Two dominant signal callers in Jj Murphy and JJ Dufour are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Lakeside Dragons are taking a road trip to square off against the Edgewood Warriors at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Lakeside has given up an average of 50.9 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Lakeside is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They and Conneaut were almost perfectly matched up on Friday, but the Dragons suffered a 50-49 loss. The Dragons have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Matthew Wagner, who picked up 171 receiving yards and one score. He also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, making five total tackles and defending one pass. Dae'Veon Gaines was in the mix as well, providing Lakeside with two TDs.
Even if they lost, Lakeside's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Christopher McEachin, Zion Thomas, and Tristan Westerfield, who each picked up one sack apiece. Lakeside received some extra help from Gaines, whose fumble return for a touchdown made for one of the most unforgettable moments.
For whatever reason, it's the away team that's had the advantage when Edgewood and Jefferson Area meet (three straight games heading into this one) and that held true again on Friday. The Warriors blew past the Falcons, posting a 49-7 victory. That looming 49-7 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Warriors yet this season.
Lakeside better keep an eye on Jaiven Pope. He was instrumental in Edgewood's win, rushing for 197 yards and one touchdown while picking up 9.0 yards per carry. Those 197 rushing yards gave Pope a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Dezarion Triplin, who gained 28 total yards and three touchdowns.
Edgewood was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 216 rushing yards. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their rushing yard total in three consecutive contests.
Lakeside's defeat dropped their record down to 1-8. As for Edgewood, they now have a winning record of 5-4.
Lakeside strolled past Edgewood in their previous meeting back in October of 2024 by a score of 36-18. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Dragons since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
