Previews for Thursday and Friday’s HS football games, with complete area schedule
Prep football preview, schedule
(Observer’s Sweet 16 rankings are included)
Thursday
No. 11 Hickory Ridge (5-2, 3-0 Greater Metro 4 4A) at Lake Norman (5-1, 2-0), 7 p.m. – This matchup has been moved forward a night, due to the forecast of rain Friday. It’s a meeting of strong offense vs. strong defense. Hickory Ridge is averaging 40 points a game, while Lake Norman’s defense has surrendered only 88 points this season.
Friday / Mecklenburg
Ardrey Kell (3-2, 0-1 South Meck 4A) at No. 10 South Mecklenburg (5-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. – It’s a meeting of two very good defenses. Ardrey Kell curtailed Myers Park’s explosive offense last week, and the host Sabres did the same with every team they’ve faced this season. The two quarterbacks, Ardrey Kell’s Jack Curtis and South Meck’s Cam Reese, will face big challenges here. At halftime, South Mecklenburg will induct several people into its athletic hall of fame.
Asheville School (3-2, 0-0 Western Football Conference) at Covenant Day (1-4, 0-0), 7 p.m. – Covenant Day’s defense must find a way to shut down Asheville School QB Rayden Aphayvong, who has passed for nearly 1,200 yards and run for another 385 yards this season.
Bear Grass Charter (1-3) at Lake Norman Charter (4-1), 7 p.m. – The Bears make a 260-mile trip (one-way) to Huntersville, facing a rejuvenated Knights’ team. Bear Grass Charter hasn’t played in four weeks. Cam Ryerson, a two-way threat at QB, leads the Lake Norman Charter attack.
Berry Academy (3-2, 1-2 South Meck 4A) at Olympic (4-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. – Berry Academy’s defense was much-improved in last week’s 24-14 victory over Harding. But the Cardinals face a tough test, trying to stop Olympic QB Elijah Holmes. One question: Will the controversy surrounding the Olympic athletic program this week affect the Trojans?
No. 6 Butler (4-2, 3-0 Southwestern 4A) at Rocky River (2-4, 1-1), 7 p.m. – After losing to D.C. powerhouse St. John’s College on Labor Day weekend, Butler has been on a tear. The Bulldogs have outscored their last three opponents 142-0. Rocky River’s offense is averaging about 100 rushing yards per game, but the Ravens will need a strong ground game to keep the ball away from Butler’s offense.
Charlotte Christian (2-3) at Harrells Christian (6-0), 7 p.m. – Western N.C. schools have dominated the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association playoffs in recent years, but that might end this year. Harrells Christian is a powerhouse, and this game will provide a good test of West vs. East. The host Crusaders are led by sophomore RB Devin Gardner, who has rushed for 1,248 yards and 14 touchdowns. He has five 100-yard-plus rushing games.
Community School of Davidson (4-2, 3-0 Catawba Shores 1A-2A) at Winston-Salem Prep (0-4, 0-2), 7 p.m. – The visiting Spartans’ defense could have a big night against a young Winston-Salem Prep team. DE Cooper Westmoreland has 12 sacks this season.
Harding (2-5, 0-2) at No. 3 Myers Park (5-2, 2-0), 7 p.m. – The host Mustangs have ha another week to retool their offense after losing standout WR Cam Thornton to a broken foot. This game is the last chance to find a solution, because after a bye next week, the Mustangs finish with conference powers South Mecklenburg and Olympic. Harding has played well at times this season but faces a tough challenge against Myers Park’s tough defense.
Hopewell (1-5, 0-2 Queen City 3A-4A) at No. 2 Chambers (5-1, 1-1), 7 p.m. – After a solid start, Hopewell has been outscored 145-19 by its last three opponents. The Titans are likely to catch a feisty Chambers team, since the Cougars haven’t played since losing 16-10 two weeks ago to Hough. Mistakes cost Chambers dearly in that game.
