Kennedy Hosts Wasco in Premier SSL Matchup

Following a blow-out 50-point win over Delano, the Kennedy Thunderbirds are now hosting a red-hot Wasco Tigers squad. 

Wasco, coming off a 48-0 win of their own, is considered a dark-horse contender to take an SSL title among Kennedy and Shafter. 

The Tigers senior running back Hammie Lopez averages more than 130 rushing yards a game on an offense that is posting 37 points per game. 

On the defensive end, Wasco’s stout defense has only allowed 14 points per game and just posted their first shutout of the season. 

Wasco’s early-season statement wins over Porterville and Ridgeview solidified the team's legitimacy and showed their potential to contend with teams in higher divisions. 

However, Kennedy’s resume is just as good in its own right. The Thunderbirds are averaging 34 points per game while only allowing 15 points per game on the defensive end. With statement wins over Hanford and Highland, Kennedy has shown their ability to elevate in big games. 

If last week's performance was any indicator, the Thunderbird offense is hitting mid-season fluidity. Able to move the ball seemingly at-will against Delano, this next matchup will display their skill against the hardest defense they’ve faced since their matchup with Buchanan. 

Both teams are entering their matchup having posted considerably high scores in recent weeks, with Wasco scoring 30+ points every week since Week 1 and Kennedy scoring 30+ in four games this season. 

Despite this, expect the game to be much more of a defensive matchup rather than a shootout. The score will very likely be a one-possession win for either of the teams, and will most likely show both teams scoring in the high 20’s to low 30’s in terms of points. 

Whether Kennedy wins or loses, this game will serve as preparation ahead of their Week 8 matchup against Shafter. 

The Thunderbirds have the misfortune of playing the SSLs top contenders in back-to-back weeks, putting the team's resiliency to the test well ahead of the postseason.