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Last weekend was one for the record books in Rutherford County football history. It’s only the second time ever for Rutherford County to go 4-0 on a Friday night in football. Two years ago on August 31, 2012 was the very first time all four teams swept their competition.
Rosman’s star running back Tanner Green sat out to rest a hurt knee and that was okay with Thomas Jefferson (2-0). The Gryphons started slow, but found more than enough offense in a 38-20 victory last Friday night.
“We were lucky just to be tied with Rosman in the first quarter considering how they hit us in the mouth early.” Thomas Jefferson Football coach Jerry Cash said. “We’re not polished, but this has the makings of a pretty good football team.”
Trey McGhee (168 yards for 2014) posted 111 tough yards, two touchdowns and had multiple tackles on defense. Mason Martin (163 yards rushing in 2014) added 74 yards on the ground scoring once and Tyler Mitchell scored once as well. Unheralded, Bradley Freels had five defensive stops and caught a touchdown pass in the victory. The Gryphons head to Avery County (1-1) this Friday.
Players to watch: Mason Fenner (TJCA), Derek Skipper (TJCA), Tre Jackson (Avery) and Austin Heath (Avery). Line play will be huge, considering Avery likely has the upper hand in that respect.
Despite being shutout in week one, Chase hit the road to Winston Salem and knocked off RJ Reynolds 31-6. Bruce Squires was the story for the Trojans as he scored twice (1 receiving/1 rushing). Squires almost crossed the goal line for the third time on the night by intercepting a pass, but was stopped two yards short of the end zone. Chase (1-1) scored one play later and led 24-0 at the break.
This Friday, they head to Bandys (2-0) in the battle of the Trojans as Chase won 38-13 last year.
Players to watch: Treston Abrams (CH) Jacob Rollins (CH). Devon Cox like to throw the ball, but Quiante Derr is Bandys best weapon running the football. The Chase defense will have to keep the plays in front of them or else, it could be a repeat of Week 1. The confidence Chase has for the moment should make this an interesting game and a second week on the road may not be a bad thing after all.
In Bostic, East Rutherford’s Calvin Camp had a night he will never forget. Camp came up with 114 yards rushing, earned a 34-yard touchdown reception and returned a punt for a 70 yard touchdown. Kameron Garrison (215 yards in two games and 4TD) punched in two more scores as East Rutherford ran past North Gaston 29-7. East Rutherford (1-1) will host Tuscola (0-2) on Friday as Tuscola won 22-21 last year.
Players to watch Havis Thompson (ER) and Damon Berryhill (ER). Beware of Tuscola quarterback Parker Allen and his favorite receiver Damon McDaniels. However, if East Rutherford can defend the pass well and run like they just did against North Gaston, then they should be okay in this one.
Meanwhile, R-S Central visited Gastonia and took care of Cramer 48-6 for their second road win of the year. Matt Atchley led the way with 124 yards rushing and a score (199 in two games with 2TD) and Desmond Whitesides added two scores in the victory.
Undoubtedly, the Game of the Week takes place in Rutherfordton, where R-S Central (2-0) welcomes Polk County (0-2). R-S Central has won the last two meetings, but both games were close. Polk has already faced two of the toughest teams in the state in Shelby and Asheville, losing both by big margins. Expect a tight game that could go either way.
Players to watch: Tyran McIntyre (RS), Devin Adell (RS), Jason Chupp (Polk) and Jamal Wheeler (Polk).
Down south, Chesnee (1-1) lost in week one to Broome by 10, but took care of Chapman this past Friday by a 41-24 count. Bryson and Brandon Blackley accounted for the six combined Chesnee touchdowns in the win. The Eagles will face a tough Abbeville team at home on Friday night.
