The Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Gryphons will head out on the road to face off against the Union Academy Cardinals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy hasn't scored more than seven points for four games straight, a trend the team is eager to reverse.
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against South Stanly on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. The Gryphons took a blow against the Rowdy Rebel Bulls, falling 49-0.
Meanwhile, Union Academy came up short against Albemarle on Friday and fell 31-24. The loss continues a trend for the Cardinals in their meetings with the Bulldogs: they've now lost five in a row.
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy will have to keep a close watch on Nico Mendoza and Gavin Short, a pair of players who had a big impact on Union Academy's prior game. Mendoza threw for 160 yards and two touchdowns, while Short picked up 52 receiving yards and one score.
Even if they lost, Union Academy's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. John Souza refused to say out of the backfield, picking up 1.5 sacks all by himself. Union Academy got some further help from Souza: he picked up 1.5 sacks, made eight total tackles (2.0 for loss), and defended one pass.
Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy's record is now 3-5. As for Union Academy, their record now sits at an identical 3-5.
Everything came up roses for Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy against Union Academy when the teams last played back in November of 2019, as the squad secured a 56-0 victory. Will the Gryphons repeat their success, or do the Cardinals have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
