Through the Uprights

Second place in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference is on the line as Bessemer City plays host to Lincolnton tonight in the final regular-season game for both teams.

Both teams are locked into their conference playoff seeds (Bessemer City - 1A No. 1, Lincolnton - 2A No. 2) but it appears Lincolnton could improve its overall seed with another win.

Regardless, it should be a great game as both teams are loaded with athletes and speed.

Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the drive-by-drive action.

Lincolnton will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
Lincolnton QB Brandon Wilson hit Carnell Wilson for a 47-yard gain on third and 23, giving the Wolves the ball at the BC 19.

Lincolnton reached the BC 4 but came up empty. The Wolves lost yardage on the next two plays and Wilson threw an incomplete pass on third down. Kevin Miller then attempted a 27-yard field goal attempt, but Reggie Williams burst through the line and blocked the kick, then picked up the ball and ran about 10 yards, giving BC possession at its own 41.

Bessemer City drove deep but also came up empty. The Yellow Jackets reached the Lincolnton 7 before backing up to 11 and then throwing an incomplete pass on fourth and goal from the 11. Logan threw a fade to Brandon Corry, who caught the ball out of bounds.

Lincolnton has made a couple of big plays and has a first down at its own 44 as we’ve reached the end of the first quarter.

End of first quarter: Lincolnton 0, Bessemer City 0

SECOND QUARTER
Lincolnton reached the BC 32 but BC brought down Wilson for a 6-yard loss on second down and Lincolnton will face a third and 16 play after a timeout. 9:09 until halftime, still scorelesss.

The Wolves were able to stick it in that time. On first and goal from the 6, Wilson ran a keeper up the middle and reached the end zone, putting Lincolnton ahead 7-0 after Kevin Miller’s extra point. 7:09 until halftime.

Bessemer City got a free play when they forgot to change the down marker. On what was actually fourth and 11, Logan hit Jayquan Mackey for a 24-yard gain, good for a first down at the BC 49.

Bessemer City again drove to the red zone but came up empty. On fourth and 4 from the 9, Adams ran a sweep to the right but couldn’t hit the corner, gaining only 1 yard. Lincolnton takes over at its own 8 with 1:21 remaining.

Lincolnton ran a few plays but didn’t appear to try seriously for another score, instead settling to run out the clock and go into the lockerroom with a 7-0 lead.

HALFTIME: Lincolnton 7, Bessemer City 0

Halftime stats
Lincolnton
First downs: 11
Rushing yards: 101
Passing yards: 95
Total yards: 196
Penalties-yards: 2-10
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Individual leaders: Littlejohn 11-61 rushing; Wilson 7-21 rushing, TD, 5-8-0 passing, 95 yards; Thompson 3-19 rushing; Avery 2-0 rushing, 3-29 receiving; Carnell Wilson 1-47 receiving

Bessemer City
First downs: 5
Rushing yards: 47
Passing yards: 74
Total yards: 121
Penalties-yards: 1-5
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Individual leaders: Logan 8-27 rushing, 4-7-0, 74 yards passing; Adams 5-8 rushing, Jap Mackey 2-7 rushing, Jayquan Mackey 1-5 rushing; Dawkins 2-32 receiving, Jayquan Mackey 1-24 receiving, James Setzer 1-18 receiving

THIRD QUARTER
BC’s McMiller returned the kickoff 31 yards to the BC 40, where BC will start the second half.

BC put together a nice drive and scored on a 28-yard pass from Logan to Jayquan Mackey, who stepped into the front left corner of the end zone. Extra point is pending, Lincolnton leads 7-6.

Adams’ run on the two-point conversion was stopped short despite a holding penalty that was declined. Lincolnton holds a 7-6 lead, 8:25 third quarter.

Bessemer City forced Lincolnton’s first punt of the night. After a 2-yard punt return by McMiller, BC takes over at its own 46, 6:57 in the third.

Logan overthrew an open Jayquan Mackey on a deep route on third down and BC will have to punt.

The punt went out of bounds. Lincolnton ball at its own 31, 5:24 third.

Another three and out for Lincolnton. After an offensive first half that resulted in only 7 points, this game has become defense-dominated. BC didn’t return the punt and has the ball at its own 28.

Three and out for BC. A short punt out of bounds gives Lincolnton possession at its own 48. Lincolnton is winning the field position battle. 1:42 left in the third.

Nothing doing for Lincolnton. The Wolves again failed to pick up a first down and punted it out of bounds at the BC 25. 17 seconds left in the third.

BC ran two plays for a net of two yards and we’ve reached the end of the third quarter.

End of third: Lincolnton 7, Bessemer City 6

FOURTH QUARTER
The first turnover of the game went against Bessemer City as Jalen Littlejohn picked off Logan and returned it 30 yards to the BC 11. Three Dee Littlejohn rushes later, Lincolnton got on the scoreboard again. Littlejohn took it in from 2 yards out and Miller’s extra point was good. Lincolnton 14, Bessemer City 6, 10:34 fourth quarter.

McMiller picked up 23 yards on the first play but BC couldn’t get much else going and punted with 7:45 remaining. Lincolnton ball at its own 27.

Lincolnton couldn’t ice away the game after reaching the BC 19. On fourth and 6, Wilson was picked off by McMiller, who took it all the way to the Lincolnton 21. Still 2:54 remaining.

BC again came up short and Jalen Littlejohn probably just sealed the game with his second interception of the game — a pick in the end zone on fourth down. Lincolnton takes over at the 20 with 1:41 remaining.

Three QB kneels ends this game. Lincolnton wins 14-6 to finish second place in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

The Associated Press state prep football poll has no real meaning like the college football polls, but they’re a good talking point during the regular season. With the playoffs almost here, this is the last week anybody will really care about the poll this season.

