Regional pride is on the line as Pleasant Home travels to Clayton to face Barbour County in an intense gridiron battle. With both teams seeking an important mid-season victory to bolster their standing, this matchup promises execution-heavy football, high-stakes possessions, and crucial tactical adjustments.

Pleasant Home : What to Know

The Pleasant Home Eagles travel to Clayton relying on an execution-heavy, balanced offensive system that thrives on establishing the line of scrimmage. The Eagles utilize an H-back and tight end to create variable formations, probing the defense with inside zone, counter-trey, and misdirection jet sweeps. Pleasant Home’s quarterback operates with great timing in the play-action game; once linebackers step up to stop the run, the Eagles attack down the seams and over the middle. Defensively, Pleasant Home relies on a disciplined four-three over front, requiring their interior defensive tackles to anchor against double teams and allow their middle linebackers to flow freely.

Barbour County : What to Know

The Barbour County Jaguars counter with an athletic, up-tempo spread system designed to maximize perimeter athleticism. Operating primarily out of the shotgun in four-wide receiver sets, the Jaguars utilize rapid pre-snap motion to diagnose defensive leverage before attacking with quick screens, bubble routes, and vertical shots down the boundary. Their quarterback makes rapid decisions in the Run-Pass Option (RPO) game, pulling the ball to challenge defensive ends who overcommit to inside zone handoffs. Defensively, Barbour County deploys an aggressive three-three-five odd-stack alignment, using hybrid safeties to bring pressure from unpredictable angles.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 16, 2026 (7:00 PM CDT) at Barbour County High School (Clayton, AL)

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Pleasant Home (Away)	Barbour County (Home)
1st	7	6
2nd	10	8
3rd	7	0
4th	7	7
FINAL	31	21

How to watch

NFHS Network

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Pleasant Home opens the scoring with an eight-play drive capped by a fourteen-yard slant pass (PAT Good, 7-0). Barbour County answers immediately on a fifty-two-yard deep post touchdown (PAT failed, 7-6).

• Q2: The Eagles kick a thirty-two-yard field goal (10-6). Barbour County takes the lead on a fourteen-yard quarterback draw and converts the two-point attempt (10-14). Pleasant Home answers before the half on a fifteen-yard play-action pass (PAT Good, 17-14).

• Q3: Pleasant Home controls the pace with a sustained eight-minute drive, punching in a two-yard dive (PAT Good, 24-14) while shutting down Barbour County’s aerial assault.

• Q4: The Eagles extend the margin on an eleven-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 31-14). Barbour County adds a late twenty-five-yard touchdown pass (PAT Good, 31-21), but Pleasant Home recovers the ensuing onside kick to secure the road victory.

A high-stakes Alabama showdown unfolds as Valiant Cross Academy hits the road to take on Abbeville Christian Academy at Generals Stadium. Both teams enter hungry to build early-season momentum, promising a hard-hitting tactical battle between perimeter athleticism and downhill ground-and-pound power.

Valiant Cross Academy : What to Know

The Valiant Cross Academy Warriors travel to Abbeville operating an athletic, space-oriented spread-option attack. The Warriors utilize ten-personnel formations to stretch opposing defenses horizontally, relying on read-option keepers and quick perimeter screens to get the football into open grass quickly. Their dual-threat quarterback excels at extending broken plays outside the pocket, giving his receivers time to find soft spots in zone coverage. Defensively, Valiant Cross employs an aggressive three-four front, using their outside linebackers as primary edge rushers to pressure the quarterback and disrupt backfield handoffs before plays can materialize.

Abbeville Christian Academy : What to Know

The Abbeville Christian Academy Generals counter with a balanced, physical offensive scheme designed to establish the run between the tackles before opening up the passing tree. The Generals utilize heavy tight-end sets and offset-pistol backfields, probing the defense with inside zone and counter runs. Once the opposing secondary steps forward in run support, Abbeville Christian hits intermediate crossing routes and boundary comebacks. Defensively, the Generals line up in a disciplined four-two-five alignment, keeping extra defensive backs on the field to prevent vertical chunk plays while relying on interior tackles to hold firm against inside rushing attempts.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 16, 2026 (7:00 PM CDT) at Generals Stadium (Abbeville, AL)

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Valiant Cross (Away)	Abbeville Christian (Home)
1st	0	7
2nd	14	7
3rd	8	7
4th	6	7
FINAL	28	28 (OT)

How to watch

NFHS Network

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Abbeville Christian opens the scoring on an eleven-play drive capped by a three-yard power run (PAT Good, 0-7).

