Football Preview: Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers vs. Greater Johnstown Trojans
Westmont Hilltop is on a seven-game streak of home losses also dating back to last season, Greater Johnstown a seven-game streak of away losses also dating back to last season, but someone's luck is about to change on Saturday. The Westmont Hilltop Hilltoppers will welcome the Greater Johnstown Trojans at 1:00 p.m.
Westmont Hilltop came up short against Somerset on Friday, falling 40-20. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Hilltoppers have suffered against the Eagles since October 9, 2015.
Despite the defeat, Westmont Hilltop saw an underclassman step up: Landen Valente rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown. With that strong performance, Valente is now averaging an impressive 102.2 rushing yards per game.
Even though they lost, Westmont Hilltop was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 263 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 175 rushing yards in five consecutive contests dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Greater Johnstown came into Friday's game having lost 13 straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They came out on top against Central Cambria by a score of 47-36 on Friday. The Trojans' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Julius Reed was his usual excellent self, throwing for 221 yards and five touchdowns, while also rushing for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Another player making a difference was Raheem Braswell, who gained 144 total yards and a touchdown.
Greater Johnstown's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged two passes before it was all said and done. The picks came courtesy of Zymir Reed and Ronnison Edwards. The dominant performance gave Reed a new career-high in rushing yards.
Westmont Hilltop's loss dropped their record down to 0-4. As for Greater Johnstown, their victory (their first of the season) made their record 1-3.
Saturday's matchup might be decided in the trenches. Westmont Hilltop has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 244.5 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Greater Johnstown struggles in that department as they've been averaging 151.5. It's looking like Saturday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Westmont Hilltop against Greater Johnstown in their previous meeting back in September of 2023 as the squad secured a 35-0 win. Does Westmont Hilltop have another victory up their sleeve, or will Greater Johnstown turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
