Football Game Preview: Center Line Panthers vs. Eastpointe Shamrocks

The Center Line Panthers will head out to face off against the Eastpointe Shamrocks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Center Line took a 26-point defeat the last time they faced off against St. Clair, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. In a tight matchup that could have gone either way, the Panthers made off with a 21-20 victory over the Saints.

It was another big night for Masai Ali, who rushed for 201 yards and two TDs.

Ali was just one part of a punishing run game: Center Line was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 251 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, there's no place like home for Eastpointe, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They walked away with a 44-34 win over Sterling Heights on Friday. Considering the Shamrocks' offense had been struggling lately, the high-scoring outing was a much-needed turnaround.

Eastpointe's first victory this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for Center Line, their record is now 4-1.

Everything came up roses for Center Line against Eastpointe in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 60-0 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Panthers since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.