Preview: Cullman vs. Pleasant Grove

The Cullman Bearcats (2-0) hosts The Pleasant Grove Spartans (1-1) looking to solidify that they are the elite team in the region. Cullman finished first in the region last season with Cullman making an example of Pleasant Grove defeating them by a score of 49-7. By halftime, Cullman was up 42-0. Pleasant Grove only amassed 141 total yards of offense to Cullman’s 425.

Though the Cullman Bearcats only return four starters from that prolific offense, they do return one important part of that offense in Drew Forrest. Forrest is a 6-2, 190 pound receiver garnering the attention of Auburn, Duke, and UAB, with the Blue Devils having the early advantage in recruiting.

Forrest was responsible for a touchdown reception in last year’s contest, and looks to do damage to that Pleasant Grove defensive backfield against this season.

But what’s worse for the Pleasant Grove Spartans is that Cullman is probably better as a defensive unit. The Bearcats have the advantage of returning Jonathan Robertson, a 6-5, 255 pound defensive end to help rush the passer and stop the run.
Robertson is slowly getting more and more attention around the state, but has already received offers from both Troy and UAB. Other contenders for Robertson include Auburn, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt.

Defensive back/quarterback Bryan Steele is no slouch himself in the Bearcat secondary. The 6-3, 200 pound safety will definitely play a part in stopping the passing attack of Pleasant Grove.

Pleasant Grove did not return a single starter on any side of the football and finished 5-6 in the region last season. Unless Pleasant Grove receives a divine intervention, this has the makings of a route of epic proportions. Cullman simply has more talent than the Spartans at this point in the programs.

Prediction: Cullman 56, Pleasant Grove 7