Grove City hasn't had much luck against New Albany recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Grove City Greyhounds will head out to challenge the New Albany Eagles at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Grove City's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points every time they've taken the field this season.
Last Friday, Grove City made easy work of Hilliard Darby and carried off a 42-16 victory. Given the Greyhounds' advantage in MaxPreps' Ohio football rankings (they are ranked 46th, while the Panthers are ranked 241st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Grove City relied on the efforts of Ayden Mckinstry, who gained 156 total yards and four touchdowns, and Carson Welsh, who threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns while completing 75% of his passes. Mckinstry's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his fifth straight game with at least 109 rushing yards dating back to last season. A healthy portion of that aerial production (92 yards to be exact) went to Owen Steele, who also brought in a receiving touchdown.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for New Albany, who bounced back after a loss on the road two weeks ago. They skirted past Hilliard Bradley 17-14. The win was some much needed relief for the Eagles as it spelled an end to their five-game losing streak dating back to last season.
New Albany was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 325 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted was before the start of last season.
Grove City's victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 5-0. As for New Albany, their win (their first of the season) made their record 1-4.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Grove City has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 177.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like New Albany struggles in that department as they've been averaging 227.4. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Grove City and New Albany were neck-and-neck in their previous matchup back in September of 2023, but Grove City came up empty-handed after a 25-24 defeat. Thankfully for Grove City, Joseph Owusu-Ansah (who rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
