The Leon Cougars are set to face the Shelbyville Dragons on Thursday at 7:00 p.m., and both teams are expected to bring their A-game to the scoreboard. The Cougars are currently riding high with a ten-game winning streak, following an impressive 42-0 shutout against Groveton last Friday. This victory solidified their status in the MaxPreps Texas football rankings, where they hold a significant lead at 278th compared to Shelbyville’s rank of 897th.
Leading the charge for Leon was standout Landon Thomas, who showcased his versatility by rushing for 165 yards and scoring two touchdowns on just seven carries, while also throwing for 159 yards and two additional touchdowns. His longest rush of the night was an impressive 53 yards, contributing to an overall dominant performance. The Cougars’ rushing offense was formidable, finishing the game with a total of 326 rushing yards. This marks the eighth consecutive game where Leon has surpassed 188 rushing yards.
On the other hand, Shelbyville is looking to build on their recent momentum after a decisive 49-0 victory over Hemphill, marking their most significant win since November 2024. Sophomore Gavin McDonald emerged as a key player for the Dragons, rushing for 84 yards and scoring three touchdowns, while also throwing for 209 yards and two more touchdowns with an impressive completion rate of 76.5%. Tate Obregon contributed 115 rushing yards and scored a touchdown, helping Shelbyville improve their record to 3-7.
As these two teams prepare to clash, the contest may heavily rely on their rushing games. Leon has averaged an impressive 256.5 rushing yards per game this season, while Shelbyville is not far behind with an average of 182.7 rushing yards. Given the performance of both teams, fans can anticipate a challenging battle on the ground.
Notably, Shelbyville’s last encounter with Leon resulted in a crushing 62-7 defeat for the Cougars back in November 2024. With this history in mind, the upcoming game presents an opportunity for Leon to seek redemption while the Dragons aim to build on their success. The excitement is palpable as both teams look to leave their mark on the field once again.