Crest Crushes Forestview, Ending The Jaguars Best Season

                Five offensive plays by the Crest Chargers were all it took to gain a 14-0 lead over visiting Forestview early in the first quarter. Willie Green’s 32-yard run and Trey Harbison’s one-yard touchdown plunge into the end zone set the tone for the night. A Green eleven-yard touchdown pass to Traquan Hopper made it 21-0 in the first quarter.

                Backed up inside their own ten-yard line, a mishandled pitch from Crawford intended for Moe Neal set Crest up for another score. Harbison scored on a two-yard run to make it 28-0 with just over ten minutes to go in the second quarter. A 37-yard touchdown pass from Green to Preston Huskie gave Crest a 35-0 advantage. Alex Trejo’s 29-yard field-goal made it 38-0 and that would be the half-time score.

                Forestview got the ball to start the second half, but the Charger defense just kept on smothering the Jaguar offense. Things continued to go the Chargers way. After Forestview punted, Jordan Oates took the ensuing punt 67 yards for a touchdown.

                With the score now 45-0, the clock started to run continuously. Harbison, Green and other starters did not play in the second half. Trey Williams’s one-yard touchdown run and Trejo’s kick made it 52-0 Crest. Trejo was 7-for-7 on extra points. He also became the school’s all-time leader in field-goals while teammate Harbison set a country record for touchdowns.

                Forestview was able to avoid the shutout with a John Crawford 30-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Mills in the fourth quarter. But that was pretty much it.

                Moe Neal finished the game with -5 yards rushing. John Crawford amassed 121 yard passing with most of them coming in the second half.

                “They have a fantastic team, no question about it.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “It got snowballing early and it got hard to stop. If I was going to lose, I’d rather do it to a great team.”

                “It’s important for us to be physical.” Crest head coach Mark Barnes said “We were productive with the run game and we were able to run the ball effectively.”

                “Our defense has done it all year. We’re used to them playing well. We have lived off our defense consistently.”

                The Chargers (14-0) will host South Point, a team they beat earlier this year 35-13. The Red Raiders beat East Rowan 42-32.

Gaston and Lincoln Round 3 Playoff Picks

Game of the Week: 2AA #5 Lincolnton (11-2) @ #1 East Lincoln (13-0): Rematch time! The Mustangs won the matchup between these two and won the SD7 2A conference, but the Wolves are looking to avenge the 49-27 loss to the Mustangs. Nobody has been able to stop the high-powered Mustang offense this year. Their offense has been held below 30 points only once this year and that was against North Lincoln. The Mustangs escaped with a 28-27 win. Since then, the Mustangs have scored 50 points a game.

Lincolnton has only allowed 20 points or more in three games, including the loss to East Lincoln. The Wolves have allowed 17 points a game. The Wolves are hopeful at slowing Surratt and company down, but their offense will need to sustain long drives and keep the East Lincoln offense off the field.

This will likely be much closer than the last time they met.

My pick: East Lincoln 35 – Lincolnton 28

3A #4 Forestview (11-2) @ #1 Crest (13-0): The Jaguars, for the second year in a row, are playing on the weekend of Thanksgiving. They are hoping for the same success they had this time last year. The Chargers will be a tall task for Forestview. They are allowing an average of five points a game and have pitched six shutouts. Only three teams have scored double-digits on Crest. The Chargers’ closest game of the year came against arch-rival, Shelby. The Golden Lions held a 10-0 lead at half-time, but saw it wither away in a 21-13 Crest victory.

The Jaguars, on the other hand, score an average of 40 points a game. They have only been held below 30 points once and that was against Kings Mountain in a week three 35-21 loss. The Jaguars are led by Division 1 prospect, Moe Neal.

This could be a very low-scoring game.

My pick: Forestview 19 – Crest 17

#15 East Rowan (7-6) @ #6 South Point (9-4): More and more #15 seeds are coming out and making noise. Last year #15 Parkwood in 2AA, and this year #15 East Rowan. The Red Raiders made a statement last week by whipping #3 Concord 37-21. East Rowan lost to that same team 29-12. So the odds in this one favor the Red Raiders. But it’s a different season in the playoffs.

Will the Mustangs be ready to stop Jaquan Brooks, Rylan Ethertan, Clemson recruit Tanner Muse and Jeffrey Pearsall? Ever since their 0-2 start, nobody has really slowed them down. The Mustang offense will have to account for Muse in the defensive backfield too.

My pick: South Point 35 – East Rowan 21

 

Forestview Reaches Another Milestone

                 Playoffs? Been there! Second round? Been there too! How about winning over ten games? Not until tonight! Coming in with a 10-2 record the Jaguars hoped to set a new record by getting their eleventh win. They did exactly that in their 37-13 victory over Pisgah. Not only did they manage that but Moe Neal became the first Forestview running back to surpass over 2,000 yards in a single season. The Jaguars also play on the Thanksgiving weekend for two consecutive years.

                The Jaguars got things started with a one-yard plunge by defensive tackle/fullback Tate Payne. Trey Heavener’s extra point made it 7-0. The Black Bears would answer that score with a touchdown of their own. Quarterback Lucas Hall’s three yard touchdown run and Mason Fox’s extra point tied the game up.

                An interception by Caleb Mills put Forestview back in business after being stopped on their previous possession. Moe Neal got on the board with a 29-yard touchdown run. The kick was blocked, however. Another interception in the first half, this time by Montavis Rogers, put Forestview in very god field position. But mistakes and penalties backed them up and they ended up having to punt it back to Pisgah.

                Unable to punch it in the end-zone, the Black Bears settled for a 27 yard field-goal by Mason Fox. The score was 13-10 at half-time. The Black Bears would turn it over one more time before this was over. It was on their first drive in the second half. Josh Freeman tipped a pass from Hall and intercepted it. He returned the interception to the 13-yard line. Neal did the rest with the 13-yard touchdown run on the next play. Heavener’s kick gave Forestview the 20-10 advantage.

                Pisgah did manage a long drive that chewed up plenty of clock in the third quarter. The drive went into the fourth quarter, but stalled inside the Forestview ten-yard line. The Black Bears settled for another Fox field-goal. This time it was from 24 yards out.

                With the Black Bears closing in, the Jaguars knew they had to make something happen. And they did! They were backed up on their own 17-yard line. Quarterback John Crawford threw a pass to Caleb Mills near midfield and he took it all the way to five-yard line. The Jaguars were stopped on third down so they settled for a 31-yard field-goal by Trey Heavener. That gave Forestview a 23-13 lead with less than seven minutes to go.

                Time was running out on Pisgah. On fourth-and-six at midfield, Lucas Hall’s pass intended for Joseph Inman fell incomplete. On the ensuing play, Moe Neal gashed through the Bears’ defense for a 50-yard touchdown run. Heavener’s kick made it a three-possession game. Forestview would add another touchdown late when linebacker/fullback Jaylen McCree rumbled in from the seven-yard line, dodging what looked like the entire Pisgah defense.

                That was all she wrote!

                “We knew coming in we would be outmanned so we had to get physical with them early.” said Bears head coach Brett Chappell “We had Moe Neal bottled up for most of the night, but he broke our backs (with the 50-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter).”

