Splendora (2-5, 0-4) at Dayton (2-5, 0-4)
The details: 7 p.m. Friday, Bronco Stadium
History: Splendora at Dayton last met as district foes in 2016 and 2017. Dayton won the 2017 contest 53-27, but Splendora won 33-21 in 2016.
Key player for Splendora: Junior Issac Shumate has had a productive career at linebacker since getting on the field as a freshman. He’s missed a couple games this season, but still has a team-high 59 tackles (five for loss) and has recovered a fumble.
Key player for Dayton: The offensive line has had its work cut out this year against some strong competition and protecting an offense that has suffered some injuries. Seniors Josh Spaller, Wally Barron and Donhavan Thibodeaux were among those clearing space, including last week at Huntsville.
Stat attack: Until the Hornets shut them out on Friday, Dayton had gone 31 consecutive games (dating back to 2020) since the last time it was held scoreless.
Notable: Just like the last Dayton home game two weeks ago against Lake Creek, either the Broncos or Wildcats will come away with their first District 8-5A Division II win on Friday … Dayton is hoping to do just that on homecoming as it tries to end a four-game slide after a 49-0 loss to state semifinalist Huntsville last Friday … Splendora started the year 2-0 and has dropped five straight since then … The Wildcats were battered last week against Montgomery as it allowed 60-plus points for the third time this season … Splendora hasn’t reached three wins in a season since 2021 and has missed the playoffs every year since 2020 … Wildcats new head coach Brandon Craus previously served at Dayton during his 24-year career.
DISTRICT 8-5A DIVISION II STANDINGS
Team, District Record (Overall Record)
Port Neches-Groves, 4-0 (7-0)
Nederland, 4-0 (6-1)
Huntsville, 3-1 (5-2)
Montgomery, 3-1 (6-1)
Lake Creek, 1-3 (3-4)
West Fork, 1-3 (2-5)
Dayton, 0-4 (2-5)
Splendora, 0-4 (2-5)
