Football Preview: Franklin Cougars vs. Pebble Hills Spartans
Franklin and Pebble Hills are an even 4-4 against one another since September of 2016, but not for long. The Franklin Cougars will take on the Pebble Hills Spartans at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. Franklin is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 27.6 points per game this season.
Two weeks ago, Franklin came up short against Eastlake and fell 21-14.
Franklin might have lost, but man, Ernie Powers was a machine: he rushed for 246 yards and a touchdown while picking up 7.2 yards per carry. Powers was no stranger to the big play, taking off on a dash that went for 62 yards.
Even though they lost, Franklin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 277 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 184 rushing yards in 15 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, after a string of four wins, Pebble Hills' good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They fell 28-20 to Eastlake. Despite 67 more yards than the Falcons, the Spartans couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
Pebble Hills might have lost, but man, Zereian Quarles was a machine: he rushed for 214 yards and a touchdown, and also caught a touchdown. Quarles' rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his eighth straight game with at least 127 rushing yards.
Franklin's loss ended a three-game streak of away wins and brought them to 5-4. As for Pebble Hills, their record is now an identical 5-4.
Thursday's match might be decided in the on the ground. Franklin has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 319 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pebble Hills struggles in that department as they've been averaging 253. It's looking like Thursday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Franklin was taken down by Pebble Hills 54-14 when the teams last played back in October of 2023. Thankfully for Franklin, Gael Ochoa (who threw for 327 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 15.6 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on only ten carries) 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
