Kevin Carver
Thursday, August 20, 2015 8:06 am

Here we are! It's week one and high school football returns this Friday (August 21).

GAME OF THE WEEK! McDowell @ R-S Central

These two seem to have close games with each other every year. Both teams are solid at lineman and linebacker spots, but which skill players will step up?

R-S Central's Trevon Carson (RB) ran well in scrimmage play and Juwan Burnette was quick to the ball at defensive end. Quarterback, Tyrese Tate put up a memorable showing in his first outing last season for the Hilltoppers.

McDowell's Casey Ray (QB) can throw it all over the field for the Titans and Ethan McMahan returns to the field as one of his favorite targets from one year ago.

The two teams have split the last four meetings, but the Hilltoppers won 26-15 last year.

Keys: So, who can wear down who first? Protect the football. R-S has to stay true to themselves and what they want to do.

East Henderson @ East Rutherford

The last time East Rutherford played East Henderson on the gridiron, it was 1988 and a 33-14 win.

As for this meeting, the Cavaliers do have some major advantages in areas, but are they deep enough to go four quarters with the visiting Eagles.

The Cavaliers have running back Kameron Garrison, who can break free or tough out a run if necessary. They will need to get him going early, but they must get Jarvis Hutchins involved as well on both sides of the football.

East Henderson's offense maybe more acclimated since most of their team is back from a season ago. The good news is that the Eagles quarterback doesn't run that much, but they will use the spread to try and get it to as many players as they can. However, East Henderson allowed 33 points per game last year.

Keys: East Rutherford must use that team speed as the advantage. Pressure East Henderson's quarterback to make bad decisions.

Chase @ Polk

Chase has a new attitude, three new coaches and plenty of returning players. Zeke Brandle and Zach Anderson are the two players to watch this week. Both defensive ends are dependable and Anderson played exceptional last season. Tyrece McSwain or Xaiver Williams are capable at the quarterback spot, so there is some upside in having two kids that could run the offense.

The Chase defense will have their hands full in containing duel threat, Jamaal Wheeler. The Polk quarterback attained just over 2,000 yards combined throwing and rushing a season ago, which also combined for 20 touchdowns. Surprise, another Overholt is playing at Polk! Dillon Overholt will likely be all over the place for Polk on defense. The last meeting saw Chase upset Polk in Columbus during the 2008 season.

Keys: The Trojan defense kept them in six games for awhile a year ago, but can they finish games? Find some offensive consistency. Keep Jamaal Wheeler boxed up.

Thomas Jefferson @ Peculiar Generation

The Gryphons non-conference schedule starts with the unknown. TJCA travels to Gastonia to take on Lions, who are in their second year of playing football. Last season, Peculiar scored just 36 total points and allowed 30 points or more in six of seven games in their winless season.

Senior, Seth McCraw ran for over 500 yards a season ago and should see the field a lot and at linebacker as well. David Bond should be a big factor on the offensive and defensive line. Jaylon Simmons could also have a big night if they can a find a way to get him the pigskin.

Keys: Just go out and have fun. Although this is not the best competition they will face all season, don't take anybody for granted. However, Coach Cash knows that there is a learning curve with this season's team as many freshmen should see the field this Friday.