• Q2: The Generals extend their lead with a twenty-four-yard play-action seam pass to the tight end (PAT Good, 0-14). Valiant Cross gets on the board with a forty-four-yard quarterback scramble (PAT Good, 7-14). The Warriors answer right before the break on an eighteen-yard slant pass (PAT Good, 14-14).

• Q3: Valiant Cross scores on a fifteen-yard screen pass and successfully converts the two-point try (22-14). Abbeville Christian answers immediately with a thirty-two-yard counter-trey touchdown run (PAT Good, 22-21).

• Q4: Abbeville Christian takes the lead with a four-yard touchdown plunge (PAT Good, 22-28). Valiant Cross orchestrates a dramatic game-tying drive, scoring on an eight-yard scramble with forty seconds remaining (PAT failed, 28-28) to send the contest into overtime.

This Delaware County rivalry clash brings the Hayes Pacers to Sunbury to battle the undefeated, #12-ranked Big Walnut Golden Eagles. Big Walnut has been a machine early in the 2026 season (3-0), operating an explosive multiple-spread offense. The Golden Eagles utilize wide receiver motions and variable formations to create favorable matchups on the perimeter. Their passing game is predicated on quick-rhythm throws, isolating linebackers in space, and executing perfectly timed bubble screens. Defensively, Big Walnut plays an aggressive 4-3 over front, relying on pure speed and gap-shooting defensive tackles to blow up plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Hayes enters the contest looking to pull off a massive upset through physical endurance and ground control. The Pacers operate a traditional Wing-T and double-tight end rushing attack. They rely on pulling guards, trap blocks, and backfield deception to confuse opposing defensive fronts. By constantly attacking the perimeter with buck sweeps while threatening the interior with fullback dives, Hayes forces defenses to play with perfect gap discipline. Defensively, Hayes deploys a 3-3-5 odd-stack, walking their hybrid safeties down to stop the run while trying to disguise coverage shells pre-snap.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Big Walnut High School (Sunbury, OH)

Streaming: NFHS Network / OHSAA TV

The Trench Warfare and Linebacker Eye Discipline

Defending the Hayes Wing-T is entirely about eye discipline. If the Big Walnut linebackers stare at the running backs in the backfield rather than reading their “keys” (the pulling offensive guards), they will be washed out of the play. The Golden Eagles’ defensive ends must also maintain strict outside containment to prevent the sweep game from turning the corner. Offensively, Big Walnut must protect their quarterback on 3rd-and-long situations. If Hayes can generate pressure and force rushed throws, they will create the turnovers necessary to pull off the road upset.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Hayes (Away)	Big Walnut (Home)
1st	0	14
2nd	7	21
3rd	0	14
4th	7	7
FINAL	14	56

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Big Walnut strikes instantly on a 65-yard seam pass against blown coverage (PAT Good, 0-7). The Golden Eagles’ defense forces a quick punt, setting up a 15-yard RPO slant touchdown (PAT Good, 0-14).

• Q2: Big Walnut adds to its lead with a 24-yard quarterback scramble (PAT Good, 0-21). Hayes finds a rhythm, scoring on a 4-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 7-21). The Golden Eagles answer with a 45-yard perimeter screen (PAT Good, 7-28) and execute a flawless two-minute drill to score on an 11-yard corner route before the half (PAT Good, 7-35).

• Q3: Big Walnut’s defensive front dominates, recording three sacks and forcing two turnovers. The Golden Eagles capitalize with a 38-yard play-action pass (PAT Good, 7-42) and a 9-yard inside zone run (PAT Good, 7-49).

