Football Preview: Heard County Braves vs. Temple Tigers
Heard County is 9-1 against Temple since October of 2014, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Heard County Braves will host the Temple Tigers at 7:30 p.m. Keep an eye on the score for this one: both posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
Heard County took a loss when they played away from home back in September, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Haralson County 49-15 at home. The result was nothing new for the Braves, who have now won three matches by 34 points or more so far this season.
Heard County found their leader in underclassman Ethan Tisdale, who rushed for 155 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries, and also threw for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Another player making a difference was Dereon Pearson, who rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on only 12 carries.
Heard County wouldn't let Haralson County keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Heard County can thank Justin Hanson and Braeden McKenzie for forcing both of them. McKenzie is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in the last three games he's played dating back to last season.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Heard County was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 399 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Temple waltzed into their matchup on Friday with two straight wins... but they left with three. They strolled past the Blue Devils with points to spare, taking the game 34-18.
Cj Gray was his usual excellent self, rushing for 182 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.9 yards per carry. He didn't just play on offense: he also forced a fumble and made two total tackles. Another back making a difference was Serjoe Jones, who rushed for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Heard County pushed their record up to 3-2 with the win, which was their third straight at home. As for Temple, their victory bumped their record up to 5-1.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Heard County has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 271 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Temple struggles in that department as they've been averaging 284. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Heard County strolled past Temple in their previous matchup back in October of 2023 by a score of 43-29. Will Heard County repeat their success, or does Temple have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
