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It was one of those nights, as it will be recalled as “That’s the night the lights went out in Bostic!”
Last Friday, Chase went to East Rutherford and they were tied at 7 by half. However, the lights went out in and around the stadium in the third quarter. There was still barely enough light to play, but East Rutherford scored off four Chase turnovers in the second half to prevail 31-17.
A tip drill interception by the Cavaliers Jordan Davenport started the train in motion and Austin Hollifield’s 43-yard touchdown run off a fake punt on fourth down with less than 90 seconds to go ended the train ride that saw nine turnovers overall.
East playing for pride, a chance for playoff eligibility and the opportunity to knock Chase down in the playoff bracket actually did the unthinkable. Coincidentally, the East Rutherford win knocked Chase out of the postseason all together.
On the flip side of that coin, Chase (6-5) seemed to be well on their way to the playoffs according to NCHSAA guidelines with four wins or more under their belt to qualify, but there is a new rule in order to get a wildcard spot. They now base seedings on conference win percentage. The Trojans who went 3-5 in conference would easily be a 13-seed at least if not for this rule. Now their season is over and 2.5 percentage points is the reason.
Sure, I thought Chase may drop a couple of spots in the bracket in the East lost, but I don’t think it is fair that the Trojans were left out considering five of the 16 teams in the 2A West bracket won just five games each. Like Chase can help that the new SMAC conference consist of nine teams and not six to eight like most leagues with all four Cleveland County Schools in the league. I guess the NCHSAA is saying that they get more chances to win in conference, but I know the Trojans have to be fuming after the bracket was released.
Now to the playoffs it shall be. Three-seeded, Thomas Jefferson (8-3) goes into the first round of the 1A playoffs after beating Highland Tech for the second time around and host the game of the week against #6 seed Andrews (4-7). The two met last year in Avondale where the Gryphons easily won 48-7.
I wouldn’t take this game for granted, while I do slightly favor the Gryphons, it could be closer than expected. Andrews has won two in a row and quarterback Jacob Moore is a dual threat. The Gryphons will also have to stop Colin Gillespie, who is averaging 111 yards a game on the ground. The best news is that the Gryphons are finally healthy again since they have encountered the injury bug at times this season.
As for 15th seeded R-S Central (5-5), they are being sent to #2 seed Monroe (9-2) in the 2AA portion of the playoffs. That’s strange since Bandys finishes fourth in conference and has a worse conference winning percentage to get seeded higher than Central, but I digress.
Anyhow, the Hilltoppers will face a very athletic and defensive team. For those who are going, leave real early, since it takes a long time to get through stoplight city as the high school is on the east side. Central has been fairly consistent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, but had a four game win streak snapped at the hands of Burns last week.
Meanwhile, the guys over at Thomas Jefferson (19-1-1) are pitching a bid for the 1A state soccer title, but must pass through Regionals first. On Tuesday (10/12), they hosted North Moore (19-3-1). Both teams had not allowed a goal this postseason. Should TJCA win, they meet the winner of Raleigh Charter and Wallace-Rose Hill this Saturday (11/16) in Raleigh. No matter how this one turns out, I am very happy for Coach Brian Espinoza and his kids in Avondale. They have made it to the elite eight and the sweet 16 in the previous two seasons making their postseason record during that time of 11-2.
Meet a legitimate NFL playoff team folks, your hometown Carolina Panthers! The Panthers, who have lost two close games this season, get one back and on the road in a 10-9 decision. Winning at San Francisco (6-3) is a quality win and defense was the main culprit. Carolina (6-3) allowed just 151 yards of offense, sacked Kapernick six times and come away with two more turnovers on Sunday. The Panthers missed a couple of opportunities, but also had a clear 49er fumble that didn’t go their way and cost them three points. Still they weathered the storm and played hard-nosed football as they now host New England on Monday night.
And finally, NASCAR will crown a champion in Miami this coming weekend. If Jimmie Johnson can finish 23rd or better on Sunday, it’s his sixth title. Honestly, unless something unreal happens, I don’t see much stopping Johnson’s title bid.
