Football Preview: Idalia Wolves vs. Fleming Wildcats
The Idalia Wolves will head out on the road to face off against the Fleming Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Idalia is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 44.9 points per game this season.
Idalia is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Colorado's top teams: Otis, who was ranked ninth in their home state at the time (Idalia was ranked 12th). Idalia took a 33-20 hit to the loss column at the hands of Otis on Friday. The Wolves have struggled against the Bulldogs recently, as their game on Friday was their third consecutive lost matchup.
Even though they lost, Idalia was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 205 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 160 rushing yards in eight consecutive contests.
Idalia wouldn't let Otis keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Idalia can thank Hayden Drullinger and Gabe Kechter for forcing both of them. Kechter is also crushing it when it comes to rushing touchdowns: he's punched in at least two every time he's taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Fleming waltzed into their match on Friday with six straight wins... but they left with seven. They claimed a resounding 66-28 victory over the Falcons at home. The Wildcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won five games by 30 points or more this season.
Grant Kuntz continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 340 yards and six touchdowns while picking up 18.9 yards per carry. He also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making 13 total tackles (3.0 for loss) and defending two passes. Conner Marchant was another key rusher, rushing for 95 yards and two touchdowns on only nine carries.
Idalia's loss dropped their record down to 6-2. As for Fleming, their win was their fourth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 7-1.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Idalia has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 232.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Fleming struggles in that department as they've been averaging 307. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Idalia against Fleming in their previous meeting back in September of 2023, as the team secured a 56-24 victory. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Fleming's Wyatt Cochran, who rushed for 256 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 10.2 yards per carry. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for Idalia to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
