The Richland Royals will head out on the road to challenge the Wyatt Chaparrals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their matchups after big wins in their previous games.
Richland will roll into the game after a wild two-game stretch: they only put up ten points back in October, then bounced right back against Azle on Friday. The Royals claimed a resounding 59-14 win over the Hornets. The contest marked the Royals' most dominant victory of the season.
Richland's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Jayshon Gibson, who rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns on only 14 carries. Gibson really tore up the turf during one magnificent 72-yard run. Another passer making a difference was Brett Kates, who threw for 274 yards and three TDs while picking up 11.9 yards per attempt.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Richland was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 335 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September.
Richland's defense stepped up as well, laying out the QB three times. Jesaiah Kneubuhl refused to say out of the backfield, picking up two sacks all by himself.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Wyatt). They breezed past South Hills to the tune of 68-35 on Friday. The Chaparrals haven't had any issues with the Scorpions recently, as the game was their third consecutive win against them.
Richland better keep an eye on Kentrell Steward. He was instrumental in Wyatt's win, throwing for 290 yards and five touchdowns while completing 76.9% of his passes, and also rushing for 100 yards on only nine carries. Those 290 passing yards gave Steward a new career-high. Allen Bayne was in the mix too, providing Wyatt with two scores.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Wyatt, adding 12 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Malikhi Mingo, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Richland's record is now 7-3. As for Wyatt, their record now sits at 8-2.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Richland has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 256.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Wyatt struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 288.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
