TJCA still undefeated, huge game ahead

Thomas Jefferson

The Gryphons continue to stay unbeaten as they easily dispatched of Highland Tech on the road last week, 59-20. Bill Lay had another 100 yard game on the ground and four touchdowns as they led 38-0 at the break.

Every week is important, but these next three game are definitely huge for Thomas Jefferson (8-0, 4-0).

They now go to undefeated Bessemer City (8-0, 4-0). The Yellow Jackets are a pretty quick defense, while the Gryphons offense has put up 44.25 points per game so far this season. TJCA's defense hasn't been bad either in allowing 15.25 points per game.

Bessemer City is allowing 10 points per game and scoring 28.

The Gryphons have never beaten the Yellow Jackets on the road. Last year, TJCA whipped BC, but they had a lot of injuries and issues when they played a year ago.

Although, Bessemer City should go 1AA compared to TJCA, who will go 1A in the playoff, every game is important because of seeding.

It should be a very close game. I haven't picked against TJCA yet this year.

Pick: Thomas Jefferson

Chase

Last week, Chase (1-7, 0-2) battled on the road, but suffered a heartbreaking 12-6 loss to East Gaston. The Trojans had a number of chances to score on the night, but could only do so once. The Trojans did a good job on defense to stay close, but unfortunately couldn't get their second win of the season.

This week they have East Rutherford (5-3, 1-1).

And speaking of East Rutherford, they were dealt a setback as South Point easily won 55-7. Demetrius Mauney had the only touchdown in the loss. The Cavaliers were considered a possible threat to Shelby and South Point, but the Red Raiders put up 41 in the first half to answer that question.

Like I said, they have Chase at home on Friday. Kayshawn Woods and Xavier Williams had solid games last week at East Gaston, but can the Trojans stop Mauney and Jordan Harris on Friday?

Pick: East Rutherford

R-S Central

R-S Central (2-6, 0-2) found Shelby (7-1, 2-0) not too inviting as they fell 51-0 last week. Shelby blocked two punts for touchdowns, but when Tripper Reynolds got a chance to punt, he did an excellent job. Demarcus Johnson kept Central within 17 through much of the first half, but the defending 2AA State Champs were too much in the end.

It doesn't get any easier this week as they host South Point (8-0, 2-0). The Red Raiders are the defending 3A State Champs.

Historically, South Point has struggled when playing at Central, but the big red machine is looking pretty good right now. They can run, throw, and defend. East Rutherford found out last week.

Pick: South Point

NASCAR

Well, Talladega lived up to the billing. After 40 cars started, just 11 were left and Dale Earnhardt Jr. left Alabama by winning a pole and finishing 7th. Meanwhile, it was Brad Keselowski, who I predicted as a favorite to win last week, now earns a spot into the next round of the playoffs along with Martin Truex Jr.

Only one race to go until we cut the championship contenders down to eight. Kyle Busch, who has been second for most of the year in the sport this season, is seven points below the cutline after crashing in Talladega and sits 9th in points.

Martin Truex, Kyle Busch or Ryan Blaney should be good picks this week. Truex would like to win to keep Busch from advancing even though they are Toyota teammates.