Who wants to talk Football and Racing?

East Rutherford

The rivalry game wasn't much of a game at all as East Rutherford easily beat R-S Central on Thursday Night Lights, 47-0. It was the first ever high school football game in Rutherford County to be broadcast on live TV. I have a feeling it won't be the last either.

Meanwhile, Jordan Harris continues to play well on defense and as a receiver.

Demetrius Mauney has 917 yards rushing so far this season and gone over 100 yards in five of seven games so far. Mauney scored twice this past week, while Michael Mull blocked and scored on that same Central punt.

Now, East Rutherford (5-2, 1-0) will face the toughest challenge so far this season as they head to Belmont to play South Point (7-0,1-0). South Point has one of the toughest offenses to defend in tight sets with three supreme athletes in Scottie Lee (QB), Jake Alexander (RB) and Ray Grier (WR). The defense isn't too bad either by allowing just 47 points overall in 2017.

While East isn't bad at all, the Red Raiders are the defending 3A State Champs that just moved down to 2AA this season.

Pick: South Point

Thomas Jefferson

The Gryphons put up the most offensive points in school history, but had to hold back a late charge by Community School of Davidson in a 63-42 shootout victory to stay undefeated on the season.

Thomas Jefferson (7-0, 3-0) was never totally comfortable, but still maintained the lead all the way last week. The last two weeks the Gryphons have been playing much better on offense with Bill Lay (185 yards rushing last week) paving the way with now 11 touchdown rushes.

Now they have to go to Highland Tech (2-5, 0-3). The Rams maybe a little better than a year ago, but still undermanned with Wiley Martin leading the offense. Pine Lake beat Highland Tech by 30 last week and TJCA beat Pine Lake by 32 the week before. The Gryphons can't get complacent with their three biggest games of the season upcoming.

Pick: Thomas Jefferson

Chase

It was a tough loss last week for Chase (1-6, 0-1) as they were over matched by Shelby 63-0. Mike Singletary and Tylek Surratt were the lone bright spots on both side of the ball at times. Grant Lanser also had a couple solid plays as well.

Xavier Williams was out with injury last week, but if he plays, that could be the factor in this upcoming Southwestern 2A match-up.

The Trojans head to Mount Holly to face East Gaston (1-6, 0-1). Both teams have struggled on both sides of the ball. Kobe Creamer (RB/WR) and Brodie Hilton (QB) lead the Warriors offense. I think it's a close game.

Pick: East Gaston

R-S Central

It's been a tough road this season as the Hilltoppers suffered a shutout loss to their longtime rival East Rutherford. This week, it gets tougher for R-S Central (2-5, 0-1), who goes to Shelby this Friday. Hunter Bradley led the way on offense as the leading rusher this past week.

Shelby (6-1, 1-0) just unleashed the offense for the first time all season for the except of posting 48 against Burns. The Shelby defense hasn't allowed more than 25 points in a game this season.

Pick: Shelby

NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr finished 12th in his last run at Charlotte this past weekend and the Cup Series heads to Talladega, where he has six career wins. Truex continues to dominate, but Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, Chase Elliott and Denny Hamlin all showed strong this past weekend. Kyle Busch is still in position to move into the next round, but another bad finish and he will be in trouble. I got either Brad Keselowski or Ricky Stenhouse Jr. coming up with victory as both have been solid on massive tracks. A win for either would advance them into the next round of the playoffs.

NFL Ranks

6) Denver 5)New England 4)Green Bay 3)Carolina 2)Atlanta 1)Kansas City. Just outside: Philly, New Orleans, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Houston and Seattle.