• Q4: With the running clock engaged, Hayes manages a 12-yard consolation rushing touchdown (PAT Good, 14-49). Big Walnut’s backups punch in a late 6-yard run (PAT Good, 14-56) to finalize the dominant home blowout.

Tactical Breakdown: Battle of the Unbeatens in Northeast Ohio

This colossal Northeast Ohio matchup features the 3-0 North Royalton Bears traveling to take on the 3-0 Hudson Explorers. North Royalton enters the contest operating a balanced, modern spread-pistol offense. The Bears rely on inside zone concepts paired with read-option mechanics, putting opposing defensive ends in absolute conflict. Their quarterback excels at making quick decisions, either pulling the ball to exploit the perimeter or hitting slot receivers on spacing routes. Defensively, North Royalton operates a 4-3 base alignment, placing a premium on gap integrity and rally-to-the-football group tackling.

Hudson counters with a highly disciplined, multiple-front scheme that emphasizes gap leverage and physical gang tackling. Offensively, the Explorers run a heavy power-rushing attack, utilizing tight ends and an H-back as lead blockers through the C-gap. Hudson’s objective is to control the clock, limit North Royalton’s total offensive drives, and turn the contest into a physical test of attrition. Defensively, Hudson relies on a 4-2-5 structure, pressing outside receivers while keeping heavy safety support over the top to eliminate vertical chunk plays.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Hudson Memorial Stadium (Hudson, OH)

Streaming: NFHS Network / Northeast Ohio Prep Sports Hub

The Trench Warfare and Edge Containment

Because Hudson relies so heavily on downhill power running, North Royalton’s defensive tackles must anchor against double-teams to keep their inside linebackers free to scrape to the ball. If North Royalton’s front four gets pushed backward, Hudson will completely dictate the tempo of the game. Conversely, Hudson’s defensive ends must set a hard edge against North Royalton’s read-option plays. If they crash inside on the running back dive, the Bears’ quarterback will turn the corner for massive gains down the sideline.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	North Royalton (Away)	Hudson (Home)
1st	7	7
2nd	14	14
3rd	7	6
4th	14	7
FINAL	42	34

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Hudson opens the scoring with a methodical 14-play drive capped by a 2-yard dive (PAT Good, 0-7). North Royalton answers immediately on a 45-yard read-option keeper (PAT Good, 7-7).

• Q2: The Bears take the lead on a 22-yard corner route (PAT Good, 14-7). Hudson answers with a 38-yard play-action seam pass (PAT Good, 14-14). Both squads trade touchdowns in the final three minutes (North Royalton 12-yard run, Hudson 9-yard slant, 21-21) to go into the break tied.

• Q3: North Royalton scores on a 15-yard RPO screen pass (PAT Good, 28-21). Hudson responds with a bruising 6-minute drive, punching in a 4-yard power run (PAT blocked, 28-27).

• Q4: The Bears extend their lead on a 33-yard deep post touchdown (PAT Good, 35-27). Hudson strikes back with a 24-yard sweep (PAT Good, 35-34). North Royalton executes a clutch 4-minute drill, scoring on an 8-yard scramble with 45 seconds remaining (PAT Good, 42-34) to secure a massive road win.

The #21 St. Xavier Bombers travel north to Columbus to face the Westerville North Warriors in a tremendous non-conference test. St. Xavier brings a meticulously structured, multiple-pro identity to the field. The Bombers rely on flawless gap-blocking execution, utilizing tight ends and an H-back to establish physical dominance in the trenches. St. Xavier’s defense is historically elite, operating a versatile 3-3-5 odd-stack that can morph into a 4-3 depending on the offensive personnel. They use hybrid safeties to confuse blocking schemes, bringing delayed blitzes to overwhelm the pocket.

