The Rochester Rockets will challenge the Taylorville Tornadoes at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. One thing working in Rochester's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last seven contests.
Rochester proved they can win big two weeks ago (they won by 45) and on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Sacred Heart-Griffin, sneaking past 31-28. The Rockets haven't had any issues with the Cyclones recently, as the game was their third consecutive victory against them.
Kaiden Stout
| 10/24/25 @ Sacred Heart-Griffin | 185 |
| 10/17/25 vs Springfield | 33 |
| 10/10/25 vs MacArthur | 99 |
| 10/03/25 @ Decatur Eisenhower | 26 |
| 09/26/25 @ Normal University | 19 |
| + 3 more games |
Kaiden Stout produced another solid effort rushing for 185 yards and one score while picking up 9.3 yards per carry. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in September. Rochester also got help from Tristan Stanton, who showed off his sure hands for 132 receiving yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Rochester was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 239 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 166 rushing yards in five consecutive games.
On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Rochester's defense and their four sacks. Connor Broughton was especially locked on to Sacred Heart-Griffin's QB and sacked him twice. Broughton also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with eight.
Meanwhile, Taylorville beat Civic Memorial 24-17 on Friday.
Taylorville's win came from a few key players Rochester will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Spencer Brown, who rushed for 146 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 9.1 yards per carry. He has become a key player for Taylorville: the team is undefeated when he posts at least 80 rushing yards, but 2-4 otherwise. Owen Mateer also helped out as he racked up 104 rushing yards.
Taylorville now has a winning record of 5-4. As for Rochester, their record is now 8-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Rochester has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 234.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Taylorville struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 201.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Rochester against Taylorville in their previous matchup back in November of 2018, as the team secured a 64-26 win. Do the Rockets have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Tornadoes turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
