1A.Mount Airy
The Granite Bears rolled to another solid win against a very young and in transition Morehead squad. The run game finally got going and it had a solid night. However the Bears face their second big challenge of the season as their cross town rival North Surry will roll up for the 59th annual ballgame. The Bears have momentum but also have more to lose due to their win streak and start to the season. MA has 1 more rivalry non conference game before their bye and start of the conference period.
1B.East Wilkes
Quite frankly one of the headlines of this season in my eyes so far is the return of the East Wilkes juggernaut. The Ronda Cards are looking solid on both sides of the ball and are back in 2015 form again after a transition year. Last week they rolled to an epic offensive total and humiliated Walkertown and got some revenge for 2016. This week they are on a rest break which is about the best time of the year for it.
3.Wilkes Central
The Eagles of Wilkesboro have had an interesting start to the season. Offensively they have been efficient yet not the powerhouse they have been; yet defensively they have been mostly solid with a shutout and a good performance vs. Alexander Central. Last week was a down week but then again it’s Watauga. The Eagles are on break this week as they rest up for the start of the conference against their Western neighbors. Last year they both fought to the end in a thriller; however Central proved to be too loaded for the solid Blackhawks and they pulled the win out. I expect a similar game next week.
4.North Surry
The Greyhounds rolled to a solid win over CSD last week despite a meh first quarter vs. CSD’s college bound QB. North’s D had one of their best performances of the season and rose to the occasion. This week will be no different for the Greyhounds; albeit on a somewhat different scale as they take the Holiday road up the road shortwise to MA to play their crosstown rivals. This is North’s last non conference game as they start conference play next week vs. Atkins; however the Greyhounds got one final test to prep theirselves before it all counts for real.
5.West Stokes
Last week proved to be deja vu as West had to pull another 4th quarter comeback out of their hats to put away an improved McMichael squad. Late game comebacks seem to be West’s montra this season; however will they have to use another card this week as they host their cross county rival East Surry in their non conference finale? This game’s always been hard hitting and I expect no different from the Cards or ‘Cats. It could very well come down to the final drive of the game again or maybe even OT; I can’t say I would be surprised.
6.East Surry
The Cards had to pull out all the stops last week to put away Surry Central and their one man show in Pilacios. It took 6 quarters and some hard wills but the Cards did it with a banged up starting core at home after a close loss to another county rival. Things won’t get any easier for the Cards as they face a brutal 2 game stretch to end the non conference slate. Up first is longtime rival West Stokes; who’s went back and forth with East the last few years. Next week brings the endowment game vs. 4A Ragsdale in Guilford county which will be a major tone shift for the Cards to bring them out of their element before their bye. The Cards however will be focusing on this week as they bring their show to Wildcat country. The Cards can’t afford to overlook anyone now as they need the momentum.
7.North Wilkes
The Vikings didn’t have to break a sweat last week as they won by running a few plays over and over against North Stokes. This week however it’s going to be a different challenge as they head to Forbush to play the Falcons. Last season it was NW’s coming out party as they dominated Forbush in a surprisingly lopsided blowout as Forbush missed their QB and had to run Johnson over and over. This year it’s the opposite as they don’t have Johnson available. However due to Forbush’s size and nature this will be NW’s biggest challenge so far. It’s NW looking at theirselves in the mirror albeit in a different way.
8.Starmount +1
The Rams finally got the gold monkey off their back as they beat their county rivals to get their trophy back in a surprising shutout and get their first win of the year. This win marked an end to the dire period the Rams have experienced dating back to the end of 2015 and an end to the tough streak that started the year. The Rams have momentum now as they are resting up for the start of the conference slate and a appointment with their bridge rivals in Elkin next week. Another win for the Rams could give them serious momentum before they play the MVAC heavy hitters.