Westerville North counters with a wide-open spread passing attack. Operating exclusively from the shotgun, the Warriors use wide offensive line splits to expand the pass-rushing edges. Their offense is built around vertical spacing, shallow crossing routes, and rapid RPOs designed to force opposing linebackers to cover the entire width of the field. Defensively, Westerville North lines up in a 4-2-5 structure. They will walk a safety down into the box to create an eight-man front in an attempt to stuff St. Xavier’s downhill rushing attack.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Westerville North High School (Westerville, OH)

Streaming: NFHS Network / OHSAA Live

The Trench Warfare and Pass Protection

Westerville North’s Air-Raid-inspired offense relies entirely on clean pass protection. The Warriors’ offensive tackles must execute flawless kick-slides to wash St. Xavier’s edge rushers past the pocket. If St. Xavier can generate pressure rushing only three or four linemen, they will drop seven defenders into coverage, completely suffocating Westerville North’s deeper passing windows. Conversely, St. Xavier’s offense must avoid holding penalties that put them behind the chains, as their physical rushing scheme is less effective in 3rd-and-long situations.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	St. Xavier (Away)	Westerville North (Home)
1st	14	0
2nd	7	14
3rd	10	7
4th	7	6
FINAL	38	27

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: St. Xavier strikes on its opening drive with a 6-yard off-tackle power run (PAT Good, 7-0). The Bombers force a three-and-out and immediately score on a 42-yard play-action deep post (PAT Good, 14-0).

• Q2: Westerville North finds its rhythm, scoring on a 24-yard RPO slant (PAT Good, 14-7). St. Xavier answers with a 12-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 21-7). The Warriors orchestrate a two-minute drill, scoring on a 9-yard corner fade just before halftime (PAT Good, 21-14).

• Q3: St. Xavier opens the second half with a 35-yard field goal (24-14) and capitalizes on a Westerville North fumble with an 8-yard inside-zone touchdown (PAT Good, 31-14). The Warriors strike back on a 55-yard tunnel screen (PAT Good, 31-21).

• Q4: St. Xavier leans on its massive offensive line, draining seven minutes off the clock and punching in a 3-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 38-21). Westerville North adds a late 18-yard touchdown pass (PAT blocked, 38-27) as time expires.

This 3A matchup brings the Fountain Hills Falcons into the mountains to face the undefeated Camp Verde Cowboys. Camp Verde operates a disciplined, multiple-pro system. The Cowboys utilize 11-personnel and 12-personnel packages, shifting their tight ends pre-snap to identify man or zone coverage. Camp Verde wants to establish a downhill running game, utilizing gap-blocking schemes like power-O and counter-trey to physically wear out the Fountain Hills defensive front. Once the Falcons are forced to walk their safeties into the box to stop the run, the Cowboys will unleash vertical play-action passes down the boundary.

Fountain Hills, desperate for their first win, counters with a high-tempo spread offense. Operating exclusively from the shotgun, the Falcons want to turn the game into a track meet. They rely heavily on rapid Run-Pass Options (RPOs), forcing opposing linebackers to defend the run while simultaneously dropping into passing windows. Defensively, Fountain Hills operates an aggressive 3-3-5 odd-stack. They rely on their hybrid safeties to play aggressively downhill in run support, using pure speed and exotic blitz packages from unpredictable angles to confuse the offensive line’s blocking assignments.

Kickoff: Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 (7:00 PM MST)

Location: Camp Verde High School (Camp Verde, AZ)

Streaming: NFHS Network / AZPreps365

The Trench Warfare and Pass Protection

Camp Verde’s offensive line must correctly diagnose and pick up Fountain Hills’s exotic blitz packages. If the Cowboys’ center can set protection correctly, Camp Verde’s quarterback will have clean throwing lanes against single coverage. For Fountain Hills, the game hinges on perimeter discipline. If their outside linebackers lose contain on Camp Verde’s off-tackle power plays, the Cowboys will gash them for chunk yardage, control the tempo of the contest, and physically exhaust the Falcons’ lighter defensive unit by the fourth quarter.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Fountain Hills (Away)	Camp Verde (Home)
1st	0	14
2nd	7	14
3rd	0	7
4th	0	7
FINAL	7	42

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Camp Verde sets the tone early, marching down the field for a 4-yard power plunge (PAT Good, 0-7). The Cowboys’ defense forces a quick three-and-out, leading to a 38-yard play-action touchdown (PAT Good, 0-14).

