Kettle Run is on a five-game streak of home wins, while Skyline is on a five-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Cougars will square off against the Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Kettle Run's defense has only allowed 5.5 points per game this season, so Skyline's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Kettle Run is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They were the clear victors by a 35-12 margin over Brentsville District. The Cougars might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won eight matchups by 23 points or more this season.
This one was won in the trenches and the lion's share of the credit has to go to Carter Lubbe and Jonathan Taylor. Lubbe rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown while picking up 8.1 yards per carry while Taylor rushed for 70 yards and one score.
Kettle Run was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 287 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in August.
Kettle Run didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. Dycen Tapscott picked up that interception and then proceeded to rub salt in the wound by taking it back the other way for a touchdown. He got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Meanwhile, in a tight game that could have gone either way, Skyline made off with a 14-13 victory over Culpeper County.
Kettle Run better keep an eye on Zayden Burks. He was instrumental in Skyline's win, rushing for 183 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 7.6 yards per carry. Burks also punched in two rushing touchdowns, which is notable because the Hawks are undefeated when he posts at least two rushing touchdowns, but 0-3 otherwise.
Skyline's win bumped their record up to 9-3. As for Kettle Run, their victory bumped their record up to 11-1.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Kettle Run has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 153.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Skyline struggles in that department as they've been averaging 272.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Kettle Run against Skyline when the teams last played back in September, as the squad secured a 36-0 win. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Hawks turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.