Two dominant backs in Xavion Lesure and Grant Boyd are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Washington Hatchets will face off against the Pike Central Chargers at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Washington's defense has only allowed 14.6 points per game this season, so Pike Central's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Washington took a loss when they played away from home two weeks ago, but their home fans gave them all the motivation they needed on Friday. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat Princeton 42-8 at home. The Hatchets might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three games by 21 points or more this season.
Lesure was his usual excellent self, rushing for 207 yards and three touchdowns while picking up 11.5 yards per carry. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 120.4 rushing yards per game. Brody Isza did his part to keep the secondary busy, picking up 101 receiving yards.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Washington was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 258 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2023.
Washington's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged two passes before it was all said and done. The picks came courtesy of Cordell Turner and Cooper Wright.
Meanwhile, Pike Central was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They fell 27-16 to South Spencer.
Despite the defeat, Pike Central got top-tier performance from Boyd, who rushed for 134 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.9 yards per carry.
Pike Central wouldn't let South Spencer keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Pike Central can thank Arie Oneal and Justin Spinks for forcing both of them. Briar Thomas was another major factor on D, making 14 total tackles (3.0 for loss).
Washington's victory was their third straight at home, which pushed their record up to 4-1. As for Pike Central, they now have a losing record at 2-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided in the on the ground. Washington has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 177.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Pike Central struggles in that department as they've been averaging 209.6. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Washington against Pike Central when the teams last played back in September of 2023, as the squad secured a 41-13 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for Washington since the team won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
