Thursday, 7:00pm

Where: 101 N Hancock Rd, Minneola, FL 34715

TV: BHSN (Channel 47 and HD 1147)

Coaches: East Ridge - Ashour Peera (3rd season, 9-16); Lake Minneola - Walter Banks (2nd season, 6-8)

About the matchup: Two schools separated by only 4 miles will battle in a District 4 7A Lake County showdown, that will go a long ways to determine the playoff hopes for East Ridge and Lake Minneola.

East Ridge is currently 0-1 in district play after losing to Ocoee last week 21-12. The Knights will look to rebound from their Homecoming night loss by relying on the arm and legs of dual-threat quarterback BeSean McCray. The junior has thrown for 457 yards with 6 TDs and no interceptions. On the ground McCray is second on the team with 46 carries, finding the endzone 4 times. McCray has college interest from Temple, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, and Florida Atlantic among others. Simmian Mitchell leads the team in rushing, with a total of 329 yards. Bryan Lumsden, a Lake Minneola transfer ran for a 43 yd TD against Ocoee last week. BeSean’s brother, Benny McCray IV, a cornerback, has only allowed one pass completion and holds an offer from Florida A&M.

Lake Minneola is currently winless on the season and 0-2 in the district making Thursday night a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Hawks roster has been depleted by injuries this year, losing four starters to injury dating back to the start of the season. Quarterback Tyler Smith broke his collarbone in Lake Minneola’s Kickoff Classic but could be ready to return to action this Thursday. In the junior’s absence the Hawks changed offensive styles from pro-style to the triple option. Fred Jackson leads the way with 4 TDs on 485 yards rushing. The junior has college interest from UCF, FIU, FAU, and Georgia Southern. The Hawks graduated 22 seniors last year and return only 2 starters on defense in Benny Adonis and CJ Pierre.

Three and out:

1. East Ridge defeated Lake Minneola 42-21 last season.

2. Ashour Peera was the defensive coordinator for Walter Banks when he was the head coach at South Lake.

3. Lake Minneola is only in sixth year of existence.