The Calhoun Academy Cougars will head out on the road to challenge the Newton County Academy Generals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the match bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
Calhoun Academy is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Mississippi's top teams: Deer Creek, who was ranked 14th in their home state at the time (Calhoun Academy was ranked tenth). Calhoun Academy secured a 30-24 W over Deer Creek on Friday.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Calhoun Academy to victory, but perhaps none more so than Layton Logan, who rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 8.7 yards per carry. The team also got some help courtesy of Carsen Stegall, who rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Calhoun Academy's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged two passes before it was all said and done. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Bronnor Bingham.
Meanwhile, Newton County Academy never let their opponents score on Friday. They claimed a resounding 55-0 win over Kemper Academy at home. That looming 55-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Generals yet this season.
Ty Thrash was his usual excellent self, rushing for 59 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing for 180 yards and three touchdowns on only 12 passes. Newton County Academy is undefeated when Thrash posts three or more passing touchdowns, but 1-2 otherwise. Cooper Savell was in the mix too, providing Newton County Academy with two touchdowns.
Another reason for the win was Newton County Academy's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for 14 sacks. Harrison Wall and Amos Castillo were the leaders of the group effort as each produced four apiece. Castillo is also on a roll when it comes to total tackles, as he's now made five or more in the last eight games he's played dating back to last season.
Calhoun Academy's record is now 2-3. As for Newton County Academy, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 4-2.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Calhoun Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 237 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Newton County Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 263.5. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Calhoun Academy skirted past Newton County Academy 48-46 in their previous matchup back in September of 2023. The rematch might be a little tougher for Calhoun Academy since the squad 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
