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Kevin Carver
However, the contest of the week was no doubt R-S Central versus McDowell on the gridiron.
Following a missed McDowell extra point with under four minutes to go that clanged off the left upright R-S Central ran out the clock to survive a 21-20 win at home.
Central quarterback, Taylor Ledbetter (10-18-184 yards-2TDs) tossed two touchdown passes, including the game winner on a 79-yard strike to Dustin Atchley with 6:24 left outlasting McDowell’s ground-and-pound ball control showing in week one.
As for the keys to this Friday, R-S Central (1-0) will have to do a better job in kick coverage. On the first two series of the game against McDowell, a 38-yard and 40-yard return set up two early touchdowns for the Titans.
Devante Austin went 114-yards on 16 carries and scored once in last week’s win. Austin, Cameron Green or Dustin Atchley will need to step up for 100-plus yards if they plan to begin 2-0.
Jay Deaver recorded a pass block and forced McDowell to a critical fourth down turnover in the third quarter,
The Hilltoppers will host East Henderson (0-1) this coming week. Central lost 30-14 in last year’s meeting. The pass-happy Eagles have five starters returning on both sides of the ball with Seth Owen at quarterback.
Chase jumped out to an early lead and never surrendered it in a 35-20 win over West Lincoln last Friday. Tyreece Gossett displayed his leadership skills for Chase, rushing for 102 yards and throwing a touchdown pass in the season opener. Tajae McMullens piled another 101 yards rushing and Blake Green recovered a fumble in the end zone for a score in the win.
Carlos Watkins, who caught a touchdown pass, led the defense as well, holding West Lincoln to 34 yards rushing. This week will have to defend against the Spread offense.
The Trojans take a short drive to Chesnee as they play at the Eagles Field this Friday night. Chase (1-0) lost a tough one, 19-13, last year to Chesnee at home.
Over at East Rutherford, things didn’t go as well as Coach Clint Bland had hoped. The Cavs fumbled the potential game winning score at the 2-yard line and lost 17-14 to Kings Mountain. East Rutherford (0-1) stays at home this Friday to host McDowell (0-1).
The Cavs will get a healthy dose of Titan running backs Reshawn Chambers and Chaven Lytle. Chambers racked up 115 yards rushing and the Titans grounded 210 yards total against the Hilltoppers in the season opener.
As for a player to watch, Coach Bland believes sophomore, Ty’ree Lindsay could be a major factor in their season. The linebacker/wideout has shown solid in pursuit of ball on defense, but maybe called upon to catch a pass or two this Friday as well. If East is going to win, the overall team speed must be used, otherwise, it will allow McDowell to hang around.
East Rutherford beat McDowell 41-7 a year ago and owns the overall series 13-3.
Thomas Jefferson held close to North Wilkes throughout last Friday, but couldn’t outlast them in a 55-35 offensive explosion.
Mason Martin threw for over 300-yards last week with Efrim Borders a likely downfield target to compliment Travis Waldroup Rodrigues.
The Gryphons will hosts Andrews (1-0) this Friday night. Andrews defeat them 48-30 in 2010.
If TJCA is going to have a chance to win, they will have to stop Jordan Collins, who put up over 260 yards rushing last Friday against Cloudland (TN).
On the soccer field, Thomas Jefferson has started out the soccer season 2-0 and R-S Central has tied twice in two contests. Both schools, who sported young teams a season ago have the ability to turn the corner after below average season in 2010.
East Rutherford and Thomas Jefferson have both picked up wins on the volleyball court this season. Expect Chase, R-S Central and East Rutherford to have a some close volleyball games this season in the SMAC. Thomas Jefferson plays in one of the toughest leagues (the Western Highlands Conference) in the state. It won’t be easy, but they do feel like they have improved in areas over the offseason.
