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I know it already. Most can’t wait to get the stadiums.
By the way, don’t quit you day job or call in sick, but I understand the fever most are having since football Friday is here.
All four high schools in the county will take the field in the first week of prep action on Friday, August 17. However, Thomas Jefferson will be the only team at home this Friday. Chase will hit Hwy 274 to get to West Lincoln, East Rutherford travels Hwy 74 to go to Kings Mountain and R-S Central follows Hwy 221 to McDowell County.
Chase @ West Lincoln
Chase got the win last year with ease in a 35-20 decision over West Lincoln at home.
Keys to the game: 1) Stuff the middle. On defense, Trae Watkins will find the ball carrier eventually, but keeping enough guys in the box to stop anything off center or tackle is key to getting the Trojan defense off the field.
2) Give yourself the option. One of the toughest offenses to stop in football is the option and Chase did it well a year ago. While they don’t have the same skill players now, the value of an experience offensive line blocker just went up. Dillon Parris will undoubtedly be the kid they rely on Friday.
East Rutherford @ Kings Mountain
Kings Mountain held onto a 17-14 win last year in which both teams had 11 turnovers between the two that night. Kings Mountain has won the last four meetings and East hasn’t beaten the Mountaineers since 2005.
Keys to the game: 1) Can the East defense make enough stops? The Cavs allowed nearly 28 points per game a year ago and will have to keep pressure on KM’s solid quarterback, Jonathan Clark.
2) Watkins carries the load. T.J. Watkins isn’t going to make every play, but it has to start with him. Watkins, who is the preseason SMAC favorite for player of the year, will have to show his leadership at quarterback. Whether he is throwing, running, escaping pressure, it’s up to him to make good decisions and use his athletic ability to get the offense going.
3) Keep young offensive line positive. While the offensive line is youthful, they have to be keep their blocks and their mistakes to a minimum.
4) Turnovers! There wasn’t a game of year ago that had more fumblerooski’s than this one did. Keep two hands on the football at all times and that will solve the problem.
R-S Central @ McDowell
R-S Central barely hung on for a 21-20 win a year ago at home after the Titans missed an extra point try late. No doubt, McDowell will be hungry as they play a similar style of ball that Central likes. Hold possession and score when opportunity presents. The Titans ended the season on a two-game winning streak and lost five games by less than seven points last season. Many in Marion believe McDowell is on the upswing.
Keys to the game: 1) Gain possession! Nobody likes to hog the football more than these two clubs and both are willing to pound your defense into submission.
2) What is young offensive line made of? They have to keep it in perspective. They may not do everything right, but staying focused to give the quarterback some time and create enough space for Dustin Atchley to run forward is all that matters.
3) Rumor has it that McDowell likes to throw it a bit more this season, making Jharri Miller’s job at safety a little more important on Friday.
R-S Central hasn’t lost to McDowell since 2006, but no reason to think about that at kickoff.
Thomas Jefferson vs. North Wilkes
Jerry Cash, who has a coaching style that sticks with valuing the football, should make for a close game if executed as desired. Will McCraw, who rushed for over a 1,00 yards a season ago should be able to help that situation.
Keys to the game: 1) Don’t give the football away. The Gryphons threw almost as may interceptions as they did touchdowns a year ago. It’s up to McKinnon Martin at quarterback to do the right things, Friday.
2) Fourth quarter energy! To finish, the Gryphons need to maintain possession and dictate North Wilkes chances with the football. A lack of depth and tiredness leads to concern, but TJCA can counter that by shortening the game.
Last season, both teams found themselves in an old fashion shootout. North Wilkes finally was able outlast them down the stretch resulting in a 55-35 outcome.
Chesnee at Broome
Travel south of the border and a new coach brings enthusiasm to the Golden Eagles. Chesnee will go to Broome this Friday. Last year, Chesnee lost 31-13. They have a new coach in Lynn Fleming, who had some success at South Florence in the previous years.
