The Midland Valley Mustangs will venture away from home to square off against the Aiken Fighting Green Hornets at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this game.
Midland Valley is likely headed into the contest with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Gilbert on Friday. The Mustangs took a 21-14 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Indians. While the Mustangs had to settle for second, they closed the game well in the third quarter, where they outscored the Indians 7-0.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Preston Smith, who picked up 91 receiving yards and one TD, and also rushed for 64 yards.
Khyree Pollard
| 10/10/25 vs Gilbert | 7 |
| 09/26/25 @ Brookland-Cayce | 6 |
| 09/19/25 vs Gray Collegiate Academy | 13 |
| 09/05/25 @ Lexington | 8 |
Midland Valley didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Khyree Pollard. He has been hot recently, having also posted six or more total tackles the last four times he's played. Bryston Newton was another major factor on D, forcing one fumble, making ten total tackles (3.0 for loss), and defending one pass.
Meanwhile, Aiken was not able to break out of their rough patch on Thursday as the team picked up their fifth straight loss. They were a single point away from ending the streak, but they lost a 20-19 heartbreaker at the hands of Brookland-Cayce.
Even if they lost, Aiken's defense still kept up the pressure with four sacks. That dominant display was truly a team effort as four different players picked up one apiece. Jayden Moore got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Midland Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Aiken, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.
Everything came up roses for Midland Valley against Aiken in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 55-7 win. In that matchup, the Mustangs amassed a halftime lead of 42-0, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.
