Union Academy is 0-6 against Mountain Island Charter since September of 2017 but things could change on Friday. The Cardinals are taking a road trip to challenge the Raptors at 7:00 p.m. The two teams might be coming in a bit winded given these two teams combined for 921 yards in their previous games.
On Saturday, Union Academy strolled past Bonnie Cone Leadership Academy with points to spare, taking the game 23-8.
Union Academy found their leader in sophomore Micheal Donato, who forced one fumble and made 12 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, Mountain Island Charter made easy work of Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy on Friday and carried off a 28-7 victory. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Raptors.
Union Academy better keep an eye on Aamir Gilcreast. He was instrumental in Mountain Island Charter's win, rushing for 138 yards and one TD while picking up 7.3 yards per carry. Gilcreast's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 103 rushing yards.
Mountain Island Charter was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 202 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 202 rushing yards in three consecutive matchups.
One reason for the win was Mountain Island Charter's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy's QB won't forget Jason Eaton anytime soon given he sacked him twice. Eaton is becoming a predictor of Mountain Island Charter's success: when he posts at least two sacks the team is undefeated (and 0-3 when he doesn't).
The win got Mountain Island Charter back to even at 3-3. As for Union Academy, the victory also got them back to even at 3-3.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Union Academy has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 168.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Mountain Island Charter struggles in that department as they've been averaging 190.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Union Academy was dealt a bruising 27-0 loss at the hands of Mountain Island Charter in their previous matchup back in September of 2022. Can the Cardinals avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
