Game of the Week: Crest @ South Point: After falling to the
South Point Red Raiders eight straight times, the Crest Chargers feel that this
is their best chance to end the losing streak against their former conference
rival. Crest was the 3AA State Runner-up last year while South Point made it no
further than the third round of the playoffs. But this a new year for both
teams. The Red Raiders only return 9 starters from last year, but are always a
dangerous squad. Two of those returning starters are quarterback Jaquan Brooks
and Safety Tanner Muse. Muse is currently committed to Clemson. This game could
be much closer than last year’s 35-16 South Point victory.
My pick: Crest 28 – South Point 24
Burns @ Ashbrook: These two teams met last year with Burns
coming away with a 29-24 victory. However, Burns lost a lot from last year
including former head coach Matt Beam. Ashbrook, on the other hand, returns 15
starters from a team that finished second in Big South action. Things could get
bad before they get better for the Bulldogs.
My pick: Ashbrook 45 – Burns 14
Forestview @ Nation Ford, SC: This will be the eighth annual
meeting between these two interstate rivals. However, this has been one-sided
lately as the Falcons have taken four straight from the Jaguars including last
year’s 57-56 barnburner. The Jaguars hope to snap the losing streak to Nation
Ford. The Jaguars will also be confronted with the task of replacing
quarterback Logan Bradley and wide out Mykelti Armstrong and many starters on
defense. But one of the key returnees is Division I prospect Moe Neal (RB/SB).
My pick: Nation Ford 35 – Forestview 28
Bessemer City @ North Gaston: Bessemer City is expected to
be in the running for the Southern Piedmont 1A conference crown, but it’s
usually a different ball game when they visit neighboring 3A teams like North
Gaston. The Wildcats will have to replace some key players on offense, but they
look to be heading in the right direction. Last year was their best season
since 2007 when they were the state 3A runner-ups.
My pick: North Gaston 35 – Bessemer City 14
Kings Mountain @ Hunter Huss: After a tough 1-6 start last
year, the Huskies made a big turnaround winning five of their last seven games,
including to playoffs wins over West Lincoln and Bunker Hill. Their run ended
with a 24-14 loss against Parkwood. The biggest piece of their last year,
Kerrion Moore, graduated so it will be up to Senior quarterback Andrew Jordan
to lead the Huskies. Jamar McCoy takes over the reins of head coach after Steve
Gardner stepped down. Kings Mountain, on the other hand, returns the majority
of their starting line-up from last year and should be much better than last
season’s disappointing 2-9 record.
My pick: Kings Mountain 35 – Hunter Huss 21
Thomas Jefferson @ Stuart Cramer: Welcome to varsity, Stuart
Cramer. Thomas Jefferson won’t necessarily be an easy game to break into
varsity play against. They are expected to be in the running for the Southern Piedmont
1A conference. The Storm will also have to play their entire season without
starting quarterback Noah Oxendine.
My pick: Thomas Jefferson 42 – Stuart Cramer 13
East Gaston @ East Lincoln: East Gaston is looking to put
the hardships of last season behind them. East Lincoln is hoping to return to
the state title game. They were eliminated in the third round of the playoffs
last year by Monroe 34-13. The Surratt brothers return for the Mustangs and
that means their offense will be difficult to stop. Last year, the Mustangs
defeated East Gaston, but later on had to forfeit. The Mustangs had to forfeit
two more wins after that. East Gaston has switched their offense to a spread
offense and hopes that will help steer them to more wins and a chance to return
to the playoffs.
My pick: East Lincoln 37 – East Gaston 20
Lincolnton @ North Lincoln: North Lincoln faces the first of
three county rivals to start the season given they are in a different
conference. Lincolnton, with 16 starters back this year, could seriously
challenge county rival, East Lincoln, for the Midwestern 2A conference.
Lincolnton advanced to the third round of the 2A state playoffs last year and
narrowly lost to Reidsville 13-10. North Lincoln brings back 15 from last year
and are hopeful to move up in the North Piedmont 4A/3A conference. Since both
of these teams are competing in challenging conferences, that’s what makes this
opening game very critical for these two.
My pick: Lincolnton 35 – North Lincoln 21
West Lincoln @ Draughn: West Lincoln started off 7-1 last
year before dropping their final four games, including the 30-27 playoff loss
to Hunter Huss. The Rebels are hoping for another fast start. Look for this to
have a similar outcome to last year’s 28-21 West Lincoln victory.
My pick: West Lincoln 24 – Draughn 20
Bunker Hill @ Cherryville: Bunker Hill has taken five
straight from Cherryville. Cherryville is another team that is switching things
up offensively to hopefully create more opportunities for more wins. Will that
be enough to stop the skid against Bunker Hill?
My pick: Bunker Hill 34 – Cherryville 20
Polk County @ Shelby: The Shelby Golden Lions begin the
defense of their 2A state championship tonight as they host Polk County. The
Golden Lions defeated the Wolverines 38-21 in last year’s opener. The
Wolverines will have their hands full with all the speed the Golden Lions are
bringing to the table. Look for Shelby to walk away with a convincing win.
My pick: Shelby 45 – Polk County 21
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