Football Game Preview: Union Academy Cardinals vs. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons + How To Watch

The Union Academy Cardinals will square off against the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.

On Friday, Union Academy came up short against Albemarle and fell 31-24. The defeat continues a trend for the Cardinals in their meetings with the Bulldogs: they've now lost five in a row.

Despite the loss, Union Academy had strong showings from Nico Mendoza, who threw for 160 yards and a pair of TDs, and Gavin Short, who picked up 52 receiving yards and one score.

Even if they lost, Union Academy's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. John Souza refused to say out of the backfield, picking up 1.5 sacks all by himself. Union Academy got some further help from Souza: he picked up 1.5 sacks, made eight total tackles (2.0 for loss), and defended one pass.

Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy fell victim to South Stanly and their airtight defense on Friday. They had to suffer through a 49-0 loss at the hands of the Rowdy Rebel Bulls.

Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 3-5. As for Union Academy, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 3-5.

Friday's matchup might be decided in the trenches. Union Academy has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 153 rushing yards per game. It's a different story for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, though, as they've been averaging only 59.2 rushing yards. How will they fare against such a dominant running game?

Union Academy was dealt a bruising 56-0 defeat at the hands of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy when the teams last played back in November of 2019. Can the Cardinals avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.