                “We took our shots early.” Chappell said of his team’s interceptions early in the game “But it did not kill us. Our defense came up big.”

                “Eleven wins, first time ever.” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “Playing on Thanksgiving two years in a row and first time having a (Forestview) running-back rush for 2,000 yards. A lot of firsts these past two years. I think the only thing that's left is to win a championship.”

                “Lights out!” Medlin said of the defense “They have only given up 13 points a game since the end of the regular season.”

               Moe Neal finished the night with 131 yards and three touchdowns and has 2,028 yards on the season. John Crawford passed for 133 yards. All them went to Caleb Mills.

                Forestview will travel to play former Big South openent, Crest, next week.

Gaston and Lincoln Round 2 Playoff Picks

Game of the Week: 3A: #6 South Point (8-4) @ #3 Concord (12-0): Last year, South Point’s playoff run ended at the hands of the Concord Spiders. But the Red Raiders are hoping for some payback and redemption. South Point had a rough start to begin the year off as they were 1-3. But they have won eight of their last nine games. Of all the games they have lost, none of them have been on the road. So that could work in South Point’s favor. Concord is coming off a third consecutive undefeated regular season. They are two-time 3A runners up, losing to Havelock both times. The Spiders’ only concern now is getting past a dangerous South Point team.

Prior to last year’s meeting, the Red Raiders and the Spiders met three times, all three were in South Point. In 2000, South Point won 28-13. The Red Raiders won again in similar fashion in 2001, 26-13. But when they met in 2003, it wasn’t even close. The Red Raiders ran away with a 69-21 victory, in route to their 2003 state title. Look for this game to be as close as last year’s matchup.

My pick: South Point 28 – Concord 21

3A #5 Pisgah (9-3) @ #4 Forestview (10-2): For the first time in school history, Forestview makes back-to-back appearances in the second round of the playoffs. The Jaguars are hoping for the exact same result as last year when they edged Freedom 35-34. These two teams have never met before, but Black Bears head coach Brett Chappell has faced the Jaguars in the past. That was ten years ago (2004) when East Henderson, the team he coached then, visited Forestview and left with a 29-13 victory.

But this is a different year and a different ball game. Look for this to go down to the wire.

My pick: Forestview 35 – Pisgah 28

1AA #5 Starmount (9-3) @ #4 Bessemer City (9-3): Bessemer City advances to the second round of the playoffs by squeaking past North Moore 28-21. They will have a much tougher test against a hot Starmount squad coming off a 75-27 win over Cherryville. Look for another defeat of a Gaston County team at the hands of the Rams.

My pick: Starmount 42 – Bessemer City 14

2AA #13 Parkwood (7-5) @ #5 Lincolnton (10-2): Parkwood made a deep playoff run last year as a #15 seed. This year, they are hoping to do it as a #13 seed. They had a great start of it last week by whipping #4 seed, Hunter Huss, 37-7. But the Wolves will be a tall task for the Rebels, especially in Lincolnton where they have not lost a game this year. All their wins at home were very lopsided. Lincolnton is coming off a 48-14 romping of conference rival, Newton-Conover. Midnight is likely going to come early for Cinderella this time. A win for the Wolves would likely set up a rematch with county-rival, East Lincoln. The Mustangs rolled the Wolves 49-27 earlier.

My pick: Lincolnton 42 – Parkwood 21

2AA #9 R-S Central (8-4) @ #1 East Lincoln (12-0): R-S Central got past Bandys last week in a 29-26 back-and-forth battle. The Hilltoppers will have their hands full against East Lincoln, however. The Mustangs have been rolling through their opponents. Their last eight games were decided by deficits of 21, 22, 31, 34, 35, 48 and 56 points respectively. R-S Central probably won’t have the firepower to match East Lincoln.

My pick: East Lincoln 55 – R-S Central 14

Special Team Woes Doom Warriors Early

It was a cold night at Forestview’s Joe Alala Stadium. Of course, that’s playoff football for you. After taking a 34-0 beating from Forestview last week, East Gaston was looking to serve some cold revenge on the Jaguars. However, an unsuccessful onside kick to open the game, a fumbled kick return and a kickoff return for a touchdown given up made the Warriors feel left out in the cold.

Forestview capitalized on all of the Warriors special team woes. Moe Neal put Forestview on top 13-0 with just ten minutes to go in the first quarter with runs of 19 and 5. But East Gaston did respond with a 36 yard touchdown pass from Alex Adams to Austin Woods. Matt Marks’s extra point made it 13-7.

But Caleb Mills’s 78-yard kickoff return for a touchdown and Trey Heavener’s extra point extended Forestview’s lead to 20-7. Neal added another touchdown run, this time from 28 yards out. East Gaston was not done shooting themselves in the foot. Adams attempted a screen pass, but was intercepted by Daryl McNeil. A personal foul penalty put the ball at the five-yard line. Isaiah Sanders took it in from there with a five-yard run. Heavener’s kick made it 34-7.

Neal would score his last touchdown of the night from three yards out to lead Forestview to a 41-7 half-time lead. Neal finished with 136 yards rushing and the four touchdowns all in the first half.

Logan Melsior got Forestview’s only touchdown of the second half with an eleven yard touchdown run. The Jaguars would continue subbing and putting in different players in the second half.

The Warriors did get an oh-by-the-way touchdown late in the fourth quarter with a Tyler Spurling touchdown plunge from the one-yard line.

“We just emphasized that we need to start off strong.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “We haven’t done that the past three weeks. (Capitalizing on the onside kick) was a good way to start. ”

“I felt like the game was well in hand.” Medlin said, referring to sitting Moe Neal and John Crawford in the second half, up 41-7 “We subbed as many as we could. That playing time is very valuable.”

The Jaguars also won the turnover battle 4-2. They have won the turnover battle 8-3 in these two games combined.

“We felt coming in, we had a great week of practice.” East Gaston head coach Sean Joyce said “We took a risk early with the onside kick. That was a high risk/high reward play. Then we fumble on the ensuing kickoff and allow a kickoff return for a touchdown.”

“No disgrace! We have come a long way. I am excited for the future here at East Gaston.”

Forestview will host Pisgah next week. The Black Bears edged Hibriten 16-13 in Canton.