9.West Wilkes -1
West again rolled to an easy win last week in Kernersville. The Villains struggled to shut West’s wing down and West ran it at will all night while shutting Bishop’s pass down. It was a needed test for West who’s at home this week to end the non conference streak vs. a familar face in Bunker Hill and their HC former North Wilkes HC Dave Haynie. Haynie still loves the single wing and the wing looks like always so it’s going to be a test of a different caliber as the Bears head to Miller’s Creek. This is West’s endowment game and the last of their four game stand testing different offenses. West will hit the conference slate next week potentially with 4 straight wins which will be of a boost for them; however they gotta focus on this week it could be a trap game.
10.Ashe County +2
The Huskies rose to the occasion last week hence their rise in the standings. They played a very tough and athletic West Caldwell squad well last week and coulda pulled it off. After a tough start to the season in games 2 and 3 the Huskies badly needed the spirtual boost. With an off week to prep for their cross county rivals it could be a doozy when the mountain boys match up next week.
11.Forbush -1
The Falcons are struggling with consistency right now. Getting shutout in 2 straight weeks isn’t a good sign for any team let alone one of such well coaching. It’s hard to say if it’s just who they played or a sign of things to come for the Falcons. This week they got North Wilkes who humiliated them last year starting the topsy turvy trend that still is going. Could they end it with this game? Possibly; but given the Falcons nature it’s hard to say.
12.Alleghany +1
The Trojans are off to a good start like many expected under the new HC. They put away South Stokes in a game many (including myself,) expected to be closer. Alleghany’s new style seems to be helping so far but the Trojans have got to stay consistent in conference play. All they need is one win for a better shot a playoff spot. It’s gonna be intresting to see how they will handle Ashe’s pass attack next week.
13.South Stokes -2
Much like Forbush the Sauras aren’t very consistent. However they have reason to be so considering the HC change. This week they play an on the up Elkin squad at home who’s seeking to have a multi win season for the first time since 2014. Elkin has more athletes than South does which could be deadly in the skill spots but South has good fundamental players who run that offense well; I think it will be close. South plays better at home it seems.
14.Elkin
After a week of rest the Elks want to break the 2 game funk they have been in before they face their bridge partners next week in Starmount. If Elkin wins today it will be their first multi win season in 3 years which is a boost for a program that hasn’t had sustained success in a while. Baby steps are key but the Elks are striving for it all. Elkin’s gonna face a well run wing offense here so it might not be no walk in the park.
15.Surry Central +1
The Golden Eagles had a hell of a game last week as they road Polacios back all the way to OT only to die off very late in OT 2. This is the 2nd better performance in a row for the Golden Eagles; however it won’t be any easier from now on. The Eagles got the lick of the WPAC draw and got the bye week first which they got very early. It can’t hurt; however they have the Granite Bears next week which is never easy by any stretch. It may be another rough week before conference hits.
16. Atkins
17.WS Prep
The Phoenix earned Coach Middleton his first dub last week in Raleigh; which is bound to boost everyone’s spirits. However WSP’s off this week and they head to Charolette for a tough contest next week.
18.Walkertown
19.Carver
This week against Parkland will ultimately show what the Yellow Jackets will have in conference play. This is the lowest team they have in their murder’s row slate in terms of games; not saying Parkland’s bad by any means but they are younger than last season and it shows. Carver may be able to play them; however their offense has got to quit being so anemic for it to pay off in the long term.
20.Bishop
21.North Stokes
The Vikings have the first of what I consider 2 real chances to maybe win one this week as they play Patrick County out of Virginia. These two have been longtime rivals in the cellar but have played some hard hitting games. Patrick’s won 2 in a row which is big for their series dating back ages. 2015 Patrick cost North Stokes their 7th win that year which hurt them pretty good. The Vikings won with a shutout on JV last year but it’s hard to say if it’s gonna transition well or not. It’ll come down to #’s. The Vikings had only 15/16 kids (the best I could count,) vs. North Wilkes last week. Patrick meanwhile is doing better #’s wise even though their win record isn’t great. If the Vikes can have an outing like they did vs. North Moore in the first half it could be close; if not then who knows.
