First Friday Gone, RC Wins 2 of 3

Although weather was a factor around the area on the first week of football Friday, three Rutherford County teams played well enough to win, but only two were able to do so. Here are some notes and a preview for this week's upcoming games. All games have a 7:30 start on Friday, August 26.

East Rutherford: At East Henderson, despite a soaking wet field, East Rutherford had no problem rushing the football in a 43-0 win. Demetrius Mauney ran for four scores and the defense pitched a shutout for the first time in five years. The defense was so impressive, the Cavs allowed just over 30 yards and only two first downs in the entire contest.

North Gaston (0-1) at East Rutherford (1-0)

East Rutherford Football Coach Clint Bland knows that the schedule doesn't get easier. They now host the Wildcats who just lost to a stout Kings Mountain 54-10 last Friday. North Gaston seems to always be a trap game in a sense as they lost last year, 15-13. East knows they will have to defend the option led by QB Brae Wooten.

Keys to the game: East will have to challenge themselves to win and not to float through this one. North Gaston likes to ball control, so it's important for the defense off the field.

R-S Central: The Hilltoppers broke a fourth quarter tie and scored 20 unanswered to down McDowell in Marion, 41-21. Tyrese Tate went off for 140 yards rushing and had 35 more receiving as R-S Central took a commanding lead late by scoring off McDowell turnovers.

R-S Central (1-0) at Stuart Cramer (1-0)

Cramer put up a tough fight last year, but Central won 28-21. Noah Oxendine leads Cramer again at QB, but they struggled to win 20-6 last week against a lack luster Cherryville team. Cramer could run, throw or even toss in a trick play. Expecting the unexpected is probably a good idea.

Keys to the game: The Hilltoppers need to be calm, cool and poised. The quarterback and Naseem Moulden (110 yards rushing last week) seem to have an idea about what to do with the football. Eye both of them.

Chase: The new look spread offense worked, unfortunately, the defense couldn't pull the Trojans through, losing in overtime 34-28 at home to Polk. Bruce Squires and Tyreece McSwain rushed for nearly 300 yards combined for the Trojans.

Cherryville (0-1) at Chase (0-1)

Not much has changed at Cherryville in a season. Preston Elliott is still the quarterback and he may still be there best offensive weapon. Justin Lemons was their leading rushing a week ago despite the Ironmen having only 100 yards of total offense. Chase nearly shutout Cherryville a season ago in a 47-6 victory.

Keys to the game: Forget about last week. The Trojans did a lot of things right, grow from it. The Ironmen present a good chance for Chase to restart with a clean slate and even the record.

Thomas Jefferson: The Gryphons will play their first game of the season as they host Hickory Grove this Friday. Hickory Grove lost last week to Lake Norman Charter 27-3. TJCA won 49-18 last year.

Nomi McMullens leads the Gryphons as the new QB. Bill Lay will also help out in the backfield, while Hogan Modirzadeh should be the catalyst on defense.

Keys to the game: Thomas Jefferson should set the tone. This is your house and you have lost just three times in the last two years at home. Settle the youth and find a leader.

Chesnee: The Eagles outlasted the Centurions in a 47-42 contest last Friday. Quarterback, Isaiah Ellis accounted for seven touchdowns and 425 yards of offense in the win. Despite giving up five touchdowns and nearly 250 yards to Broome's D'Marco Jackson, the Eagles were able to hold on.

Next: Chesnee will host West-Oak.