The Taylor Ducks (2-4, 2-0 district) varsity football team will host its homecoming game against the Northeast Early College Raiders (1-4, 1-0 district) on Friday, Oct. 10, at 7:30 p.m.
The Ducks are coming off their most complete performance of the season — a dominant 73-0 victory over Austin Achieve — while the Raiders were on a bye after defeating Austin Achieve 40-6 the week prior.
Sophomore quarterback Johnny Guzman has continued to develop as a leader for the Ducks’ offense, recording his first turnover-free game last week while completing 5 of 9 passes for 66 yards and three total touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Elijah Afenkhena has emerged as Guzman’s top target, finishing with 94 yards and two scores against the Polar Bears.
Junior running back Eric Walker powered the ground game with 127 yards and a touchdown, while junior utility player Landon Coulter has provided a physical presence in the backfield, finding the end zone three times over the past two games.
Establishing the run and continuing to play mistake-free football will be key for Taylor as it looks to remain perfect in district play.
That could prove favorable, as the Raiders have struggled to stop the run this season.
Defensively, the Ducks continue to improve each week.
They pitched a shutout last Friday, holding Austin Achieve to under 200 total yards and forcing five turnovers.
Juniors Cory Gleich and Billy Harrison anchored the defense, combining for seven tackles, including four for loss.
Meanwhile, the Raiders’ offense has struggled for much of the year, averaging under 20 points per game, though they recorded their best performance two weeks ago against Austin Achieve.
The Ducks will need to maintain their defensive intensity against a Northeast Early College unit that is looking to build momentum.
Taylor will also aim to play its second straight clean game after recording zero turnovers for the first time this season last week — a crucial factor in avoiding an upset loss on homecoming night.
The King and Queen will be announced at halftime.
