Two dominant backs in Damir Lomax and Ja'Khari Burrell are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Bakersfield Drillers will take on the Central Valley Christian Cavaliers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Bakersfield's defense has only allowed 8.3 points per game this season, so Central Valley Christian's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Last Friday, Bakersfield didn't have too much trouble with Independence as they won 21-7. The win continues a trend for the Drillers in their matchups with the Falcons: they've now won four in a row.
Bakersfield found their leader in sophomore Geremy Molett, who picked up four sacks, forced one fumble, and made ten total tackles (5.0 for loss).
Bakersfield's run defense was locked in: Independence could only muster 2.3 yards per carry. The team can thank Molett for the heroic effort on defense: he. Bakersfield's ground attack was stronger, having averaged 4.7.
Bakersfield's defense didn't let Gunter Golla Iii, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for six sacks. Molett was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up four himself.
Meanwhile, two teams were on the hunt for playoff glory, but only Central Valley Christian walked away with it. They blew past the Braves 37-13 on Friday. The game was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 30-7.
Central Valley Christian's win came from a few key players Bakersfield will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Asher Piepgrass, who threw for 179 yards and three touchdowns on only 14 passes. Those three passing touchdowns gave him a new career-high. Jonathon Thorpe Ii was Piepgrass' top target, picking up 64 receiving yards and a pair of TDs.
Central Valley Christian's victory bumped their record up to 5-6. As for Bakersfield, their win bumped their record up to 9-1.
Bakersfield beat Central Valley Christian 27-14 in their previous meeting back in October of 2021. Do the Drillers have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Cavaliers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