• Q2: The Cowboys add to their lead with a 15-yard run (PAT Good, 0-21). Fountain Hills finds its footing with an up-tempo 12-play drive, capped by a 12-yard quarterback scramble (PAT Good, 7-21). Camp Verde answers right before halftime with a 45-yard perimeter screen that goes the distance (PAT Good, 7-28).

• Q3: Camp Verde’s defense takes over, registering three sacks in the quarter. The Cowboys extend their lead with an 8-yard inside zone run (PAT Good, 7-35).

• Q4: With the running clock instituted, Camp Verde puts the game completely out of reach with a 6-yard off-tackle run by their backup running back (PAT Good, 7-42), securing a dominant home victory.

Tactical Breakdown: Phoenix Metro Spread Meets Disciplined Ground Control

This cross-town Phoenix matchup brings the Moon Valley Rockets into Scottsdale to take on the Arcadia Titans. Arcadia operates a balanced, physical multiple-pro offense. The Titans utilize 12-personnel (one running back, two tight ends) to create strong-side blocking advantages, relying on power-O, counter, and inside-zone schemes. Once the defense brings an eighth defender into the tackle box, Arcadia’s quarterback attacks with play-action passes down the seams and deep boundary comebacks.

Moon Valley counters with an up-tempo spread system designed to create one-on-one matchups on the outside. Operating out of the shotgun, the Rockets utilize jet sweeps, bubble screens, and read-option keepers to keep opposing linebackers guessing. Defensively, Moon Valley deploys an aggressive 3-3-5 odd-stack, using pure speed and unpredictable blitz packages to pressure the quarterback and disrupt backfield handoffs before plays can develop.

Kickoff: Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 (7:00 PM MST)

Location: Arcadia High School (Phoenix, AZ)

Streaming: NFHS Network / AZPreps365

The Trench Warfare and Blitz Pickup

Arcadia’s offensive line must correctly diagnose and pick up Moon Valley’s exotic blitz packages. If the Titans’ center can set protection correctly, Arcadia’s quarterback will have clean throwing lanes against single coverage. For Moon Valley, the game hinges on perimeter discipline. If their outside linebackers lose contain on Arcadia’s off-tackle power plays, the Titans will gash them for chunk yardage, control the tempo of the contest, and wear out the Rockets’ defense by the fourth quarter.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Moon Valley (Away)	Arcadia (Home)
1st	0	14
2nd	7	10
3rd	7	7
4th	6	7
FINAL	20	38

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Arcadia strikes early with an 18-yard power run (PAT Good, 0-7) and follows a Moon Valley turnover with a 24-yard play-action seam pass (PAT Good, 0-14).

• Q2: Arcadia kicks a 32-yard field goal (0-17). Moon Valley gets on the board with a 45-yard vertical post route (PAT Good, 7-17). Arcadia responds right before halftime with an 8-yard off-tackle run (PAT Good, 7-24).

• Q3: Moon Valley scores on a 14-yard RPO slant (PAT Good, 14-24). Arcadia counters with a 6-minute drive finished by a 2-yard dive (PAT Good, 14-31).

• Q4: Arcadia extends the lead with a 15-yard touchdown run (PAT Good, 14-38). Moon Valley adds a late 22-yard corner-route score (PAT failed, 20-38) as Arcadia closes out the victory.

Tactical Breakdown: High-Altitude Collision in the White Mountains

This 3A showdown pits the ALA – Mesa North Mavericks against the undefeated Show Low Cougars in the White Mountains. Show Low has opened the 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, utilizing high-altitude conditioning, trench physicality, and an aggressive power-rushing attack. The Cougars operate out of the I-formation and double-tight end sets, leaning on heavy pulling guards and an imposing fullback to clear lanes for their downhill tailbacks. Defensively, Show Low deploys an aggressive 4-3 alignment, playing stout two-gap technique on the interior to prevent opposing runners from gaining momentum.

