Two dominant backs in Malik Tyler and Reante Byrd are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Harlem Bulldogs are taking a road trip to take on the Hephzibah Rebels at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. Harlem is looking to tack on another W to their seven-game streak on the road dating back to last season.
Last Tuesday, everything went Harlem's way against Academy of Richmond County as Harlem made off with a 35-14 victory. Given the Bulldogs' advantage in MaxPreps' Georgia football rankings (they are ranked 119th, while the Musketeers are ranked 341st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Harlem to victory, but perhaps none more so than Finn Martin, who rushed for 136 yards while picking up 7.6 yards per carry. Keaton Tillery was another key rusher, rushing for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
Harlem was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 303 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Harlem's defense made their presence known, laying out the QB five times. Academy of Richmond County's QB won't forget Ollie Batten anytime soon given he sacked him twice.
Meanwhile, Hephzibah had to endure a seven-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They narrowly escaped with a win as the team sidled past Cross Creek 28-26.
Hephzibah found their leader in sophomore Byrd, who rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.5 yards per carry. Byrd's rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 142 rushing yards.
Hephzibah's victory ended a three-game drought on the road and puts them at 2-7. As for Harlem, their record is now 8-1.
Saturday's contest might be decided in the on the ground. Harlem has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 194.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Hephzibah struggles in that department as they've been averaging 252.6. It's looking like Saturday's matchup might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Harlem took their win against Hephzibah in their previous meeting back in October of 2023 by a conclusive 41-20. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was Hephzibah's Telly Johnson, who rushed for 162 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 7.0 yards per carry. Now that he won't be playing on Saturday, will it be easier for Harlem to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