Gaston and Lincoln Round 1 Playoff Picks

Game of the Week: 3A #13 East Gaston (5-6) @ #4 Forestview (9-2): You Again? Just a week after the Jaguars defeated East Gaston 34-0 to claim the Big South conference title outright, they draw the Warriors again. The Jaguars are no strangers to rematches. In fact, the Jaguars had one three years ago against Kings Mountain. Forestview defeated the Mountaineers 21-12 in the regular season finale to claw into the playoffs. However, they faced them a week later in the playoffs and were slaughtered 43-13. The Jaguars are 0-3 in playoff rematches. They faced South Point in the playoffs two consecutive years (2009 and 2010) and lost both. Forestview is hoping to flip the script on that. They should be able to if they stay focused. But the Warriors are a dangerous team and have some extra incentive for this game. East Gaston has not won a playoff game since 2006. Their last playoff win was a 34-28 decision against Mount Tabor. East Gaston also had a rematch with a conference foe that year. That opponent was Ashbrook. The Warriors beat the Green Wave 32-28 in the regular season, but trounced them 44-15 in the first round. Look for this game to be much closer than last week’s Forestview blowout.
My pick: Forestview 34 – East Gaston 27

2A #12 Newton-Conover (7-3-1) @ #5 Lincolnton (9-2): Lincolnton also hosts a team they beat in regulation. The Wolves blew the Red Devils out 51-8 in Newton earlier. The Red Devils are looking for some payback, but Lincolnton will be very tough on this night. The Red Devils in three of their past four games have given up over 30 points. Newton-Conover will have to tighten up on defense in order to have a chance in this rematch because Lincolnton’s defense has been pretty stingy.
My pick: Lincolnton 38 – Newton-Conover 22

3A #11 Fred T. Foard (6-5) @ #6 South Point (7-4): South Point had a very tough start at the beginning of the year going 1-3. But they won six of their last seven games, with their only loss being to conference champ, Forestview. The Red Raiders are 2-4 at home, but are 5-0 on the road. This one will be at home, though since the Red Raiders are a #2 seed from their respective conference and the Tigers are a wildcard from theirs. Each team enters the playoffs with only one win over a team with a winning record. South Point should take this one easily though.
My pick: South Point 31 – Fred T. Foard 14

3AA #15 Ashbrook (5-6) @ #2 Cuthbertson (8-3): Ashbrook limps into the playoffs after losing three of their last five games. Last week they surrendered the victory bell to rival, Hunter Huss, in a 20-14 game. The Green Wave hopes to put this behind them as they travel to face the Cuthbertson Cavaliers. These two met in the regular season last year with Ashbrook winning 33-0. So the Cavaliers may have payback in mind. This game could go down to the wire.
My pick: Cuthbertson 31 – Ashbrook 24

2AA #13 Parkwood (6-5) @ #4 Hunter Huss (4-7): Another matchup from last year takes place in the first round of the playoffs. Last year, Parkwood eliminated the Huskies from the playoffs in the third round 24-14. Now the Huskies are looking to return the favor. Huss got the Big South conference’s top 2A seed and that is why they are hosting the Rebels. This should be a competitive matchup just like last year.
My pick: Hunter Huss 24 – Parkwood 20

2AA #16 Smoky Mountain (2-9) @ #1 East Lincoln (11-0): 2-9? Why is this team in the playoffs again? Well, the Smoky Mountain Mustangs likely won’t be in it for long. This first round battle of the Mustangs will be anything but. Look for East Lincoln to roll right to the second round. The last time the host Mustangs were even in a close game was in a 40-33 win over Forestview.
My pick: East Lincoln 56 – Smoky Mountain 14

3AA #9 Kings Mountain (8-3) @ #8 West Henderson (7-4): Kings Mountain had the ups and downs this season, but finished the regular season on a high note, winning the last two games. They have to travel to take on the Falcons of West Henderson. The Falcons have won only one game at home this year so this could favor the Mountaineers. But there’s a reason they play the game.
My pick: Kings Mountain 28 – West Henderson 21

1AA #13 North Moore (6-5) @ #4 Bessemer City (8-3): For the second straight year the Yellow Jackets stumble into the playoffs following a loss to their arch-rival, Cherryville. Last year, they were bounced from the first round with a 36-21 loss to Avery County. But the Yellow Jackets should put the sting in North Moore and advance to the second round.
My pick: Bessemer City 42 – North Moore 14

1AA #12 Cherryville (4-7) @ #5 Starmount (8-3): After winning three of their last five, including last week’s win over Bessemer City, Cherryville is shown no love as they travel to a dangerous Starmount team. The Ironmen have not won a game on the road. The Rams, on the other hand, have only lost one game at home. The odds don’t favor Cherryville in this one.
My pick: Starmount 35 – Cherryville 7

Forestview comes alive in the second half, clinches title outright

                It took Forestview until the second half to really get going. But once they did, East Gaston simply had no answers. John Crawford’s 13-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sanders was Forestview’s only score in the first half. East Gaston had a chance to tie it up before half-time, but fumbled at the five-yard line.

                In the second half, the Jaguars went right to work. Crawford capped off the opening drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Mills.  Trey Heavener’s kick made it 14-0. The Jaguars extended the lead to 21-0 with another Crawford pass. This time, it was a seven yard touchdown pass to Moe Neal.

                The Jaguars would put the game away in the fourth quarter with a five-yard touchdown run by Moe Neal. Heavener’s kick made it 28-0. Backup quarterback Colton Guthrie punched one more in from the one-yard line. The extra point was blocked.

                The Jaguars also won the turnover battle 4-1. The Jaguars forced two fumbles in the first half and snagged two interceptions in the closing minutes. East Gaston had an interception late in the first half.

                Moe Neal led Forestview with 145 yards rushing, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. Crawford accounted for 118 total yards (80 passing and 38 rushing) and three touchdowns. Alex Adams led East Gaston with 104 yards passing.

                The Jaguars clinch their first ever outright conference title. The Jaguars also pitch their first home conference shutout since 2008, when they beat North Gaston 45-0.

                “I’m tickled to death. We have a great group of kids.” Said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “We got great guys on offense and defense. We lost lots of great players from last year’s team. We set some expectations and this group is buying in.”

                Prior to this game, Forestview went three out of four games without allowing a touchdown in the first half. Though they were down 6-0 to Ashbrook before escaping with a 48-22 win. They were up 14-6 on Huss at half-time allowing only two field-goals before pulling away 36-12. In their matchup with North Gaston, they were up 21-3 at half-time. They won 42-17.

                “Defense was lights out. 34-0 to nothing against a darn good football team.” Medlin said “East Gaston did a good job and they played hard (against us).”

                “Moe Neal is good.” Said East Gaston head coach Sean Joyce “I felt in the first half we did a great job defensively to give us a good chance.”

                “At half-time, it should have been 7-7. We hit a pass and we fumbled at the five-yard line. We tell the kids to continue to fight and don’t look at the scoreboard to determine your efforts.”

                “Getting into the playoffs is big.” Joyce added “We get to have another week. This group can be dangerous. They have been tight, believe in each other and is the best group I have been a part of.”

                Both teams will find out who they will play next Friday, later on today when the playoff brackets come out.

Forestview clinches a share of the conference title, #1 3A spot in Big South

                The Jaguars were hopeful of clinching a share of the conference title and the conference’s #a playoff spot in the 3A division. Whelp, they did just that in their convincing 36-12 win at Hunter Huss. The Jaguars can clinch the title outright for the first time in school history a win over East Gaston Friday.

                The Jaguars started off slow and did not get on the board until the second quarter. Early on, it looked as though the Huskies would score the first touchdown when a Husky defender picked off a John Crawford pass and took it all the way to the end-zone. But a roughing the passer penalty took the touchdown off the board.

                Hunter Huss would however get on the board first with a 27-yard field-goal from Seth Jones. But that would be the only time the Huskies had the lead. The Jaguars would storm back. They would try the fullback dive, but fumbled it in the end-zone. However, Forestview did recover it for a touchdown.