ALA – Mesa North enters looking to execute an upset via space, athleticism, and a high-tempo spread attack. The Mavericks prefer to operate out of the shotgun, utilizing rapid-fire RPOs to put Show Low’s linebackers into conflict. ALA – Mesa North relies heavily on tunnel screens, quick slants, and seam routes, looking to tire out Show Low’s bigger defensive front. Defensively, the Mavericks utilize a 3-3-5 odd-stack, bringing blitzes from hybrid rover safeties to generate disruption in the backfield before Show Low’s power runs can get moving.

Kickoff: Thursday, Sept 10, 2026 (7:00 PM MST)

Location: Show Low High School (Show Low, AZ)

Streaming: NFHS Network / White Mountain Prep Sports

The Trench Warfare and Roster Conditioning

Playing in Show Low requires visiting teams to handle both altitude and physical intimidation. If ALA – Mesa North’s offensive line can hold its ground in pass protection against Show Low’s heavy defensive ends, the Mavericks will find space over the middle of the field. However, if Show Low controls the line of scrimmage, grinding out 4-yard gains on first down, they will chew up the clock and wear down ALA – Mesa North’s smaller defensive unit over four physical quarters.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	ALA – Mesa North (Away)	Show Low (Home)
1st	6	7
2nd	7	14
3rd	0	10
4th	8	7
FINAL	21	38

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: ALA – Mesa North scores on an opening 65-yard tunnel screen (PAT failed, 6-0). Show Low answers with a grinding 8-minute drive capped by a 2-yard dive (PAT Good, 6-7).

• Q2: Show Low strikes on a 14-yard off-tackle power run (PAT Good, 6-14). The Mavericks answer with an 18-yard corner-fade touchdown (PAT Good, 13-14). Show Low regains the lead before the break with a 4-yard quarterback sneak (PAT Good, 13-21).

• Q3: Show Low opens the half with a 28-yard field goal (13-24) and extends the lead following a fumble with a 12-yard power plunge (PAT Good, 13-31).

• Q4: Show Low breaks away on a 32-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 13-38). ALA – Mesa North adds a late 12-yard post pass and converts the 2-point attempt (21-38) as Show Low runs out the remaining clock.

Tactical Breakdown: Central Florida Private School Contrast

This Central Florida matchup is a perfect exhibition of contrasting offensive philosophies as the Faith Christian Lions travel to face the Windermere Prep Lakers. Faith Christian enters the contest operating a classic, run-heavy physical identity. The Lions rely on heavy personnel—double tight ends and fullbacks—to physically overpower opponents at the line of scrimmage. They utilize trap blocks, power-O, and isolation plays to churn out methodical four-yard gains, attempting to keep the clock moving and completely exhaust the opposing defensive front over four quarters.

Windermere Prep counters with a devastating Air-Raid passing attack. The Lakers spread the field wide with four and five-receiver sets, operating exclusively from the shotgun. Windermere Prep’s offense is designed to neutralize pass rushes by getting the ball out of the quarterback’s hands in under 2.5 seconds. They rely on quick spacing concepts, mesh crossing routes, and vertical shots down the boundary against single coverage. Defensively, Windermere Prep uses a 4-2-5 structure, walking their strong safety down into the box to create an eight-man front in a desperate attempt to stop Faith Christian’s downhill ground game.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Windermere Preparatory School (Windermere, FL)

Streaming: NFHS Network / Florida Prep Sports Live

The Trench Warfare and Secondary Integrity

Windermere Prep is taking a massive gamble by consistently putting eight men in the tackle box, leaving their cornerbacks on an island in zero-coverage (no safety help over the top). If Faith Christian’s quarterback uses play-action, he will have wide-open receivers on deep post routes. For Windermere Prep to succeed on offense, their offensive line must hold up against Faith Christian’s physical pass rush. If the Lions can generate pressure and collapse the pocket using only a four-man rush, they will drop seven men into passing lanes, forcing Windermere Prep into interceptions and coverage sacks.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Faith Christian (Away)	Windermere Prep (Home)
1st	7	14
2nd	14	7
3rd	7	7
4th	14	0
FINAL	42	28

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Windermere Prep strikes instantly on a 65-yard deep vertical route (PAT Good, 0-7). Faith Christian answers with an 8-minute, 14-play drive capped by a 2-yard dive (PAT Good, 7-7). The Lakers strike back on a 35-yard screen pass (PAT Good, 7-14).

