Mandarin is on a three-game streak of home wins, while Pace is on a four-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Mustangs will host the Patriots at 6:30 p.m. on Friday. That contest will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Shaunqueze Foster and Makael Williams.
Mandarin is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They really took it to Crestview for the full four quarters, racking up a 42-14 victory. The Mustangs might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won six games by 21 points or more this season.
Mandarin got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Kyree Wilson out in front who rushed for 77 yards and one TD on only seven carries. Wilson also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, picking up 0.5 sacks and making four total tackles.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Mandarin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 312 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 205 rushing yards in six consecutive matchups.
Another reason for the win was Mandarin's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. Carmello Henley refused to say out of the backfield, picking up 1.5 sacks all by himself. Another thorn in Crestview's side was Kindrid Outland, who picked up a sack and made seven total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Pace strolled past Evans with points to spare on Friday, taking the game 20-6.
Mandarin better keep an eye on Tagg Strickenburger. He was instrumental in Pace's win, rushing for 87 yards and one score. Strickenburger got the majority of those rushing yards when he took off on a run that went for an incredible 77 yards.
Mandarin's victory bumped their record up to 10-1. As for Pace, their win bumped their record up to an identical 10-1.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Mandarin has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 233.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pace struggles in that department as they've been averaging 305.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
