Chase Overpowered by Burns; East Rutherford Nabs First Win

Chase was the only undefeated football team in Rutherford County last week, but a very powerful Burns team brought the two-game win streak to an abrupt halt.

Burns, the bigger, more explosive team, along with a pretty impressive defense beat Chase 48-9 last week. Chase (2-1, 0-1) was held to two first downs last week, one each half, and never got any sort of a rhythm offensively.

If there is anything positive, they don’t have to play Burns (3-0, 1-0) anymore this season since Burns is 3A and Chase is 2A. I will say that the Trojans’ Jordan O’Rourke played extraordinary in the loss.

O’Rourke never gave up on any play whether it was offense, defense or special teams and made a touchdown saving tackle, which Burns scored on two plays later. Although he has been consistent, O’Rourke puts himself among player of the year candidates in Rutherford County for this season after that performance. 

Starting Chase lineman, Chandler Casner was also hurt in the game, but fortunately, it was just a deep bruise to the leg and likely will be back this week. Chase will go to Shelby this Friday and the Trojans have never beaten Shelby. Keeping Shelby’s offense off the field will be the main priority as they too can score points in a hurry. Chase lost a first round playoff game 10-7 last year to these same Golden Lions, which does make this game intriguing.

As for East Rutherford (1-3, 1-0), they are no longer winless this season by nabbing a huge win against Kings Mountain, 34-20 on the road last week. A blocked punt by the Cavaliers D.J. Miller and a 30-yard return on the play ensured the first touchdown of the game and the defense held the Mountaineers to 228 yards total offense, which is a welcome sight to see.

East Rutherford comes back home to take on East Burke and that is the game I will be covering Friday, the 20th. Although, this will be the battle of the Cavaliers, East Rutherford will have to down grade the penalties as they had 16 last week. Otherwise, just carry that momentum they have into Friday’s game and a second win in as many weeks is possible. They will also be introduced to East Burke running back Larry Clark, who is averaging over 100 yards per contest.

The only bad news East received is that quarterback Austin Hollifield may have received a concussion on a blind side hit during the Kings Mountain game. He could be a game time decision this Friday.

In Rutherfordton, R-S Central (1-2, 0-1) had a tough time with a very athletic Shelby falling 45-14. However, the Hilltoppers will travel to Valdese to face Draughn as they meet for the first time ever on the gridiron. Draughn, who is winless so far on the season should give the Hilltoppers another chance to gain a win this season. Central will have to find a way to stop Draughn fullback Adam Estep or just flat out score more times than he does if they are to get win number two on the season this Friday. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tyler Rash or Rashaun Whitesides each found the end zone in this contest.

Thomas Jefferson (2-1) returns to the football field after a bye to face Asheville School (0-3) at home in a non-conference game. I look for Seth McCraw and Joseph Bradshaw to have pretty good defensive games in this one.

On the volleyball court, it looks like R-S Central is among one of the teams to make for a competitive and confusing SMAC league this season. Although, hovering around .500, they upset the SMAC leader East Burke and have forced a number of matches to go five sets this season. Right now, East Burke (2A), Draughn (2A) and Kings Mountain (3A) are in a duel with the Lady Hilltoppers (2A) for the SMAC crown this season.

On the soccer field, Chase (5-2-1 overall, 5-0 league) will host maybe the biggest game in their short history of the program as powerhouse Shelby (6-1, 3-0) comes to town in round one for the 2A portion of the SMAC title on Sept. 23rd. 

Former Chase High standout, Tyler White continues to do well in the Houston Astros organization. White helped the Tri-City Valley Cats win the Class A New York-Penn League Championship. He played 18 games in the Gulf Coast League batting .365 with nine doubles and 15 RBI. He moved up to the Appalachian League for 18 more games and batted .344 with two homers. In 28 games during his stint in the New York-Penn League, White scored 19 runs, had 32 hits, collected 25 RBI and hit three homers. It’s definitely been an impressive season for White as he has caught a number of eyes within the organization.