So, for those of you still like to look at these things, here’s how I voted in this week’s poll:

(And here’s how the poll turned out.)

Class 4A
1. Charlotte Independence 10-0
2. Matthews Butler 9-0
3. Fayetteville Britt 10-0
4. Jamestown Ragsdale 10-0
5. Richmond County 9-1
6. Greensboro Dudley 9-1
7. Mallard Creek 9-1
8. Wake Forest-Rolesville 10-0
9. Winston-Salem Reynolds 10-0
10. West Forsyth 9-1
Comments: Winston-Salem Reynolds leapfrogs West Forsyth after beat West Forsyth 14-9.
Actual poll

Class 3A
1. West Rowan 10-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 10-0
3. Havelock 9-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 8-1-1
5. Asheville 8-0-1
6. West Craven 9-1
7. Hertford Co 10-0
8. Belmont South Point 8-2
9. Northern Guilford 9-1
10. Eastern Alamance 9-1
Comments: No change, although I wish I could a way to squeeze in Kannapolis A.L. Brown.
Actual poll

Class 2A
1. Reidsville 10-0
2. SW Edgecombe 11-0
3. Tarboro 9-1
4. East Duplin 10-0
5. Newton-Conover 9-1
6. East Lincoln 8-2
7. Kinston 8-2
8. East Bladen 10-0
9. Catawba Bandys 9-1
10. Shelby 9-1
Comments: I moved Bandys up a spot to No. 9 after a nice win over a good East Burke team. Shelby moves down a spot after escaping East Rutherford in double overtime.
Actual poll

Class 1A
1. Mt. Airy 10-0
2. Albemarle 10-0
3. SW Onslow 10-0
4. Manteo 10-0
5. East Surry 10-0
6. Monroe 10-0
7. Wallace-Rose Hill 8-2
8. Pender County 8-1
9. Kernersville McGuinness 9-2
10. Hendersonville 9-1
Comments: I dropped Kernersville Bishop McGuinness down two spots after a lackluster 33-32 win over West Stokes. The Villains had lost two of their last three in close games against No. 1 Mt. Airy and No. 5 East Surry and stayed high on my ballot, so they’re probably closer to the right spot now.
Actual poll

Three teams are tied for first place in the Big South 3A Conference and two of them will square off tonight at Forestview’s Joe Alala Stadium, where the Jaguars will take on Hunter Huss. I’m expectinganother great game as we’ve seen all year in this league. Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the action by the drive.

FIRST QUARTER
Forestview will receive the opening kickoff.

One minute and 37 seconds into the game, Forestview already six times the yardage as it did last week against Ashbrook. The Jaguars just put together a quick five-play, 68-yard scoring drive, capped by fullback Darion Hancock’s 32-yard TD run. Forestview 7, Hunter Huss 0, 10:23 first quarter.

Jeter had carries of 11 and 10 yards on the drive. Hancock had carries of 3, 12 and 32. We’ll see what the defense can do against Huss QB Marshall Williams.

Williams picked up five yards on first down but the Jaguars held Ridge Garvin to runs of 4 and 1 yards on the next two plays, forcing a punt on fourth and 1. Forestview ball at its own 41 after a fair catch.

A 38-yard run by Jeter and a personal foul on Huss at the end of the play gives Forestview the ball at the Huss 9.

Forestview went for it on fourth and goal from the 1 and gave the ball to Jeter, who took it up the middle for another Forestview touchdown. Matthew Florence’s extra point was good again. Forestview 14, Hunter Huss 0, 5:30 first quarter.

Williams got loose for Huss, broke a tackle at the 35 and raced to the end zone for an 80-yard TD on the Huskies’ first play after the kick. A bad snap foiled the extra point. Forestview 14, Hunter Huss 6, 5:16 first quarter.

Three Forestview drives, three Forestview scores. The Jags drove 73 yards in nine plays and scored on a passing play this time. White rolled left, had plenty of time and hit Tyerecas Jeter on a sharp pass just inside the goal line. Forestview 21, Huss 0, 2:12 first quarter.

Hunter Huss is putting together a nice drive and has reached the Forestview 12 on the last play of the first quarter.

End of first: Forestview 21, Hunter Huss 6

SECOND QUARTER
Hunter Huss reached the 11 but was flagged for offensive pass interference on an incomplete fade pass to the end zone. That penalty carried a loss of down and gave the Huskies fourth and 24 from the 26.

Forestview returned the favor with pass interference on fourth down, giving the Huskies an automatic first down at the 13.

Loss of four yards for Williams on first down, gain of four on second down, then an incomplete pass on third down. Williams dropped back to pass on fourth down, then tucked and ran, and slipped at the 10. Forestview takes over on downs, still leading 21-6 with 8:50 remaining until halftime.

Forestview has run eight plays on the current drive and has reached the Huss 20 with 5:37 before halftime.

Back-to-back 18-yard gains by Hancock gives Forestview first and goal from the 2.

Hancock took it in from the 1 for his second TD of the game. Forestview 28, Huss 6, 3:52 second.

Florence kicked a touchback for the fourth time tonight. Then on first down, Garvin burst up the middle for 60 yards. Tack on a 5-yard facemask penalty at the end and Huss has the ball at the Forestview 15.

Huss didn’t get much further, then went for it on fourth and five from the 10. Williams gained two yards and Forestview took over on downs at the 8 with 1:26 on the clock.

Jeter gained 2 and 17 yards, but Forestview took a knee on the next play to end the half.

