South hasn't had much luck against Tehachapi recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The South Spartans and the Tehachapi Warriors are set to duel. South is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 28 points per game this season.
South is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering North just ended the team's six-game winning streak on Friday. They were just a hair shy of victory and fell 27-26 to the Stars. Despite 182 more yards than the Stars, the Spartans couldn't convert that extra yardage to scores.
Despite the loss, South got top-tier performance from Josh Encinas, who threw for 364 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 15.2 yards per attempt, and also rushed for 48 yards. Gyrell Hasley also played a phenomenal game despite the final result: he picked up 126 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, Tehachapi entered their tilt with Golden Valley on Friday with three consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with four. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Bulldogs 42-7. The result was nothing new for the Warriors, who have now won six matches by 28 points or more so far this season.
Tehachapi got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Colton Michael out in front who threw for 145 yards and two touchdowns while completing 77.8% of his passes. Cyler Hoofard was Michael's top target, picking up 75 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
South's defeat ended a six-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 7-2. As for Tehachapi, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 7-2.
Friday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. South has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 188.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Tehachapi struggles in that department as they've been averaging 245.4. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
South was dealt a bruising 35-7 loss at the hands of Tehachapi in their previous matchup back in September of 2023. Can South avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