                With just a minute to go in the half, Forestview got the ball back. Moe Neal gashed up the gut of the Hunter Huss defense and took it all the way for a 67-yard touchdown run. Trey Heavener’s extra point made it 14-3. But the Huskies had enough time for Jones to kick another field-goal. This time, it was from 37 yard out. 14-6 would be the score at half-time.

                In the second half, Forestview went back to work. A four-yard touchdown from Neal gave the Jaguars a 20-6 lead. Heavener’s kick made it 21-6. But Hunter Huss was not done. Andrew Jordan’s touchdown pass to Maurice Smith cut the Jaguars’ lead to 21-12. The extra point was blocked, however, and that kept it at a two-possession score.

                But that would be as close as the Huskies got. A 19-yard touchdown pass from John Crawford to Moe Neal and a four-yard touchdown run by Montavis Rogers made the score 34-12. The Jaguars were in position to go for another touchdown, but this time they would fumble and lose it. Da’shaun Currence scooped up the loose ball and ran it out to the 12-yard line. But a holding penalty in the end-zone forced a safety and the Huskies had to punt it off.

                Each team had two lost fumbles in this game.

                “Sometimes, you have to win games like this.” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “I’m happy to get the share of the conference title and the #1 spot in conference.”

                “I’m thrilled to death to get a win on Monday Night. Since I’ve been a head coach this is the first time we have won on Monday Night. Lost earlier this year to East Lincoln (40-33), last year to (Huss) 24-20 and in 2007 (55-52).”

                Forestview is actually 3-4 when playing on Monday Nights. All three of those wins are on the road.

                “It will be a tough game.” Medlin said about his team’s upcoming game with East Gaston “We know what is at stake. This would be the team’s first ever outright conference title.”

                Forestview will host the Warriors Friday. East Gaston started the season off 0-3 but have won five of their last seven, including a 50-6 win over Stuart Cramer, Monday Night.

                “This is a tough one to lose.” said Huss first-year coach Jamar McCoy “We get that interception returned for a touchdown. If not called back, it’s a new ball game. Forestview is a pretty good team.  They have athletes and good sized linemen that you have to find Moe Neal.”

                Even though the Huskies have clinched the top seed in the 2A division of the conference, McKoy and his Huskies are not satisfied.

                “Ashbrook is still a major game for us. Our goal is to win that bell.”

                Huss will travel to take on the Green Wave Friday. Ashbrook won 54-14 over Lake Norman Charter.

Gaston and Lincoln Area Conference Week 11 Picks

Big South 3A/2A Conference Picks

 

North Gaston (3-6)(1-4) @ South Point (5-4)(4-1): North Gaston has had a rough year but are hoping to somehow get a playoff spot. But South Point will be too tough on this night. The Red Raiders are 1-4 at home, but they will likely take this one on their home finale.

My pick: South Point 42 – North Gaston 14

Forestview (7-2)(4-1) @ Hunter Huss (3-6)(3-2): Forestview showed last week that they can avoid upsets after a big win. But they must continue their focus as they travel to Hunter Huss. The Huskies haven’t had a memorable season but they are sneaky enough to upset any team that overlooks them. A win by Forestview will ensure them a share of the conference title.

My pick: Forestview 34 – Hunter Huss 20

Lake Norman Charter (3-6)(1-4) @ Ashbrook (4-5)(3-2): Ashbrook has lost two of their last three games. But don’t expect them to lose this one to the Knights tonight.

My pick: Ashbrook 45 – Lake Norman Charter 7

Stuart Cramer (1-8)(0-5) @ East Gaston (4-5)(3-2): East Gaston has had a turnaround season after starting 0-3. They have won four of their last six games and a win over Stuart Cramer will make it five out of the last seven. Cramer gave Huss a ball game last week, but will likely take another one on the chin this week.

My pick: East Gaston 45 – Stuart Cramer 14

Southern District 7 2A Picks

 

West Lincoln (4-5)(2-3) @ Bandys (6-3)(3-2): The Rebels took a pounding at home last week against Maiden. Will this game at Bandys be just as lopsided? Probably not, but the Trojans should still take this one easily.

My pick: Bandys 48 – West Lincoln 14

Newton-Conover (6-2-1)(3-2) @ Bunker Hill (0-9)(0-5): It’s been a tough two weeks for the Newton-Conover Red Devils as they were handed two lopsided losses to East Lincoln and Lincolnton. They should rebound against a winless Bunker Hill team

My pick: Newton-Conover 48 – Bunker Hill 21

East Lincoln (9-0)(5-0) @ Maiden (5-4)(2-3): Maiden got back on track last week with a 55-7 beating of West Lincoln. However, that’s only two wins in six games for the Blue Devils. Not good news facing unbeaten East Lincoln. The Mustangs have not been challenged by any of their conference foes yet.

My pick: East Lincoln 34 – Maiden 14

West Caldwell (3-6)(1-4) @ Lincolnton (7-2)(4-1): Lincolnton has been on a roll since their 49-27 loss to East Lincoln. Their 51-8 win last week over Newton-Conover just proves how dangerous the Wolves really are.

My pick: Lincolnton 45 – West Caldwell 7

Southern Piedmont 1A Picks

 

Highland Tech (0-9)(0-3) @ Bessemer City (7-2)(3-0): A win over Highland Tech tonight can secure a share of the conference title for the Yellow Jackets given everyone else has at least one loss. Look for them to do just that tonight.

My pick: Bessemer City 51 – Highland Tech 8

Cherryville (3-6)(2-1) @ Community School of Davidson (4-5)(1-2): Cherryville is hopeful to have the same turnaround they had last year where they struggled early on and then won a share of the conference title. Their match-up with C.S. Davidson should be a good game.

My pick: Cherryville 27 – C.S. Davidson 21

Thomas Jefferson Classical (6-3)(2-1) @ Pine Lake Prep (5-3)(1-2): Pine Lake Prep started the season strong, but have stumbled down the stretch. Thomas Jefferson is looking to rebound from their loss to Bessemer City last week.

My pick: Thomas Jefferson 28 – Pine Lake Prep 20

Other

Statesville (5-4)(2-3) @ North Lincoln (5-4)(2-3): Their records say it all. These two teams look evenly matched on paper. But this game is not played on paper. With five wins already, it’s all about playoff seeding with these two teams. This should be fun for the fans to watch.

My pick: Statesville 35 – North Lincoln 31

Forestview overcomes sloppy start, rolls rival Ashbrook

               No 2009 repeat here folks. But it sure looked like one in the works in the first half. It’s not that Forestview couldn’t move the ball but they just simply could not finish drives. Ashbrook, on the other hand, could only muster two first half field goals by kicker Matt Cloyd (24 and 35). Coming off another Forestview turnover early in the second half due to a badly timed snap, Cloyd kicked another 24 yarder.

                But the Jaguars would soon find the end-zone. Moe Neal got the Jaguars on the board with a four-yard touchdown run. Trey Heavner’s kick cut the score to 9-7. Then the defense got in on the fun too. Ashbrook fumbled on the ensuing drive near midfield. Trell McCaskill picked up the ball and ran 48 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion failed however making the score 13-9.

                The Green Wave stormed back with a Jeff Glenn screen pass Z’Andre Givens which Givens took 58 yards for a touchdown. Cloyd’s extra point gave Ashbrook a 16-13 lead. But the party was just starting for Forestview.

