We’re getting down to cases in the conference races. This week features two huge games. #1 Jay M. Robinson visits West Rowan and #2 A.L. Brown hosts #3 Hickory Ridge. All four teams are 4-0 in their conference races.
#1 Jay M. Robinson (4-0 SPC, 7-0 overall) pounded South Rowan last week to set up the first big match-up of the season. West is 6-1 overall and ranked #14 in the NCHSAA 5A rankings. The Bulldogs are #4. The game should be closer. How will Robinson react to a close game? I think they are the better team; expect a 7- to 10-point win.
#2 A.L.Brown (4-0 in the GMAC, 7-0 overall) took care of business last week, setting up this showdown at Memorial Stadium. The Wonders have outscored their opponents 308 to 85 this season.
#3 Hickory Ridge (4-0 in GMAC, 6-1 overall) is coming off a 66-14 win over Cox Mill. It was the first points allowed by the Ragin’Bulls in four games. Hickory Ridge hasn’t played a close game since its opener. A.L. Brown has. That could be the difference. Couple that with the home field advantage. The Wonders win a close one.
#4 Northwest Cabarrus (4-0 SPC, 6-1) rolled Salisbury last week 43-7 and visits Concord. The Trojans are heavily favored and should take care of business. A win sets up home games with West Rowan and Jay M. Robinson that would give the Trojans a shot at the SPC title.
#5 Mount Pleasant (1-1 in RRC, 5-2 overall) beat Anson 28-14 to get back on the winning track last week. This week, the Tigers travel to Parkwood (4-3, 0-2).
#6 Cannon/Concord Academy (5-2) begins conference play hosting Metrolina Christian. The Cougars lost a tough 21-20 last week. Look for them to bounce back this week.
The other teams
Central Cabarrus (1-6, 0-4) hosts Phillip O. Berry tonight. It should be a good chance for the Vikings to get a win after opening GMAC play against probably the four toughest teams. I sound like a broken record – Central has to find some offense.
Cox Mill (2-5, 1-3) is licking its wounds after facing Hickory Ridge. West Cabarrus doesn’t have the explosive offense the Ragin’ Bulls did. Look for a close game and I call it a toss-up.
West Cabarrus (3-4, 3-1) takes care of business against weaker GMAC teams. The Wolverines don’t score a lot of points. Cox Mill will hang with them. This one comes down to a few big plays and who makes the fewest mistakes.
Concord (0-4 SPC, 1-6 overall) scored a few more points last week against Jesse Carson, but the game was already out of reach. Can they take some momentum into this week? Maybe. Will Northwest be looking past them? If the Trojans do, Concord could hang around. I expect Northwest to win by at least three touchdowns.
Enjoy the games.
