Football Game Preview: West Lauderdale Knights vs. Northeast Lauderdale Trojans

West Lauderdale is 9-1 against Northeast Lauderdale since October of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Knights will host the Trojans at 7:00 p.m. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

West Lauderdale came up short against Leake Central on Friday, falling 48-28. The Knights have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Braylon Dixon

Passer Rating

09/26/25 vs Philadelphia	141.7
10/17/25 @ Leake Central	134.9
08/29/25 vs Seminary	132.6
09/05/25 @ Morton	104.2
09/12/25 vs Neshoba Central	87.3
+ 2 more games

Despite the defeat, West Lauderdale saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Braylon Dixon rushed for 72 yards and one touchdown on only ten carries, and also threw for 158 yards and a pair of TDs. Dixon's passing game has become a key predictor of the Knights' success: the team is 2-1 when his passer rating is 110 or higher, but only 1-3 otherwise. West Lauderdale's leading receiver Zayden Moore was Dixon's top target yet again, picking up 56 receiving yards and one score, while also rushing for 40 yards.

Meanwhile, Northeast Lauderdale scored the most points they've had this season on Friday, but it wasn't enough. They took a 46-36 hit to the loss column at the hands of Quitman. The Trojans have struggled against the Panthers recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost matchup.

West Lauderdale will have to contain Jourdin Williams as he made an impact in Northeast Lauderdale's last game. He rushed for 119 yards and three touchdowns.

West Lauderdale now has a losing record of 3-4. As for Northeast Lauderdale, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.

Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. West Lauderdale has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 219.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Northeast Lauderdale struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 178.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Everything came up roses for West Lauderdale against Northeast Lauderdale in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 54-14 victory. In that matchup, the Knights amassed a halftime lead of 47-7, an impressive feat they'll look to repeat on Friday.