Two dominant backs in Audiel Becker and Zion Bell are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Chapman Irish will host the Rock Creek Mustangs at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for Chapman: they have been struggling with six straight losses at home dating back to last season, while Rock Creek has snatched up six consecutive wins on the road also dating back to last season.
Chapman is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They were the clear victors by a 36-16 margin over Marysville on Friday.
Chapman's defense made their presence known, laying out the QB three times. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Brecken Francis, Isaac VanMeter, and Neziah Brown, who each picked up one sack apiece.
Meanwhile, Rock Creek got themselves on the board against Concordia on Friday, but Concordia never followed suit. They simply couldn't be stopped as they easily beat the Panthers 48-0. Considering the Mustangs have won five matchups by more than 37 points this season, Friday's blowout was nothing new.
A big part of Rock Creek's victory came down to the chemistry between Tate Smith and his top target Luke Skinner. Smith threw for 335 yards and five touchdowns while picking up 15.2 yards per attempt while Skinner picked up 209 receiving yards and three TDs. Skinner really caught the secondary sleeping when he pulled down a catch that went for 74 yards.
Wins are hard to come by when you can't run the rock, something Rock Creek proved: they limited Concordia to a paltry 0.7 yards per carry. The team can thank Wade Rottinghaus for the heroic effort on defense: he. Rock Creek didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 6.9.
Chapman's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-6. As for Rock Creek, their victory bumped their record up to 7-0.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Chapman has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 217.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Rock Creek struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 211.1 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Chapman was taken down by Rock Creek 69-6 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Will the Irish have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