Independence (2-3, 1-1 Southwestern 4A) at Providence (2-4, 0-2), 7 p.m. – Providence is playing for the second time in five days, but the Panthers looked strong Monday night in downing Mooresville 33-13. RB Jamar Price rushed for 153 yards in that game, in his best outing of the season. This is a game between teams trying to make a run at a possible playoff spot.
Metrolina Christian (5-1) at Hickory Grove Christian (6-0), 7 p.m. – Under veteran head coach Tad Baucom, Hickory Grove Christian has been a feel-good story this season. Now comes the Lions’ toughest test. The visiting Warriors have a multi-faceted attack, featuring freshman RB J.D. Williams, who has six touchdowns. Lions’ RB Sean Dickey is averaging about 120 rushing yards per game.
Mountain Island Charter (5-1, 2-1 Catawba Shores 1A-2A) at Christ the King (1-5, 0-2), 7 p.m. – The visitors have one of the area’s most explosive attacks. QB Dylan Bisson has passed for 2,112 yards (an amazing 352 yards per game), which ranks No. 1 in North Carolina. Christ the King has a solid rushing attack and will need to keep the ball away from the Raptors.
North Raleigh Christian (5-1) at Charlotte Country Day (0-5), 7 p.m. – The reeling Buccaneers host one of the Triangle area’s top private school teams. The visiting Knights, led by QB Connor McGann, have a balanced attack, averaging about 150 rushing and 150 passing yards per game. Country Day QB Josh Boigner is coming off a solid performance, completing 18-of-29 passes last week against Providence Day.
Providence Day (2-3) at Trinity Christian (2-2), 7 p.m. – Here’s another of those East-West private school games. The Chargers travel to Fayetteville, hoping for a second straight victory. RB Chris Peal rushed for 131 yards (11 yards per carry) last week. The host Crusaders have three backs averaging 50 or more rushing yards per game.
Ravenscroft (4-1) at No. 7 Charlotte Latin (6-0), 7 p.m. – Perhaps the best of the East-West private school matchups takes place at Charlotte Latin. Ned Gonet is in his 42nd season as head coach of the visiting Ravens and is a coaching icon in the state. Ravens’ RB Anthony Melvin has rushed for nearly 750 yards and 11 touchdowns. Charlotte Latin QB Justin Wheeler is nearing 1,500 passing yards for the season, and the Hawks will hope to overwhelm the visitors with their big-play attack.
West Charlotte (5-1, 2-1 Queen City 3A-4A) at No. 1 Hough (7-0, 3-0), 7 p.m. – Here’s an interesting game that Hough can’t afford to overlook. West Charlotte’s program is rejuvenated under head coach Sam Greiner, and the Lions could be a force in the 3A playoffs this season. Hough’s offense gets plenty of notice, but the Huskie defense is averaging seven tackles for loss and three sacks per game.
West Mecklenburg (3-4, 0-3 Queen City 3A-4A) at North Mecklenburg (3-2, 1-1), 7 p.m. – After a good start, West Mecklenburg’s defense has surrendered 179 points in the last three games. The host Vikings are coming off a big victory over Mallard Creek and are trying to remain in playoff contention.
NOTE: The game between No. 9 Charlotte Catholic (5-1, 3-0 Southwestern 4A) and Garinger (0-7, 0-3) will not be played. Charlotte Catholic will win by forfeit.
Outside Mecklenburg
Alexander Central (4-2, 1-0 Northwestern 3A-4A) at Watauga (4-2, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. – The visiting Cougars are averaging about 300 rushing yards per game. RB’s Will Curtis and Carlton Horine lead the Watauga attack. There are several weeks left in the regular season, but this game could wind up deciding the conference’s top 4A playoff team.
No. 16 Crest (4-1) at No. 12 Shelby (5-1), 7:30 p.m. – One of the state’s top rivalries is renewed, after a break last season due to COVID-19. Shelby leads the series 29-22-1 and has won three of the last four. Crest won five in a row before that. These teams were to have played Sept. 3, but the game was postponed due to contact tracing at Crest. Shelby QB Daylin Lee has passed for 1,384 yards and 14 touchdowns. Crest RB Mari Adams is nearing the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season.
