The Gans Grizzlies are poised for an important league game on Friday night as Copan visits Grizzly Field for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

Gans is 2-2 overall and 2-1 in District B-4. Having already lost to Porter, Gans head coach Trent Holt knows a win over Copan is crucial if the Grizzlies want to secure a home playoff game.

“It’s a real big game. If we can win out, then we can have a home playoff game,” said Holt.

Copan enters the game at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in the district. The Hornets of head coach Steve Stanley crushed Boulevard Christian 68-22 last week and have been averaging 44.3 points per game in 2009.

Hornet quarterback Mark Walker is a dual threat, having rushed for 259 yards and four touchdowns and passed for 538 yards and five TDs. His favorite target is Josh Stanley, who has 13 receptions for 205 yards.

“They have a big line and the coach’s son is one of the receivers. He’s a real good football player. He was out last week with a knee injury, but I’m expecting that he’ll be back for this game,” said Holt.

“When they don’t throw the ball, the quarterback keeps it and that could cause us some problems if they saw our film from last week.”

Jeff Burdick is another key player for Copan. The senior running back/defensive back has rushed for 269 yards and five touchdowns, caught 12 passes for 330 yards and three TDs and logged 22 tackles on defense.

Junior linebacker Jeff Fitzsimmons is Copan’s leading tackler with 36. and Walker has made another 25.