                Faced with a big decision on fourth-and-one from their own 32-yard line, the Jaguars went for it and it paid off as Neal tore through the defense for a 68-yard touchdown run. We all know Neal can run and catch. But on the next drive he made a play with his arm, as hit Isaiah Sanders for a 54-yard half-back pass touchdown. Heavner remained perfect on extra points as the Jaguars held a 27-16 lead.

                Montavis Rogers got in on the fun with a touchdown run from the ten-yard line. Forestview extends their lead to 34-16. But Ashbrook still had some fight left in them. Kristien Bell’s two-yard touchdown run cut Forestview’s lead to 34-22. The two point conversion try failed, however.

                The Green Wave did recover the on-side kick. But could not get anything on the drive. Jeff Glenn was sacked by Nathan Whitaker on third down and an illegal forward pass on fourth down ended their comeback hopes. A three-yard run by Rogers and a 70-yard interception return by McCaskill put the exclamation point on the game.

                Moe Neal finished the game with 241 yards rushing and two touchdowns, along with 27 yards receiving and the 54-yard touchdown pass. Jeff Glenn led Ashbrook with 192 yards passing and a touchdown for Ashbrook.  

                “We’re disappointed. I thought we played a good game defensively the first half and there was a gap in the second half where we lost it.” said Ashbrook head coach Greg Hill “It will be a disappointing weekend for our kids.”

                “You can’t go down there and not get points. Not against a good team like Forestview.” Hill said about taking field-goals early on “We’ve been in situations (this year) where we drove all the way down there and got nothing. We just got to finish strong. We got to get ready for a playoff run.”

                “There were a lot big plays and (the fumble return) was one of them. It gave us the lead.” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “Give (Ashbrook) credit, they have a good defense. They have a good team. Against a good athletic team, you have to find ways to put them away early.”

                “We just got to finish strong. We have a lot we can get better at. We’ve got to focus on every week.”

                Forestview (7-2)(5-0) will travel to Hunter Huss (3-6)(3-2) next week. A win at Hunter Huss assures them a share of the conference title. If the Jaguars win out, it will be their first conference title outright. Ashbrook (4-5)(3-2) will be back home against Lake Norman Charter (2-6)(1-4).

Gaston and Lincoln Conference Picks Week 10

Big South 3A/2A Picks

Game of the Week: Ashbrook (4-4)(3-1) @ Forestview (6-2)(4-0): After snapping South Point’s 29 conference game winning streak, the Jaguars find themselves in the driver’s seat for the Big South conference title. But we all know what happened the last time they were in this position. In 2009, after beating the Red Raiders for the first time in school history they fell flat against Ashbrook the following week in a 21-0 loss. The Green Wave can grab a share of the Big South conference title with a win. Ashbrook has won five straight in this series.

My pick: Forestview 34 – Ashbrook 27

East Gaston (3-5)(2-2) @ North Gaston (3-5)(1-3): Both teams are fighting for a postseason spot. The loser of this game is likely out of it. Both teams have improved as the season progressed. This should be another game too tough to call.

My pick: East Gaston 28 – North Gaston 21

Hunter Huss (2-6)(2-2) @ Stuart Cramer (1-5)(0-4): Hunter Huss can solidify their playoff spot with a win against Stuart Cramer given that they would be the #1 2A team in the Big South conference. The Huskies should have no problem doing that tonight.

My pick: Hunter Huss 42 – Stuart Cramer 7

South Point (4-4)(3-1) @ Lake Norman Charter (3-5)(1-3): South Point had their 29 conference game win streak snapped as they fell 34-31 to Forestview. Of course, the last time that happened the Red Raiders went on a tear and went on to win the 2009 state title game. It looks to be a long night for the Knights.

My pick: South Point 63 – Lake Norman Charter 7

 

Southern District 7 2A Picks

Game of the Week: Lincolnton (6-2)(3-1) @ Newton-Conover (6-1-1)(3-1): Right now both teams look to be out of the running for the SD7-2A conference title unless undefeated East Lincoln stumbles down the stretch. Both teams were beaten pretty handily by the Mustangs. Both are hoping to finish no lower than second place. Look for this to be a shootout.

My pick: Newton-Conover 29 – Lincolnton 28

East Lincoln (8-0)(4-0) @ West Caldwell (3-5)(1-3): The Mustangs are looking for their third consecutive conference title. The Warriors are hoping to lock down a playoff spot. That will be a tough task against a hot East Lincoln squad tonight.

My pick: East Lincoln 42 – West Caldwell 14

Maiden (4-4)(1-3) @ West Lincoln (5-3)(2-2): After starting the season 3-0, the Blue Devils have lost four out of their last five and could potentially be falling out of the playoff race. But a win tonight would likely seal a playoff spot. The Rebels are looking for a win in their home finale. This should be another tight ball game.

My pick: Maiden 34 – West Lincoln 30

Bandys (5-3)(2-2) @ Bunker Hill (0-8)(0-4): Bandys should not have any trouble with the Bears tonight.

My pick: Bandys 45 – Bunker Hill 7

South Piedmont 1A Picks

Bessemer City (6-2)(2-0) @ Thomas Jefferson Classical (6-2)(2-0): This game could be for the conference title. The Yellow Jackets completed one tough task by taking down Pine Lake Prep last week 52-30 and are looking to remain unbeaten in conference play, but the Gryphons will be ready to play on their home field.

My pick: Bessemer City 31 – Thomas Jefferson 27

Community School of Davidson (3-5)(0-2) @ Highland Tech (0-8)(0-2): C.S. Davidson needs one more win to qualify for a playoff spot. What better opportunity to get it tonight against a winless Highland Tech squad.

My pick: C.S. Davidson 36 – Highland Tech 0

Pine Lake Prep (5-2)(1-1) @ Cherryville (2-6)(1-1): One of the biggest surprises of the year has to be the Pine Lake Prep Pride. Winless last year and are still hopeful to stay in the thick of things in terms of a conference title or a share of it. The Ironmen are hoping to trip up the Pride and make a late surge as well.

My pick: Pine Lake Prep 24 – Cherryville 21

Other picks

Kings Mountain (6-3)(3-3) @ Chase (1-7)(0-5): Kings Mountain has been on a downhill spiral as of late. They have lost three of their last four games after starting the season 5-0. But they should find redemption against a struggling Chase team.

My pick: Kings Mountain 35 – Chase 14

North Lincoln (5-3)(2-2) @ Lake Norman (7-1)(4-0): North Lincoln will face another challenge on the road tonight. Last week, they were drubbed by Mooresville 38-7. The Wildcats will not be any easier.

My pick: Lake Norman 45 – North Lincoln 21

Jaguars Snap South Point’s Conference Win Streak

                Sound familiar? Well, just five years ago, that exact thing happened. The Jaguars took down South Point, snapping their then 15-game conference winning streak with a 21-20 win at Forestview. This time, they snap South Point’s 29-game conference winning streak. It’s also the first time South Point lost a conference game at home since 2006 when they were blown out by North Gaston 49-7.

