Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Week 5 Picks

Game of the Week: Crest (3-1) @ Ashbrook (2-1)

Both of these teams were undefeated before last week. Now, both are looking to rebound. Tonight is Ashbrook’s homecoming and the home team has won the last four games in this series including a playoff game in 2010 in which Crest won 29-26. Look for this to be a close, competitive ball game.

My pick: Ashbrook 20 – Crest 17

South Point (4-0) @ Kings Mountain (2-2)

Kings Mountain rebounded in a big way after losing their previous two games in a 55-33 win over Alexander Central. Now, they welcome a red hot Red Raiders squad to John Gamble Stadium. Other than their 34-21 win over Providence Day, none of their other wins have been that close.

My pick: South Point 34 – Kings Mountain 20

North Gaston (1-3) @ Hunter Huss (3-1)

The Huskies lost for the first time this season last week, but they must rebound quickly against an improved North Gaston team. The Wildcats got their first win of the year a few weeks ago and are looking to get their first conference win since 2007.

My pick: Hunter Huss 27 – North Gaston 21

Lincolnton (1-3) @ Forestview (3-1)

The Jaguars and the Wolves continue going in opposite directions. The Jaguars have won three straight games after losing the season opener. Lincolnton has lost three consecutive games after winning their season opener. The trend will likely continue.

My pick: Forestview 35 – Lincolnton 14

Bessemer City (0-4) @ East Lincoln (4-0)

This one will probably get out of hand quick.

My pick: East Lincoln 56 – Bessemer City 6

North Lincoln (0-4) @ Cherryville (1-3)

This has been a tough start for both teams. The Ironmen came close to tasting victory last week but fell short. As bad as the Knights have struggled this year, Cherryville should get their second win of the season.

My pick: Cherryville 24 – North Lincoln 10

West Lincoln (2-2) @ North Iredell (0-4)

The Rebels started off 2-0, but have since then lost two in a row. The Rebels are hopeful about stopping the bleeding against a winless North Iredell team.

My pick: West Lincoln 24 – North Iredell 14

East Gaston (0-4) @ Berry Academy (1-3)

It hasn’t been the start that either team would hope for. But one of these teams will walk out with a victory.

My pick: Berry Academy 28 – East Gaston 21

Shelby (1-3) @ Freedom (3-1)

The Golden Lions got their first win of the season last week but run into a dangerous Freedom team. The Golden Lions will have their hands full in this game.

My pick: Freedom 34 – Shelby 13

Q Foundation (1-2) @ Burns (1-3)

Burns should be able to get their second win of the season here.

My pick: Burns 35 – Q Foundation 6

And Then There Was One

Before last week, the Big South 3A conference had four unbeaten teams. This week, only one remains. Ashbrook saw their streak snapped against Charlotte Catholic. The Cougars routed Ashbrook 49-21. Hunter Huss saw their undefeated season vanish in a 48-28 blowout at Concord. Crest fell just one point short of keeping theirs alive in a 28-27 matchup against T.C. Roberson.

South Point is the only unbeaten team left. The Red Raiders have been pretty dominant this year. They were picked by many to finish second behind Crest, but it looks like they are poised to win their sixth straight conference title and their 12th in 14 years.

The South Piedmont Conference currently has two unbeaten teams, East Lincoln and Lake Norman Charter. East Lincoln will look to keep their streak alive against Bessemer City. Lake Norman Charter is on a bye week.

Still Searching For That First Win

There are four area teams still seeking their first win of the season. Bessemer City, East Gaston, Highland Tech and North Lincoln are all winless on the season. The Yellow Jackets have another tall order tonight as they face undefeated East Lincoln. North Lincoln travels to Cherryville and East Gaston will play at Berry Academy tonight. Highland Tech is off.

Waiting Another Week

While most teams are starting conference play, there are two that have an extra week to prepare for conference play. Forestview will have one final nonconference matchup against Lincolnton. The Jaguars will then open up conference play at Crest. Burns will host the Q Foundation before opening up conference lay next week. Burns will be at Freedom next week. Lincolnton and county rival, West Lincoln, aren’t playing conference games this week but they already have conference matchups under their belts.