The Superior Panthers will challenge the Lincoln Prep Lightning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Superior will be hoping to continue their three-game streak of scoring more points each match than the last.
Superior is coming in fresh off a high-stakes matchup with another one of Arizona's top teams: Fort Thomas, who was ranked 21st in their home state at the time (Superior was ranked 13th). Superior blew past Fort Thomas 50-22 on the road on Friday. The Panthers' offense stepped up their game for this one, as that was the most points they've scored all season.
Antonio Lopez was a one-man wrecking crew for Superior as he rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns on only seven carries, and also threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns while completing 85.7% of his passes. The dominant performance gave Lopez a new career-high in rushing yards. Andrew Blair was another key player, rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Superior was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 228 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
One reason for the win was Superior's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for five sacks. The heavy lifting was done by Adam Sandoval and Ryland Duarte, who racked up four sacks between them.
Meanwhile, Lincoln Prep has relied on a stalwart defense averaging 16.6 points allowed per game, but that average took a hit on Friday. They took a blow against Hayden, falling 57-14. The Lightning's defeat signaled the end of their five-game winning streak dating back to last season.
Despite the loss, Lincoln Prep saw an underclassman step up: Connor Mewhinney picked up 124 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Mewhinney was no stranger to the big play, lighting up the secondary with a catch that went for 55 yards.
Lincoln Prep wouldn't let Hayden keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force three fumbles. Lincoln Prep can thank Tanner Finlinson and Lincoln Carlson for forcing all of them.
Superior's win bumped their record up to 2-3. As for Lincoln Prep, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 4-1.
Everything came up roses for Superior against Lincoln Prep in their previous matchup back in October of 2023, as the squad secured a 66-24 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Lincoln Prep's Parker Filleman, who threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will Superior still be able to contain Filleman? There's only one way to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