                The Jaguars got on the scoreboard first with a John Crawford 16-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sanders. The kick failed, however. Would that be big later? Well it would seem so as the Red Raiders would answer with a Jaquan Brooks 54 yard touchdown run. Max Nieslar’s extra point gave South Point a 7-6 advantage.

                After stopping Forestview, the Red Raiders extended their lead with a Brooks 61-yard touchdown pass to Tanner Muse. Nieslar’s kick made it 14-6. But the Jaguars would storm back with a Crawford 34-yard pass to Moe Neal. Crawford’s run for two-point conversion tied it at 14-14.

                The Red Raiders were primed to take the lead at half-time. But turned the ball over at the one-yard line. That was their second turnover of the night.

                But South Point came out storming in the second half. The Red Raiders would take the lead with a Ryland Etherton one-yard touchdown plunge. The Red Raiders then stopped Forestview on fourth down deep in South Point territory and looked to be on the verge of pulling away. But another South Point fumble opened up another door for Forestview and they capitalized.

                Neal’s three-yard touchdown run and Trey Heavner’s extra point tied the game back up at 21 a piece in the fourth quarter. But the Red Raiders and the Jaguars would each put one more touchdown on the board. Jeff Pearsall’s 37-yard touchdown run gave South Point a 28-21 lead with under three minutes left in the game. That was enough time for Moe Neal to answer with a four-yard touchdown reception from John Crawford. The Jaguars initially opted to go for two to win the game, but an illegal procedure backed them up and they chose to kick it and Heavner tied it up at 28-28.

                Then the game went into overtime. South Point got the ball first in the extra period, but had to settle for a Nieslar field-goal. Then on the third play in overtime Neal plunged through South Point’s defense and sealed the victory for Forestview with a three-yard run.

                “It was a fun game.” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “It was an important game as far as conference standings go. Both teams had their moments and both teams did some things good. Our defense made a stop when they had to.”

                Forestview also won the turnover battle 3-0.

                “We played hard. Both teams played hard. We just came up short.” said South Point head coach Mickey Lineberger “Mistakes and turnovers worked against us tonight and not scoring before the half. Hats off to Forestview.”

                South Point drops to 4-4 and 3-1 in conference play. Forestview improves to 6-2 and are 4-0 in conference play. South Point travels to Lake Norman Charter next week. Forestview is back home against Ashbrook.

                Medlin is hoping to avoid the same instance that happened in 2009 when Forestview came off their victory over South Point only to ‘lay an egg’ at Ashbrook in a 21-0 shutout.

                Moe Neal amassed 100 yards rushing and 72 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Crawford passed for 156 yards and three touchdowns. Jaquan Brooks rushed for 88 yards for South Point and passed for 107 yards and accounted for two touchdowns.

Area Conference Picks

Big South 3A/2A Week 4 Picks

 

Game of the Week: Forestview (5-2)(3-0) @ South Point (4-3)(3-0): First place is on the line tonight in Belmont. South Point has completely dominated the series, but do not count Forestview out.

My pick: South Point 35 – Forestview 28

Ashbrook (3-4)(2-1) @ East Gaston (3-4)(2-1): These two teams are battling for a playoff berth. One more win will get these teams the minimum qualifications. The Green Wave looks to be favored in this one.

My pick: Ashbrook 27 – East Gaston 17

Lake Norman Charter (2-5)(1-2) @ Hunter Huss (1-6)(1-2): The winner of this game is one step closer to clinching the league’s top 2A playoff berth. But that will likely go to Hunter Huss.

My pick: Hunter Huss 41 – Lake Norman Charter 17

Stuart Cramer (1-6)(0-3) @ North Gaston (2-5)(0-3): Stuart Cramer let their chances of getting their first conference win slip through their fingers last week in a 28-19 loss to Lake Norman Charter. But it does not get easier from there. The Wildcats take this one.

My pick: North Gaston 34 – Stuart Cramer 10

Southern District 7 Week 4 Picks

Game of the Week: Newton-Conover (6-0-1)(3-0) @ East Lincoln (7-0)(3-0): First place is on the line in Denver. The Mustangs and Red Devils both have explosive offenses. Both defenses will have their work cut out for them.

My pick: East Lincoln 34 – Newton Conover 33

West Lincoln (3-4)(1-2) @ West Caldwell (3-4)(1-2): West Lincoln is looking to rebound from a tight 48-41 loss to Newton-Conover. But the Warriors are a much improved team this year.

My pick: West Caldwell 27 – West Lincoln 24

Bunker Hill (0-7)(0-3) @ Lincolnton (5-2)(2-1): This likes like a mismatch. This game should be over by half-time.

My pick: Lincolnton 45 – Bunker Hill 0

Bandys (4-3)(1-2) @ Maiden (4-3)(1-2): Both teams are looking to rebound from hard losses a chance for a conference title for either of these two teams is slim-to-none. But this is a big rivalry game and this game could be decided in overtime.

My pick: Maiden 24 – Bandys 21

Southern Piedmont 1A Week 2 Picks

Game of the Week: Pine Lake Prep (5-1)(1-0) @ Bessemer City (4-2)(1-0): Pine Lake Prep has improved immensely from last year. But Bessemer City will be a tough task for the Pride.

My pick: Bessemer City 35 – Pine Lake Prep 28

Highland Tech (0-7)(0-1) @ Cherryville (1-6)(0-1): Cherryville came close to getting a win last week in a 25-22 loss to Community School of Davidson. But they should get one easy tonight against the Rams.

My pick: Cherryville 41 – Highland Tech 6

Thomas Jefferson Academy (5-2)(1-0) @ Community School of Davidson (3-4)(0-1): The Gryphons look to be favored in this game. But there’s a reason they play the game.

My pick: Thomas Jefferson 28 – Community School of Davidson 20

Other games:

R-S Central (4-3)(2-2) @ Kings Mountain (6-2)(3-2): Kings Mountain has seen plenty of struggles as of late with key injuries impacting the team, but they should still come out with a win against the Hilltoppers.

My pick: Kings Mountain 28 – R-S Central 17

Mooresville (7-0)(3-0) @ North Lincoln (5-2)(2-1): North Lincoln will face their toughest task of the year as they host the undefeated Mooresville Blue Devils. The Knights will put up a fight bur the Blue Devils will pull away in the end.

My pick: Mooresville 31 – North Lincoln 17

Jaguars overcome slow start, pull away from Wildcats late

                The game was a stalemate the first quarter as neither team would find the end zone and many wondered if the visiting Wildcats would spoil Forestview’s Homecoming. But the Jaguars would put the doubts to bed in the second quarter. The Jaguars would break the ice when FB/DL Tate Payne ran for 17 yards for a touchdown.

                The Jaguars went into their bag of tricks to extend their lead when Moe Neal pitched to Colton Guthrie on a reverse play. Guthrie, also the back-up quarterback, hit Caleb Mills deep for a 52-yard touchdown strike. Trey Heavner’s kick made it 14-0.

                The Wildcats were able to get on the board before half-time. Christian Stewart drilled a 46-yard field-goal to cut the lead to 14-3. Then it was time for the half-time Homecoming festivities.

