Preview: Central Valley Falcons vs. University Prep Panthers
Central Valley is 0-3 against University Prep since April of 2021 but they'll have a chance to close the gap a little bit on Friday. The Central Valley Falcons will look to defend their home field against the University Prep Panthers at 7:30 p.m. Central Valley will have to bring their A-game into this one, as they are staring down a pretty big deficit in the MaxPreps California Rankings (they are ranked 740th, while University Prep is ranked 278th).
Last Friday, Central Valley was beaten by Lassen 41-6. Central Valley was in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 21-0.
Meanwhile, University Prep entered their tilt with Yreka with seven consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with eight. University Prep simply couldn't be stopped on Friday as they easily beat Yreka 47-14 at home. The result was nothing new for University Prep, who have now won eight games by 22 points or more so far this season.
University Prep had a senior duo take command as Sawyer Hokanson threw for 303 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 12.6 yards per attempt and Bailey Wurzer picked up 84 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Hokanson is on a roll when it comes to passing touchdowns, as he's now passed for three or more in the last five games he's played. DJ Maples made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.
Central Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 5-4. As for University Prep, their win was their seventh straight at home (dating back to last season), bumping their overall record up to 8-1.
Here's a few offensive stats to keep an eye on ahead of Friday's contest: Central Valley has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 229.4 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like University Prep struggles in that department as they've been averaging 186.7 per game. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Central Valley was taken down by University Prep 44-0 when the teams last played back in November of 2022. Will Central Valley have more luck at home instead of on the road?