The Granite Bears rolled to another solid win against a very young and in transition Morehead squad. The run game finally got going and it had a solid night. However the Bears face their second big challenge of the season as their cross town rival North Surry will roll up for the 59th annual ballgame. The Bears have momentum but also have more to lose due to their win streak and start to the season. MA has 1 more rivalry non conference game before their bye and start of the conference period.
1B.East Wilkes
Quite frankly one of the headlines of this season in my eyes so far is the return of the East Wilkes juggernaut. The Ronda Cards are looking solid on both sides of the ball and are back in 2015 form again after a transition year. Last week they rolled to an epic offensive total and humiliated Walkertown and got some revenge for 2016. This week they are on a rest break which is about the best time of the year for it.
3.Wilkes Central
The Eagles of Wilkesboro have had an interesting start to the season. Offensively they have been efficient yet not the powerhouse they have been; yet defensively they have been mostly solid with a shutout and a good performance vs. Alexander Central. Last week was a down week but then again it’s Watauga. The Eagles are on break this week as they rest up for the start of the conference against their Western neighbors. Last year they both fought to the end in a thriller; however Central proved to be too loaded for the solid Blackhawks and they pulled the win out. I expect a similar game next week.
4.North Surry
The Greyhounds rolled to a solid win over CSD last week despite a meh first quarter vs. CSD’s college bound QB. North’s D had one of their best performances of the season and rose to the occasion. This week will be no different for the Greyhounds; albeit on a somewhat different scale as they take the Holiday road up the road shortwise to MA to play their crosstown rivals. This is North’s last non conference game as they start conference play next week vs. Atkins; however the Greyhounds got one final test to prep theirselves before it all counts for real.
5.West Stokes
Last week proved to be deja vu as West had to pull another 4th quarter comeback out of their hats to put away an improved McMichael squad. Late game comebacks seem to be West’s montra this season; however will they have to use another card this week as they host their cross county rival East Surry in their non conference finale? This game’s always been hard hitting and I expect no different from the Cards or ‘Cats. It could very well come down to the final drive of the game again or maybe even OT; I can’t say I would be surprised.
6.East Surry
The Cards had to pull out all the stops last week to put away Surry Central and their one man show in Pilacios. It took 6 quarters and some hard wills but the Cards did it with a banged up starting core at home after a close loss to another county rival. Things won’t get any easier for the Cards as they face a brutal 2 game stretch to end the non conference slate. Up first is longtime rival West Stokes; who’s went back and forth with East the last few years. Next week brings the endowment game vs. 4A Ragsdale in Guilford county which will be a major tone shift for the Cards to bring them out of their element before their bye. The Cards however will be focusing on this week as they bring their show to Wildcat country. The Cards can’t afford to overlook anyone now as they need the momentum.
7.North Wilkes
The Vikings didn’t have to break a sweat last week as they won by running a few plays over and over against North Stokes. This week however it’s going to be a different challenge as they head to Forbush to play the Falcons. Last season it was NW’s coming out party as they dominated Forbush in a surprisingly lopsided blowout as Forbush missed their QB and had to run Johnson over and over. This year it’s the opposite as they don’t have Johnson available. However due to Forbush’s size and nature this will be NW’s biggest challenge so far. It’s NW looking at theirselves in the mirror albeit in a different way.
8.Starmount +1
The Rams finally got the gold monkey off their back as they beat their county rivals to get their trophy back in a surprising shutout and get their first win of the year. This win marked an end to the dire period the Rams have experienced dating back to the end of 2015 and an end to the tough streak that started the year. The Rams have momentum now as they are resting up for the start of the conference slate and a appointment with their bridge rivals in Elkin next week. Another win for the Rams could give them serious momentum before they play the MVAC heavy hitters.