Things got worse before they got better for North Gaston. After being forced to punt on their first drive, the punt was mishandled and sailed all the way to the Wildcat six-yard line. Moe Neal scored his first touchdown of the night from the one-yard line. Neal would score again with a 53-yard dash into the end-zone to give the Jaguars a 28-3 advantage.

                But the Wildcats would storm right back. Quarterback Ethan Wiggins hit Jaleel Daniels for a 74-yard touchdown strike. Stewart’s kick made it 28-10. The Wildcats continued to chip away at the Jaguars lead. Chancelor Ellis’s one-yard touchdown run cut the Jaguars lead to 28-17.

                But that would be the end of their fun. Montavis Rogers’s one-yard touchdown plunge pretty much put an end to any comeback hopes. Colton Guthrie hit Isaiah Sanders for a five-yard touchdown strike to close this one out. The final would be 42-17.

                Moe Neal led the rushing attack with 140 yards and two touchdowns. Caleb Mills amassed 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. Trey Heavner was a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points.

                “Forestview is an extremely good team.” said North Gaston head coach Mike Patton “I am glad we played to the final whistle. Our kids keep getting better and better.”

                “(When) we made that run (coming back from 28-3), a play there, a call there, a few different plays and we are back in it.”

                “We’re happy win. We’re happy to be 3-0 (in conference play).” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “We need to keep building and trying to get better.”

                “They’re a great team. They’re a quality opponent.” Medlin said about North Gaston “Down 28-3, they kept on fighting and I’m just glad we were able to put the game away in the end. It took a while to get going offensively.”

                Forestview travels to South Point next week. North Gaston will be home against Stuart Cramer.

Big South 3A/2A Week 3 Conference Picks

Game of the Week: South Point (3-3)(2-0) @ Ashbrook (3-3)(2-0): After a tough 1-3 start, the Red Raiders appear to have righted the ship and are working on 13th conference title in 15 years. They have beaten their last two foes by an average of 17 points. Ashbrook avoided upset Monday against North Gaston as the Green Wave escaped with a 28-19 victory. The winner of this game will be one step closer to claiming the conference title. But crazy things have happened in this conference before where we have almost seen a three-way tie for first.

My pick: South Point 27 – Ashbrook 13

North Gaston (2-4)(0-2) @ Forestview (4-2)(2-0): Forestview has rolled through their first two Big South opponents by a combined 89 points. But the test is about to get a little tougher as they host North Gaston. The Wildcats almost came away with a win last week, but fell short against Ashbrook in a 28-19 decision. The Jaguars are hoping to keep pace in the conference, but the Wildcats have upset on their minds. This game could be a little closer than people might think.

My pick: Forestview 34 – North Gaston 17

East Gaston (2-4)(1-1) @ Hunter Huss (1-5)(1-1): Both teams are wanting to get a leg up in the conference and edge closer to a playoff spot. The Huskies are hoping to win their second straight home game. The Warriors are hoping to win their second consecutive game after crushing Lake Norman Charter last week. But with this being a split conference, the Huskies just need wins over the other 2A teams in the conference in order to earn the conference’s top 2A spot. But the Warriors will need to keep their winning ways up in order to qualify.

My pick: Hunter Huss 35 – East Gaston 31

Lake Norman Charter (2-4)(0-2) @ Stuart Cramer (1-5)(0-2): This is likely going to be the battle of the league’s final playoff spot in the 2A portion of the conference. The loser of this game likely misses the postseason and finishes last in league play. Both teams have been blown out in both of their conference games.

My pick: Stuart Cramer 28 – Lake Norman Charter 21

Neal and Rogers Rush For Over 100 Yards as Forestview Throttles Cramer

Forestview used a pounding run game and a few big play passes to blow out first-year varsity program, Stuart Cramer, 62-7. Neal got the scoring started with a 38-yard touchdown run. Quarterback John Crawford scored two 10-yard touchdown runs to give Forestview a 21-0 advantage.

The Storm did get on the board in the second quarter with a Jaylen Rocquemore seven yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Foust. Kaleb Setzer’s extra point made it 21-7. The Storm had a chance earlier in the game to put points up but Rocquemore was intercepted in the red zone by Josh Freeman.

Montavis Rogers got in on the fun with a 16-yard touchdown run to make it 27-7. The extra point was missed, however. A Crawford 44-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Sanders closed out the first half scoring. Trey Heavner’s extra point was good and the score would be 34-7 at half-time. But it could have been worse as Rocquemore was intercepted a third time, this time by Chris McClure. McClure took it all the way back for a touchdown, but a personal foul penalty brought the play back.

The Storm got the ball back in the second half, but would fumble it and the Jaguars were back in business at the Cramer 23-yard line. After getting a first and goal, the Jaguars were backed up by a sack, a false start penalty and a tackle for loss to put them back at the 29-yard line. But on 4th-and-goal from the 29, Crawford hit Neal for a short pass that he took the rest of the way for a touchdown. Neal scored his last touchdown of the night with a 50-yard run.

Rogers scored his second and final touchdown of the night late in the third quarter with a 34-yard run into the end-zone. Logan Melsior scored the Jaguars final touchdown with a two-yard run. Trey Heavner was 8-for-9 on extra points.

Moe Neal led Forestview’s rushing attack with 166 yards rushing and 35 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Rogers amassed 124 yards and two touchdowns. Isaiah Sanders amassed 161 yards receiving and a touchdown.

“It’s good to get another win. That’s the key.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “We’re 2-0 in conference play and we got to get a win this Friday. We have to get in the meat of our schedule and see where we stand. We got North Gaston this week, South Point next week and Ashbrook the week after.”

“Forestview’s got a good team, but I felt like a few times we gave up.” Stuart Cramer head coach Ben McMillan said “I felt we improved over the past few weeks and played with excitement. But it wasn’t there tonight.”

Forestview will be back home for the first time in over a month as they face North Gaston. Stuart Cramer will be home again as they host Lake Norman Charter.

“We just got to get ready for Friday.” McMillan said “It’s an important game for us. I hope we can get a quick turnaround.”

Red Defeats Blue In Battle of the ‘Devils’

The game between Newton-Conover and Maiden was one of many games that was delayed by one day due to a coming storm that did not really come. But what did ensue that many figured would, was a shootout between two competitive rivals. The Red Devils left Gurley Stadium with a 43-35 advantage over the Blue Devils.

The Red Devils got on the board first with a Cameron Stanley eight-yard pass to Alex Johnson for a touchdown. The Red Devils went for two with a Johnson run that was successful. Newton-Conover stopped Maiden on the ensuing drive, but when they got the ball back they gave the ball back in a big way. Stanley was intercepted by Sam Poovey who took it 35 yards for the touchdown. Xzavier Huff’s run for the two-point conversion tied it at eight a piece.

Maiden took the lead when quarterback Caleb Farley hit Huff for a 34-yard touchdown pass. Isaiah Holdren’s extra point gave the Blue Devils a 15-8 advantage. The Red Devils fired back a Blake Roberts 15-yard run for a touchdown. The extra point was good and that tied the game 15-15.

The Red Devils took the lead back with a one-yard run by Roberts. The two-point conversion made it 23-15 and that would be the score at half-time. Maiden did get another drive going facilitated by a 66-yard run by Farley, but a fumbled snap killed the drive.

