Football Game Preview: Edinburgh Lancers vs. North Central Thunderbirds

The Edinburgh Lancers will head out on the road to challenge the North Central Thunderbirds at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Edinburgh has given up an average of 37.4 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Edinburgh came into their game on Friday off a hard-fought close win, but unfortunately suffered a serious change of fortune. They were beaten by Switzerland County 48-6. While losing is never fun, the Lancers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana football rankings (they are ranked 311th, while the Pacers are ranked 148th).

Meanwhile, the third road matchup was the charm for North Central, as they earned their first away win of the season. They claimed a resounding 41-6 victory over Mitchell. Considering the Thunderbirds have won three games by more than 21 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.

Edinburgh better keep an eye on Lane Simmons. He was instrumental in North Central's win, rushing for 112 yards and four TDs on only 15 carries. The team also got some help courtesy of Lane Phegley, who threw for 240 yards and one touchdown while completing 84.6% of his passes.

Edinburgh's loss dropped their record down to 1-4. As for North Central, the win got them back to even at 3-3.

Edinburgh ended up a good deal behind North Central when the teams last played back in October of 2024, losing 25-6. Thankfully for the Lancers, Travaughn Cockrell (who rushed for 178 yards and three scores while picking up 10.5 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.