Newton, NFL MVP?

So, if they campaign hasn't started, let's go ahead and make it official.

If Cam Newton isn't the MVP, I don't know who else it could be? Finally, Coach Jimmy Johnson saw the light on FOX NFL Sunday. Newton continues to lead an offense that doesn't give enough credit.

So, Newton has nearly 2,800 yards passing (18th in the league), 29th in OVERALL rushing at 476 yards and is responsible for 32 touchdowns this season.

No doubt, Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson have both had stellar seasons and overcome issues. You could make a case for both. Brady does have 4,000 yards passing and is responsible for 34 touchdowns, but without Gronk, the Patriots lost twice. If you watched what Cam did to Atlanta on Sunday, it's easy to see why he is the MVP despite what stats say. Newton has led the Panthers to a 13-0 record so far. What else is there to say?

High School Basketball (Boys):

Since football season ended, Thomas Jefferson (4-2, 1-0) has gotten better each game. They are relying in guards Nick Mintz and Jaylon Simmons so far. They Gryphons do have depth, but somebody will have to step up every night to be that third scoring threat. The better news is that they shoot 87 percent from the charity stripe so far. The schedule gets tougher as they play North Henderson and Lincoln Charter this week, which have a combined record of 13-1 at this point in the season. TJCA will go to Chesnee for a tournament from December 28-30.

R-S Central (5-2, 2-0) continues to get better as well. They had won three in a row coming into the week by knocking off Draughn, Crest and Erwin. They also have a win against McDowell. The Hilltoppers starting five average 7 to 18 points and 11 steals per game. Chris Searcy leads the way with 18 points and 8.5 rebounds so far. They go to Chase, host Kings Mountain (Dec. 18) and go to East Burke Dec.22 before the Christmas break. R-S Central will visit Freedom on Dec.28-30 for the Patriot Christmas Tourney.

Chase (3-3, 2-1) had won three straight until Crest snapped that streak last Friday. However, Preston Walker was the story last week, burying a jumper left of the lane at the buzzer to beat Draughn. Walker also hit a three at the buzzer to end the third quarter of that same game. The Trojans host R-S Central and East Henderson before going to Kings Mountain on Dec 22. Chase will go to Cherryville for the Bud Black Christmas Tourney on Dec. 28-30.

East Rutherford (2-3, 1-2) is young, but I like this group. The Cavalier have lost to three tough competitors, East Burke, ACA and Kings Mountain. All of those losses were by five points or less. While they have played well in stretches, they haven't quite put it all together just yet. The good news is that they have not allowed a team to score 70 yet. Junior guards, Juwan Blanton and Malik Hamrick pace the Cavalier, scoring around 15 points each a game. While they haven't scored more than 65 points a game so far, they are rebounding well. They host Shelby, Draughn (Dec 18) and Crest (Dec. 22) before the Christmas break. They go to Chesnee for a tournament from Dec. 28-30.

High School Basketball (Girls):

R-S Central (5-2, 2-0) The Lady Hilltoppers had gotten on a roll, but their five game win streak came to a halt at undefeated 3A Erwin last Friday. Teja Twitty continues to pace R-S Central as she had 24 points, 23 rebounds and six steals in the Erwin loss. Jada Logan and Kyra Davis are capable scorers as well. R-S Central follows the boys schedule before going to Freedom for a Christmas Tourney on Dec.28-30 at Freedom.

Chase (1-5, 0-3) still have problems scoring and defending, but do have an early win so far. Kealynn Watkins and Makayla Gordon lead the charge. They follow the boys schedule before heading to Cherryville on Dec.28-30 for a Christmas tournament.

East Rutherford (3-3, 1-2) continues to improve and have a chance to win three more before the Christmas break. Led by Emily Elgin, the Lady Cavs will follow the boys schedule before going to Landrum on Dec. 28-30 for a Christmas tournament.

Thomas Jefferson (1-3, 0-1) continues to struggle scoring, but lost by only 11 last Friday. The Lady Gryphons will not take part in a Christmas Tourney, but do follow the boys schedule before the break.