Clover Starts Fast, Holds Off Forestview Rally

               Coming off a 40-0 thrashing to Westside and being held without a first down, the Clover Blue Eagles responded. They raced out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. Known for their powerful running attack, the Eagles scored their touchdowns through the air. Quarterback Noah Lindsey threw touchdown passes to Willie Clark (18 yards) and Cody Payne (15 yards).

 

                The Blue Eagles’ lead was extended early in the second quarter when Forestview was set to punt, but the ball sailed over the punter’s head into the end-zone for a safety. But the Jaguars’ fortunes turned after a holding penalty wiped out a first down play for Clover and a sack by Tremayne Booker that put Clover in a third-and-51 situation.

                The Jaguars then capitalized. Moe Neal got the Jaguars on the board with a five-yard run for a touchdown. Due to a personal foul penalty, the Jaguars were backed up on the extra point and the kick was blocked. The Jaguars went into their bag of tricks when Trell McCaskell threw a half-back pass to Jared Carter for 40 yards. That set up Forestview’s next score, a seven yard touchdown pass from Colton Guthrie to Carter.

                Forestview took the lead in third quarter with another five yard run from Neal. Dylan Disarro’s kick gave Forestview the 20-16 advantage. The Blue Eagles were knocking at the door later in the third quarter. But on fourth-and-goal from the two-yard line, the Jaguars were able to make the stop and deny Clover’s chance for the lead.

                Forestview was unable to take advantage however. Clover retook the lead when Lindsey hit Ryan Clark for a slant route and he took it the distance for a 56-yard touchdown reception. Sam Edmunds kick gave Clover the 23-20 lead. Try as they might, the Jaguars were unable to get anything going to retake the lead.

                Tramone Duncan, Tremayne Booker and Rhett Jenkins each recorded sacks in the game. Josh Freeman and Xavier Worthy had a tackle for loss and Jenkins had two. Clint Jenkins, Chase Griffin and Elijah Plummer each recorded a sack for the Blue Eagles. Clark, Plummer, Luke Trowbridge, Blake Watson and Hayden Milley each had tackles for losses for Clover.

                Coming off a 266 yard rushing performance, Moe Neal was held to 88 yards. Jared Carter led all Forestview receivers with 80 yards. Noah Lindsey threw for 141 yards and three touchdowns to lead Clover’s offense. Cody Payne and Tanner Tolson combined for 101 yards rushing. Payne had to leave the game due to a hip injury.

                “I like the fight, but we just can’t come out the way we did.” Forestview head coach Chris Medlin said “Give (Clover) credit, they played with a lot of intensity early on. We came out as fired up as they did and they jumped on us early. We just gave up too many big plays.”

                Clover head coach Chad Smith lauded his team’s performance and their resilience when momentum seemed to shift against them. The win snaps a three-game losing streak to Forestview. The last time Clover beat Forestview was in 2011 by a score of 35-16.

                Forestview will be on the road again next week as they travel to Kings Mountain. Clover will be on the road for the first time this year as they travel to Westwood.

Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland Week 2 Picks

Game of the Week: Kings Mountain (1-0) @ East Gaston (1-0): Both teams got their 2015 campaign off on the right foot with convincing wins. Kings Mountain brings a solid running game into tonight's contest. East Gaston also brings a potent offense. Both teams scored over 40 points last week and gave up under 20. Though, the Mountaineers score against North Gaston was more lopsided at half-time (35-3). The Mountaineers went on to win 41-11. East Gaston held a 30-12 half-time lead before blowing out Bessemer City 43-18. Can East Gaston start the year off 2-0 or will the Mountaineers be too much?
My pick: Kings Mountain 35 - East Gaston 28

South Point (0-1) @ Lincolnton (1-0): How would Lincolnton respond to the changes that occurred in their program in the offseason? That question appears to have been answered and answered with positive feedback given the Wolves opened the season with a crushing 62-8 whipping of North Lincoln. South Point, on the other hand, lost their opener 31-13 to defending 3A state champion, Crest. But the game was much closer than the score indicated as the Red Raiders only trailed 21-13 at half-time. This could be another one of those games where one big play can change the whole dynamic.
My pick: South Point 28 - Lincolnton 21

Crest (1-0) @ Ashbrook (0-1): The defending 3A state champs picked up right where they left off last year with a 31-13 win over South Point last week. Ashbrook, on the other hand, did not have as good a start. The Green Wave were routed 48-14 by Davidson Day. The Green Wave did not help themselves last week with six turnovers. If Ashbrook wants to have a chance at taking down Crest, they will have to clean that up.
My pick: Crest 31 - Ashbrook 7

