Football Game Preview: Union Grove Lions vs. Beckville Bearcats

Union Grove is 0-7 against Beckville since September of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Lions will venture away from home to challenge the Bearcats at 7:00 p.m. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

It was a proper cat-fight when Union Grove duked it out with Harleton on Thursday. The Lions snuck past the Wildcats with a 10-6 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Lions.

Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Beckville against Hawkins on Thursday as the team secured a 50-14 victory. The Bearcats might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won four games by 23 points or more this season.

Union Grove better keep an eye on Jorden Prince. He was instrumental in Beckville's win, rushing for 112 yards and three TDs. The team also got some help courtesy of Grayson Hicks, who rushed for 77 yards and one score.

Beckville was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 273 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in November of 2024.

Beckville's defense made their presence known, laying out the QB four times. Leading the way was Dillan Koger with two sacks. He has been hot recently, having also posted seven or more total tackles the last three times he's played. Beckville received some extra help from Tommy Heard, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.

Union Grove's record now sits at 6-2. As for Beckville, their record is now 5-3.

Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Union Grove has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 154 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Beckville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 155.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Union Grove was dealt a bruising 50-15 loss at the hands of Beckville when the teams last played back in November of 2024. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Lions were down 43-8.