Donahue Catholic is on a seven-game streak of home wins (dating back to last season), while Merritt Island Christian is on a seven-game streak of away wins (also dating back to last season): one of those streaks is about to end. The Donahue Catholic Shamrocks will host the Merritt Island Christian Cougars at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
Donahue Catholic is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Florida's top teams: The Classical Academy of Sarasota, who was ranked 23rd in their home state at the time (Donahue Catholic was ranked third). Donahue Catholic breezed by The Classical Academy of Sarasota at home to the tune of 57-7 on Friday. The contest was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 50-0.
Leo Cantwell went supernova for Donahue Catholic, rushing for 108 yards and three touchdowns on only five carries, while also picking up 35 receiving yards. Cantwell also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, picking up two sacks and making seven total tackles (3.0 for loss). Luke Misek was another key player, rushing for 45 yards and two touchdowns.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Donahue Catholic was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 369 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 165 rushing yards in six consecutive games dating back to last season.
On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Donahue Catholic's defense and their three sacks. Cantwell was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up twohimself. His rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 108 rushing yards dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask Merritt Island Christian). They blew past Eastland Christian 48-6 at home last Friday. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the team's high-flying offense, the game also marked the team's biggest victory of the season.
Merritt Island Christian got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Carter Stevenson out in front who rushed for 80 yards and a touchdown. The bulk of thoserushing yards came from one huge play: a run that gained an incredible 80 yards. Jordon Rooks was another key rusher, rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown.
Donahue Catholic's victory bumped their record up to 3-0. As for Merritt Island Christian, their win bumped their record up to 4-0.
Friday's match might be decided in the trenches. Donahue Catholic has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 406 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Merritt Island Christian struggles in that department as they've been averaging 251. It's looking like Friday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Everything came up roses for Donahue Catholic against Merritt Island Christian when the teams last played back in August of 2023 as the squad secured a 40-0 victory. Does Donahue Catholic have another victory up their sleeve, or will Merritt Island Christian turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
