Union is 2-8 against Lakewood since August of 2015 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Spartans will take on the Leopards at 7:00 p.m. Union has given up an average of 26.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Union is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Hobbton on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Spartans were beaten by the Wildcats 46-12. The Spartans were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 40-0.
Union might have lost, but man, Tobias Cromartie was a machine: he rushed for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Cromartie was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 58 yards.
Meanwhile, Lakewood waltzed into their contest two weeks ago with two straight wins... but they left with three. They strolled past the Vikings with points to spare, taking the game 35-20.
Union better keep an eye on Calvin Lacewell Jr. He was instrumental in Lakewood's win, rushing for 67 yards and two TDs. They are undefeated when Lacewell Jr posts two or more rushing touchdowns, but 1-2 otherwise.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Lakewood's defense and their five sacks. Jayce Smoot was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up three himself. Another thorn in West Columbus' side was Dashaun Carr, who made nine total tackles and snagged an interception.
Union's defeat dropped their record down to 2-4. As for Lakewood, their record is now 4-2.
| Rushing Yards | 917 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 9 |
Friday's game will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Cromartie and Lacewell Jr. Cromartie just won't slow down this season and has run in 9 touchdowns while averaging 152.8 rushing yards per game. Lacewell Jr has been a dominant force too and has run in 8 touchdowns while averaging 107.3 rushing yards per game.
Union was dealt a bruising 55-0 loss at the hands of Lakewood in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Spartans, Chris Carr (who rushed for 223 yards and three scores on only five carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
