Football Game Preview: Calhoun Academy Cougars vs. DeSoto Thunderbirds

Calhoun Academy hasn't had much luck against DeSoto recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Cougars will challenge the Thunderbirds at 7:00 p.m. Calhoun Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with 31 points or more in their past eight games -- so hopefully DeSoto likes a good challenge.

Calhoun Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 40-26 win over Wilkinson County Christian Academy. Calhoun Academy's victory was all the more impressive since the Rams were averaging only 14 points allowed on the season.

Bronnor Bingham

Rushing Touchdowns

11/07/25 vs Wilkinson County Christian Academy	3
10/31/25 vs Marvell Academy	1
10/03/25 vs Columbus Christian Academy	1
09/19/25 vs Delta Academy	3

Calhoun Academy got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Bronnor Bingham out in front who rushed for 149 yards and three TDs on only nine carries, and also picked up 144 receiving yards and three touchdowns. That's the most rushing touchdowns Bingham has posted since back in September. Carsen Stegall was another key signal caller, throwing for 281 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 13.4 yards per attempt.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Calhoun Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 258 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 160 rushing yards in 21 consecutive contests dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, DeSoto faced Lee Academy in a battle between two of the state's top teams on Friday. The Thunderbirds strolled past the Cougars with points to spare, taking the game 38-20. The victory continues a trend for the Thunderbirds in their matchups with the Cougars: they've now won four in a row.

Calhoun Academy's record is now 7-5. As for DeSoto, their record now sits at 9-2.

Calhoun Academy suffered a grim 36-14 defeat to DeSoto in their previous matchup back in August. Can the Cougars avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.