The Ligonier Valley Rams are taking a road trip to challenge the Steel Valley Ironmen at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ligonier Valley has given up an average of 34.6 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Ligonier Valley came up short against South Park on Friday, falling 42-21.
Meanwhile, Steel Valley was fully in charge on Saturday, breezing past Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 38-6. Considering the Ironmen have won four contests by more than 31 points this season, Saturday's blowout was nothing new.
Ligonier Valley better keep an eye on Da`Ron Barksdale. He was instrumental in Steel Valley's win, rushing for 126 yards and one touchdown on only 14 carries. Barksdale got the majority of those rushing yards when he took off on a run that went for an incredible 77 yards.
Steel Valley didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. The picks came courtesy of Barksdale and Ashad Dye. Barksdale is also crushing it when it comes to rushing yards: he's rushed for at least 109 every time he's taken the field this season. Steel Valley received some extra help from Rayvon Price, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
Steel Valley has been performing well recently as they've won four of their last five matchups. That's provided a nice bump to their 5-3 record this season. Those wins came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 7.4 points on average over those games. As for Ligonier Valley, their loss dropped their record down to 1-7.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Ligonier Valley has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 172.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Steel Valley struggles in that department as they've been averaging 169.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Ligonier Valley took a serious blow against Steel Valley in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, falling 53-7. Thankfully for the Rams, Donald Barksdale (who rushed for 314 yards and three TDs on only five carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
