Elevator

UP: BUTLER'S OFFENSE

Gained 535 yards in the opener. So much for early-season kinks.

UP: MEMORIAL STADIUM

Parking problems forced Harding to move tonight's game against West Charlotte uptown. It'll be a treat for the players.

DOWN: VICTORY CHRISTIAN

Kings have too much talent to be 0-2. Something is missing.

DOWN: CENTRAL CABARRUS

The Vikings (0-2) have been outscored 92-6.

Sweet 16

Observations

It didn't take Independence transfer DeVonte Holloman long to make an impact at Rock Hill South Pointe. Holloman, a Clemson commitment who is South Carolina's top-rated defensive back, returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in the opener.

Concord First Assembly doesn't pass much, but it sure is effective. Brandon Stegall and Doug Price are a combined 7-of-7 for 217 yards and four touchdowns.

Charlotte Christian kicker Will Kamin is a defensive weapon. Twelve of his 13 kickoffs have gone into the end zone. He's also 10-for-10 on extra points.

China Grove Carson, after going 0-22 its first two seasons, ended the pain the way you should – winning 36-0 against North Rowan in the opener.

Matchups

Ardrey Kell, coming off a bye, needs to regroup after allowing 46 points in the opener. Olympic was overmatched in a 47-0 loss at Independence last week, but its passing game has potential.

Butler's offense rolled up 335 rushing yards and 200 passing last week in the opener. Markel Moore rushed for four touchdowns. Vance hasn't had much drama this season, winning by 27 and losing by 20.

One of the city's best rivalries. Country Day shut out Marvin Ridge 21-0 in its opener. Catholic edged Myers Park 21-20 last week behind Joe Felts (176 rushing yards) and tight end Tucker Windle (two touchdowns).

Victory Christian must solve its offensive problems, which have limited the Kings to 19 points in two games. Northampton-West, a 1A public school, opened with a 24-23 overtime victory against Roanoke Rapids last week.

Northside Christian is coming off a bye, after a 17-6 loss to Raleigh Bishop McGuinness in the opener. Christ School's Mo Martin returned interceptions for touchdowns of 80 and 22 yards in the first half last week.

Providence Day hopes to parlay confidence after a 27-12 upset at Victory Christian last week. Forsyth Country Day crushed Westminster Catawba 39-0 last week.

Waddell must improve its run defense, but the offense scored three touchdowns last week behind Donterius Dawkins' 249 passing yards. Huss was riddled for 32 points in its opener.

Mallard Creek is the season's biggest surprise, after a 1-10 debut season. The Mavericks have scored 73. Berry has been outscored 75-12.

Myers Park frittered away a 20-7 lead in a loss last week and was inconsistent (211 yards in the first half, 26 in the second). Hopewell opened with a 30-0 road win against Berry.

Both teams lost last week. Providence's Matt Hickson had two touchdown passes. North Meck's Taylor Chiesa scored on a 44-yard interception return.

Latin, a reigning state champion, won 57-0 in its opener and limited East Gaston to 81 yards. The Titans' Marquell Harring (69 rushing yards) and Joey Baker (11 tackles) were solid in the opener.

West Charlotte's offense must rebound after being held to minus-12 yards against West Mecklenburg last week. Harding lost 27-12last week. The game was moved because of construction that is limiting parking at Harding.

East Mecklenburg cornerback Tim Sanders has three interceptions, and the Eagles forced six turnovers last week. West Meck beat Providence 21-16with a fourth-quarter touchdown last week.

Westminster Catawba, outscored 63-7, will face another potent offense. Charlotte Christian has 72 points in two games and hasn't allowed a point. Five Knights have 12 or more tackles, and Jonathan Miller has two interceptions.

By The Numbers

2

Interceptions returned for touchdowns by West Charlotte's Brandon Sansbury, a 90-yarder and 70-yarder.

3.5

Sacks last week by Shelby linebacker Miles Lawrence, who had five tackles for losses.

11

Receptions by Weddington's Derek Bare, most among Observer-area receivers, for 195 yards.

10

Tackles last week by Butler defensive end Allonte Tuppins, who had six solo tackles, two sacks and broke up a pass.

Notes

Myers Park, which split two home games to open the season, will play the next four on the road, at Hopewell, Mallard Creek, Independence and Weddington.

No team has had more despair in the first two games than North Gaston. The opener was a 56-3 loss at Alexander Central, followed by last week's 55-0 lossagainst Bessemer City.

Shutouts after two weeks: North Rowan (0-2) hasn't scored; Charlotte Christian (2-0) hasn't allowed any.

3 Things To Watch

1Country Day's run defense against Charlotte Catholic – The Bucs were dominant in their opener, limiting Marvin Ridge to 37 yards in 28 attempts. Catholic's wing-T is effective, but nothing new in this rivalry.

2The weather – Remnants of Hurricane Hanna could cause wind and rain, things that can make a football do crazy things.

3Lake Norman – The Wildcats (2-0) are off to a fast start, and will host a Statesville team that beat Hickory in the opener. No mistake on the lake, this will be a good one.

Pick 7

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