UPDATE: GAME CANCELED DUE TO RAIN. No. 1 Eau Gallie Takes On No. 2 Merritt Island at the O-Dome on Space Coast Daily TV

Special Live Coverage on Space Coast Daily Starts at 6:45 p.m., Kickoff at 7 p.m.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA –  All eyes in Brevard County will be on Mustang Stadium this Friday night as the Eau Gallie Commodores (5-2) roll into Merritt Island to take on the Merritt Island Mustangs (4-2) in the Space Coast Daily Game of the Week.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with special live coverage on Space Coast Daily TV.

This is the 31st season of high school football coverage for the principals of Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room – brought to you by Erdman Automotive, Health First, 4Ever Young of Merritt Island, and All Points.

This marquee matchup features two of the most talented and tradition-rich programs on the Space Coast, each with playoff ambitions and something to prove as the regular season winds down.

The Commodores are coming off a dominant 51-0 win over Trinity Catholic, showcasing their power on both sides of the ball.

Leading the way is Oregon commit Xavier Lherisse, one of the most explosive backs in the state. Lherisse has racked up 646 yards on 82 carries with six touchdowns, and he’ll be the focal point of Eau Gallie’s offensive attack.

The Commodores bring a physical brand of football and a defense that has smothered opponents all season.

The Mustangs enter at 4-2 and are led by a high-flying passing game. Quarterback Kevin Verpaele has been sharp all season, throwing for 1,551 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.

His top target is Deshaun Thomas, who leads the team with 25 receptions for 399 yards and four touchdowns. Merritt Island will look to use its aerial attack to stretch the field and keep Eau Gallie’s defense off balance.

Live play-by-play coverage of the game can be seen on Space Coast Daily TV.

Eau Gallie Tops Space Coast Daily-Friday Night Locker Room Brevard High School Football Week 8 Rankings

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Week 7 did not bring many surprises, but it did set up a huge matchup in Week 8 between the teams in the county. Titusville won a nail-biter over MCC on their homecoming game, while Rockledge and Holy Trinity faced their most formidable opponents of the season.

This is the 31st season of high school football coverage for the principals of Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room – brought to you by Erdman Automotive, Health First, 4Ever Young of Merritt Island, and All Points.

No. 1 – Eau Gallie Commodores (5-2)

Since losing the first game of the season and their starting quarterback, Eau Gallie has gone 5-1, with the only loss by 4 points to The First Academy. Last Friday, the Commodores traveled up to Ocala for a bout against Trinity Catholic, a program known for its competitiveness. Eau Gallie took their trip up there, and it was nothing but business for the Commodores as they went on to win 51-0. Now setting up a huge in-county matchup against Merritt Island this Friday.

No. 2 – Merritt Island Mustangs (4-2)

BYE WEEK

Merritt Island, after the massive comeback win over ED White in Week 6, had a week of rest in Week 7 before getting ready for Eau Gallie this Friday. After the heartbreaking loss to Cocoa week 1, the Mustangs have got it rolling, with big wins over good teams, and the offense has looked unstoppable.

No. 3 – Cocoa Tigers (2-4)

Cocoa still has a lot of talent, but has not been able to find its rhythm throughout the season. After the bye week, they took a trip down south to Norland, and although the game was called at halftime, Norland had the game well in control through the first half. Despite the four losses, Cocoa can still win its district and finish the season on a high note, and the annual BBQ bowl can give the Tigers momentum going into the playoffs.

No. 4 – Melbourne Bulldogs (5-2)

Melbourne has quietly compiled a 5-2 record, with its only losses coming against Melbourne and Osceola, both excellent squads. With three games left on the schedule, the Bulldogs are looking to put together their best record since 2022. Viera is the only tricky game left for the Bulldogs, as games against East River and Palm Beach Gardens should be manageable.

No. 5 – Titusville Terriers (3-4)

The Terriers got an enormous win on Friday night over the MCC Hustlers. Titusville’s homecoming win looked to be in danger as the Hustlers went up 14-0, but a big two-touchdown swing before the half and to start the second half tied the game at 14- 14. Both defenses stepped up, but the MCC offense was able to get into the endzone with less than 2 minutes on the clock. However, a botched snap and hold prevented an extra point attempt. Titusville would capitalize and score and convert the extra point to secure a 21-20 victory.

No. 6 – Viera Hawks (4-2)

Viera faced a reeling Cocoa Beach team on Friday and won easily 35-7, moving them to 4-2 on the season. Still, with four games remaining, the last month of the schedule will be challenging. Matches against Osceola, Melbourne, and Merritt Island will be difficult, but if they can somehow win two of those three, the Hawks will be very confident heading into the postseason. Next week’s matchup at Osceola will be a great test to see if they can handle this schedule down the stretch.

No. 7 – Heritage Panthers (2-4)

Heritage had high expectations going into the season, given the talent on this team, but the schedule has been challenging and led to a losing streak that ended in week 6. With four games left in the season, the Panthers would love to get it going when it matters most, but it will be a daunting task. Games at Westwood and Mainland next will be challenging for Heritage, but they are battle-tested with what they have faced thus far.

No. 8 – Holy Trinity (4-2)

Despite the loss to John Carroll, Holy Trinity has put together an excellent season. John Carroll Catholic proved to be the most formidable opponent the Tigers have faced all season, and they did not give up. John Carroll outlasted Holy Trinity 42-24, but the game was more of a test for Holy Trinity’s potential playoff run. With still four games to go, the Tigers have a chance to head into the postseason with plenty of confidence and momentum.

WATCH REPLAY: Terry Spain and Zane Garcia were on the call from Terriers Stadium, as Melbourne Central Catholic took on Titusville in Week 7 action.

WATCH REPLAY: The Rockledge Raiders hosted the Mandarin Mustangs in Week 7 action.

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