The Algonquin Regional Titans will head out on the road to take on the Grafton Gators at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. Algonquin Regional has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the contest with five straight losses, while Grafton will come in with three straight wins.
On Friday, Algonquin Regional lost to Leominster at home by a 25-9 margin. While losing is never fun, the Titans can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Massachusetts football rankings (they are ranked 178th, while the Blue Devils are ranked 36th).
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Grafton). They walked away with a 35-28 victory over Westborough on Friday. Give some credit to the fans of both teams: the last four times they've met, the home team has come away the winner.
Algonquin Regional better keep an eye on Zeeland Youngblood. He was instrumental in Grafton's win, rushing for 165 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 9.2 yards per carry. Youngblood was no stranger to the big play, taking off on a dash that went for 65 yards. Nick Jordan also helped with two TDs in total.
Grafton was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 211 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 179 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.
Special teams played a big role in the game for Grafton, adding 11 points to the final score. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Jordan, who ran a punt back for a touchdown.
Algonquin Regional's defeat dropped their record down to 0-5. As for Grafton, they now have a winning record of 3-2.
Algonquin Regional took a serious blow against Grafton in their previous meeting back in September of 2024, falling 49-14. That matchup was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Titans were down 35-7.
