Palma has won six straight games at home (dating back to last season), while Soquel has won six straight on the road, but those streaks won't matter much on Friday. The Chieftains will host the Knights at 7:30 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Palma had to skate by with only a one-point margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 23-point drubbing they dealt North Salinas on Friday. The Chieftains blew past the Vikings 37-14. Those 37 points were actually the fewest the Chieftains have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Eli Dukes
| 10/24/25 @ North Salinas | 5 |
| 10/17/25 vs Salinas | 4 |
| 10/04/25 @ Carmel | 3 |
| 09/19/25 vs Monterey | 3 |
| 11/23/24 vs Menlo School | 3 |
It was another big night for Eli Dukes, who rushed for 223 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 12.4 yards per carry. Those five rushing touchdowns gave him a new career-high.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Palma was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 297 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 268 rushing yards every time they've taken the field this season.
Meanwhile, Soquel won against North Salinas two weeks ago with 41 points and they decided to stick to that point total again on Friday. The Knights took their contest with ease, bagging a 41-7 victory over Hollister. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Knights' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 60th, while the Haybalers are ranked 409th).
Palma better keep an eye on Sam Whelan. He was instrumental in Soquel's win, throwing for 273 yards and four TDs while completing 76.5% of his passes, and also rushing for 59 yards and one score on only five carries. Keyandre Bailey was another key rusher, rushing for 81 yards and one touchdown.
Soquel didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Luke Santee and Wyatt Nichols.
Soquel's win bumped their record up to 8-0. As for Palma, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 8-0.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Palma has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 332.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Soquel struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 170.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Palma lost to Soquel at home by a decisive 32-14 margin in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. Thankfully for the Chieftains, Tyreis Lundy (who rushed for 170 yards and one score on only 13 carries) 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.
