The Newcomb Skyhawks will square off against the Laguna Acoma Hawks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both have had a bumpy ride up to this point with three consecutive losses apiece.
Last Friday, Newcomb was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap as they fell 41-36 to Hozho Academy. Even if the Skyhawks couldn't come away with the victory, the high-scoring effort was a great turnaround for their offense, which had struggled int the games prior.
Newcomb might have lost, but man, Kinjii Natonabah was a machine: he rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns on only 11 carries, and also caught a touchdown. Those 82 rushing yards gave Natonabah a new career-high.
He was just one part of a punishing run game: Newcomb was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 431 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Laguna Acoma came up short against McCurdy on Friday and fell 41-30.
Despite the loss, Laguna Acoma had strong showings from Ekahi Tiller, who rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, and Derek Victorino Jr., who rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown while picking up 8.3 yards per carry. Victorino Jr. also deserves a shoutout for his performance on D, forcing a fumble and making nine total tackles. Cayden Chino was in the mix as well, providing Laguna Acoma with a touchdown.
Laguna Acoma wouldn't let McCurdy keep a hold of the ball as they managed to force two fumbles. Laguna Acoma can thank Victorino Jr. and Tiller for forcing both of them. That high mark didn't come from nowhere: Victorino Jr. posted at least 109 rushing yards in the fifth games prior.
Newcomb's defeat dropped their record down to 4-3. As for Laguna Acoma, their loss dropped their record down to 2-4.
Friday's game might be decided in the on the ground. Newcomb has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 239.7 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Laguna Acoma struggles in that department as they've been averaging 213.5. It's looking like Friday's contest might have some serious battles in the trenches.
Newcomb was dealt a bruising 40-6 defeat at the hands of Laguna Acoma when the teams last played back in August of 2023. Will Newcomb have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