HALFTIME: Forestview 28, Huss 6

Halftime stats
Huss 213 yards (185 rushing, 28 passing), 5 first downs
Williams 10-112 rushing, TD
Garvin 8-73 rushing
Forestview 275 yards (240 rushing, 35 passing), 17 first downs
Jeter 18-140 rushing, 1 TD
Hancock 9-93 rushing, 2 TD

THIRD QUARTER
Hunter Huss didn’t come back from halftime on time, resulting in a 15-yard penalty. With the Florence has been kicking, it didn’t matter. Florence kicked off from the Huss 45 and booted it through the uprights for another touchback.

On the first play of the half, Huss went to a spread formation but Menjay Melsior intercepted Williams across the middle and returned it nine yards to the Huss 24.

Because of a few penalties, it took awhile for Forestview to punch it in, but the Jaguars did just that when Jawan Taylor ran a reverse 15 yards to the left side for touchdown. Forestview 35, Huss 6, 8:51 third quarter.

Thanks as always for the comments, B.J.

Hunter Huss went three and out. Jeter’s short punt return gives Forestview possession at the Huss 48.

White dropped back to pass on third and long and had the ball batted out of his hand. The ball rolled around awhile before Huss pounced on it at the Huss 44. 5:38 third quarter.

Two pass interference penalties on Forestview have aided Huss on this drive. The Huskies have first and 10 at the Forestview 22 and the Jags have called timeout. 3:03 third.

Huss backed itself up with personal foul penalty and wound up turning it over on downs.

Forestview turned it right back over when Jeter was stripped after a five-yard gain on first down.

Four plays later, Ridge Garvin bumped around several defenders around the right side and reached for the pylon to put Huss back on the board. The pass on the two-point conversion fell incomplete. Forestview 35, Huss 12, 0:25.7 third.

FOURTH QUARTER
Forestview answered with a nice sustained drive that has definitely put this game away. Nine plays, 65 yards on a drive that took about four minutes. Hancock took it in from five yards for his third TD of the night. Forestview 42, Huss 12, 8:30 fourth quarter.

Huss drove to the Forestview 13 but lost 8 yards on a third-down screen pass, then tossed an incomplete pass on fourth and 12 from the 21. Forestview takes over with 3:53 remaining, leading 42-12.

The other Jeter — Tyrecas Jeter — took over ball-carrying duties on Forestview’s last drive, picking up 4 and 28 yards on his first two carries. The drive eventually stalled and Forestview punted for the first time tonight.

Huss takes over at its own 14 with 49.3 seconds remaining.

Ridge Garvin ripped off runs of 16, 15, 12 and 12 but this one’s in the books.

Final score: Forestview 42, Huss 12

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

Here’s how I voted in this week’s Associated Press state prep football poll:
(And see how the poll turned out)
Class 4A
1. Charlotte Independence 9-0
2. Matthews Butler 8-0
3. Fayetteville Britt 9-0
4. Jamestown Ragsdale 9-0
5. Richmond County 8-1
6. Greensboro Dudley 8-1
7. Mallard Creek 8-1
8. Wake Forest-Rolesville 9-0
9. West Forsyth 9-0
10. Winston-Salem Reynolds 9-0
Comments: Previously No. 9 SE Raleigh dropped off my ballot after a loss to Garner. West Forsyth moved up a spot to No. 9 and Winston-Salem Reynolds moved in at 10.
Actual poll

Class 3A
1. West Rowan 10-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 9-0
3. Havelock 8-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 7-1-1
5. Asheville 7-0-1
6. West Craven 8-1
7. Hertford Co 9-0
8. Belmont South Point 7-2
9. Northern Guilford 8-1
10. Eastern Alamance 8-1
Comments: After being shut out by Ashbrook 21-0, Forestview dropped out from No. 8. South Point and Northern Guilford moved up a spot and Eastern Alamance entered at No. 10.
Actual poll

Class 2A
1. Reidsville 9-0
2. SW Edgecombe 10-0
3. Tarboro 8-1
4. East Duplin 9-0
5. Newton-Conover 8-1
6. East Lincoln 7-2
7. Kinston 8-2
8. East Bladen 9-0
9. Shelby 8-1
10. Catawba Bandys 8-1
Comments: Swapped SW Edgecombe and Tarboro at slots 2 and 3 after SW Edgecombe defeated Tarboro 22-16 … Pittsboro Northwood dropped all the way from No. 4 to out (I know, brutal) after it lost to South Granville 27-7. South Granville is 6-3. Everybody below Northwood moved up a spot and Bandys jumped in at No. 10.
Actual poll

Class 1A
1. Mt. Airy 9-0
2. Albemarle 9-0
3. SW Onslow 9-0
4. Manteo 9-0
5. East Surry 9-0
6. Monroe 9-0
7. Kernersville McGuinness 7-2
8. Wallace-Rose Hill 7-2
9. Pender County 7-1
10. Hendersonville 8-1
Comments: Hendersonville dropped from No. 3 to 10 after a 16-7 loss to Black Mountain Owen. Hendersonville’s loss allowed Kernersville Bishop McGuinness to actually move up a spot even though it lost to Mount Airy, the second 1A ranked team to knock off the Villains.
Actual poll

Some people are calling it a possible trap game for Forestview as the Jaguars travel to face rival Ashbrook tonight in a Big South 3A Conference football game. Whatever happens, I’ll be there to bring you the drive-by-drive action, starting at 7:30. Check back then for continuous updates.

Ashbrook will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
Matthew Florence’s kickoff went past the end zone — against the wind. Ashbrook took the ball at its own 20 but picked up only 2 yards on third and 3. The Green Wave punted it away and Forestview takes over at its own 35.

B.J. — Thanks for your comment. I’ll type as fast as I can, but I can only update by the drive. Hope it’s frequent enough.

