After each having a week off, the Palm Harbor University Hurricanes and the East Lake Eagles will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Last Friday, Palm Harbor University ended up a good deal behind Largo and lost 35-16.
Despite the loss, Palm Harbor University had strong showings from Garrett Perkins, who rushed for 62 yards and one score on only five carries, and Ben Sathaporn, who rushed for 80 yards.
Meanwhile, East Lake entered their tilt with Steinbrenner last Friday with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They blew past the Warriors 40-14. The Eagles' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Palm Harbor University better keep an eye on Brian Ford. He was instrumental in East Lake's win, rushing for 304 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries. With that strong performance, Ford is now averaging an impressive 138.4 rushing yards per game. Another player making a difference was Eli Millian, who threw for 154 yards and one TD on only 14 passes.
East Lake didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Steinbrenner to a completion percentage of just 47.2%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from five players: Zaiden Blanch, Desmond Lee Jr, Adrian Rutledge, Ty Farling, and Kyle Grimm, who each logged one passes deflected. East Lake hasn't an opponent to post a completion percentage of 0.42 or higher in four consecutive games.
East Lake's win bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Palm Harbor University, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Palm Harbor University has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 167.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like East Lake struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 152 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Palm Harbor University lost to East Lake at home by a decisive 56-37 margin in their previous matchup back in November of 2024. Will the Hurricanes have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
