Football Preview: Pius X Thunderbolts vs. Norris Titans
After two games on the road, Pius X is heading back home. They will host the Norris Titans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams are strolling into their matches after big wins in their previous games.
Pius X's offense will try to repeat the strong performance it gave on Thursday, when they got past Platteview's usually-dominant defense. Pius X simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Platteview 42-7 on the road. The Thunderbolts' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Joseph Andreasen continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 224 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 8.3 yards per carry. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 130.8 rushing yards per game. The team also got some help courtesy of Amudi Musa, who rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Pius X was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 294 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Norris at home against Blair on Friday as the squad secured a 41-14 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Titans.
Jarrett Behrends was his usual excellent self, throwing for 218 yards and two touchdowns while completing 75% of his passes, and also punching in a touchdown on the ground.
Norris wouldn't let Blair keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Norris can thank Thomas Hansmeyer and Lane Brewster for forcing both of them.
Pius X's victory ended a six-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 2-2. As for Norris, the win also got them back to even at 2-2.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Pius X has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 169.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Norris struggles in that department as they've been averaging 196.2. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Pius X was dealt a bruising 42-12 loss at the hands of Norris in their previous matchup back in October of 2023. Thankfully for Pius X, Blake Macklin (who rushed for 256 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 16.0 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
