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Finally, Football Friday night is back! Three Rutherford County teams are in action with Chesnee playing south of the border (8-19-16).
East Rutherford at East Henderson (East Rutherford won 57-25 last season)
East Rutherford opens on the road in Flat Rock and the Cavs didn't look too bad in a scrimmage last week. They should have plenty of guys that can run the ball, but youth at quarterback and offensive line presents an issue. That didn't seem to bother them as much last week though, but the distance is four quarters on Friday.
For East Henderson, the biggest offensive threat may be Deijon Gash. Gash can really gash you for yardage as their lead running back. He also plays linebacker, but he is better offensively speaking. Wide receiver Beau Shealy and defensive end Luke McCall should also be watched among the Eagles.
Keys: East Rutherford has to get guys like Demetrius Mauney, Tyrese Carson and Fonzbee Clyburn in open space early in order to get the quarterback settled. Defensively, the Cavs should have the speed advantage and likely experience as well. It is line play again that is the concern considering the youth there. If they can maintain contain up front, they will be okay.
R-S Central at McDowell (R-S Central won 14-10 last year)
It seems like when these two meet every year, it winds up a close game. Don't expect any different.
McDowell has a decent amount of experience back, a deeper roster and a new coach. Tre Spearman is their best lineman. The Titans will have a new quarterback, while Chase Justice (WR) and Matthew Moss (RB) will pace the offense.
Players to mention: Spencer Norris or Tyrese Tate may need to have a big night among the seniors to really get them jump started. Defensively, I look for good things from D.J. Johnson and Ramon Rodriguez.
Keys to the game: Central has been business as usual in scrimmages and they need to keep that attitude Friday. Central's experience will have to carry them through. Can they wear McDowell down in second half?
Polk at Chase (Polk won 23-13 last year)
Have they addressed the offense? We are about to find out. Tyreece McSwain paces that part of the game. Who among Bruce Squires, Isaiah Mills, Rashad Wilkins, Taz Dover and Xaiver Williams steps up to help out.
Polk doesn't have a lot of size, but they do have some athletes. Dillion Overholt (QB) and Jason Chupp (WR) lead Polk's offense. Overholt will run and throw and if he is throwing, it's likely to Chupp.
Keys to the game: Chase needs big plays on both sides. Spy the quarterback. Play with few mistakes.
Chesnee at Broome (Broome won 38-26)
If anything, Chesnee will look to control the game by running the football. Isaiah Morris and Josh Russell lead the rushing attack for the Eagles. Chesnee's defense should also be tested by the run. D'Marco Jackson and Jarious Jeter combined for nearly 2,000 yards between the two of them.
Broome's depth and athleticism should be an advantage as Chesnee may very well have to play for possession and field position.
By the way, Congrats to the Forest City Owls for a heck of a season. The first half didn't go so well, but they rallied, made the playoffs, won a playoff a game and finished among the top four teams in the Coastal Plain League.
