Two dominant backs in Loreynzo Sanchez and Nathan Kiger are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Polk County Wolverines will head out to square off against the East Surry Cardinals at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Polk County has given up an average of 32.2 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Friday, Polk County ended up a good deal behind Hendersonville and lost 37-21. While losing is never fun, the Wolverines can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 323rd, while the Bearcats are ranked 156th).
The losing side was boosted by Styler Blackwell, who picked up 128 receiving yards and one TD. He also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, picking up a sack and making ten total tackles.
Don't try to pin the team's loss on the defense: they kept the trenches locked down and allowed a mere 2.2 yards per carry. The team can thank Blackwell for the heroic effort on defense: he. Polk County is winless (0-5) when they shut down the run game so well.
Polk County's defensive line didn't let JaRon Ward, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for four sacks. Leading the way was Acer Eadus with two.
Meanwhile, after soaring to 41 points the game before, East Surry was a bit more limited in their contest on Friday. They were outmatched by Mount Airy and fell 54-13. The Cardinals were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 28-7.
Polk County will have to contain JB Davis as he made an impact in East Surry's last game. He threw for 193 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Polk County has traveled a rocky road recently, having lost five of their last six games. That's put a noticeable dent in their 3-7 record this season. As for East Surry, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-6.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Polk County has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 178.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like East Surry struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 218.9 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Polk County was taken down by East Surry 41-7 in their previous matchup back in April of 2021. Thankfully for the Wolverines, Luke Bullington (who rushed for 162 yards and three scores while picking up 10.1 yards per carry) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
