Football Game Preview: Kenedy Lions vs. Santa Maria Cougars

Two dominant backs in David Salas and Daniel Martinez are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Kenedy Lions will square off against the Santa Maria Cougars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.

It was a proper cat-fight when Kenedy challenged Weimar on Friday. The Lions blew past the Wildcats 41-14. Winning may never get old, but the Lions sure are getting used to it with their fourth in a row.

Jericho Jackson

Passing Touchdowns

09/19/25 vs Pettus	5
11/07/25 @ Weimar	4
10/10/25 vs Bloomington	4
09/12/25 vs Karnes City	4
10/24/25 vs Flatonia	3
+ 5 more games

Jericho Jackson was his usual excellent self, throwing for 218 yards and four TDs on only 19 passes, while also punching in one rushing score. Kenedy is undefeated when Jackson posts three or more passing touchdowns, but 1-2 otherwise.

Kenedy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Dehlay Salas and Karsen Reyes. Salas is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in each of the last four games he's played. Nick McPherson was another major factor on D, picking up two sacks and making nine total tackles.

Meanwhile, Santa Maria never let their opponents score on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Premont 35-0. The win continues a trend for the Cougars in their matchups with the Cowboys: they've now won four in a row.

Santa Maria's win came from a few key players Kenedy will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Luis Otero, who picked up 75 receiving yards and a pair of scores. The team also got some help courtesy of Andre De La Rosa, who rushed for 63 yards and one touchdown on only eight carries.

Santa Maria's defense made their presence known, laying out the QB seven times. The heavy lifting was done by Sanjay Lozoya and Pablo Vazquez, who racked up four sacks between them.

Kenedy's victory bumped their record up to 8-2. As for Santa Maria, their win bumped their record up to 7-3.