Foard is on a 19-game streak of home losses (dating back to last season), St. Stephens a ten-game streak of away losses (dating back to last season), but someone's luck is about to change. The Foard Tigers will take on the St. Stephens Indians at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Having both just faced considerable losses, both teams are looking to turn things around.
It's never fun to lose, and it's even less fun to lose 61-14, which was the final score in Foard's tilt against Hickory last Thursday. While losing is never fun, Foard can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina football rankings (they are ranked 332nd, while Hickory is ranked 35th).
Despite the loss, Foard had strong showings from Deontae Mcilwain, who rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown, and Chris Mazo, who rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown.
Meanwhile, St. Stephens took a serious blow against Statesville last Thursday, falling 48-10.
The losing side was boosted by Ty Mclauchlin, who gained 123 total yards and a touchdown.
The losses dropped both teams to an identical 0-9.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground as these two are both standouts in the run game. Foard has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 156.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like St. Stephens struggles in that department as they've been even better at 161.3 per game. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Foard was taken down by St. Stephens 50-21 in their previous meeting back in October of 2022. Will Foard have more luck at home instead of on the road?
