The Thompson Valley Eagles will face off against the Holy Family Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Thompson Valley's defense has only allowed 13 points per game this season, so Holy Family's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Thompson Valley is likely headed into the game with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Pomona on Thursday. The Eagles lost 28-7 to the Panthers. The Eagles have been going strong on the season, but this is now their second defeat in a row.
Meanwhile, Holy Family came tearing into Thursday's matchup with five straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 36 points), and they left with even more momentum. They claimed a resounding 56-3 win over the Gators. The result was nothing new for the Tigers, who have now won five contests by 42 points or more so far this season.
Thompson Valley better keep an eye on Browen Wills. He was instrumental in Holy Family's win, rushing for 120 yards and one TD on only five carries. Wills really tore up the turf during one magnificent 80-yard run.
Holy Family was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 282 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 168 rushing yards in five consecutive games.
Holy Family didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Jeremiah Stephens and Cole Jany. Jany got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Thompson Valley's loss dropped their record down to 7-3. As for Holy Family, their record is now 9-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Thompson Valley has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 174.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Holy Family struggles in that department as they've been averaging 177.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything went Thompson Valley's way against Holy Family when the teams last played back in November of 2024, as Thompson Valley made off with a 38-14 victory. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Tigers' Monte Samaras, who rushed for 113 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 37 receiving yards and one score. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Eagles to walk away with another win? There's only one way to find out.
