The University Titans will be playing at home against the New Smyrna Beach Barracudas at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, both teams will really light up the scoreboard.
University put the finishing touches on their sixth blowout victory of the season on Friday. They claimed a resounding 41-0 victory over Deltona on the road. Given University's advantage in MaxPreps' Florida football rankings (they are ranked 54th, while Deltona is ranked 375th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
University's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Isaiah Baker led the charge by picking up 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The team also got some help courtesy of Malachi Walters, who threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns while completing 100% of his passes.
The team's defense also helped out by holding Deltona to a paltry 21 yards. A big part of that defensive dominance came down to University's ability to keep the quarterback under pressure: the team laid him out four times before it was all said and done. Leading the way was Mason Moore and his two sacks.
Meanwhile, New Smyrna Beach's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their third straight loss. They fell to Leon 45-41.
Despite the defeat, New Smyrna Beach had strong showings from Armoni Spurlock, who gained 299 total yards and three touchdowns, and Elijah Rooney, who rushed for 182 yards and three touchdowns. Spurlock really tore up the turf during one magnificent 81-yard run.
University has yet to lose a match on the road this season, leaving them with a 9-1 record. Those good results were due in large part to their offensive dominance across that stretch, as they averaged 44.2 points per game. As for New Smyrna Beach, their loss dropped their record down to 6-4.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. University has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 169.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like New Smyrna Beach struggles in that department as they've been averaging 165 per game. It's looking like Friday's match might have some serious battles in the trenches. Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
Everything came up roses for University against New Smyrna Beach when the teams last played back in September as the squad secured a 41-7 victory. Does University have another victory up their sleeve, or will New Smyrna Beach turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
