Ponder will challenge Vernon at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The two teams have allowed few points on average (Ponder 10.8, Vernon 11) so any points scored will be well earned.
Ponder is headed into the contest with an undefeated record on the line, something Boyd almost spoiled on Friday. The Lions sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 32-29 win over the Yellowjackets. The game was the first time the Lions have beaten the Yellowjackets on their field since October 14, 2016.
Tyson Price
| 09/26/25 @ Boyd | 217 |
| 09/19/25 vs Bonham | 27 |
| 09/12/25 vs Gainesville | 185 |
| 08/29/25 @ Venus | 49 |
It was another big night for Tyson Price, who rushed for 217 yards and one score on only ten carries, and also threw for 281 yards and a pair of TDs while completing 83.3% of his passes. With that strong performance, he is now averaging an impressive 119.5 rushing yards per game. Mason Lozano also made an appearance on special teams (luckily for Ponder): his a 47-yard strike wound up winning them the game.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Ponder was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 290 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in September of 2024.
Ponder's defense stepped up as well, laying out Cash Selby three times. Kannon Clark was particularly dangerous to the passing game, picking up two sacks himself.
Meanwhile, Vernon might've scored the first points on Friday, but it was Paradise who claimed the real prize. The Lions took a 29-22 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Panthers. The loss was the Lions' first of the season.
Although Vernon took the loss, they still got scores from Ty Scott, Tyce Payne, and Jamari Chance.
Having lost for the first time this season, Vernon fell to 4-1. As for Ponder, their victory bumped their record up to 4-0.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Ponder has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 198.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Vernon struggles in that department as they've been averaging 156.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Ponder couldn't quite finish off Vernon in their previous matchup back in October of 2024 and fell 38-35. Will Ponder have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other football content.
