After two games on the road, West Ranch is heading back home. They will host the Saugus Centurions at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
West Ranch came up short against Hart on Friday, falling 48-27. While losing is never fun, the Wildcats can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' California football rankings (they are ranked 318th, while the Hawks are ranked 141st).
Despite the loss, West Ranch got top-tier performance from Luke Deperno, who rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.3 yards per carry, and also picked up 80 receiving yards and a touchdown. Deperno torched the secondary when he pulled down a catch that went for 75 yards.
Meanwhile, Saugus came into Friday's matchup having lost four straight, but that streak is now in the rearview. They skirted past Canyon 27-24.
Matt Long had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns on only ten carries. He also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, making eight total tackles and defending a pass. Obinna Okere was another key player, rushing for 72 yards and a touchdown.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Saugus was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 206 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
West Ranch now has a losing record at 2-3. As for Saugus, their win ended an eight-game drought at home dating back to last season and bumped them up to 2-4.
Friday's contest might be decided in the trenches. West Ranch has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 156 rushing yards per game. It's a different story for Saugus, though, as they've been averaging only 72.2. How will they fare against such a dominant running game?
Everything came up roses for West Ranch against Saugus when the teams last played back in September of 2023, as the team secured a 28-0 victory. Does West Ranch have another victory up their sleeve, or will Saugus turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
