Football Game Preview: Rockford Auburn Knights vs. Jefferson J-Hawks

Rockford Auburn is 8-1 against Jefferson since September of 2015 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Thursday. The Knights will head out to challenge the J-Hawks at 7:00 p.m. Rockford Auburn has given up an average of 39 points per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Rockford Auburn is headed into Thursday's game looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight games on Friday. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 39-36 heartbreaker at the hands of Belvidere. Despite 58 more yards than the Bucs, the Knights couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.

Gavin Sanders

Rushing Yards

08/30/25 vs Hononegah	177
09/27/25 @ Rockford East	117
09/12/25 @ Guilford	96
10/17/25 @ Belvidere	81
09/06/25 vs Harlem	67

The loss doesn't tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Peter Eziagulu, who rushed for 201 yards and two scores on only 13 carries. His longest rush was for an impressive 61 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Gavin Sanders helped out on the ground, rushing for 81 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Meanwhile, Jefferson hadn't done well against Freeport recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The J-Hawks secured a 10-6 W over the Pretzels. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the J-Hawks.

The victory got Jefferson back to even at 4-4. As for Rockford Auburn, their defeat dropped their record down to 1-7.

Rockford Auburn was taken down by Jefferson 42-12 in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. Can the Knights avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.