Forestview (1-0) @ Clover, SC (0-1): Forestview started the season off on the right foot last week with a 28-14 win over Providence Day. The Jaguars hope to start 2-0 for the second consecutive year as they travel to face the Blue Eagles. Clover was shut out last week in a 40-0 blowout loss to Westside. Clover hopes to bounce back and is also looking to end their losing streak to Forestview. The Jaguars have taken three straight from the Eagles. Could this be the year Clover ends that streak?
My pick: Forestview 28 - Clover 14

Burns (1-0) @ Hunter Huss (0-1): Burns is coming off a 28-0 victory over the Q Foundation. Hunter Huss is coming off a 49-6 blowout loss at the hands of the defending 2AA state champion, East Lincoln. The last time the Burns visited the Huskies, the Bulldogs left with a 51-12 thrashing of Hunter Huss. Could history be repeating itself in this one?
My pick: Burns 35 - Hunter Huss 14

East Rutherford (1-0) @ North Gaston (0-1): North Gaston had a rough first week of the season as they were trounced 41-11 by Kings Mountain and this game does not look any easier as the Cavaliers blasted East Henderson 57-25. Each week is different, however.
My pick: East Rutherford 35 - North Gaston 14

A.C. Reynolds (1-0) @ Shelby (1-0): Defending 2A state champ, Shelby, passed their first test last week with a 40-28 win at Freedom. Standing before them is another test, A.C. Reynolds. The Rockets slipped past West Forsyth last week 31-28. This one should be another competitive matchup, but look for Shelby to pull away toward the fourth quarter.
My pick: Shelby 42 - A.C. Reynolds 24

Stuart Cramer (1-0) @ R-S Central (1-0): The Stuart Cramer Storm is already in position to double their win totals from last year as they went 1-10. The second year team got off to a fast start in crushing Cherryville 42-0. The Hilltoppers beat McDowell 14-10 last week. The Storm should be favored in this one.
My pick: Stuart Cramer 21 - R.S. Central 10

West Lincoln (0-1) @ North Lincoln (0-1): Rough start for both teams last week. North Lincoln took a pounding at the hands of Lincolnton by a score of 62-8. West Lincoln was dropped 23-7 by previously 1-10 Draughn. But it's too early to say whether Draughn is improved from last year or if this spells a long season for West Lincoln.
My pick: West Lincoln 28 - North Lincoln 14

Q Foundation (0-1) @ East Lincoln (1-0): The defending 2AA state champ, East Lincoln, started fast last week in route to a 49-6 drubbing of Hunter Huss. With Q Foundation coming to town, there is no reason why the Mustangs can't do it again. Look for the subs to be out for much of the season half.
My pick: East Lincoln 49 - Q Foundation 0

Bessemer City (0-1) @ Mountain Island Charter (0-1): The Yellow Jackets suffered a 43-18 loss against East Gaston last week. The Raptors, however, fell two points short against Central Academy 20-18. This is Mountain Island Charter's home opener and the first conference game for the two already. Will the Raptors rebound from that close, heartbreaking loss last weel or will the Yellow Jackets spoil the party.
My pick: Mountain Island Charter 20 - Bessemer City 14

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) @ Hickory Grove Christian (0-0): The Thomas Jefferson Gryphons won their season opener 27-6 over the Peculiar Generation Lions. Hickory Grove's game with Lake Norman Charter was canceled last week so this will be the Lions' first game this year.
My pick: Thomas Jefferson 34 - Hickory Grove 6

Central Academy (1-0) @ Highland Tech (0-1): Central Academy escaped last week with a 20-18 win against first-year vasity program, Mountain Island Charter. Highland Tech's game with Newton-Conover was not close at all as the Red Devils hammered the Rams 54-0. Look for similar results in this game.
My pick: Central Academy 41 - Highland Tech 6

Moe Neal Leads Forestview To Season-Opening Victory

                The Jaguars started fast, then got sluggish. But they held on for a 28-14 victory over visiting Providence Day. Moe Neal scored on runs of 37, 55, 22 and 61, in route to a 262 yard performance. With the help of two Tramone Duncan interceptions, Moe Neal scored his first two touchdown runs in the first quarter. After going for it on their own 30 yard line, the Jaguars failed to convert. Then Providence Day took over. Gabe Montgomery cut Forestview’s lead to 14-6 with a two-yard run, but the extra point failed. That would be the half-time score.

                Neither offenses got going early in the third quarter. Forestview shot themselves in the foot with a snap that sailed over the quarterbacks head and in back of the end-zone for a safety. The ensuing kick put Providence in great field position. Penalties, however, would back the Chargers up.

                The Jaguars would find the end zone again late in the third quarter with Moe Neal’s 22 yard touchdown run. Providence Day responded in the fourth quarter. Montgomery punched another touchdown in from the one-yard line. The kick was bobbled and the Chargers attempted to make a pass play out of it for the two-point conversion, but failed.

                But Forestview would break the Chargers’ backs with Moe Neal’s 61-yard touchdown run.

