The Center Roughriders will venture away from home to square off against the Madisonville Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Center has given up an average of 28.8 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Last Friday, Center came up short against Daingerfield and fell 38-27. The Roughriders have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Although Center took the loss, they still got scores from Jaysis Villegas, Eli Olivas, and Decaden Cooks.
Most of the squad's points came courtesy of special teams, who contributed 15 in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Villegas, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 38 points the game before, Madisonville was a bit more limited in their matchup on Friday. The game between the Mustangs and Columbus didn't end well, with the Mustangs falling 28-13. The Mustangs have struggled against the Cardinals recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.
Center will have to contain Jaden Simpson as he made an impact in Madisonville's last game. He rushed for 145 yards and a pair of scores while picking up 8.1 yards per carry. Simpson is crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 145 every time he's taken the field this season.
Center's loss dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Madisonville, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 2-2.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Center has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 264.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Madisonville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 301.5 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Center skirted past Madisonville 17-14 in their previous meeting back in September of 2024. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Mustangs' Phillip Green, who rushed for 126 yards and two TDs. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Roughriders to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
