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There is a new Rutherford County football champion this season. After beating R-S Central on Monday, East Rutherford followed the win up four days later and downed Chase 24-7 to earn the crown.
Maybe even more importantly, the Cavaliers put themselves in the playoffs with the victory.
“We’re happy to win county, although we had some mistakes tonight and luckily that is correctable stuff to deal with,” East Rutherford Football Coach Clint Bland said. “We are blessed to get the win over Chase and make the playoffs. It’s not going to be an easy match up next Friday.”
The Cavaliers rushed for over 200 yards and held a firm 17-0 lead at the half thanks to a Harrison Wilkerson field goal, with Saibyn Ruff and Kameron Garrison rushing for a touchdown a piece.
East Rutherford’s Donald Terry recovered a fumble and Calvin Mcswain was a solid run stopper all night.
Chase did not make the postseason, but played well at times this season. Especially holding a 10-0 lead against Shelby and losing to Central by just four points.
Bruce Squires played about as well as the Trojans could have asked. Squires scored a late touchdown on a nice reverse and recovered a fumble and made a number of stops on defense in the loss.
“We moved the ball well the last couple of weeks, just too many turnovers especially tonight,” Chase Football Coach Daniel Bailey said. “We played the 2A programs well this season, but this is the time to find out about ourselves. It was a tough season for this young group, but we have learned a lot about ourselves and will see who we can count on this offseason to try and improve for next year.
Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson destroyed Highland Tech 60-22 on the road last Friday. The win catapulted them to a very high seed in the 1A playoffs. If Bradley Freels and Mason Martin can continue to have running success and Trey McGhee figures out the opponent while on defense, then it could be a first round playoff victory to come. They will have the game the of the week as well coming up (8.14.14).
R-S Central held an early lead, but had to come back to beat Burns following a 19-14 victory. Tyran McEntyre scored the game-winning touchdown with less than two minutes to go and the Hilltoppers held Burns A.J. Camp to just 72 yards rushing in the win.
Playoff previews
(15)South Stanly at (2)Thomas Jefferson
Will Thomas Jefferson (8-3) finally get that first ever football playoff win in school history? The chances are good in hosting South Stanly who sits at 3-8 on the year. While the Bulls mix up the run and pass on offense fairly well, they have been shutout three times this season. However, South Stanly has lost four times by 12 points or less.
The last two seasons, the Gryphons have been upset at home in the playoffs. Relax. It’s one play at a time for the Gryphons, who have felt the season ending pressure in the postseason. The Gryphons have won in every possible way this season and that bodes well for them.
(9)R-S Central at (8)Bandys
Bandys (8-3) will have two kids that can rush behind a good offensive line. Kyle Roberts is the speed and Jarrett Pemleton is the power back. Still, R-S Central (7-4) has seen their share of solid running backs throughout the year and they have a good chance to spring an upset this weekend if they are healthy enough, play well defensively and make few mistakes. It was nearly five years ago from the #10 seed in which the Hilltoppers won a playoff game. The main thing becomes controlling time of possession. If Central can do so and play solid defense, then the Hilltoppers will give the Trojans all they can handle.
(13)East Rutherford at (4)Mount Pleasant
Who says making the playoffs is a relief? While East Rutherford is happy to be in the 2A playoffs, they do face a very tough first round test in Mount Pleasant. Finding a way to trip up the Tigers will be the task since running back Cody Reece has been a major pain for opponents this season. Reece has ran for over 2,100 yards and scored 25 touchdowns. Robert Johns is elusive and powerback Clayton Horn has 12 touchdowns.
The Cavaliers will have to stop the run first, but Mount Pleasant’s quarterback has thrown for over 800 yards this season. Isaiah Cox is also stud defensive lineman for the Tigers. At least the Cavaliers have three backs that can scored a touchdown at any given time. And if there is any better news, East Rutherford has allowed 12 points or less in three of the last four games. Just like Central will have too, East must control time of possession.
Boys Soccer: Last week, Thomas Jefferson was still around in the soccer playoffs, but they were beaten in the third round by North Moore, 3-0, on the road. It was a great season for the Gryphons who finished with a 14-3 record.