Darryl McNeil, Tremayne Duncan, Rhett Jenkins and Kobe Adams each registered a sack/combined sack for the Jaguars. Tramone Duncan picked off Chargers’ quarterback John Schweitzer twice and Trell McCaskill registered an interception at the end of the game. Adams also recovered a Chargers fumble. Ross Berry sacked Forestview quarterback Colton Guthrie once and he, Cole Brown and Eric Cal assisted on another sack.

“Forestview’s a great football team.” Said Chargers head coach Adam Hastings “The running back’s good, the defense is good. We had our chances but just couldn’t capitalize. We’re just young as a team in some positions so we’re going to have to grow as a team and I’m confident we’ll do that.”

“We’re 1-0. We have a lot to correct, but I’m just glad we pulled it out.” Said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “I felt like we were in control. We played a good team.”

Forestview travels to take on Clover next week. Clover lost 40-0 to Westside. Providence Day plays Bishop Sullivan (VA) at Campbell University.

Gaston, Lincoln and Cleveland County Opening Week Picks

Game of the Week: South Point @ Crest: The Crest Chargers are on a mission to defend their state title. Their first opponent will be the team whom they beat to get there, the South Point Red Raiders. Crest escaped the fourth round playoff meeting with a 13-7 victory. They also beat the Red Raiders 35-13 earlier in the year. Up until last year, South Point has had the Chargers' number. Will Crest make it three in a row or will South Point get some payback today?
My pick: Crest 27 - South Point 13

Providence Day @ Forestview: Forestview opens up with one of Charlotte's traditional powerhouses in Providence Day. The Chargers struggled last year finishing up with a 3-9 record. But under new coach, Adam Hastings, Providence Day is hoping for a new beginning. Forestview is looking to build on the successes of the last two seasons. They won their first ever outright conference title last year and made it to the semifinals for the firt time in school history in 2013. To continue that success, Forestview's young offense must grow quickly. Syracuse-bound running-back, Moe Neal, is one of three returning starters on offense.
My pick: Forestview 27 - Providence Day 20

Davidson Day @ Ashbrook: Ashbrook also opens up the season with a private school that has already established themselves as a powerhouse. The Patriots were runners up in the Division II NCISAA league last year, but won it all the year before. The Green Wave is coming off a disappointing season as they finished 5-7 last year. But with 14 starters back from last year's squad, Ashbrook hopes to get better results this time around.
My pick: Davidson Day 28 - Ashbrook 21

East Lincoln @ Hunter Huss: Hunter Huss welcomes the defending 2AA state champs, East Lincoln, today. East Lincoln returns plenty from last year's state title team, including UNC Chapel Hill prospect, Chaz Surratt. The Huskies will likely have their hands full trying to stop the Mustang offense.
My pick: East Lincoln 34 - Hunter Huss 20

Bessemer City @ East Gaston: East Gaston improved last year as they went 5-7 including a playoff loss. With the majority of their offense back from last year, they should continue to improve. The Warriors should be able to cruise to victory in this one. The Yellow Jackets won a share of the Southern Piedmont 1A conference last year and made it to the second round of the playoffs, but they must replace a lot from last year.
My pick: East Gaston 42 - Bessemer City 14

Cherryville @ Stuart Cramer: After a rough inaugural season, the Stuart Cramer Storm is ready to open up a new chapter. The Storm will field seniors this year and with the majority of their team back from last year, they should be on the move up this year. Their first test will come against the Cherryville Ironmen. The Ironmen are looking to put the woes of last season behind them as they finished 4-8. This should be a very competitive ball game between these two.
My pick: Stuart Cramer 21 - Cherryville 14

North Gaston @ Kings Mountain: The matchup between the Wildcats and the Mountaineers features two former conference rivals. North Gaston is hoping to be on the move up after missing the playoffs last year. Kings Mountain is hoping to start strong again, but this time finish strong. The Mountaineers were having a great season last year starting 5-0, but key injuries hurt them as they went 3-3 down the stretch.
My pick: Kings Mountain 35 - North Gaston 14

North Lincoln @ Lincolnton: North Lincoln begins the season with their first of three straight games against their county rivals. With the departure of long-time head coach, Scott Cloninger, the Wolves bring in a new era. New coach Ledford Gibson brings in a new offense, but the Wolves are hopeful to keep the same success that they have enjoyed under Cloninger. Lincolnton dropped last year's opener to the Knights by one point 14-13. So the Wolves will be looking for some payback.
My pick: Lincolnton 28 - North Lincoln 14

Shelby @ Freedom: The Golden Lions open the season up with a team they are very familiar with. The Freedom Patriots used to be in the same conference as Shelby until realignment separated them. This brings back old days in some ways as these two used to open up with each other every year. Both teams are expecting to have big seasons. This one could go down to the wire.
My pick: Shelby 17 - Freedom 10