Nothing doing for Forestview on its first drive. Rush by Hancock for 2 yards, rush by Jeter for no gain, then an incomplete pass on third down. Ashbrook takes over at its own 15 after a block in the back on the punt return. 8:01 remaining.

By the way, Austin Scott is at QB for Ashbrook. The Green Wave picked up a first down on Watts’ 10-yard run. Ashbrook later went for it on fourth and a short 2 and Forestview jumped offside, giving Ashbrook the first down at its own 38.

One play after nearly being picked off, Scott was intercepted by Amani Bates at the line. He was tackled immediately and Forestview takes over at the Ash 45 with 3:50 remaining in the first quarter.

On third and 1, Ashbrook stopped White for no gain on a QB keeper. On fourth and inches, Forestview was flagged for false start in an unusual set — three wideouts to the far left and right. Ashbrook gave it right back by going offside, then White picked up barely enough for the first down on fourth and inches. Fv ball at the Ash 35.

Forestview has picked up seven more yards and we’ve reached the end of the quarter.

End of first quarter: Ashbrook 0, Forestview 0

SECOND QUARTER
Forestview went for it on fourth and three from the Ash 28 but Christian Insley quickly took down Jeter on a screen pass for a three-yard loss. Ashbrook ball at its own 31, 11:13 second. Still no score.

Scott appeared to have completed a pass to D’Monte Byrd on third and 8 from the Ash 47, but Roderick Lindsay knocked it out of Byrd’s hands, bringing up fourth down.

Other scores in the area: Bessemer City 13, North Lincoln 0
Crest 7, Hunter Huss 0, end of first

Ashbrook punted it away and the punt went out of bounds at the Forestview 23. 8:55 til halftime.

Two incomplete passes by White, then a screen pass to Cy Davis for a 3-yard loss. After minus-1 yard on the return, Ashbrook takes over at its own 33 with 7:58 before halftime.

Let’s look at the numbers through three possessions for each team: Forestview 13 yards, 1 first down; Ashbrook 58 yards, 3 first downs.

On the second play of Ashbrook’s current drive, Scott hooked up with Watts deep down the left sideline for a 35-yard gain to the Forestview 32.

18-yard pass to Darius Vercher across the middle. First and goal at the Fv 5.

Ashbrook touchdown. Jordan Toomer 1 yard up the middle to finish off an impressive drive. Extra point pending, Ashbrook up 6-0. Andrew Robinson’s kick is good. Ashbrook 7, Forestview 0, 4:03 second quarter.

Three yards by Jeter, incomplete pass and four yards by Jeter. Forestview goes three and out again. Short return on the punt. Ash ball at its own 41, 2:21 until the half.

Nothing doing for Ashbrook and Forestview spent two timeouts in hopes of getting the ball back. A short punt return gives Forestview the ball at its own 43 with 1:00 to work with.

Incomplete pass on first down, 3-yard screen pass to Jeter on second down, incomplete pass on third down. It’s fourth and 7 from the Fv 46 with 45.0 seconds remaining.

No return on the punt. Ashbrook’s at the 16 with 35.9 seconds on the clock. Doubt they’ll look down field.

Ashbrook ran Toomer up the middle for nine yards and that’ll be the last play of the half.

Ashbrook dominated this half and leads 7-0. Check back momentarily for halftime stats.

HALFTIME STATS
Forestview - 26 rushing, -3 passing, 23 total yards of offense
First downs: 1
Penalties: 3-15
Fumbles: 0-0
Rushing — Hancock 2-3, Jeter 5-15, White 3-5, Johnson 1-3 Passing - White 3-9-0, -3
Receiving — Jeter 2-0, Davis 1-(-3)
Ashbrook - 58 rushing, 62 passing, 120 total yards of offense
First downs: 6
Penalties: 4-30
Fumbles: 0-0
Rushing — Crawford 2-(-5), Scott 2-0, Watts 11-44, Toomer 4-19
Passing — Scott 3-7-1, 62
Receiving — Armstrong 1-13, Watts 1-35, Vercher 1-14

THIRD QUARTER
Forestview received the opening kickoff, which bounced into the end zone for a touchback.

Ashbrook defense is coming out in the second half just as strong as they were in the first half. No gain for Jeter on first down, then a loss of 2 yards by Tyerecas Jeter on second down. Then, Montrese Williams intercepted White on third down and returned it from the Fv 38 to deep inside the red zone. A penalty brought it back to the 21 but it is Ashbrook ball.

Ashbrook came up empty despite reaching the 2. Watts lost five yards on third and goal from the 2, then after a high snap on what was going to be a 24-yard field goal attempt, Austin Buchanan’s pass went incomplete in the end zone. Forestview ball at the 8.

Forestview again couldn’t move the ball. Then on fourth and 11 from the 7, the snap went over the punter’s head through the back of the end zone for an Ashbrook safety. Ashbrook 9, Forestview 0, 5:59 third quarter.

Nice return on the kick. Ashbrook ball at its own 44.

Three and out for Ashbrook. No return on the punt. Forestview takes over at its own 26, 4:13 left in the third.

Back-to-back bad snaps to start this series resulted in losses of 10 and 15 yards, backing up Forestview to its own 1.

Incomplete pass on third down. Forestview has -12 yards for the game and still just one first down. They’re going to try to punt out of the end zone again, but not before a timeout.

Florence got that punt off but it was a short one. Forestview downed the ball at the Fview 31, 2:20 third quarter.

Ashbrook went for it on fourth and 1 from the Fv 22 and Toomer delivered with a 3-yard run up the middle.

A four-yard gain by Watts on the final play of the quarter.

END OF THIRD: Ashbrook 9, Forestview 0

FOURTH QUARTER
Watts gained 12 yards to the 3 for a first and goal.

