Even week for RC football

After going 4-0 the week previous, it was an even 2-2 last week for Rutherford County football.

The most impressive win of the week may belong to Chase, who shutout a veteran Bessemer City team, winning 7-0. An Xaiver Williams last second touchdown run for Chase notched the win. The Trojan defense played better than the previous week despite giving up 130 yards to Kevin Goodwin of BC.

Chase (2-1) at Burns (3-0)

Now, the Trojans have to go to Burns as they open up SMAC play. Chase has played Burns tough the last two seasons, but lost both. The Trojans may be back at full strength defensively for the first time all year.

Meanwhile, R-S Central claimed a 28-7 win over Polk. The Hilltoppers Nate Hadley picked up a Polk fumble and ran nearly the entire length of the field to give the Central the breathing room it needed down the stretch. They held Polk to 169 yards and kept Dillon Overholt at just over 100 yards running and passing. Ramon Rodriguez, Kanaan Brock, Damarcus Johnson and Zyion Carson stood out. The defense was as good as Coach Cheek could have asked.

R-S Central (2-1) at Shelby (3-0)

Now comes the giant as the Hilltoppers will hit the road for Shelby. The Golden Lions have allowed just 14 points and that was to A.C. Reynolds. So far, they have shutout South Point and Freedom. All Central can do is hope to retain time of possession and play well again defensively. The Hilltoppers have allowed just seven points in the last two weeks.

Bill Lay and Nomi McMullens both had touchdown runs against Mountain Island, but Thomas Jefferson lost 31-13 on the road. Aapri Washington was responsible for three MIC touchdowns, despite TJCA out-rushing them by 40 yards.

Thomas Jefferson (1-1) at Christ the King (0-3)

Christ the King has played three tough opponents and scored just six points in three games so far. It's tough to gauge how bad a team is when they have been blown out by stiff competition.

East Rutherford's Cameron Simmons scored the only touchdown last week in a 23-7 loss at Roberson.

Kings Mountain (2-1) at East Rutherford (2-1)

The only home game this week ends up being at East Rutherford. Both East Rutherford and Kings Mountain lost last week. It will be interesting to see how the two teams recover from their first lost of the season.

Both teams are athletic, but the Mountaineers boast the slight advantage at depth. Darren Burns(QB) and Darian McClain (RB) will be the two to watch for KM.

Also, Chesnee lost to Woodruff 49-28. The Eagles have seen issues with its defense so far this season, but losing to a top-notch Woodruff is nothing to hang your head about. Chesnee will travel to Chapman this Friday.

Lastly, the Dale Earnhardt Jr. news is a bit of a surprise in a sense. To miss half the season for medical issues, when he seems okay to drive is tough for him, his fans, his co-workers. I understand. He's human. I wish him the best in his recovery. Hopefully 2017 is a great year in the race car for Earnhardt Jr.