Football Game Preview: Sarasota Sailors vs. Lehigh Lightning + Official Tickets

The Sarasota Sailors will take on the Lehigh Lightning at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Sarasota has given up an average of 28.7 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Sarasota took a loss when they played away from home last Friday, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They secured a 41-37 W over Lakewood Ranch.

Colton Dempsey had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 184 yards and three TDs while picking up 7.7 yards per carry. Another player making a difference was Hudson West, who threw for 163 yards and three touchdowns.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Sarasota was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 253 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

Meanwhile, Lehigh didn't have quite enough to beat Dunbar on Friday and fell 21-19. The Lightning haven't had much luck with the Tigers recently, as the team has come up short the last six times they've met.

Although Lehigh took the loss, they still got scores from Ja'Kiee Robinson, J'Zaya Brown, and Levi Mckenzie.

Sarasota's win bumped their record up to 4-2. As for Lehigh, their loss dropped their record down to 2-4.

Here's a few offensive stats to keep an eye on ahead of Friday's game: Sarasota has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 350.8 total yards per game. It's a different story for Lehigh, though, as they've been averaging only 199.3 total yards. Will Sarasota be able to march up the field at their leisure again, or will the Lightning flip the script?

Sarasota couldn't quite get it done against Lehigh in their previous matchup back in October of 2024 as they fell 19-10. Will the Sailors have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.