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High School Football Notebook; Owls go postseason

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High School football has officially started. Last week, practice began for Chase, R-S Central, East Rutherford and Thomas Jefferson. All four school have around 30-35 on varsity this season. So, depth is a concern for all four schools this season. A number of players could play both ways for all four teams. The first month could be troublesome with the heat and humidity as bad as it is right now.

I also believe that all four schools will be a little different this season than in the recent past, just because of the challenges each team faces. That could set up for more exciting games to come.

Scrimmages are this week, with week one of the season beginning the following week. East Rutherford is without four key guys including Malik Hamrick (injury). East Rutherford has a whole new look to their line play since Jadacus Logan moved away. The Cavs are young, but they do have some speed and athleticism. Young, Cameron Simmons is the new East quarterback.

R-S Central has similar issues, but they do return eight offensive and seven defensive starters. Central does have some decent size on the line and experience all around. They also have a new, young quarterback in Jayden Waddell to get the start.

"There are a couple of spots that we need to grow up at and fast," R-S Central Coach Mike Cheek said. "Overall I want us to enjoy the season and just play hard every down of every week."

Chase also returns a number of guys back to the varsity ranks. The Trojans are defensively in pretty good shape, but they are hoping a to create offense with Tyreece McSwain now the starter at QB. Blocking was a problem at times last year and they know where the game really starts for them on that side of the ball.

"Linemen will be a big determination of our success," Chase Head Football Coach Daniel Bailey said. "We have to do better things on offense and the kids are excited about what we need to do in order to get it done."

Thomas Jefferson will field a varsity and Junior varsity squad this season. So far in the Cash era, the Gryphons have never won less than six games. This year, relying on their line play will be extremely key since they have the most experience from what is back. The Gryphons won't be as speedy as the previous three seasons, but if the blocking is good, they should still be able to move the ball. And they also won't start the season on August 19th since Peculiar Generation will not be able to field a team this season. Next week, we will preview all three high school football games that are on tap for a week one start.

As for Chesnee, they have a number of skill players back, but their experience on the line is limited. They went 4-7 overall, but all four wins came in region play. Just 17 of the 36 young men who played on last year's team return.

Who would have thought, but the Owls are still alive for the Pettit Cup?

The Owls sure have caught fire in the second half of the season as they went 18-9. They also have made the Coastal Plain League playoffs. As the #2 seed in the West, Forest City hosted the #3 seed in the West on Wednesday (8/10/16). Should they win, they play in the divisional finals on Friday (8/12/16). If they win both games, then they play three-games series from August 14-16 to decide the Pettit Cup. Forest City has won the Pettit Cup twice, but not since 2010.

The Owls have six of their last seven games and their finding a way to only win, but to win close games as well. Apparently, they did have something to prove. Patiently, Forest City climbed back into the race and made the playoffs. Give credit where credit is due. The Owls never gave up and now a postseason run is possible.

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