Two dominant backs in Tony O'Banner and Nych Underwood are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Thomas Heyward Academy Rebels will head out on the road to take on the Beaufort Academy Eagles at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Beaufort Academy is hoping to do what Carolina Academy couldn't on Friday: put an end to Thomas Heyward Academy's winning streak, which now stands at five games. Thomas Heyward Academy simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Carolina Academy 51-6. That 45 point margin sets a new team best for the Rebels this season.
It was another big night for O'Banner, who rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns on only seven carries, and also caught a touchdown. The bulk of those rushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 78 yards. Another back making a difference was Colton Young, who rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries.
Thomas Heyward Academy was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 330 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 179 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.
Thomas Heyward Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Drew Willis and Joshua Gibson.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Beaufort Academy). They took their match on Friday with ease, bagging a 49-0 win over Andrew Jackson Academy. The victory made it back-to-back wins for the Eagles.
Underwood and Dietrich Shuford were among the main playmakers for Beaufort Academy as the former gained 122 total yards and four touchdowns and the latter threw for 137 yards and two touchdowns while completing 87.5% of his passes. Devin Fripp got in on the action as well, returning a kick for a touchdown.
Thomas Heyward Academy's victory bumped their record up to 8-1. As for Beaufort Academy, their win bumped their record up to 7-3.
Friday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. Thomas Heyward Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 291.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Beaufort Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 258.9. It's looking like Friday's game might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Thomas Heyward Academy beat Beaufort Academy 41-28 in their previous matchup back in October of 2023. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Beaufort Academy's Jaxen Porter, who rushed for 153 yards and three touchdowns, and also picked up 37 receiving yards. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for Thomas Heyward Academy to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