9.West Wilkes -1
West again rolled to an easy win last week in Kernersville. The Villains struggled to shut West’s wing down and West ran it at will all night while shutting Bishop’s pass down. It was a needed test for West who’s at home this week to end the non conference streak vs. a familar face in Bunker Hill and their HC former North Wilkes HC Dave Haynie. Haynie still loves the single wing and the wing looks like always so it’s going to be a test of a different caliber as the Bears head to Miller’s Creek. This is West’s endowment game and the last of their four game stand testing different offenses. West will hit the conference slate next week potentially with 4 straight wins which will be of a boost for them; however they gotta focus on this week it could be a trap game.
10.Ashe County +2
The Huskies rose to the occasion last week hence their rise in the standings. They played a very tough and athletic West Caldwell squad well last week and coulda pulled it off. After a tough start to the season in games 2 and 3 the Huskies badly needed the spirtual boost. With an off week to prep for their cross county rivals it could be a doozy when the mountain boys match up next week.
11.Forbush -1
The Falcons are struggling with consistency right now. Getting shutout in 2 straight weeks isn’t a good sign for any team let alone one of such well coaching. It’s hard to say if it’s just who they played or a sign of things to come for the Falcons. This week they got North Wilkes who humiliated them last year starting the topsy turvy trend that still is going. Could they end it with this game? Possibly; but given the Falcons nature it’s hard to say.
12.Alleghany +1
The Trojans are off to a good start like many expected under the new HC. They put away South Stokes in a game many (including myself,) expected to be closer. Alleghany’s new style seems to be helping so far but the Trojans have got to stay consistent in conference play. All they need is one win for a better shot a playoff spot. It’s gonna be intresting to see how they will handle Ashe’s pass attack next week.
13.South Stokes -2
Much like Forbush the Sauras aren’t very consistent. However they have reason to be so considering the HC change. This week they play an on the up Elkin squad at home who’s seeking to have a multi win season for the first time since 2014. Elkin has more athletes than South does which could be deadly in the skill spots but South has good fundamental players who run that offense well; I think it will be close. South plays better at home it seems.
14.Elkin
After a week of rest the Elks want to break the 2 game funk they have been in before they face their bridge partners next week in Starmount. If Elkin wins today it will be their first multi win season in 3 years which is a boost for a program that hasn’t had sustained success in a while. Baby steps are key but the Elks are striving for it all. Elkin’s gonna face a well run wing offense here so it might not be no walk in the park.
15.Surry Central +1
The Golden Eagles had a hell of a game last week as they road Polacios back all the way to OT only to die off very late in OT 2. This is the 2nd better performance in a row for the Golden Eagles; however it won’t be any easier from now on. The Eagles got the lick of the WPAC draw and got the bye week first which they got very early. It can’t hurt; however they have the Granite Bears next week which is never easy by any stretch. It may be another rough week before conference hits.
16. Atkins
17.WS Prep
The Phoenix earned Coach Middleton his first dub last week in Raleigh; which is bound to boost everyone’s spirits. However WSP’s off this week and they head to Charolette for a tough contest next week.
18.Walkertown
19.Carver
This week against Parkland will ultimately show what the Yellow Jackets will have in conference play. This is the lowest team they have in their murder’s row slate in terms of games; not saying Parkland’s bad by any means but they are younger than last season and it shows. Carver may be able to play them; however their offense has got to quit being so anemic for it to pay off in the long term.
20.Bishop
21.North Stokes
The Vikings have the first of what I consider 2 real chances to maybe win one this week as they play Patrick County out of Virginia. These two have been longtime rivals in the cellar but have played some hard hitting games. Patrick’s won 2 in a row which is big for their series dating back ages. 2015 Patrick cost North Stokes their 7th win that year which hurt them pretty good. The Vikings won with a shutout on JV last year but it’s hard to say if it’s gonna transition well or not. It’ll come down to #’s. The Vikings had only 15/16 kids (the best I could count,) vs. North Wilkes last week. Patrick meanwhile is doing better #’s wise even though their win record isn’t great. If the Vikes can have an outing like they did vs. North Moore in the first half it could be close; if not then who knows.
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