Through the Uprights

After losing the regular-season meeting 21-20, South Point wanted another shot at Forestview. The Red Raiders get that chance later this evening as they visit Joe Alala Stadium for a second-round playoff game.

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

6:52 p.m. update
The South Point stands were about 85 percent full when I arrived at 6:15. Now, they’re completely full and fans are starting to line the bank. The Forestview side — much bigger than the visitor’s — has gone from about 50 fans at 6:15 to maybe 500. The parking lot is full but I still see headlights wandering around looking for spots. There are quite a few people still tailgating, too.

7:22 update
I’m sure this is the biggest crowd ever to witness a game at Joe Alala Stadium. The home side is finally starting to fill up, and I’ve seen a lot of Kings Mountain and Hunter Huss fans. The home side looks to be about 90 percent full. Fans are lining the visiting bank from the stands to the entrance.

The captains have met at midfield. Forestview captains - Kevin Jeter, Jonathan White, Roderick Lindsay, Menjay Melsior. South Point captains - Josh Justice, Maurice Falls, Aaron Crumbley, Brent Walden

Coin toss
South Point won the toss and elected to defer its decision to the second half. Forestview will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
After a short kick, Forestview will start the opening possession at its own 32.

JV call-up Octavius Wallace ripped off a 23-yard gain on the first play, but South Point’s defense stiffened after that. On fourth and 5 from the South Point 40, White threw a deep pass to Cy Davis, but the pass was too long. South Point took over on downs, 9:34 first quarter.

Forestview went offside on SP’s first play, but the Red Raiders couldn’t take advantage and went three and out. SP covered the punt well and Forestview takes over at its own 20, 7:39 first quarter.

Nothing doing for Forestview on that drive. Four yard loss for Jeter on first down, then two incomplete passes by White. SP takes over at its own 38, 6:30 remaining.

Three and out for Forestview after two short QB keepers by Justice and an incomplete pass. So far, just one first down in four possessions. Taylor fair caught the punt at the Forestview 25, 5:16 left in the quarter.

Forestview showed some quick offense on that drive. White completed an 11-yard pass to Davis, who fumbled the ball out of bounds. Jeter carried up the middle, then shot around to the right corner for a 29-yard gain. The JV call-up, Wallace, then showed his speed, hitting the left corner for a 35-yard TD. Forestview 7, South Point 0, 4:17 first quarter.

Forestview got the ball right back as Justice fumbled on SP’s first play. Forestview gets the ball the SP 27, 4:09 first quarter.

Forestview couldn’t take advantage of great field position, turning it over on downs at the 25. SP gets the ball back with 3:42 left in the first quarter, trailing 7-0.

Three and out for South Point, but Jawan Taylor fumbled the punt and South Point recovered at the 20. A lot of people thought the play was dead, but SP gets the ball.

Two plays later, Crumbley took it up the middle for 16 yards and a touchdown. Forestview 7, South Point 7, 52.4 first quarter.

Forestview has reached its own 46 in two plays and we’ve reached the end of the quarter. End of first quarter: Forestview 7, South Point 7

For those of you looking for the radio broadcast online, I’m told to go here:

http://am1450wgnc.com/

SECOND QUARTER
Forestview punted on the third play of the quarter. South Point took over at the 15 and is driving.

South Point put together the most impressive drive of the game - a 14-play, 85-yard drive capped by Crumbley’s 10-yard TD run, his second TD of the night. South Point went to its fullback most of that drive, and Leeper carried three times on the possession. South Point 14, Forestview 7, 5:16 second quarter.

White kept Forestveiw’s next drive alive with a 16-yard run on third and nine after he couldn’t find an open receiver.

For the other radio questions — 1450 AM in Gastonia is broadcasting the game. If you’re not within their range go to http://am1450wgnc.com/.

Forestview has reached the South Point 9 with an array of plays, including a 21-yard pass from White to Jawan Taylor.

The Jaguars are back on the board. On third and 7 from the 8, White faked the handoff, rolled out left and spotted a wide open Joseph Reid in the back of the end zone. Reid hauled in the pass and Florence’s extra point was good, making it Forestview 14, South Point 14, 1:42 until halftime.

South Point had to punt with 55.8 seconds remaining. Forestview tried to make something happen, but eventually let the clock run out.

HALFTIME: Forestview 14, South Point 14

Halftime stats
South Point
First downs: 8
Rushes-yards: 25-126
Passing yards: 7
Comp-Att-Int: 1-5-0
Fumbles-lost: 2-1
Penalties-yards: 0-0
Individual leaders:
Crumbley 13-91 rushing, 2 TDs
Justice 6-18 rushing
Leeper 3-18 rushing

Forestview
First downs: 10
Rushes-yards: 19-152
Passing yards: 40
Comp-Att-Int: 3-13-0
Fumbles-lost: 2-1
Penalties-yards: 2-10
Individual leaders:
Wallace 4-72 rushing, 1 TD
Jeter 13-65 rushing

About the latest radio question: I don’t know anything about the link. Maybe somebody else following this blog can answer.

