Merritt Academy has enjoyed a two-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They will take on The Oakland Christian Lancers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Merritt Academy knows how to get points on the board -- the team has finished with flashy point totals in its past four contests -- so hopefully Oakland Christian likes a good challenge.
Last Friday, Merritt Academy made easy work of North Huron and carried off a 40-20 victory. The result was nothing new for Merritt Academy, who have now won four games by 20 points or more so far this season.
Merritt Academy's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Zion Campbell, who rushed for 224 yards and four touchdowns while picking up 11.2 yards per carry. Campbell's longest rush was for an incredible 70 yards. Shane Christianson was in the mix too, providing Merritt Academy with two touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Oakland Christian had to endure a three-game losing streak, but that streak is no more. They claimed a resounding 55-22 win over Dryden at home.
Lucas Kolb had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 110 yards and a touchdown on only seven carries, and also threw for 84 yards and three touchdowns on only six passes. Michael Rowe was another key contributor, picking up 61 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Oakland Christian's defense stepped up as well, laying out the QB three times. Leading the way was Kolb and his two sacks.
Merritt Academy's win was their third straight at home, bumping their overall record up to 4-3. Admittedly, the team didn't face the toughest opposition across those games, namely North Huron, Peck, and Carsonville-Port Sanilac. As for Oakland Christian, their victory on Friday bumped their record up to 3-5.
Merritt Academy was taken down by Oakland Christian 54-14 when the teams last played back in October of 2022. Thankfully for Merritt Academy, Jordan Johnson (who threw for 207 yards and five touchdowns while completing 78.9% of his passes) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