Scott fumbled the snap on first down but recover. He then rolled out right and connected with Vercher in the end zone for a touchdown that was called back by an illegal block. That backs up Ashbrook to the 19.

Two yard gain by Watts, then an incomplete pass on third down. Ashbrook was well within Robinson’s range of a field goal, through, as he nailed a 34-yarder. Ashbrook 12, Forestview 0, 9:39 remaining.

Three Jeter carries for a net of three yards. Forestview punted again. Jags downed the ball at their own 42, 7:39 remaining.

Nothing doing for Ashbrook on that drive but Buchanan’s punt went out of bounds at the 1, where Forestview will take over with 5:14 remaining.

Another safety for this incredible Ashbrook defense. Norkeithus Otis tackled Jeter in the end zone on second and 9 from the 2. Ashbrook 14, Forestview 0, 4:30 remaining.

Forestview attempted an onside kick after the safety but Ashbrook got the ball. This one’s basically over and Forestview fans know it as they’re headed for the exits. Ashbrook ball at the Forestview 29. The Big South Conference title is still up for grabs.

Ashbrook put the exclamation point on this one, scoring on fourth and goal from the 1 on a QB keeper by Scott. Ashbrook leads 21-0 with 33.8 seconds remaining.

Two plays for Forestview and this one’s over. Ashbrook wins 21-0 in a huge upset.

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

I entered John Gamble Stadium at 7:29 p.m. — just in time to see the kickoff as I walked to the press box for Kings Mountain’s game against North Gaston tonight. The homecoming game was moved up a day due to rain in the forecast tomorrow.

Here’s what’s happened while I set up:

KM received the opening kickoff but went three and out.

North Gaston also went three and out on its first possession.

Kings Mountain then put together a 6-play, 60-yard scoring drive, capped by Cameron Harris’ 34-yard TD pass to Zach Hopper. The extra point was no good and KM led 6-0 at the 7:28 mark fo the first.

After another NG punt, Kings Mountain drove 67 yards and scored again, this time on a 1-yard run by Carlos Bell. KM generated four first downs on four plays at one point in the drive. The Mountaineers went for two but Harris’ pass was no good. KM 12, NG 0, 4:21 first quarter.

Cameron Russell, hurt a few games ago, came in at quarterback for North Gaston on its next drive. He completed 2 of 5 passes for 10 yards and North Gaston picked up a first down for the first time tonight but the drive eventually stalled at the KM 31. KM takes over there with 1:01 left in the first quarter.

SECOND QUARTER
Kings Mountain QB Harris was sacked on the final play of the first quarter, then was intercepted by Jairus Ratchford on the first play of the second quarter when he overthrew his target by a long shot. NG takes over at the KM 37, 11:51 second quarter.

North Gaston picked up one first down but again turned it over on downs in KM territory. KM takes over at its own 24 with 8:35 before halftime.

Kings Mountain is putting together a nice drive, reaching the NG 15 in seven plays. NG has called timeout, 5:29 until halftime.

Two plays later, Harris found Cameron Roseboro wide open in the back of the end zone and hit him for his second TD pass of the night. The extra point was good. KM leads 19-0, 4:54 second quarter.

North Gaston picked up one first down on a KM pass interference penalty but that was all the Wildcats could muster. KM is killing itself with penalties. That’s six flags for 65 yards. North Gaston eventually punted from midfield. KM takes over at its own 27 with 3:15 to work with before the break.

A holding penalty and a sack backed up KM deep, but Harris nearly connected with Roseboro on a deep pass down the left sideline. Roseboro caught up with the pass and got two hands on it but couldn’t hold on. KM had to punt from its own end zone. After a 13-yard punt return by Laye, NG takes over at the KM 44. 1:38 til halftime.

NG has reached the KM 35 with 35.7 seconds to go. By the way, I failed to mention that Adams came back in at QB on the last possession and he’s at QB on this drive, too.

A 28-yard pass to Nick Newton puts NG at the KM 7.

Offensive pass interference in the end zone backed up NG to the 27 with 8 seconds remaining. Then Russell threw an incomplete pass, leaving the Wildcats 3.8 more seconds on fourth down.

KM hurried Adams on fourth down but he got the ball away and nearly hit Tyler Humphries in the end zone. The ball was tipped by a defender and Humphries just missed it, keeping the score Kings Mountain 19, North Gaston 0 at halftime.

THIRD QUARTER
We’re back underway. North Gaston received the kickoff.

North Gaston went three and out. KM ball at its own 27.

Kings Mountain drove to the NG 14 but was backed up by a false start penalty and later a sack by Joseph Laye. KM eventually turned it over on downs from the 27.

North Gaston picked up just one first down on its next possession with Russell back at QB. KM takes over at its own 25, 5:54 left in third.

Kings Mountain is putting together a time-consuming drive, reaching the NG 7 after 11 plays. The last play took us to the end of the quarter. KM will have third and five from the 7 when we resume.

End of third: KM 19, NG 0

FOURTH QUARTER
KM went for it on fourth and 1 from the 3 and Watson picked up the one yard. Two plays later, Watson sped to the left side, hit the corner and scored. Extra point was good. KM 26, NG 0, 10:17 fourth quarter.

Three and out for North Gaston. KM ball at its own 31 after the punt. 8:39 remaining.

Joseph Laye intercepted Harris and returned it about 39 yard for a touchdown, but the score was called back due to a holding call on NG. The interception stands, though. NG ball at the KM 49, 6:31 remaining.

KM intercepted Adams but fumbled the ball back to NG on the return. NG ball at its own 31, 5:02 remaining.

Both teams turned it over on downs, then NG ran two more plays before the clock expired. This one’s in the books.

