The Walnut Grove Warriors and the Madison County Red Raiders are set to duel on Friday. Walnut Grove is coming into the game on a three-game losing streak.
Walnut Grove is headed into the matchup having just suffered their closest defeat since August 18, 2023 on Friday. They fell just short of Flowery Branch by a score of 20-17.
Walnut Grove might have lost, but man, Emadd Howard was a machine: he rushed for 260 yards and a touchdown while picking up 8.4 yards per carry. Howard really tore up the turf during one magnificent 75-yard run.
Walnut Grove didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Jaden Brooks, Brent Chay, and Colin Kimsey picked up one apiece. Another thorn in Flowery Branch's side was Jake Moss, who picked up a sack and made 12 total tackles.
Even though they lost, Walnut Grove was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 336 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 165 rushing yards in ten consecutive matches dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Madison County came into Friday's contest having lost five straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They breezed by Cedar Shoals at home to the tune of 35-3 on Friday. That looming 35-3 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Red Raiders yet this season.
Walnut Grove's loss dropped their record down to 4-4. As for Madison County, their win ended a five-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 3-5.
Walnut Grove took a serious blow against Madison County in their previous matchup back in October of 2023, falling 56-14. Can Walnut Grove avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