• Q2: The Lions lean heavily on their offensive line, scoring on a 15-yard counter-trey run (PAT Good, 14-14). Windermere Prep regains the lead on a 22-yard corner route (PAT Good, 14-21). Faith Christian scores just before the half on a 4-yard power plunge (PAT Good, 21-21).

• Q3: Faith Christian takes its first lead on a 32-yard play-action seam pass to a wide-open tight end (PAT Good, 28-21). Windermere Prep ties the game on a 14-yard slant (PAT Good, 28-28).

• Q4: Faith Christian’s physical conditioning takes over. The Lions grind out a massive 7-minute drive, scoring on an 8-yard sweep (PAT Good, 35-28). After forcing a critical interception, Faith Christian puts the game out of reach with a 6-yard off-tackle touchdown run (PAT Good, 42-28).

This marquee interstate prep school clash features the Peddie School (NJ) traveling south to battle the Gilman School (MD). Peddie brings a highly sophisticated, pro-style offense to Baltimore. Utilizing 12-personnel (one running back, two tight ends) heavily, the Falcons create multiple extra gaps along the line of scrimmage, deploying advanced zone-blocking schemes to establish a dominant rushing attack. Their quarterback is tasked with making complex pre-snap checks at the line of scrimmage, utilizing heavy play-action passing once the opposing safeties creep into the box.

Gilman counters with elite Baltimore athleticism and a high-tempo spread-option attack. The Greyhounds want to put Peddie’s bigger linebackers into conflict, utilizing the read-option to freeze edge defenders before distributing the ball to speedy perimeter playmakers on bubble screens and quick hitches. Defensively, Gilman operates an aggressive 3-3-5 odd-stack. They rely on their hybrid safeties to play aggressively downhill in run support, using pure speed and exotic blitz packages to confuse Peddie’s offensive line blocking assignments.

Kickoff: Friday, Sept 11, 2026 (7:00 PM EDT)

Location: Gilman School (Baltimore, MD)

Streaming: NFHS Network / Mid-Atlantic Prep Sports

The Trench Warfare and Blitz Pickup

The defining tactical battle takes place between Peddie’s offensive line and Gilman’s exotic blitz packages. If Peddie’s center cannot properly identify the “Mike” linebacker and communicate the blitz pickups, Gilman’s free-running linebackers will blow up the backfield. However, if Peddie picks up the pressure, their physical receivers will easily win one-on-one matchups on the outside. On the other side, Peddie’s defensive ends must maintain flawless outside containment against Gilman’s option game; losing the edge will result in catastrophic chunk yardage.

Live Scoreboard & Results Update

Quarter	Peddie (Away)	Gilman (Home)
1st	7	7
2nd	10	14
3rd	7	7
4th	14	7
FINAL	38	35

Scoring Summary:

• Q1: Peddie opens the scoring with a 6-yard inside zone rushing touchdown (PAT Good, 7-0). Gilman responds with a 45-yard read-option keeper down the sideline (PAT Good, 7-7).

• Q2: Gilman takes the lead on a 22-yard play-action seam pass (PAT Good, 7-14). Peddie answers with a 38-yard field goal (10-14). The Greyhounds strike again on a 55-yard tunnel screen (PAT Good, 10-21). Peddie executes a flawless two-minute drill, scoring on a 14-yard corner route just before the half (PAT Good, 17-21).

• Q3: Both teams trade long, methodical scoring drives. Peddie punches in a 4-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 24-21), and Gilman answers with a 12-yard scramble on 3rd-and-long (PAT Good, 24-28).

• Q4: Peddie reclaims the lead on a 25-yard play-action post route (PAT Good, 31-28). Gilman marches back and scores on a 9-yard slant (PAT Good, 31-35). In the final minute, Peddie drives 65 yards, capping the comeback with a 3-yard quarterback sneak with 18 seconds remaining (PAT Good, 38-35).