After back-to-back dominant displays in its first two games of the season, McGill-Toolen will be tested in its Battle on the Border matchup vs. West Monroe.

Who: West Monroe (LA) vs. McGill-Toolen (AL)

Where: Independence Bowl, Shreveport, LA

When: Friday, Sept. 7 at 6 PM CT

Watch: LIVE on FloFootball

After falling one win shy of an undefeated season and an Alabama state title, McGill-Toolen entered the 2018 season full of confidence, submersed in lofty expectations.

The latter can be dangerous for a club—but it has been no sweat for the Yellow Jackets, who’ve looked elite thus far, blasting Spanish Fort and Murphy by a total of 62 points.

West Monroe was similarly impressive in its season-opening victory over John Ehret. The Rebels returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown and never looked back, cruising to a 44-20 victory on the strength of its defense, special teams and quarterback Garrett Kahmann.

Replacing Slade Bolden

One year ago, in the same event, West Monroe quarterback Slade Bolden was outstanding, leading the Rebels to a 31-20 victory over Booker T. Washington (OK).

Bolden was the undisputed leader of Jerry Arledge’s team last season. This season, he’s a freshman wide receiver at Alabama—and the Rebels are in search of some new faces to step to the forefront.

One such individual is expected to be Bolden’s replacement at quarterback, Garrett Kahmann, who rushed for 98 yards and three scores on nine carries in last week’s win.

Kahmann will need to repeat his success against McGill-Toolen if West Monroe hopes to keep pace with the Yellow Jackets’ offense and win their second consecutive Battle on the Border.

Sheldon Layman’s Availability In Question

McGill-Toolen quarterback Sheldon Layman’s availability for Friday’s game is in jeopardy after he was apparently too banged up to play last week. His absence—if he’s unavailable—could play a huge factor in the ultimate outcome.

Layman went 13-14 for 269 yards and three scores in the team’s season-opening win against Spanish Fort.

If he’s unavailable, it will again be backup quarterback Dallas Daffin behind center for the Yellow Jackets.

Can CJ Evans Get It Going Against WM D?

Yellow Jackets’ running back CJ Evans rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown in the opener, then hauled in a 29-yard receiving touchdown last week.

The West Monroe defense is strong—and it’ll need to be against the McGill-Toolen offense. If the Rebels can neutralize Evans, it will be well on its way to securing a win.

Prospects to Watch

• LeDarrius Cox, DT, McGill-Toolen — 3-star, committed to Tennessee
• Sheldon Layman, QB, McGill-Toolen — 3-star, committed to Memphis
• Dalvin Hutchinson, DT, West Monroe — 3-star, committed to Louisiana-Lafayette