Final: Kings Mountain 26, North Gaston 0

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

Each week, I disclose my AP prep football poll votes here on my blog. There were a few changes on my ballot this week. Here’s how I voted:

(And here’s how the poll turned out)

CLASS 4A
1. Charlotte Independence 9-0
2. Matthews Butler 7-0
3. Fayetteville Britt 8-0
4. Jamestown Ragsdale 9-0
5. Richmond County 7-1
6. Greensboro Dudley 7-1
7. Mallard Creek 7-1
8. Wake Forest-Rolesville 8-0
9. SE Raleigh 8-0
10. West Forsyth 8-0
Comment: No changes.
Actual poll

CLASS 3A
1. West Rowan 9-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 8-0
3. Havelock 7-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 6-1-1
5. Asheville 6-0-1
6. West Craven 7-1
7. Hertford Co 9-0
8. Gastonia Forestview 7-1
9. Belmont South Point 7-2
10. Northern Guilford 7-1
Comment: Forestview and South Point swapped places after the Jags’ 21-20 win over South Point last week.
Actual poll

CLASS 2A
1. Reidsville 8-0
2. Tarboro 8-0
3. SW Edgecombe 9-0
4. Pittsboro Northwood 9-0
5. East Duplin 8-0
6. Newton-Conover 7-1
7. East Lincoln 6-2
8. Kinston 7-2
9. East Bladen 8-0
10. Shelby 7-1
Comments: Kinston dropped two spots to No. 8 after losing a tight one to No. 2 Tarboro (20-16). By the way, Kinston’s other loss came at the hands of No. 3 SW Edgecombe, 28-13.
Actual poll

CLASS 1A
1. Mt. Airy 8-0
2. Albemarle 8-0
3. Hendersonville 8-0
4. SW Onslow 8-0
5. Manteo 8-0
6. East Surry 8-0
7. Monroe 8-0
8. Kernersville McGuinness 7-1
9. Wallace-Rose Hill 6-2
10. Pender County 6-1
Comment: Pender County drops three spots to No. 10, right behind Wallace-Rose Hill, which handed Pender its first loss, 27-26.
Actual poll

Thousands of people will flood into Forestview’s Joe Alala Stadium tonight for the Jaguars’ huge game against South Point. If you’re not one of those people but want to keep tabs on the game, you’ve come to the right place.

I’ll bring you the drive-by-drive action starting at the 7:30 kickoff. Check back then for continuous updates.

6:38 p.m. update — The South Point side is three-fourths full of fans. Looks like they’re leaving a section for the band, which means their seats are almost all taken. I guess the Forestview fans are late comers because I see only about 50 in their seats.

The Stadium has filled up on the South Point side and Forestview’s side (much bigger, by the way) has filled up quite nicely.

COIN TOSS
Forestview won the toss and elected to defer to the second half. South Point will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
South Point opened the game with a 19-play, 79-yard drive but came up empty when Forestview stopped Aaron Crumbley on fourth and goal from the 1. Only 1:53 remaining on the first quarter clock after that drive.

Jonathan White gave Forestview some breathing room with a 24-yard completion to Cy Davis on first down. South Point shut down the Jags after that, though, forcing a punt. The first-quarter buzzer rang during the punt, ending a quick quarter.

End of first: South Point 0, Forestview 0

SECOND QUARTER
South Point took over at its own 21 and four plays later, Justice broke free for the first big play of the game. Justice ran a keeper up the middle for 59 yards and was tripped up at the Forestview 4.

Two plays later and a Forestview offside penalty later, Crumbley took it in from 1 yard out. Joey Mitchell’s extra point was good. South Point 7, Forestview 0, 9:17 second.

White ran a keeper for three yards on fourth and 1, keeping the drive alive. After a 14-yard run by Jeter, Forestview has the ball on the SP 30 with about 6 minutes until halftime.

Forestview touchdown. On second and 8 from the 11, White handed off to Tyerecas Jeter on an end around, and he found a seam to the end zone. Matthew Florence’s extra point was good. South Point 7, Forestview 7, 4:26 second quarter.

Forestview held South Point without a first down for the first time tonight. It’s fourth and 6 from the SP 34 and Forestview has called timeout. 3:15 left before halftime.

Jawan Taylor returned the punt 14 yards to the Fv 44, where Forestview will take over with 2:59 until halftime.

Taylor ran for 12 yards on a reverse and Jeter picked up 15 yards. After an incomplete pass by White, it’s second down at the SP 27 with 1:27 remaining.

Jeter caught a screen pass and found daylight for a 20-yard gain to the 7. 1:10 remaining, South Point timeout.

Five yards by Jeter, then a 2-yard keeper by Jonathan White for a Forestview TD. Jags lead 13-7, extra point pending.

Extra point is good. Fv leads 14-7, 25 seconds until halftime.

Ramon Costner returned the kickoff 54 yards to the Fv 45 but Justice’s deep pass went incomplete on first down and Justice then ran for 20 yards on the next play as the horn sounded.

HALFTIME: Forestview 14, South Point 7

HALFTIME STATS
South Point offense - 141 rushing, 29 passing, 170 total
Rushing
Justice 6-105
Crumbley 16-39, TD
McWhirter 2-1
Hice 2-minus 4
Passing
Justice 2-5-0, 29
Receiving
Merrill 2-29

Forestview offense - 100 rushing, 52 passing, 152 total
Rushing
K. Jeter 11-60
White 3-14, TD
Taylor 1-12
T. Jeter 1-11, TD
Hancock 1-3
Passing
White 3-7-0, 52
Receiving
Davis 1-24
K. Jeter 1-20
Hancock 1-8

THIRD QUARTER
A 39-yard kickoff return by Taylor gives Forestview great starting field position at its own 47.

