Two dominant backs in Cole Gemberling and Rory Dixon are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Tri-Valley Bulldogs will play host again on Friday to welcome Marian Catholic, where kickoff is scheduled at 7:05 p.m. Tri-Valley is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 28.3 points per game this season.
Tri-Valley is headed into the matchup out to prove that what happened against Schuylkill Haven on Friday (when they were outscored in every quarter) was just a minor bump in the road. Tri-Valley took a blow against Schuylkill Haven, falling 66-16. While losing is never fun, the Bulldogs can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Pennsylvania football rankings (they are ranked 402nd, while the Hurricanes are ranked 179th).
Although Tri-Valley took the loss, they still got scores from Shawn Singh and Hayze Hornung.
Meanwhile, it was close, but on Friday Marian Catholic sidestepped Nativity BVM for a 21-18 win. The victory made it back-to-back wins for Marian Catholic.
Marian Catholic's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Tyler Price, who rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries. Price also put in work on the defensive side of the ball, making ten total tackles and defending a pass. Dixon was another key back, rushing for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Another reason for the win was Marian Catholic's imposing defense, which managed to get into the backfield for four sacks. In that department, Jah Bushati was the leader with two.
Tri-Valley's defeat dropped their record down to 6-4. As for Marian Catholic, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 6-4.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Tri-Valley has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 170.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Marian Catholic struggles in that department as they've been averaging 156.9. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Tri-Valley took their win against Marian Catholic in their previous matchup back in August by a conclusive 24-0. Does Tri-Valley have another victory up their sleeve, or will Marian Catholic turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
