The East Central HomeSchool Patriots will challenge the Ezekiel Academy Knights at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Keep an eye on the score for this one: the two teams posted some lofty point totals in their previous games.
East Central HomeSchool is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Alabama's top teams: Lighthouse HomeSchool, who was ranked 15th at the time (East Central HomeSchool was ranked ninth). The Patriots walked away with a 40-30 win over the Warriors last Friday. The Patriots' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Micah Smith had a dynamite game, picking up 175 receiving yards and two TDs. He showed off some serious burst, connecting on a big catch for 64 yards.
East Central HomeSchool didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Smith. East Central HomeSchool got some further help from Nick Nelson: he picked up a sack and made 17 total tackles.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Ezekiel Academy against Trinity Christian Homeschool on Friday as the team secured a 48-6 victory. The matchup marked the Knights' most dominant win of the season.
A big part of Ezekiel Academy's victory came down to the chemistry between Parker Weston and his top target Donovan Gentry. Weston threw for 202 yards and five touchdowns on only 14 passes while Gentry picked up 168 receiving yards and four scores.
East Central HomeSchool now has a winning record of 3-2. As for Ezekiel Academy, the win got them back to even at 3-3.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. East Central HomeSchool has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 158.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Ezekiel Academy struggles in that department as they've been averaging 166.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for East Central HomeSchool against Ezekiel Academy in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, as the squad secured a 61-34 victory. Will the Patriots repeat their success, or do the Knights have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
