University is 0-8 against Palisades since October of 2015 but things could change on Friday. The Wildcats will take on the Dolphins at 7:00 p.m. University's defense has only allowed 14.4 points per game this season, so Palisades' offense will have their work cut out for them.
University was handed a 20-point loss in their previous outing, but that didn't affect their clutch gene on Friday. They pulled ahead with a 27-26 photo finish over Hamilton. The score was all tied up 14-14 at the break, but the Wildcats were the better team in the second half.
University found their leader in sophomore William Biddle, who rushed for 75 yards and two scores. Messiah Burton was in the mix too, providing the Wildcats with one touchdown.
University was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 207 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Hamilton only rushed for 41.
Meanwhile, Palisades strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Venice, sneaking past 56-54. Surprisingly, this marked the Dolphins' fifth straight game in which the away team has come away the victor.
Palisades' win came from a few key players University will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Jack Thomas, who threw for 473 yards and five TDs while picking up 11.0 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 52 yards. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 313.7 passing yards per game. Harrison Carter was another key player, gaining 187 total yards and three touchdowns.
Palisades didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Tavian Talbert, Demare Dezeurn, and Enzo Allen picked up one apiece. Allen is also crushing it when it comes to total tackles: he's made at least six every time he's taken the field this season. Dezeurn got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
University's record is now 6-1. As for Palisades, their record now sits at 7-0.
University was dealt a bruising 56-14 defeat at the hands of Palisades in their previous matchup back in October of 2024. A big factor in that loss was the dominant performance of Thomas, who threw for 293 yards and five touchdowns while completing 85% of his passes. Now that the Wildcats know the damage he can cause, will they be able to stop him this time? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
