Two dominant backs in Dillon Terry and Tyler Stephens are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Brookstone Cougars will take on the Stratford Academy Eagles at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Both teams are coming into the game red-hot, with Brookstone sitting on three straight wins and Stratford Academy on five.
Brookstone is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They never let First Presbyterian Day get on the board and left with a 13-0 victory.
Broughton Branch
| 11/14/25 vs First Presbyterian Day | 133.1 |
| 11/07/25 vs St. Anne-Pacelli | 72.7 |
| 10/24/25 vs Strong Rock Christian | 109.9 |
| 10/17/25 @ Westfield School | 53.6 |
| 10/10/25 vs St. Anne-Pacelli | 30.4 |
| + 6 more games |
Brookstone's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Broughton Branch, who threw for 111 yards and two touchdowns while completing 75% of his passes. What's more, Branch racked up 133.1 passer rating, the most he's had since back in August. Sammie Laboy was Branch's top target, picking up 34 receiving yards and one TD, while also rushing for 43 yards.
Brookstone didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Colton Jordan and Frankie Bickerstaff.
Meanwhile, Stratford Academy's offense rose to the challenge against a Bulldogs defense that boasted an average of only 12.25 points allowed on Friday. The Eagles simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat George Walton Academy 33-6. Considering the Eagles have won seven matchups by more than 26 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Stratford Academy's win came from a few key players Brookstone will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Aaron Jefferson, who rushed for 69 yards and a pair of scores. He didn't just play on offense: he also made eight total tackles and defended one pass.
Stratford Academy's run defense was locked in: George Walton Academy could only muster 3.3 yards per carry. The team can thank Jefferson for the heroic effort on defense: he. Stratford Academy hasn't allowed more than 3.6 yards per carry in three consecutive contests.
Stratford Academy's defense didn't let Aj Dillard, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for three sacks. In fact, those sacks all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Maddox Whitehead. Thanks to that big game, he is now up to 10 sacks on the season.
Brookstone's record now sits at 10-2. As for Stratford Academy, their record is now an identical 10-2.
Saturday's game might be decided on the ground. Brookstone has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 156.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Stratford Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 233.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Saturday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Brookstone was dealt a bruising 41-14 defeat at the hands of Stratford Academy in their previous meeting back in September. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of the Eagles' Stephens, who rushed for 234 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 11.1 yards per carry. Now that the Cougars know the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
