Two dominant signal callers in Will Shepard and Savoy Nichols are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Belton Tigers will head out to face off against the University Trojans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Belton will aim to continue their three-game streak of scoring more points each game than the last.
Belton is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They came out on top against Ellison by a score of 53-42 on Thursday. The victory was some much needed relief for the Tigers as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.
Belton found their leader in sophomore Shepard, who rushed for 123 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 7.7 yards per carry, and also threw for 274 yards and three TDs while completing 88.2% of his passes.
Meanwhile, University hadn't done well against Rudder recently (they were 0-3 in their previous three matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Thursday. The Trojans really took it to the Rangers for the full four quarters, racking up a 58-3 win. The Trojans might be getting used to big wins seeing as the team has won three contests by 24 points or more this season.
Belton better keep an eye on London Smith. He was instrumental in University's win, picking up 134 receiving yards and a pair of scores. Smith also hauled in two receiving touchdowns, which is notable because the Trojans are 2-1 when he posts at least two receiving touchdowns, but 1-2 otherwise. Ray Brown Jr. was another key player, rushing for 61 yards and one touchdown.
Wins are hard to come by when you can't run the rock, something University proved: they limited Rudder to a paltry 1.3 yards per carry. While two picked up at least six total tackles, Ronald Derrick stood above the rest. He picked up two sacks and made six total tackles. University didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 7.7.
University's defense didn't let Sylas Sullivan, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for four sacks. Rudder's QB won't forget Derrick anytime soon given he sacked him twice. Derrick also set a new season-high mark in total tackles with six.
The victory got Belton back to even at 3-3. As for University, the win also got them back to even at 3-3.
We should be in store for an exciting game as the two teams have no problem gaining yardage. Belton has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 388.3 total yards per game. However, it's not like University struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 383.7 total yards. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Belton couldn't quite get it done against University in their previous meeting back in October of 2024 as they fell 35-25. Can the Tigers avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
