Football Game Preview: McClain Tigers vs. Miami Trace Panthers

McClain hasn't had much luck against Miami Trace recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Tigers will be playing in front of their home fans against the Panthers at 7:00 p.m. McClain has given up an average of 29.1 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

McClain is headed into the contest out to prove that what happened against Jackson on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Tigers were outmatched by the Ironman/Ironladies and fell 48-6. The matchup marked the Tigers' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Meanwhile, Miami Trace put another one in the bag on Friday to keep their perfect season alive. They took their contest with ease, bagging a 49-6 victory over Hillsboro. The Panthers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.

McClain better keep an eye on Julian Baker. He was instrumental in Miami Trace's win, rushing for 172 yards and four TDs while picking up 10.8 yards per carry, and also catching one touchdown. Baker has been hot recently, having posted two or more rushing touchdowns the last four times he's played. Austin Brown was another key player, rushing for 80 yards and one score.

Miami Trace was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 331 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 183 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.

McClain now has a losing record of 3-4. As for Miami Trace, their win bumped their record up to 7-0.

McClain took a serious blow against Miami Trace when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 44-10. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Tigers were down 44-3.