After two games on the road, Smith-Cotton is heading back home. They will welcome the Hickman Kewpies  at 7:00  p.m.  on Friday. The two teams are at an even 4-4 against one another  since October of 2016, but likely not for long.
 Smith-Cotton is headed in fresh off scoring the most  points they have all season. They took  a  35-28 hit to the loss column at the hands of Jefferson City on Friday. The  loss   continues a  trend for the Tigers in their matchups with the Jays: they've now lost five in a row.
 Despite their  defeat, Smith-Cotton saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays.  Beau Gray, who threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries, was perhaps the best of all. Another player making a difference was  Kyren Staten, who gained 110 total yards and two touchdowns.
 Smith-Cotton'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  Nikah Cole and  Emanuel Neal.  Samuel Wright was another major factor on D,  making 16 total tackles (2.0 for loss).
 Meanwhile, Hickman came into Friday's   contest having lost 13 straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They enjoyed a cozy  34-20 victory over Battle/Columbia Independent on Friday.
 Smith-Cotton's loss dropped their record down to 0-4. As for Hickman, their  win (their first of the  season) made their record 1-3.
 Smith-Cotton took their  victory against Hickman  in their previous matchup  back in September of 2023 by a conclusive  52-28. Does  Smith-Cotton have another victory up their sleeve, or will Hickman turn the tables on them?  We'll have the answer soon enough.
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