The Aiken Fighting Green Hornets will take on the Midland Valley Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The timing isn't great for Aiken: they have been struggling with three straight losses at home, while Midland Valley has snatched up three consecutive wins on the road.
On Thursday, Aiken was just a hair shy of victory and fell 20-19 to Brookland-Cayce.
Even if they lost, Aiken's defense still kept up the pressure with four sacks. That dominant display was truly a team effort as four different players picked up one apiece. Brandon Poston was another major factor on D, picking up a sack, forcing one fumble, and making ten total tackles (4.0 for loss).
Meanwhile, while it was all tied up 7-7 at halftime, Midland Valley was not quite Gilbert's equal in the second half on Friday. They fell 21-14 to the Indians. While the Mustangs had to settle for second, they closed the game well in the third quarter, where they outscored the Indians 7-0.
Aiken will need to focus on slowing down Preston Smith, one of several Midland Valley players who made an impact when they last played. He picked up 91 receiving yards and one touchdown, and also rushed for 64 yards.
Midland Valley didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Khyree Pollard. He has been hot recently, having also posted six or more total tackles the last four times he's played. Another thorn in Gilbert's side was Bryston Newton, who forced one fumble, made ten total tackles (3.0 for loss), and defended one pass.
Midland Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 5-2. As for Aiken, their loss dropped their record down to 2-5.
Aiken took a serious blow against Midland Valley when the teams last played back in October of 2024, falling 55-7. That matchup was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Fighting Green Hornets were down 42-0.
