I just wonder hypothetic how Hickory would have faired if they had to travel outside their zip code last seasoned and this year. I mean Top Teams from the West and East like West Charlotte, Dudley, Robinson, Crest, Kings Mountain and 71st, Havelock, Cape Fear. Even in 4A, Grimsley, Weddington, Hough, Mallard Creek, East Forsyth all had to travel at one point and play 1hr into a another Area Code, even during the regular season. Hickory it seems had had a advantage of staying put at their campus and city for big games. Just wondering how their games and play might have been different? No Shade!!! But like you said Hickory will battle you all 4 quarters no matter how they get punched during 1-3 quarters. Dudley or WC will have to stay locked it mentally, but man to man they match up and with speed.Hickory is my pick to make it out the West right now. West Charlotte and Dudley both have the potential to beat them by playing defense and running the ball but Hickory’s offense and QB could still manage to get them over the hump. West Charlotte and Dudley both would need to play clean games in order to win. Both tend to make too many mistakes and Hickory doesn’t beat themselves.