The Harrells Christian Academy Crusaders will head out to square off against the High Point Christian Academy Cougars at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Harrells Christian Academy is on a roll after a high-stakes playoff matchup on Friday. They blew past Hickory Grove Christian 41-21. The Crusaders haven't had any issues with the Lions recently, as the game was their fifth consecutive victory against them.
This one was won in the trenches and the lion's share of the credit has to go to Jarrod Miller and Jeremiah Davis. Miller rushed for 185 yards and four scores while picking up 10.3 yards per carry while Davis rushed for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 14 carries. Davis really tore up the turf during one magnificent 74-yard run.
Harrells Christian Academy didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Hickory Grove Christian to a completion percentage of just 46.2%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Jesse Smith and Xander Garcia, who each logged one passes deflected. Sadly, that's becoming something of a trend for Harrells Christian Academy; they were averaging 61.8%completion percentage earlier this season, but in their last three games they've fallen to only 61.8%.
Harrells Christian Academy didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Dashaun McKoy.
Meanwhile, it was a proper cat-fight when High Point Christian Academy took on Covenant Day last Friday. The Cougars breezed past the Lions to the tune of 65-0. The final result isn't all that surprising considering the Cougars' considerable advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 33rd, while the Lions are ranked 317th).
Harrells Christian Academy better keep an eye on Jaylen Moore. He was instrumental in High Point Christian Academy's win, rushing for 174 yards and five TDs on only 13 carries, while also picking up 59 receiving yards and one score. Moore's rushing production has been exceptional for a while as that marked his 20th straight game with at least 100 rushing yards dating back to last season. Hez Krider was another key player, gaining 122 total yards and two touchdowns.
One reason for the win was High Point Christian Academy's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for six sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Dorian Parker and Micah Russell, who racked up five sacks between them.
Harrells Christian Academy's record now sits at 9-2. As for High Point Christian Academy, their record is now 10-0.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Harrells Christian Academy has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 253.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like High Point Christian Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 281 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Harrells Christian Academy suffered a grim 56-35 defeat to High Point Christian Academy in their previous matchup back in September. That game was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Crusaders were down 35-6.
