Electric. That’s the only word that can possibly describe the Rangers’ (1-3, 1-1) last win, a 52-33 victory over a powerless Canyon team that couldn’t seem to string together two stops to save their lives.

But that game is in the past now. With a bye week come and gone, a new challenger emerges: the East Central Hornets (4-1, 2-0), who sport a 29-point differential and are coming off a big victory on the road against district rival New Braunfels.

It’s a tale of two teams this Friday, as the Rangers hope to capitalize on the first bit of momentum they’ve managed to capture all season, while East Central attempts to continue their miracle bid to unseat football powerhouse Converse Judson (4-0, 2-0) atop the District 26-6A standings.

This isn’t just a contest of wills, however. East Central High School was Coach Larry Hill’s alma mater, and he’s done a mighty fine job of embarrassing his former school. In seven match-ups, the Rangers are undefeated, with an average of 44 points per game in the past four contests. But the biggest factor has been the defense, which took the sting out of the Hornets’ offense in recent years. Stretching back to 2014, the Rangers have held their directionally-confused foe to six or fewer points in three of those past four meetings. This should be a cakewalk.

Except… nothing is ever easy. East Central is coming off a bye week as well, and though record isn’t the most telling statistic, quadrupling the Rangers’ win totals is a bit daunting. With a dynamic two-headed rushing attack reminiscent of the Rangers’ own, the onus is on the Ranger defense to figure out how to stop running back No. 39 Deangelo Rosemond (47/367/6) and running back No. 5 Michael Stevens, Jr. (67/590/3).

Stopping the passing game shouldn’t be too difficult, however, as quarterback No. 7 Austin Trainer (32/455/3) has completed less than 50 percent of his passes and has three touchdowns to go with his two interceptions. The defense is nothing to scoff at – they allowed just 12 points to New Braunfels in their most recent game – but isn’t a marvel either, as every other team has been sitting pretty in the twenties. The kicking game is rock solid with senior kicker No. 50 Jonathan Garcia a perfect 10/10 on extra points and 4/6 on field goals, with a long of 35.

Football is random. That’s what makes it so great, the fact that anything can happen on any play. But looking at stats makes it pretty clear what outcome is a lot more likely. Yes, the Hornets have some positive pieces in the run game. But the Rangers have faced better backs with a more talented supporting cast and triumphed once already. This will be a fun game, as they all are. But if you only want to go to one game, I’d save your ticket for Judson.