The Springwood Wildcats will take on the Macon-East Montgomery Academy Knights on Thursday. The teams are rolling into the game with opposing streaks: Springwood has struggled recently with three losses in a row, while Macon-East Montgomery Academy will arrive with ten straight wins.
Springwood is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Alabama's top teams: Snook Christian Academy, who was ranked 18th at the time (Springwood was ranked 23rd). The Wildcats fell 40-28 to the Eagles two weeks ago.
Springwood's defeat shouldn't obscure the performances of Adam Baltes, who threw for 129 yards and a pair of TDs, and Remington Gauntt, who picked up 84 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Gauntt showed off some serious burst, lighting up the secondary with a catch for 58 yards. Tucker Sides got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, Macon-East Montgomery Academy gave up the first points on Friday, but they didn't let that get them down. They had just enough and edged out Escambia Academy 28-26. Those 28 points were actually the fewest the Knights have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Springwood better keep an eye on Brandon Fitch. He was instrumental in Macon-East Montgomery Academy's win, throwing for 151 yards and three touchdowns while completing 71.4% of his passes, and also punching in one score on the ground. Fitch also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, making three total tackles and defending two passes. Conner Wallace was another key player, picking up 67 receiving yards and a pair of TDs.
Springwood's loss dropped their record down to 3-7. As for Macon-East Montgomery Academy, their victory bumped their record up to 10-0.
Thursday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Springwood has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 166.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Macon-East Montgomery Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 275.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Springwood was taken down by Macon-East Montgomery Academy 50-8 in their previous meeting back in October. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Fitch, who threw for 183 yards and four touchdowns while completing 87.5% of his passes, and also rushed for 53 yards and one score on only seven carries. Now that the Wildcats know the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? There's only one way to find out.