No. 14 Kings Mountain (5-1, 3-0 Big South 3A) at South Point (4-2, 2-1), 7:30 p.m. – The Mountaineers have won five straight after being blitzed by Shelby in the opener. LB Peyton Fisher has 13 tackles for loss and five sacks this season, leading a strong Kings Mountain defense. South Point, coming off a 27-26 loss at Crest, runs the ball 95 percent of the time, with RB Tyson McCoy getting most of the carries. He had more than 200 yards against Crest.
No. 13 Weddington (5-1, 1-0 Southern Carolina 4A) at Porter Ridge (3-1, 0-1), 7 p.m. – Weddington has held all but one opponent (Ardrey Kell) to seven points or less this season. The host Pirates, coming off a loss to Marvin Ridge, will try to dent the Warrior defense behind the running of Omarion Taylor.
This week’s schedule
(all kickoffs at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted)
Wednesday
Sandhills 3A-4A
Richmond Senior 69, Union Pines 6
Thursday
Greater Metro 4 4A
Hickory Ridge (4-1, 1-0) at Lake Norman (5-1, 2-0), 7
Sandhills 3A-4A
Lee County (5-1, 2-0) at Pinecrest (4-2, 1-1)
Big South 3A
Ashbrook (1-4, 1-2) at Stuart Cramer (3-3, 1-2)
South Piedmont 1A-2A
Bessemer City (2-5, 1-2) at East Gaston (4-2, 2-0), 7
Friday
Queen City 3A-4A
Hopewell (1-5, 0-2) at Julius Chambers (5-1, 1-1), 7
West Charlotte (5-1, 2-1) at Hough (4-1, 1-0), 7
West Mecklenburg (3-4, 0-3) at North Mecklenburg (3-2, 1-1), 7
South Meck 4A
Ardrey Kell (3-2, 0-1) at South Mecklenburg (5-1, 1-0), 7
Berry Academy (3-2, 1-2) at Olympic (4-1, 1-0), 7
Harding (2-5, 0-2) at Myers Park (5-2, 2-0), 7
Southwestern 4A
Butler (4-2, 3-0) at Rocky River (2-4, 1-1), 7
Charlotte Catholic at Garinger, canceled (Catholic wins by forfeit)
Independence (2-3, 1-1) at Providence (2-4, 0-2), 7
Greater Metro 4 4A
South Iredell (2-4, 1-1) at Mooresville (2-4, 1-1)
West Cabarrus (2-4, 1-1) at A.L. Brown (3-3, 0-3)
Southern Carolina 4A
Marvin Ridge (4-1, 1-0) at Cuthbertson (3-3, 1-0), 7
Piedmont (2-4, 0-1) at Sun Valley (1-5, 0-1), 7
Weddington (5-1, 1-0) at Porter Ridge (3-1, 0-1), 7
Northwestern 3A-4A
Alexander Central (4-2, 1-0) at Watauga (4-2, 1-0)
Freedom (3-2, 0-1) at South Caldwell (4-1, 1-1)
Hibriten (4-2, 1-1) at Ashe County (1-4, 0-1)
Sandhills 3A-4A
Hoke County (2-5, 0-3) at Southern Lee (0-5, 0-2)
Big South 3A
Hunter Huss (0-5, 0-3) at Forestview (3-3, 2-1)
Kings Mountain (5-1, 3-0) at South Point (4-2, 2-1)
South Piedmont 3A
East Rowan (0-5, 0-2) at Central Cabarrus (0-5, 0-2), 7
Jesse Carson (1-4, 0-2) at Northwest Cabarrus (3-4, 2-1), 7
South Rowan (2-5, 1-2) at Concord (3-2, 3-0), 7
Western Foothills 3A
North Iredell (2-3, 2-1) at Hickory (3-3, 2-1), 7
Fred T. Foard (0-5, 0-3) at East Lincoln (3-2, 1-2), 7
