Pickens is 0-4 against Westside since October of 2020 but things could change on Friday. The Blue Flame will take on the Rams at 7:30 p.m. The two teams might be coming in a bit winded given these two teams combined for 1,067 yards in their previous games.
Having struggled with three losses in a row, Pickens turned things around against Travelers Rest on Friday. They put the hurt on the Devildogs with a sharp 49-27 victory. The Blue Flame might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by 22 points or more this season.
Brooks Dow was his usual excellent self, rushing for 143 yards and three scores on only eight carries, while also throwing for 188 yards and a pair of TDs on only 16 passes. His longest rush was for an impressive 69 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Cam Wilson was Dow's top target, picking up 110 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Westside strolled past Wren with points to spare on Thursday, taking the game 21-7.
Pickens better keep an eye on Keylan Powell. He was instrumental in Westside's win, rushing for 212 yards and one score. They are 4-1 when Powell posts 100 or more rushing yards, but 2-3 otherwise.
Westside was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 212 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 197 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.
One reason for the win was Westside's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for six sacks. In that department, Brayden Waller was the leader with two. Kwon Simpkins was another major factor on D, picking up a sack and making 11 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Pickens' win bumped their record up to 3-7. As for Westside, their victory bumped their record up to 6-4.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Pickens has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 206.1 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Westside struggles in that department as they've been averaging 158.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Pickens was dealt a bruising 52-7 defeat at the hands of Westside in their previous meeting back in October of 2023. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Blue Flame were down 38-7.
