Keys to the Aztec-KC matchup

I'll post the Week 9 prep football power poll Friday morning, but first, a quick look at the Aztec-Kirtland showdown. More precisely, here are my five keys for each team.

Aztec Tigers (7-0)
~ Score early: The Tigers' reputation is well-known. When they get an early lead, their confidence manifests and they're all but unbeatable.
~ Embrace the challenge: This should be Aztec's first true test of the fall. The boys in orange and black can send a crystal-clear message with another convincing victory.
~ Mike Hathcock: Contrary to popular opinion, the Tigers do believe in balance. And with Hathcock in the backfield, the running game works miracles to make QB Brycson King's life simpler as defenses are forced to pick their poison.
~ Let Livingston loose: Senior linebacker Ben Livingston is scary. No, really, I'm physically scared of him. He had a glow in his eye Wednesday when pondering the thought of chasing Broncos quarterback Jeff Belin for four quarters.
~ Give King time: When the sophomore has time to throw, he's deadly. Aztec simply has too many weapons.

Kirtland Central Broncos (5-2)
~ Score first: Momentum can't be overstated in this contest.
~ Play the underdog card: Sure it's a gritty cliche, but when a team thinks nobody believes in it, the adrenalin and focus rise.
~ Chay Aguirre: Aguirre is an excellent running back capable of keeping Aztec honest.
~ Limit turnovers: The math is simple: In any shootout, the more possessions, the better. Aztec is scoring points at an unprecedented clip, and to match that potency requires as many drives as possible.
~ Play physical: I don't know what the rules are regarding jamming wide receivers at the line of scrimmage, but KC coach Charles Gleghorn likened Aztec to a sprint relay team Wednesday. Stopping the wideouts from getting into their routes right away could force the Tigers out of their rhythm.

Finally, how about some predictions for this baby. Leave 'em as a comment to this blog, and we'll compare Saturday morning. The winner gets ... the satisfaction of knowing they won. Or how about this, the winner gets a plug in my Sunday column, read by 16 people across the globe. So there's that.

I won't make a prediction, at least not yet, but I will establish the over/under at 81 points.