Two dominant backs in Javon Bell and Kenyon Rosenthall are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Peoria Panthers will venture away from home to face off against the ALA - West Foothills Guardians at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Peoria will be looking to extend their current three-game winning streak.
Peoria had to skate by with only a one-point margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 22-point drubbing they dealt Paradise Honors on Friday. Peoria was the clear victor by a 29-7 margin over Paradise Honors.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Peoria to victory, but perhaps none more so than Dontay Tyson Jr, who picked up 64 receiving yards and two TDs.
Peoria didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Paradise Honors to a completion percentage of just 15%. The team can thank Christopher Barnett for the heroic effort on defense: he. Peoria wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 57.1%.
Peoria didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off five passes before the game was over. Barnett led the group effort, picking up two of those interceptions all by himself.
Meanwhile, there's no place like home for ALA - West Foothills, who bounced back after a loss on the road last Friday. They came out on top in a nail-biter against Northwest Christian on Friday, sneaking past 17-14. For those keeping track at home, that's the closest win the Guardians have posted since September 13, 2024.
The critical scores for ALA - West Foothills came from Hunter Cotten and Rosenthall.
Peoria now has a winning record of 4-3. As for ALA - West Foothills, they now also have a winning record of 4-3.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Peoria has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 189.3 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like ALA - West Foothills struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 170.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Peoria and ALA - West Foothills were almost perfectly matched up when the teams last played back in September of 2024, but Peoria suffered an agonizing 7-6 loss. Can the Panthers avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
