The Aquinas Fightin' Irish will face off against the West Laurens Raiders at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both come into the contest bolstered by wins in their previous matches.
On Friday, Aquinas earned a 27-20 win over Baldwin.
Jack Rhodes produced another solid effort throwing for 204 yards and two TDs on only 15 passes, while also rushing for 49 yards and one score. He didn't just play on offense: he also made four total tackles and defended three passes. Christian Kates was another key player, picking up 111 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Meanwhile, West Laurens strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They breezed past Hephzibah to the tune of 42-7. The result was nothing new for the Raiders, who have now won four matchups by 35 points or more so far this season.
West Laurens had a senior duo take command as Cason Pollack threw for 160 yards and three TDs while completing 75% of his passes and Branden Brooks gained 181 total yards. Brooks got the majority of those receiving yards when he pulled down a pass and took off for a gain of 57 yards.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: West Laurens was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 248 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 176 rushing yards in 14 consecutive games dating back to last season.
One reason for the win was West Laurens' imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. That dominant display was truly a team effort as four different players picked up one apiece. They got some further help from Maxx Chafin: he picked up a sack, forced one fumble, and made ten total tackles.
Aquinas' victory bumped their record up to 6-2. As for West Laurens, their win bumped their record up to 8-0.
We should be in store for an exciting game as the two teams have no problem gaining yardage. Aquinas has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 386.5 total yards per game. However, it's not like West Laurens struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 383.6 total yards. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Aquinas couldn't quite get it done against West Laurens in their previous meeting back in October of 2024 as they fell 48-38. Will the Fightin' 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.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
