Ray is 3-0 against Fort Thomas since September of 2016, and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Friday. The Ray Bearcats will host the Fort Thomas Apaches at 7:00 p.m. Fort Thomas took a loss in their last match and will be looking to turn the tables on Ray, who comes in off a win.
Ray is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Arizona's top teams: Baboquivari, who was ranked 23rd in their home state at the time (Ray was ranked 19th). Ray took down Baboquivari 40-22 on Friday. The Bearcats' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Ray found their leader in underclassman Jesse James, who rushed for 148 yards and two touchdowns on only 12 carries, and also threw for 150 yards and a touchdown. Those 148 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for James. Chase Chester also deserves a mention for his punt return touchdown.
Ray's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged three passes before it was all said and done. It was truly a group effort as Chester, Seth Wade, and Wade picked up one apiece. What's more, Chris Curiel also racked up 14 rushing yards, the mosthe's had since back in September of 2023. Caden Kenney was another major factor on D, picking up two sacks and making four total tackles.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, Ray was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 278 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Fort Thomas entered their contest against Superior on Friday without any home losses, but there's a first time for everything. Fort Thomas was beaten by Superior 50-22. The Apaches have struggled against the Panthers recently, as their game on Friday was their seventh consecutive lost matchup.
Ray's win bumped their record up to 2-3. As for Fort Thomas, they now also have a losing record at 2-3.
Everything came up roses for Ray against Fort Thomas in their previous meeting back in October of 2023, as the squad secured a 70-14 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Fort Thomas' Justin Kitcheyan, who picked up 159 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Ray still be able to contain Kitcheyan? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
