Football Preview: Topsail Pirates vs. New Hanover Wildcats
Topsail has played every game this season on their home field, but they'll have to hit the road on Friday. They are packing up and heading out on the road for their first away game this season. they square off against the New Hanover Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. Topsail will be strutting in after a victory while New Hanover will be coming in after a defeat.
On Monday, Topsail strolled past West Brunswick with points to spare, taking the game 24-7.
Damarion Smith went supernova for Topsail, rushing for 43 yards and a touchdown, while also picking up 38 receiving yards and a touchdown. Eli Hebron was in the mix as well, providing Topsail with a touchdown.
Meanwhile, New Hanover fought the good fight in their overtime match against Pinecrest last Friday but wound up with a less-than-desirable result. They and the Patriots were almost perfectly matched up, but they suffered a 28-27 loss. The loss was the Wildcats' first of the season.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Marqueze Higgins, who rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Jacob Monroe, who threw for 184 yards and a touchdown.
Even if they lost, New Hanover's defense still kept up the pressure with 4.5 sacks. Allex Jenkins was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up twohimself. Another thorn in Pinecrest's side was Mikko Skinner, who made 14 total tackles (3.0 for loss).
Topsail now has a winning record of 2-1. As for New Hanover, their defeat was their first of the season and also makes their record 2-1.
We should be in store for an exciting game as both have no problem gaining yardage. Topsail has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 399.3 total yards per game. However, it's not like New Hanover struggles in that department as they've been averaging 359.3. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Topsail came up short against New Hanover in their previous meeting back in September of 2023, falling 16-9. Can Topsail avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
