Two dominant backs in Camron Johnson and Ryan Estrada are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Americas Trail Blazers will be playing at home against the El Dorado Aztecs at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, these teams will really light up the scoreboard.
Americas took a loss when they played away from home two weeks ago, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They enjoyed a cozy 35-16 win over Parkland.
Americas' success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Joaquin Hernandez led the charge by rushing for 100 yards and one TD on only 14 carries, while also picking up 66 receiving yards. Another player making a difference was Maurice Edwards, who rushed for 75 yards and one touchdown on only nine carries.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask El Dorado). They blew past Bel Air 70-28 on Friday. The Aztecs haven't had any issues with the Highlanders recently, as the game was their sixth consecutive victory against them.
Americas better keep an eye on Brycen Booth. He was instrumental in El Dorado's win, throwing for 168 yards and a pair of TDs on only seven passes, while also rushing for 56 yards and one score. Rahsan Bryant was another key receiver, picking up 91 receiving yards and one touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: El Dorado was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 446 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
El Dorado didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Matthew Pinto and Xavier Torres. Pinto also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with 14. Andrew Estrada was another major factor on D, making 22 total tackles and defending one pass.
Americas now has a winning record of 3-2. As for El Dorado, their win bumped their record up to 4-1.
Americas took a serious blow against El Dorado in their previous matchup back in November of 2024, falling 57-20. That matchup was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Trail Blazers were down 43-7.
