After flying high against Shiloh two weeks ago, Duluth came back down to earth. The Duluth Wildcats received a blow on Friday as they fell 35-21 to the Norcross Blue Devils. The loss continues a trend for the Wildcats in their matchups with the Blue Devils: they've now lost seven in a row.
When it comes to explaining why Duluth lost, don't look at Brandon Lyons. Despite the final result, he rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown while picking up 7.4 yards per carry. Lyons' rushing production has been exceptional recently as that marked his third straight game with at least 107 rushing yards dating back to last season. Duluth also got help from Braylon Gray, who showed off his sure hands for 80 receiving yards.
Even though they lost, Duluth was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 202 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 151 rushing yards in four consecutive matchups.
Jahsaun Clarke continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines for Norcross, rushing for 226 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries, while also throwing for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Clarke's longest rush was for an impressive 64 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Kobe Robinson was another key player, rushing for 133 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries.
Duluth's defeat dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Norcross, the win made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 3-1.
Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Duluth will take on Meadowcreek at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Duluth is facing Meadowcreek at the right time seeing as Meadowcreek is stuck on a four-game losing streak. As for Norcross, they will square off against Peachtree Ridge at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Both have allowed few points on average, (Norcross: 16.5, Peachtree Ridge: 14.5) so any points scored will be well earned.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
