The Dalhart Wolves will be playing at home against the Kermit Yellow Jackets at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday. One thing working in Dalhart's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last eight games.
Dalhart is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Shallowater just ended the team's seven-game winning streak on Friday. They fell 42-34 to the Mustangs. Despite running the score up even higher than they did in their prior game two weeks ago (31), the Wolves still had to take the loss.
Dalhart might have lost, but man, Hunter Trusler was a machine: he rushed for 155 yards and three scores, and also threw for 195 yards and a pair of TDs. Trusler also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, forcing one fumble and making eight total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, you can't lose the game if you win every quarter, and that was precisely Kermit's strategy against Brownfield on Friday. The Yellow Jackets took down the Cubs 33-14. The win was some much needed relief for the Yellow Jackets as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Dalhart better keep an eye on Armando Urias. He was instrumental in Kermit's win, rushing for 232 yards and three touchdowns on only 15 carries. Urias' longest rush was for an impressive 67 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Another player making a difference was Aalijah Navarrette, who rushed for 75 yards and one score.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Kermit was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 347 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
One reason for the win was Kermit's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. The team can thank two different players for their defensive prowess: Navarrette and Aaron Rodriguez, who each picked up two sacks apiece.
Dalhart's loss was their first in the district, dropping their district record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 8-2. As for Kermit, their victory was their first in the district, bumping their district record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 2-7.
Thursday's contest might be decided on the ground. Dalhart has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 259.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Kermit struggles in that department as they've been averaging 148.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