Q Foundation @ Burns: This game should be a lopsided one. Burns is coming off a rough 4-8 season, but with many key players returning, they should be much improved.
My pick: Burns 48 - Q Foundation 0

Jimmy Draughn @ West Lincoln: Both teams struggled mightily last year. The Rebels finished with a 4-7 record and missed the playoffs. The Wildcats finished 1-10. A win in this game will be a step in the right direction, but it is a long season.
My pick: West Lincoln 28 - Jimmy Draughn 14

Highland Tech @ Newton-Conover: This looks like another lopsided game on paper. The Red Devils started last season 6-0-1, but lost four of their last five games including their first round playoff game to Lincolnton (48-14). The Rams, on the other hand, have only won one game in the past four seasons.
My pick: Newton-Conover 56 - Highland Tech 0

Mountain Island Charter @ Central Academy: Mountain Island Charter is fielding their first ever varsity squad. But they are not expected to have the type of year a typical first-year program has. They are expected to be very competitive. Central Academy could be a good test for the Raptors.
My pick: Central Academy 21 - Mountain Island Charter 14

Thomas Jefferson Academy @ Peculiar Generation: This game looks like another lopsided one on paper. The Gryphons won a share of the Southern Piedmont 1A conference last year and made it to the third round of the playoffs last year.
My pick: Thomas Jefferson 35 - Peculiar Generation 0

A.L. Brown Takes Back Bell

               After three excruciating years of falling to arch-rival, Concord, the A.L. Brown Wonders are celebrating that elusive victory with a 26-15 win. The win also snapped a 23-game regular season win streak for the Spiders. Their last regular season loss was to Hickory Ridge 24-21 in overtime on October 19, 2012.

 

                “It’s a huge win for our kids and our community.” Said Wonders’ head coach Mike Newsome “We needed this win for our kids.”

                “We shot ourselves in the foot.” Newsome said about the penalties and turnovers that plagued his team “We didn’t handle the ball as well as we could. But we showed the resilience to overcome that.”

                    The Wonders drew first blood with a Damon Johnson 24-yard touchdown pass to Dominique Washington. Nate Williams’s kick gave the Wonders a 7-0 lead early. The Spiders tied it up in the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown plunge by quarterback Keenan Black and Marisa James’s kick for the extra point.

                   Concord had a chance to go up 10-7 at half-time, but the field-goal attempt was no good.
After stopping Concord on their first drive, A.L. Brown went back to work. Johnson and Washington connected again. This time it was a short pass that Washington took 45 yards for the touchdown.
But Concord would answer again. Black scored on another one-yard run. After the Wonders jumped off sides twice on the extra point, the Spiders opted to go for the two-point conversion. Black gave Concord the lead with the two-point conversion run.

                     But that would be the end of their fun. Running-back Jalen Cagle finished off the Spiders with runs of three and eight yards. The extra point attempts (one run and one kick) both failed, but it didn’t matter.

                     “I’m very proud of our young men’s effort.” Said Concord head coach Glen Padgett “We are inexperienced. It’s game one. We will see how we have grown between next week and this week. It’s not something that happens overnight.”

                     Concord not only lost running-back, Rocky Reid, to graduation but also the five offensive linemen that opened the holes for him.

                     Concord will be home against Albemarle next week. Brown will travel to rival South Rowan. The Wonders will square off with Northwest Cabarrus and Mooresville after that. Then they will enter conference play with Mecklenburg teams.

                      “Playing our rivals in nonconference does change the dynamic.” Newsome said about his team’s schedule “The Charlotte teams’ fanbases don’t participate like these community teams like South Rowan, Northwest Cabarrus and Mooresville do.”

Forestview Running Back, Moe Neal, to Syracuse

                In an auditorium in front of family, friends, classmates, teammates, and coaches, Moe Neal announced that he is ‘taking his talents to the University of Syracuse.’

                It was down to Syracuse and Wake Forest. Neal had interest from other ACC teams and a few SEC teams. But Syracuse was his choice.

                I just felt like it was a home away from home, ten hours away. I just felt a good vibe there. I felt the love there and got good vibes with the players and the coaches.” Moe Neal said on his decision to choose the Orange.

                “The (winter) elements will be a challenge. I’m not really a cold (weather) guy. But playing in a dome, I won’t have to worry about it during game time. I guess I’ll have to adjust to the climate change, but I’ll be fine.”

                Asked about any pressure after signing and coming into his senior year “No pressure. I’ll just do what I’ve been doing. It’s gotten me this far. So, I’ll just continue to work hard, praise God and have fun.”

                Moe Neal and the Forestview Jaguars football team have an upcoming scrimmage with Crest and they will also go against Shelby in the Cleveland County Jamboree at Burns (6:00). The Jaguars’ first game will be August 21^st at home against Charlotte Providence Day (7:30).