Football Preview: Merritt Island Christian Cougars vs. Calvary Chapel Academy Eagles
Merritt Island Christian is 3-0 against Calvary Chapel Academy since October of 2021, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Merritt Island Christian Cougars will play host again on Friday to welcome the Calvary Chapel Academy Eagles, where kickoff is scheduled at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Merritt Island Christian is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Florida's top teams: Countryside Christian, who was ranked fourth in their home state at the time (Merritt Island Christian was ranked second). Merritt Island Christian breezed by Countryside Christian at home to the tune of 50-16 on Friday. The Cougars' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Nathanael Buccio was his usual excellent self, rushing for 130 yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 102 rushing yards per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Carter Stevenson, who rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Merritt Island Christian was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 231 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 194 rushing yards in 11 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Calvary Chapel Academy made easy work of Oasis Christian on Friday and carried off a 30-8 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Eagles.
Merritt Island Christian's victory was their fifth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 7-0. As for Calvary Chapel Academy, the win got them back to even at 4-4.
Merritt Island Christian didn't have too much breathing room in their matchup against Calvary Chapel Academy in their previous meeting back in September of 2023, but they still walked away with a 26-20 victory. Does Merritt Island Christian have another victory up their sleeve, or will Calvary Chapel Academy turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
