Friday Night Lights Preview presented by T-Mobile: Fort Bend Marshall vs Northside

HOUSTON – Fort Bend Marshall will seek its eighth win of the season this Friday when it takes on Northside in a District 11-5A-DII showdown.

The Buffs come in at 7-1 overall and 5-1 in district play, while Northside is 4-5 overall and 3-4 in district play. This is a big game for FB Marshall if the Buffs want to keep a firm grip on second place in the district standings.

Northside is coming off a 55-6 win over Sharpstown, while Fort Bend Marshall has had two weeks to rest and prepare for this game coming off a bye week.

Team Rankings

Offense: Despite their record, Northside holds the most prolific offensive unit in the district. The Panthers are averaging an impressive 464.1 yards per game. Of their 4,177 total yards this year, Northside has put up 2,637 through the air. Fort Bend Marshall is ranked third heading into this week in the district. The Buffs have averaged 402 yards per game. Of their 3,216 yards, more than 2,000 of those have come on the ground.

Defense: This is where the biggest difference falls between these two teams. Fort Bend Marshall has the best in the district, giving up an average of 191.6 yards per game. The secondary has been the most impressive, forcing 14 interceptions and 12 fumbles. For Northside, the numbers aren't as good. The Panthers have the third-worst defense giving up 341 yards per game, with the majority coming on the ground. On the turnover front, Northside has manufactured five interceptions and eight fumbles thus far.

Players to Watch

Ronald Holmes (Northside QB) – Holmes has put up big numbers this season, but this week will by far be his toughest test to date. Holmes has gone 128 of 243 for 2,637 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Holmes will have to take care of the football better this week with the secondary that he is facing, which is tied for the district lead in interceptions. But Holmes isn't just about throwing the ball. He can run it too and very well. The junior has rushed for 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns on 102 carries. That's an impressive 10.64 yards per carry.

Chris Martinez (Northside WR) – He might be trailing teammate Devondre Moore in the yardage category, but he has found the end zone a bunch this season. Chris Martinez has 859 yards and 12 touchdowns on just 33 catches this year. Moore does need a nod though with 922 yards and nine scores.

Darius Brown (FB Marshall DB) – This season, Darius Brown has been the one to lead the charge in the Buffs' secondary with three interceptions so far. Brown is ahead of teammate Adari Haulcy just by one.

Devon Achane (FB Marshall RB) – Every single time we preview a Fort Bend Marshall game you must talk about Achane. The video-game player himself, who has put up 1,032 yards rushing with 17 trips to the endzone to account for. With him and Malik Hornsby in the backfield that has become a dynamic duo.

VYPE Prediction: Fort Bend Marshall's defense holds down Northside to win 42-7

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