vs
| 10/18/24 - Home | 42-8 W |
| 09/22/23 - Home | 35-14 W |
| 09/23/22 - Away | 55-0 W |
| 10/01/21 - Home | 37-6 W |
| 10/02/20 - Away | 41-26 W |
| + 4 more games |
Juniata is 8-1 against Halifax since October of 2016 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Indians will head out to take on the Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. Juniata's defense has only allowed 14.6 points per game this season, so Halifax's offense will have their work cut out for them.
Juniata is probably headed into the game with a chip on their shoulder considering Greencastle-Antrim just ended the team's four-game winning streak on Friday. They and the Blue Devils were almost perfectly matched up, but they suffered a 21-20 loss.
Although Juniata took the loss, they still got scores from Joshua Nace, Jason Condo, and Jasper Shepps.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Halifax and Newport meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Friday. The Wildcats put the hurt on the Buffaloes with a sharp 27-7 win. Considering the Wildcats have won four contests by more than 19 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
Juniata better keep an eye on Cohen Bechtel. He was instrumental in Halifax's win, rushing for 155 yards. Bechtel is becoming a predictor of the Wildcats' success: when he posts at least 100 rushing yards the team is undefeated (and 1-3 when he doesn't).
Halifax was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 216 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 160 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.
Halifax didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Curtis Conrad and Bechtel. Bechtel's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 106 rushing yards. Halifax received some extra help from Teegan Carroll, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Juniata's defeat dropped their record down to 5-3. As for Halifax, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 5-3.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Juniata has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 148 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Halifax struggles in that department as they've been averaging 156.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for Juniata against Halifax in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 42-8 win. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Indians since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
