Football Game Preview: Northgate Broncos vs. Benicia Panthers + Official Tickets

For the first time this season, Northgate will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. After each having a week off, they and the Benicia Panthers will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Northgate has given up an average of 32.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Northgate is headed into Friday's contest looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight games last Friday. They fell 42-35 to Las Lomas.

Despite the loss, Northgate got top-tier performance from Tristan Tolerton, who rushed for 136 yards and a pair of scores while picking up 8.5 yards per carry, and also picked up 57 receiving yards and one TD. Tolerton showed off some serious burst, connecting on a big catch for 57 yards.

Even if they lost, Northgate's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Liam Fruchtenicht, Micah Anum, and Damon Oberbruner, who each picked up one sack apiece. Another thorn in Las Lomas' side was Fruchtenicht, who picked up a sack and made 16 total tackles (3.0 for loss).

Meanwhile, Benicia played a tough game last Friday in which they were outscored in every quarter. They lost 51-25 to Acalanes. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 420th, while the Dons are ranked 77th).

Benicia's defeat dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Northgate, their loss dropped their record down to an identical 2-4.

Everything came up roses for Northgate against Benicia in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 42-0 victory. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Broncos since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.