Columbia is 0-3 against Union City since October of 2022 but things could change on Friday. The Cougars will be playing in front of their home fans against the Soaring Eagles at 6:00 p.m. Columbia has given up an average of 27.3 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Columbia is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Bayonne on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Cougars took a blow against the Bees, falling 41-3. The Cougars were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 35-0.
Meanwhile, Union City had already won two in a row (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 55 points) and they went ahead and made it three on Friday. They came within a single point of losing the streak, but they secured a 7-6 W against the Blue Knights. Those seven points were actually the fewest the Soaring Eagles have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Columbia better keep an eye on Naythan Pena. He was instrumental in Union City's win, rushing for 116 yards and one TD while picking up 7.3 yards per carry. Pena has become a key player for the Soaring Eagles: the team is undefeated when he posts at least 80 rushing yards, but 1-3 otherwise.
Union City's defense made their presence known, laying out the QB three times. Khalil Sutton was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two sacks himself.
Union City now has a winning record of 4-3. As for Columbia, they now have a losing record of 3-4.
Columbia was taken down by Union City 48-0 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Cougars, Mark Boyd (who rushed for 61 yards and four touchdowns on only six carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
