For the first time this season, Elizabeth will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will look to defend their home field on Friday against the Strasburg Indians at 7:00 p.m. The two teams have allowed few points on average (Elizabeth 12, Strasburg 9.2) so any points scored will be well earned.
Elizabeth's defense heads into the game hoping to repeat the dominance they displayed on Friday. They claimed a resounding 41-0 victory over Pagosa Springs. That looming 41-0 mark stands out as the most commanding margin for the Cardinals yet this season.
Griffin Widhalm
| 09/26/25 vs Pagosa Springs | 149.3 |
| 08/29/24 vs Sierra | 131.6 |
| 08/22/25 @ Glenwood Springs | 114.2 |
| 09/27/24 @ Pagosa Springs | 79.2 |
| 08/23/24 vs Glenwood Springs | 55 |
Griffin Widhalm went supernova, rushing for 112 yards and two scores on only five carries, while also throwing for 120 yards and one TD on only six passes. The dominant performance also gave him a new career-high in passer rating (149.3). Another player making a difference was Andrew Martinez, who gained 109 total yards and a touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: Elizabeth was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 313 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pagosa Springs only rushed for 183.
Meanwhile, Strasburg strolled into their game on Friday with a perfect record and they left with the same. They walked away with a 14-7 win over Wiggins. Those 14 points were actually the fewest the Indians have put up all season, but given the result they're probably not too concerned.
Elizabeth better keep an eye on Cade Hemphill. He was instrumental in Strasburg's win, rushing for 184 yards and one touchdown while picking up 8.0 yards per carry, and also picking up 51 receiving yards. Hemphill's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his fourth straight game with at least 141 rushing yards.
Elizabeth's victory bumped their record up to 4-1. As for Strasburg, their win bumped their record up to 5-0.
Friday's contest might be decided on the ground. Elizabeth has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 212.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Strasburg struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 185 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Elizabeth was able to grind out a solid victory over Strasburg in their previous matchup back in October of 2024, winning 13-0. Will the Cardinals repeat their success, or do the Indians have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
