Northside and Howard are an even 5-5 against one another since March of 2016, but likely not for long. The Eagles will face off against the Huskies at 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Northside is coming into the game hot, having won their last four games.
While Northside didn't have the best season last year (they finished 6-22), it's starting to look like those struggles are a thing of the past. Everything went their way against Bradwell Institute on Friday as they made off with a 12-1 win. Considering the Eagles have won three matchups by more than five runs this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Emerson Rugama
| 02/20/26 vs Bradwell Institute | 4 |
| 02/12/26 vs Treutlen | 1 |
| 02/09/26 @ Sumter County | 1 |
| 04/16/25 @ Hawkinsville | 1 |
| 04/01/25 vs Sumter County | 1 |
Emerson Rugama made a big impact no matter where he played. On the mound, he struck out seven batters over 3.2 innings while giving up no earned runs or hits (and only one walk). He has been consistent recently: he hasn't tossed less than seven strikeouts in four consecutive appearances. He was also stellar in the batter's box, going 2-for-3 with four stolen bases, three runs, and two RBI. Those four stolen bases gave him a new career-high.
In other batting news, Taylor Hall and Caden Nelson did most of the damage at the plate: Hall went 3-for-4 with three RBI, two runs, and two doubles, while Nelson went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, two runs, and one double. Those two doubles gave Hall a new career-high. Daniel Valdes also deserves some recognition as he hit his first triple of the season.
Northside kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Bradwell Institute only managed one.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Howard and Baldwin meet (five straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Tuesday. The Huskies blew past the Braves 8-2. The Huskies haven't had any issues with the Braves recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Matthew Griffin was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out 13 batters over seven innings while giving up just two earned runs off seven hits (and only one walk). Griffin was also big at the plate, going 2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
In other batting news, Cedric Williams was excellent, getting on base in all four of his plate appearances with four stolen bases, two runs, and one RBI. Another player making a difference was Jayden Reese, who went 1-for-3 with two stolen bases, one run, and one double.
Howard's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-2. As for Northside, their record now sits at 5-2.
Northside skirted past Howard 11-10 in their previous meeting back in April of 2025. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Eagles since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
