5 Bold Predictions about Friday’s high school football games
Within the next few years CMS schools will be able to schedule privates: Since 1984, CMS schools have not allowed regular-season games with Mecklenburg County private schools, mainly for fear of recruiting. In recent years, neutral site games sponsored by a third party were allowed. Nowadays, many area private and public schools are struggling to schedule games, often taking unwanted bye weeks or expensive trips out of town to fill out a schedule. Why do that when you have a potential for a huge gate and great game at home? Bring on Charlotte Christian-South Meck, or Charlotte Country Day-West Meck. It’s time.
Gastonia Huss’ long streak will end: Hunter Huss (6-0, 2-0 Big South 3A) is off to its best start since 2006 and the Huskies haven’t allowed a point since early in the third quarter against Hickory Sept. 7. Kings Mountain (5-1, 2-0) is averaging 42 points and should score Friday. In fact, expect both teams to combine for at least 40 points.
Charlotte Christian will keep rolling: I don’t know if the Knights (5-0) can do to rival Charlotte Country Day (4-2) what they’ve been doing to everyone else in their Big South conference opener, but they will keep marching to a potentially historic unbeaten season. Christian has outscored opponents 247-7 (yes 247 to 7) and is on track to become perhaps the best private school team in N.C. history, provided the Knights win a state championship.
West Charlotte will surprise some people at home: Mallard Creek, No. 2 in the Sweet 16, is a heavy favorite against West Charlotte Friday, but the Lions are 5-1 for a reason. They are disciplined, tough and have bought into coach Josh Harris’ system. West Charlotte won’t lay down to be rolled over.
Myers Park at Butler will tell us a lot about the Mustangs: This is the best team, Myers Park has ever had. But now the Mustangs are starting to play state powers that get your attention. How the Mustangs handle a big stage against a three-time state champ will give a lot of indication as to how far Myers Park can go into November and December. The Mustangs can’t play the name on Butler’s jersey and the history it represents. It’s got to play the 2018 Bulldogs.