Kevin Carver
Thursday, August 30, 2018 9:26 am

East Rutherford (2-0) at South Caldwell (0-2)

The Cavs had no trouble last week after the first quarter as they offensively manhandled North Gaston 61-42. No matter what East did, as far as running or passing the football, it primarily worked.

East scored on its first nine possessions and ran away with the game literally with almost 500 yards total offense. Cameron Simmons, Jayden Waddell and Demetrius Mauney found the end-zone the most for East and it looks for a 3-0 start for the second year in a row. North Gaston was pretty good offensively as they are going to outscore a lot of teams this season with the speed and skill of Kareem Kennedy and Isaiah McNeil.

East will go to South Caldwell this Friday. The Spartans are another option attack club, but not as fast at North Gaston. East 48-14

Thomas Jefferson (1-0) at Chatham Central (0-2)

Thomas Jefferson didn't play last week, so they should be well rested as they go to Chatham Central on Friday. It was the Nomi McMullens show as he accounted for all five touchdowns in the win over North Lincoln. The question begs which underclassman will break out first this season on offense. There are four good choices in Shamar Petty, Cody Maxwell, Colby Silva and Dakota Twitty. All played the roles they need in game one, but this might be the weekend we find out more about those young men.

Michael Moore threw a touchdown and two interceptions in game one of the season for Chatham Central, so this could be a chance for the Gryphon defense to come through again this week. Chatham Central is only averaging 14 points a game so far this season.

The road trip might be long (180 miles one-way to be exact), but the Gryphons still win. TJCA 34-13

Polk(1-1) at R-S Central (0-2)

The Hilltoppers could only muster a touchdown for the second week in a row and fell in the home opener 23-7 to Patton last week. R-S Central got 60 yards rushing from Bryson Flynn and almost another from C.J. Hannon, but could only gain 198 yards of offense last week. The Hilltoppers fumbled six times and lost three of them.

Somehow, they are going to have to find a way to hold on to the pigskin and keep the Hilltopper defense on the sideline.

R-S Central is at home this Friday again as they host Polk.

Polk has its big 3 on offense in Elijah Sutton, Bryson Seay and Avery Edwards. The Wolverines are a solid rushing team and I like the visitors chances this Friday. Polk 28-7

Bessemer City (1-1) at Chase (0-2)

Chase fell for the second week in a row and in late fashion. Two fourth quarter turnovers doomed the Trojans who lost 26-15 last Friday at Cherryville. After coming back to take the lead by the third period, Chase seemed to be on its way to completely keep that momentum. Cherryville scored on both turnovers and the Ironmen defense was solid to hold on for the win.

Chase was balanced offensively by having 127 yards passing and 150 rushing, but Cherryville's 213 rush yards hurt as they scored three fourth quarter touchdowns. Freshman Damian Boykins completed 11 of 22 passes, but once again, Chase fall short of victory. If Chase wants win number one this week, they must keep its own defense off the field and not turn the ball over themselves.

Maybe if I pick against Chase this week, they finally find a way. A win is coming soon for the Trojans no doubt. This too should be a close game. Bessemer City 22-15.