Friday’s football games to watch? Here are 3 key matchups

(Observer Sweet 16 rankings listed with team)

High Point Christian (5-0) at No. 4 Charlotte Christian (3-1), 7:30 p.m.: The visiting Cougars, allowing an average of 7.5 points a game,will try to stop an explosive Christian offense led by quarterback Garrett Shrader.

Watauga (5-0, 1-0 Northwestern 3A-4A) at Alexander Central (5-0, 1-0), 7:30 p.m.: The visiting Pioneers are averaging 47 points a game. Alexander is averaging 43. This won’t be a quick game.

No. 1 South Pointe (5-0, 0-0 Region 3 4A) at Ridge View (4-1, 0-0), 7:30 p.m.: Quarterback Derion Kendrick and the top-ranked Stallions travel to Columbia in what might be their toughest region test. Ridge View quarterback Javon Anderson has thrown for nearly 1,000 yards.

Steve Lyttle

This story was originally published September 28, 2017 at 12:54 PM with the headline "Friday’s football games to watch? Here are 3 key matchups."