Looked like a nice completion to Tyerecas Jeter but Patrick Truesdale jarred the ball loose with a crushing tackle. That means three and out for the Jags.

Three and out for South Point, too. This has suddenly turned into the defensive struggle I expected.

Wait a minute. SP faked the punt and Justice ran a keeper down the right sideline. Looks like they’re going to measure.

Justice came up short, picking up 10 yards on fourth and 11. Fv ball at SP 37, 8:20 third.

Fifteen yards for Jeter on first down, then 17 by Hancock. Forestview ball at the SP 5.

A holding penalty backed up Forestview to the 15 and the Jags couldn’t move any further. Florence’s 36-yard field goal attempt was blocked by Devon Mathis.

Just like that, South Point takes momentum. On the first play of the next series, Justice hit Merrill on a long completion at midfield. The defender fell at the 50 trying to make a play, leaving Merrill all alone to jog into the end zone for an 80-yard TD play. SP 14, Fv 14, 4:49 third.

White hit Davis for a 15-yard gain and first down, but South Point’s D picked it up from there, forcing two 1-yard losses and an incomplete pass, batted down by Maurice Falls at the line. After the punt, SP takes over at the SP 49, 1:53 third.

South Point is at the Fv 49 after four plays and we’ve reached the end of the quarter.
End of third: SP 14, For 14

FOURTH QUARTER
Justice went deep on the first play of the quarter but Taylor intercepted him. Fv takes over at its own 21.

Nothing doing for the Fview offense. Three and out and a nice return by Truesdale, who took the punt from the SP 42 to the For 40. 10:02 remaining.

Nice drive by South Point to take the lead. 10 plays, 40 yards, and a 2-yard TD run by Crumbley. The extra point was no good, though. SP 20, Forestview 14, 5:31 remaining.

White hit T. Jeter for a 20-yard pass play on the first play, but the Jags couldn’t get anything going after that. The Jags had to punt it away. SP ball at its own 30, 3:22 remaining.

South Point punted on fourth and 1 from the SP 39, so Fview still has a shot. No return on the punt. Fview ball at its own 23, 1:59 remaining.

Two yards on a first-down screen pass, then two incomplete passes.

Jags are still alive after a 39-yard pass to a diving Jawan Taylor.

17-yard pass to Cy Davis and a spike by White with 35 seconds to go.

Jeter lost yardage but South Point was called for a facemask penalty, moving the ball to the 11. White threw an incomplete pass to the end zone but then found Hancock wide open on a screen pass for an 11-yard TD. Game tied 20-20, 6.2 seconds remaining.

Extra point is good. Forestview leads 21-20 with 6.2 seconds remaining. Awesome game.

Forestview went with the squib kick and it worked as South Point returned it to midfield but time ran out. Forestview beats South Point for the first time in school history and takes the Big South lead.

Final: Forestview 21, South Point 20

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

Very few changes on my AP prep football poll ballot this week. In fact, Classes 4A, 3A and 2A all remain the same as last week, and I made only one change in Class 1A.

My ballot appears below.
(And click here to see how the poll turned out.)

CLASS 4A
1. Charlotte Independence 8-0
2. Matthews Butler 6-0
3. Fayetteville Britt 7-0
4. Jamestown Ragsdale 8-0
5. Richmond County 6-1
6. Greensboro Dudley 6-1
7. Mallard Creek 6-1
8. Wake Forest-Rolesville 7-0
9. SE Raleigh 8-0
10. West Forsyth 7-0
Comments: Unchanged from last week.
Click here to see the actual poll.

CLASS 3A
1. West Rowan 8-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 7-0
3. Havelock 6-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 5-1-1
5. Asheville 5-0-1
6. West Craven 6-1
7. Hertford Co 8-0
8. Belmont South Point 7-1
9. Gastonia Forestview 6-1
10. Northern Guilford 6-1
Comments: Unchanged from last week.
Click here to see the actual poll.

CLASS 2A
1. Reidsville 7-0
2. Tarboro 7-0
3. SW Edgecombe 8-0
4. Pittsboro Northwood 8-0
5. East Duplin 7-0
6. Kinston 7-1
7. Newton-Conover 6-1
8. East Lincoln 5-2
9. East Bladen 7-0
10. Shelby 6-1
Comments: Unchanged from last week.
Click here to see the actual poll.

CLASS 1A
1. Mt. Airy 7-0
2. Albemarle 7-0
3. Hendersonville 7-0
4. SW Onslow 7-0
5. Manteo 7-0
6. East Surry 7-0
7. Pender County 6-0
8. Monroe 7-0
9. Kernersville McGuinness 6-1
10. Wallace-Rose Hill 5-2
Comments: Bessemer City drops out after its second straight loss, albeit to two very good teams. I re-entered Wallace-Rose Hill, whose only two losses came against two undefeated and ranked teams.
Click here to see the actual poll.

Looking for a great game tonight as Hunter Huss takes on Kings Mountain in the Big South 3A Conference game of the week.

I’ll bring the drive-by-drive action starting at 7:30. Check back then for continuous updates.

Be forewarned: My Internet connection is very slow. Hopefully I’ll be able to update as often as usual.

PREGAME
Records:
Hunter Huss — 4-3, 1-1 Big South 3A
Kings Mountain — 2-4, 0-1 Big South 3A

Series notes: Kings Mountain’s 32-18 road win last year trimmed Hunter Huss’ series lead to 4-3.

Storylines: Kings Mountain QB Cameron Harris returns after sitting out last week and the Mountaineers could need him to keep up with Hunter Huss’ high-octane offense. The Huskies lead the Big South 3A Conference with 344.4 yards per game, led by senior QB Marshall Williams, who leads the Big South with 134.9 rushing yards per game. Harris is the Big South’s top passer at 129.4 yards per game.