At the start of the second half, the Red Devils kept pouring it on. Sam England got in on the fun with a 20-yard touchdown run. The kick failed however.

The Blue Devils kept fighting back, however. Huff cut the Red Devils lead with a 17-yard run into the end-zone. Holdren’s kick made it 29-22. But the Red Devils would keep making the comeback. Roberts again extends the Red Devils lead, this time with a two-yard touchdown run. Johnson two-point run made it 37-22.

Huff would once again help the Blue Devils cut into the lead. This time with a two-yard touchdown run. Coming off a Red Devil fumble off a kickoff, Maiden takes advantage. Farley hits Shaquan Kimble for a 32-yard touchdown strike to cut the lead to 37-35, but they would fall short on the two-point conversion.

But Cameron Stanley would connect with Austin Johnson again for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Fortunately for the Blue Devils, the two-point conversion failed and it remained a one-score game. But a key mistake on the ensuing drive dashed Maiden’s hopes. A chop-block penalty back the Blue Devils up and they were not able to overcome.

Forestview gets back on track, spoils Lake Norman Charter’s Homecoming

                After dropping two heartbreaking losses to Kings Mountain and East Lincoln, the Jaguars opened up conference play with a rout against Lake Norman Charter 41-7. The Jags led 27-0 at half-time. Moe Neal and John Crawford put on a show for the Jaguars.

                Neal amassed 125 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 88 yards receiving and a touchdown reception. Crawford aired it out with 190 passing yards and three touchdowns. Two of them went to Isaiah Sanders (37 yards out and 40 yards out).

                Colton Guthrie replaced Crawford on the last drive and hit Caleb Mills for a 44 yard touchdown reception.

                The Knights got their only touchdown of the game in the third quarter with a 55 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Monti to Connor Noble. The pass was deflected off a Jaguar defender.

                Both teams had more chances to crack the scoreboard. But the Knights were stopped near Forestview’s goal line late in the first half and the Jaguars fumbled the ball into the end-zone from the one-yard line in third quarter.

                “Our kids played hard. Nobody really expects much out of us being a smaller school than everyone else in our conference and our kids fought till the end.” Knights head coach Mark Steele said “Forestview is a great team. They got some great athletes.”

                “We played well in spurts.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “We played sloppy at times. We are 1-0 and won by five touchdowns. We just need to keep getting better. It’s for keeps now.”

                Forestview will be on the road for their third consecutive game as they travel to Stuart Cramer. Lake Norman Charter will travel to face East Gaston.

East Lincoln downs Forestview, remains undefeated

                Well Friday the rains came and so did the lightning. The game went through a lightning delay at half-time. The game resumed and then more lightning came and the game was called and postponed with East Lincoln leading 26-20.

                Then the game was made up. Even in just 15 minutes of football action, there was plenty of action. Both the Mustangs and the Jaguars got scores in just before all 2:56 of the remaining third quarter ended. A Chazz Surratt 49-yard touchdown pass to Damarius Valentine extended East Lincoln’s lead to 32-20, but the two-point conversion failed.

                Then the Jaguars went to work. Moe Neal’s 70-yard touchdown run cut the Mustangs lead to 32-27. After stopping the Mustangs on their next drive which included an intentional grounding call, the Jaguars took the lead with a John Crawford 28-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Mills. The two-point conversion failed, however.

                The Mustang offense would be too much for the Jaguars though as Surratt led the offense down the field and with less than a minute left. Surratt punched it in from the one-yard line. His pass to Chris Cox for the two-point conversion made the score 40-33. The Jaguars would not be able to answer as Crawford threw an interception to Sam Krehnbrink.

                Neal, despite the loss, led Forestview with 229 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Chazz Surratt led the Mustang offense with 250 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also had three rushing touchdowns on the night.

“We played hard. The effort was there. We played a good team to a seven-point game.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “They’ve won 22, now 23 straight on this field I think. We just have to move on. Conference is coming up.”

                “I was proud of our kids for fighting for this game.” Mustang head coach Mike Byus said.

                “They both challenged us and they responded.” Byus said about the Forestview and North Lincoln games (they won 28-27 against North Lincoln) “They’re well-coached and athletic everywhere.”

                Both teams have a bye week next week before beginning conference play. Forestview will travel to Lake Norman Charter to begin Big South action and East Lincoln will be home against Bandys to start Southern District 7 Athletic play.

                “It’s a heck of a league.” Byus said about his conference “Every night we have to be ready. Every team will be different. Some will be physical and some will be athletic.”

Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Week 4 Picks

Game of the Week: Forestview (2-1) @ East Lincoln (3-0)

Will Forestview rebound with a win or does East Lincoln enter conference play undefeated? After losing for the first time last week, the Jaguars are hoping to rebound, but it won't be easy as they face an undefeated East Lincoln squad.

My pick: Forestview 34 – East Lincoln 28

Ashbrook (1-2) @ T.C. Roberson (2-1)

It’s been a struggle for the Green Wave the past two weeks, but they have been known to come back and surprise people.

My pick: Ashbrook 21 – T.C. Roberson 17

Hunter Huss (1-2) @ Rocky River (1-2)

Hunter Huss got a much needed win against Bessemer City, but it’s back to reality tonight.

My pick: Rocky River 31 – Hunter Huss 14

Cherryville (1-2) @ North Gaston (1-2)

Both teams started the season with a win, but have fallen on hard times. This one should be a win for the Wildcats.

My pick: North Gaston 28 – Cherryville 13

Lincolnton (2-1) @ East Gaston (0-2)

East Gaston has put up a fight in both of their losses, but the Wolves have been come up strong these past two weeks since their season opening loss.

My pick: Lincolnton 35 – East Gaston 14

Fred T. Foard (1-2) @ West Lincoln (2-1)

West Lincoln got back on track last week. Foard picked up their first win last week so this should be a shootout.

My pick: West Lincoln 31 – Fred T. Foard 24

Bessemer City (1-2) @ Stuart Cramer (0-2)

Bessemer City is hoping to get another win. Stuart Cramer is hoping to get a win, period.

My pick: Bessemer City 28 – Stuart Cramer 13

R-S Central (2-1) @ Shelby (2-1)

Shelby was shell-shocked last week as they ended up being South Point’s first win of the season. Look out R-S Central. Shelby doesn’t typically lose two in a row at home.

My pick: Shelby 42 – R-S Central 14

Chase (1-2) @ Burns (0-2)

Even with a struggling offense, the Bulldogs should be able to get their first win tonight against a struggling Chase team.

My pick: Burns 21 – Chase 7

Kings Mountain (3-0) @ East Rutherford (2-1)

Kings Mountain takes an undefeated record into conference play. Will the streak continue or will the Mountaineers be tripped up by the Cavaliers? Not very likely!

My pick: Kings Mountain 31 – East Rutherford 13

Crest (2-0) @ Draughn (0-3)

This looks like an accident waiting to happen here. This game should be over pretty quick.

My pick: Crest 42 – Draughn 7

Highland Tech (0-2) @ Lake Norman Charter (1-2)

Lake Norman Charter’s last chance at a win before beginning Big South conference play.

My pick: Lake Norman Charter 35 – Highland Tech 21