Published: 12:19 AM, Fri Sep 03, 2010
Cumberland County Week 3 preview capsules
Cape Fear (2-0) at Douglas Byrd (2-0)
The Colts: Now, it really gets tough. Cape Fear is off to a hot start, finding a way to win the close games that eluded it last season. But now, with a brutal stretch ahead, the Colts can show if they're really contenders. Cape Fear faces Byrd, Gray's Creek, Lumberton, Jack Britt and South View in the next five weeks. The speedy recovery of running back Chris Kelly (broken finger) would help.
The Eagles: Byrd proved it's for real last week. Russell Stone may have the best defense in the county. With a hurricane of big hits against Terry Sanford, the Eagles certainly sent a message. Douglas Byrd's defense has speed at every level. Creating turnovers will the key again. Byrd scored three touchdowns off Bulldogs turnovers last week to win easily. Cape Fear quarterback Mike Bridgeman will be a good test.
Westover (0-2) at E.E. Smith (2-0)
The Wolverines: Last week was a story of halves for Westover. After falling behind 17-0 against Cape Fear, Westover showed some fight. The defense held the Colts to only 25 total yards in the second half and made it a game. Tonight will be a big test against E.E. Smith's ground-and-pound rushing attack. To have a shot, Westover's run defense must build on last week.
The Golden Bulls: E.E. Smith has a chance to start 3-0 for the first time in six years. The last time the Golden Bulls won their first three games, current Seattle Seahawk and Smith alum Aaron Curry had just graduated. The upward trend continues tonight where Duran McLaurin will look to continue running to glory. Running backs Derrick Carver (302 yards) and Musani Mixon (185 yards) rank third and fifth in the county rushing.
Pine Forest (0-2) at Smithfield-Selma (0-2)
The Trojans: A porous run defense continues to burn Pine Forest. Last week, Wilmington Laney rushed for 269 yards in a 44-14 wipeout. The Trojans' potent passing game needs to get some support to have a chance. Receivers E.J. Williams and Jason Marshall can both make plays in the open field. But first, Pine Forest needs to keep the game close.
The Spartans: Pine Forest isn't the only team struggling mightily against the run. Smithfield-Selma surrendered 232 yards on the ground in a 35-20 loss to Nash Central last week. As for its own rushing game? On 31 attempts, the Spartans only had 54 yards. Maybe Pine Forest's defense catches a breather this week.
Hoke County (0-2) at Seventy-First (1-1)
The Bucks: Hoke County hung around with an undermanned Jack Britt team for a while but couldn't hang on. A 7-6 deficit quickly turned into a 27-6 loss. Last week, coach Milton Butts wisely kept Christian Russell almost exclusively on offense, which helped the future North Carolina linebacker's stamina. They need him fresh for all four quarters to beat Seventy-First.
The Falcons: Seventy-First rebounded with a bang last week, shutting out Hoggard 30-0. Playing throwback Bob Paroli football, the Falcons rushed nearly 50 times and only attempted eight passes - a great sign for the maturing Falcons. Expect more Maurice Scruggs tonight. The offensive line took a big step forward last week.
Durham Hillside (2-0) at South View (1-1)
The Tigers: Not for the faint of heart, South View won the Battle of the Bridge last week. It wasn't pretty, but South View forced five turnovers and earned a much-needed win after getting waxed by Douglas Byrd. Arguably, no team has a tougher schedule in the state. Durham Hillside, fresh off 34- and 35-point blowouts, comes to Fayetteville.
The Hornets: Led by quarterback Vad Lee, Hillside appears primed for a deep playoff run. Lee, who is heading to Georgia Tech next fall, is passing for 266 yards per game - best in the Triangle. South View may not see a better quarterback all season. Lee, a three-star recruit on Scout.com, had his pick of almost any school in the country.
Wilmington Hoggard (0-2) at Jack Britt (2-0)
The Buccaneers: For at least one more game, sophomore Mark McRae will start at quarterback. He was sharp last week in Britt's win over Hoke County with 244 total yards. Coach Richard Bailey will give McRae more freedom tonight against Hoggard. And by next week, starter Anthony Riggin (hand) may be ready to return.
The Vikings: Hoggard had only 14 rushing yards on 12 plays in the first half against Seventy-First last week. It was a big step back after a tight loss to Whiteville the week before. Is Hoggard a victim of the graduation cycle this season? Tonight will be a big test.