Nixon-Smiley proved they can win big last Friday (they won by 25) but on Friday they proved they can win the close ones too. They sure made it a nail-biter, but they managed to escape with a 21-19 victory over Young Men's Leadership Academy.
Nixon-Smiley found their leader in underclassman Garet Gonzales, who rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on only 14 carries. That's the most rushing yards Gonzales has posted since back in October of 2023.
Nixon-Smiley didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Tristen Mikesh, Gonzales, and Adrian Zamora picked up one apiece. Gonzales also set a new season high mark in rushing yards with 133.
Nixon-Smiley was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 246 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 162 rushing yards in three consecutive contests.
Despite the loss, Young Men's Leadership Academy still got an impressive performance from Raishaun Conaway, who rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
Nixon-Smiley's record now sits at 3-4. As for Young Men's Leadership Academy, they are on a five-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 1-6.
Nixon-Smiley will welcome Dilley at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Dilley will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Nixon-Smiley surely won't give up without a fight. As for Young Men's Leadership Academy, they will head out on the road to square off against Cotulla at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