COIN TOSS
Hunter Huss won the toss and elected to receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
Huss QB Marshall Williams went deep on second down but his receiver fell down and Ryan Webster intercepted him. KM took possesssion at the Huss 44 and quickly moved the ball downfield on nothing but running plays. Shelton Watson capped off the drive with a 2-yard TD run. KM 7, Huss 0, 8:04 first quarter.

Huss elected to pass on every play of its next drive, but KM put pressure on Williams each time. He completed one pass to Hall for minus-1 yard and threw two incomplete passes, forcing a Huss punt.

Three and out for KM. Incomplete pass by Harris on first down, then a 9-yard run by Watson, but KM backed itself up with a false start penalty. Huss ball at its own 30, 5:59 first quarter.

Both teams went three and out. Huss defense is looking much better since that first drive.

Huss QB Williams, the Big South’s leading rusher, has been bottled up most of the night but got loose for a 20-yard gain. Problem is he fumbled at the end of the play and KM recovered. KM ball at its own 41, 2:04 first quarter. That’s Williams’ second turnover tonight.

Three and out for KM.

Hunter Huss took over at its own 21, ran one play and we’ve reached the end of the first quarter.

END OF FIRST: KM 7, Huss 0

Williams went deep again and found Jawan Williams, who hauled it in at midfield and broke two tackles on his way to a 75-yard TD. Huss lined up for the extra point kick but faked it. Marshall Williams’ pass fell just out of the reach of Jontavian Hall. KM 7, Huss 6, 11:47 second quarter.

Kings Mountain started moving the ball like they did on the first drive and reached the Huss 32. But Harris threw two consecutive incomplete passes and was brought down for no gain after he couldn’t find an open receiver on fourth down, turning the ball over on downs. Huss ball at its own 32, 8:33 until halftime.

Marshall Williams broke free for another long run, this time for 18 yards to the Huss 45. The KM defense stood tall after that, though, holding the Huskies to a net of 0 yards over the next three rushing plays. Marshall Williams went down on the last play and was helped off the field, hopping on his left foot.

KM went three and out, then Quintin Coleman came in at QB for Huss. On the second play, the snap went way over his head and the ball squirted out as he dove on it. KM recovered at the 16.

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Huss after the fumble moved the ball half the distance to the 8. Two plays later, Shelton Watson took a pitch left and cruised into the end zone for his second TD of the night. Edward Blackburn’s extra point was good. KM 14, Huss 6, 2:49 second quarter.

Huss went three and out and KM ran out the clock. We’ve reached halftime.

HALFTIME: Kings Mountain 14, Hunter Huss 6

Injury update: Marshall Williams suspects he’s either sprained or torn his right MCL. He will not return tonight but is hopeful of returning two weeks from tonight after the bye.

THIRD QUARTER
Hines returned the second half kickoff to the 50 for KM. KM put together a nice drive, reaching the Huss 12 but stalled and Blackburn missed a 37-yard field goal wide left.

Coleman, Williams’ backup, made a nice run for a 14-yard gain but was sacked on the next play for a 14-yard loss. The Huskies had to punt it away from their own territory. KM still leads 14-6, 5:12 third quarter.

Three and out for Huss. Garvin returned the punt 27 yards to the KM 45. The Huskies are in business, 2:41 third quarter.

After gaining nine yards on first down, Huss fumbled on the next play and couldn’t get anything going, eventually turning it over on downs.

KM has the ball at its own 44 as the third quarter ends.

END OF THIRD: Kings Mountain 14, Huss 6

Paris Crosby intercepted Harris and returned it 26 yards to the KM 35. Hunter Huss couldn’t get much further though and turned it over on downs, 8:12 remaining.

Three and out for KM. Huss ball at its own 43, 7:02 remaining.

Wow. Eight plays by Huss, and all of them runs by Tevin Lindsay out of Huss’ power set, and Huss scored on a 1-yard run by Lindsay. Coleman then ran a keeper on the two-point conversion and Huss has remarkably tied it up. KM 14, Huss 14, 3:32 remaining.

Interception! Huss has really turned the tables. Willie Kennedy intercepted Harris at the KM 39 and returned it 15 yards to the KM 24. 2:39 remaining. Still a 14-14 tie.

Huss has reached the KM 15 and faces fourth and 1 with 36.6 seconds remaining.

Coleman fumbled the snap and KM’s Belcher pounced on it. KM ball on the 18 with 33.4 seconds remaining.

KM took a knee. We’re headed to overtime.

OVERTIME
Both teams will have a possession from the 10.

Huss will have possession first.

First down: Coleman rush for 1 yard.
Second down from 9: Lindsay rush for -5 yards. Robbs tackle.
Third down from 14: Coleman incomplete across middle to Hall.
Fourth down from 14: Coleman incomplete fade pass in left corner of end zone to Hall.

KM possession:
First down: Bell rush for 0 yards.
Second down: Watson rush for 1 yard.
Third down: Watson rush for -1 yard.
Fourth down: Blackburn missed a 27-yard field goal attempt wide left.

We’re going to another overtime.

SECOND OVERTIME
KM possession
First down: Harris keeper for 5 y ards.
Second down from 5: Bell carry for -3 yards
Third down from 8: Harris carry for 1 yard
Fourth down from 7: False start KM
Fourth down from 12: Blackburn 31-yard FG attempt is good. KM leads 17-14. Huss will have a possession now.

First down: Coleman drops back to pass and throws a jump ball in the end zone to Jontavian Hall, who jumped high and snagged it. Touchdown Huss. Huskies win 20-17.

Crazy finish to a great high school game. Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on GastonGazette.com and VarsityNC.com.