St. Stephens (1-4, 1-2) at North Lincoln (4-2, 2-1), 7
West Iredell (1-3, 1-2) at Statesville (5-0, 3-0), 7
Rocky River 2A-3A
Anson County (2-3, 0-0) at Forest Hills (3-3, 0-1), 7
West Stanly (2-2, 0-0) at Parkwood (3-1, 1-0), 7
Catawba Valley 2A
Bandys (2-2, 0-2) at Maiden (6-0, 3-0)
Bunker Hill (6-0, 3-0) at East Burke (1-3, 0-2)
Lincolnton (2-4, 2-1) at West Caldwell (0-5, 0-3)
West Lincoln (4-2, 1-2) at Newton-Conover (2-3, 2-1)
Mountain Foothills 2A
Brevard (2-3, 0-1) at Chase (5-1, 0-1)
Patton (2-3, 0-1) at R-S Central (1-4, 1-2)
Piedmont Athletic (NCISAA)
Cabarrus Warriors (4-2, 0-0) at High Point Christian (3-2, 0-0), 7
Western Conference (NCISAA)
Asheville School (3-2, 0-0) at Covenant Day (1-4, 0-0), 7
Catawba Shores 1A-2A
Community School of Davidson (4-2, 3-0) at Winston-Salem Prep (0-4, 0-2), 7
Mountain Island Charter (5-1, 2-1) at Christ the King (1-5, 0-2), 7
Pine Lake Prep (2-3, 2-1) at Bishop McGuinness (1-4, 0-2), 7
Central Carolina 1A-2A
Lexington (0-4, 0-2) at West Davidson (0-5, 0-2)
Salisbury (6-0, 3-0) at East Davidson (3-3, 1-1)
Thomasville (5-1, 2-1) at South Davidson (1-4, 1-2)
South Piedmont 1A-2A
Cherryville (1-5, 0-2) at Highland Tech (0-6, 0-3)
Thomas Jefferson Academy (3-2, 1-2) at Burns (4-2, 2-0)
Western Highlands 1A-2A
Madison County (2-3, 1-1) at Draughn (3-3, 2-1)
Mountain Heritage (4-1, 2-0) at Avery County (1-5, 1-1)
Rosman (0-5, 0-3) at C.D. Owen (1-5, 0-3)
Yadkin Valley 1A-2A
Albemarle (0-5, 0-1) at South Stanly (1-4, 0-1)
Jay M. Robinson (5-1, 1-0) at North Stanly (2-3, 1-0)
Mecklenburg nonconference
Bear Grass Charter (1-3) at Lake Norman Charter (4-1), 7
Charlotte Christian (2-3) at Harrells Christian (6-0), 7
Metrolina Christian (5-1) at Hickory Grove Christian (6-0), 7
North Raleigh Christian (5-1) at Charlotte Country Day (0-5), 7
Providence Day (2-3) at Trinity Christian (2-2)
Ravenscroft (4-1) at Charlotte Latin (6-0), 7
Nonconference
Carolina Bearcats (1-4) vs. Quality Education (0-1), at Weddington Optimist Park
Crest (4-1) at Shelby (5-1)
Hendersonville (6-1) at Pickens, SC (2-4)
Orangewood (FL) Christian (2-3) at Asheville Saints (2-3), 7
West Rowan at Monroe, canceled
Saturday
Nonconference
North Wake Saints (1-4) vs. Hickory Hawks (2-3), at Lenoir-Rhyne Univ., 2
Sandhills Titans (0-3) at Cabarrus Stallions (2-3), 2
Anderson (SC) Cavaliers (1-5) at Camden (SC) Military (1-3), 3
South Wake Crusaders (0-5) at South Carolina Spartans (0-5), 4:30
Tuesday
Sandhills 3A-4A
Southern Lee (0-5, 0-2) at Richmond Senior (6-1, 3-0), 6
South Piedmont 3A
East Rowan (0-5, 0-2) at Jesse Carson (1-4, 0-2), 6
Rocky River 2A-3A
Monroe (2-1, 0-0) at Anson County (2-3, 0-0), 6