Barring an unexpectedly early return from a knee sprain suffered at Key West (FL) two weeks ago, No. 25 Cardinal Gibbons will be without its best player, Khris Bogle, when it takes on 22nd-ranked Milton on Friday night at the Freedom Bowl.

That could make things a bit tricky against a uniquely difficult offense.

Milton is riding high off of a pair of nice victories, including a season-opening win against then-No. 19 Archer (GA).

Both teams will deploy similarly regarded three-star quarterbacks in Nik Scalzo (Kentucky) and Jordan Yates (Georgia Tech) in what figures to be one of the best games of the two-day event.

Who: No. 25 Cardinal Gibbons (FL) vs. No. 22 Milton (GA)

Where: Milton HS, Milton, GA

When: Friday, Aug. 31 at 8:30 PM CT

Watch: LIVE on FloFootball

Can Gibbons Contain Yates Without Bogle?

Jordan Yates is a problem for opposing defenses—particularly, at this level, with his legs.

The dual-threat quarterback ran for 92 yards and three touchdowns in a win against Archer, followed by 192 passing yards and three scores in a win against rival Alpharetta.

Four-star defensive end Khris Bogle, with his combination of speed and finishing ability, might’ve been the perfect weapon for neutralizing Yates. Assuming he’s out, a Cardinal Gibbons defense that was gutted last week by Miami Central after leading 14-0 more than 20 minutes into the game.

Without Bogle, the onus for solving the Milton offense will fall even heavier upon the shoulders of Kansas State-bound linebacker Yahweh Jeudy.

Milton’s Defense Will Be Tested

What exactly happened in the second half against the seventh-ranked Rockets is anyone’s guess. But, odds are, the Chiefs’ scoreless half of football in what quickly went from a 14-point cushion to a blowout loss, will prove to be an aberration.

Cardinal Gibbons is loaded on offense, with a veteran quarterback-wide receiver duo—Nik Scalzo and Nik Ognenovic—who will continue playing together at the next level for Mark Stoops and Kentucky. They’re joined by three-star running back Vincent Smith (Pittsburgh) and three-star wide receiver Majon Wright (Florida).

For a Milton defense, led by Clemson-bound safety Joe Charleston, this will be the most star-studded opponent it will meet during the regular season.

Chiefs Walking Into A True Road Environment

For 10 of the 12 teams taking part in the inaugural Freedom Bowl, the game will be played at a neutral site.

For Cardinal Gibbons and their opponent, Milton, that will not be the case.

Gibbons will make the 10-hour drive to north Georgia to play Milton at Milton in front of a community and a fan base that will no doubt be supercharged.

This is a big deal for high school football in general and it’s a very big deal for the Eagles and their supporters. So, while Cardinal Gibbons will enjoy the same pre-game festivities as will its counterparts, it will walk into a hornet’s nest on Friday night.

Prospects to Watch

• Joe Charleston, S, Milton — 4-star, committed to Clemson
• Jordan Yates, QB, Milton — 3-star, committed to Georgia Tech
• Yahweh Jeudy, LB, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Kansas State
• Nik Scalzo, QB, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Kentucky
• Nik Ognenovic, WR/TE, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Kentucky
• Vincent Smith, RB, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Pittsburgh
• Majon Wright, WR/S, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Florida
• Jamari Williams, OT, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, committed to Louisville
• Willie Hepburn, DT, Cardinal Gibbons — 3-star, uncommitted
• Allen Walker, LB, Milton — 3-star, committed to Louisiana Tech