Friday Night Lights: Mountain View vs. Walden Grove Football Showdown
The Mountain View Mountain Lions will take on the Walden Grove Red Wolves at 7:00 p.m. this Friday, looking to break a six-game streak of away losses that dates back to last season.
Entering the matchup, the Mountain Lions are eager to bounce back after a challenging game last Friday, where they were outmatched by Marana, losing 46-13. Despite the setback, Mountain View remains optimistic, especially considering their position in the MaxPreps Arizona football rankings, where they are currently ranked 54th compared to Marana’s sixth position. In their previous game, Mountain View managed to score thanks to efforts from players Damien Wallace and Ion Brin.
On the other hand, the Walden Grove Red Wolves are riding high after a convincing 30-8 victory against Desert View last Friday, marking their highest score of the season. This win showcased a solid team effort, with standout performances from several players. Robert Cash III was a key contributor, rushing for 77 yards and two touchdowns, part of a dominant run game that accumulated a season-high 209 rushing yards.
Walden Grove’s defense also made a significant impact, particularly their secondary, which recorded three interceptions, all credited to defensive powerhouse Jaxsen Philistine. Dominic Sanchez was another critical defensive player, delivering two sacks, forcing a fumble, and making five total tackles, three of which were for a loss.
After last week’s loss, Mountain View’s record now stands at 2-2, while Walden Grove’s victory brought their record to an equal 2-2.
This Friday’s game could be determined on the ground, as both teams have shown strength in their rushing attacks. Mountain View has averaged 156.7 rushing yards per game, while Walden Grove leads slightly with an average of 190.5 yards. It looks like Friday’s matchup will feature intense battles in the trenches.
In their last encounter in September 2023, Mountain View fell to Walden Grove 35-21. However, the Mountain Lions will benefit from the absence of Gabriel Smith, who threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another touchdown in that game, completing an impressive 90.9% of his passes. With the upcoming clash, both teams are poised for an exciting contest.