THIRD QUARTER
For the first time tonight, Florence’s kickoff did not reach the end zone and Truesdale returned it from the 4 to the SP 42.

Sorry — Forgot to mention the Belmont radio station.

South Point has reached the Forestview 22 but faces fourth and 2.

Crumbley picked up three yards on that fourth down play and South Point is still driving.

On third and 6 from the 13, Justice hooked up with Merrill for a 13-yard TD. Merrill caught the ball at about the 2 or 3, then held the ball over the plane as a defender tried to bring him down. South Point 21, Forestview 14, 6:34 third quarter.

Forestview kept the ball for a little while, picking up two first downs along the way, but wound up punting from the South Point 48.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: South Point 21, Forestview 14.

FOURTH QUARTER
Two plays into the fourth quarter, South Point appears to have put this game out of reach. Justice ran a quarterback keeper 59 yards for a touchdown. South Point 28, Forestview 14, 11:27 to go.

Forestview went three and out and chose to punt, down two scores with 9:55 to go. South Point takes over at its own 37.

South Point faced fourth and inches from its own 46 and chose to go for it. Crumbley went straight ahead for four yards and looked toward the South Point sideline in celebration, knowing this one’s almost in the books.

South Point keeps slowly driving. Six minutes remaining.

The Red Raiders converted on fourth-down down again, this time needing two yards from the 42. Costner got it on a pitch out, picking up 7 yards.

The home side is starting to empty and here’s why: Crumbley just burst up the middle for a 33-yard TD, his third of the game, and South Point leads 35-14 with 5:07 remaining.

Crumbley now has 83 touchdowns for his career, which is one shy of the Gaston County record.

Forestview had a long kickoff return but the Jaguars again came up empty, turning the ball over on downs at the South Point 9. South Point takes over there with 1:54 remaining.

South Point ran out the rest of the clock and this one is over.

Final: South Point 35, Forestview 14

South Point moves on to the third round, where it will travel to Kannapolis Brown or play host to Asheville Erwin.

Thanks for following the blog. Check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and VarsityNC.com.

Last I heard, A.L. Brown was up two touchdowns. Haven’t heard an update since halftime.

Big South Conference foes meet for the second time this season as Ashbrook travels to South Point for a first-round 3AA state playoff game tonight. South Point won 34-0 last time but lots of people are giving Ashbrook a better chance this go around. We’ll find out pretty soon and I’ll be there to bring you the drive-by-action beginning at 7:30.

7:21 update
It was a late-arriving crowd on both sides, but the South Point side has filled up nicely except for the end sections, and Ashbrook’s side is looking better, although probably only half-full.

COIN TOSS
South Point won the coin toss and deferred its selection to the second half. Ashbrook will receive the opening kickoff.

The sign the South Point players busted through read: “Raiders, ride that Green Wave all the way to state.”

FIRST QUARTER
Ashbrook’s Justin Shempert returned the kickoff from the 12 to the SP 40, where he was tackled by the kicker, Joey Mitchell.

Angelo Crawford spun out of a tackle and gained 22 yards on the second play of the drive and Ashbrook eventually reached the 11. But on a 31-yard FG attempt the holder couldn’t handle the snap and was tackled for a 16-yard loss.

South Point went three and out after a 3-yard carry by Crumbley and two minimal gains by Justice. A long unreturned punt puts Ashbrook on the 10.

BJ — Richard is covering the Forestview game and usually updates me at the end of each quarter. I’ll certainly pass along the updates.

Ashbrook has reached midfield and we’ve reached the end of the quarter. So far, a defensive struggle, although Ashbrook has had the ball for all but four plays.

End of first: Ashbrook 0, South Point 0

Real Red Raider — The listings were on 3B but so small I could see how you missed them. Anyway, the 1270-AM gang is here.

SECOND QUARTER
Ashbrook punted from the 50 on the first play but as called for a false start. South Point fair caught the punt at the SP 17.

SP was called for false start on first down and paid the price. They came up four yards short of the first down and had to punt again. So far, no South Point first downs and we’ve reached the 9:34 mark of the second quarter.

A late hit on SP on the return gave Ash the ball at the 48. The Green Wave eventually drove to the 22 but again came up empty. Robinson lined up for a 40-yard field goal but kicked a line drive that I’m guessing was tipped at the line. Still scoreless, 6:14 till halftime.

Terrence - Field conditions are actually pretty good considering all the rain we had this week. I walked onto the field briefly before the game and the turf had pretty much dried up. Cleats are definitely doing their damage though.

South Point finally picked up its first first down, but that was all. The Red Raiders had to punt it away again.

Ashbrook reached the South Point 44 but had to punt. SP let the punt roll to the 3 and then took a knee on first down to run out the clock.

HALFTIME: Ashbrook 0, South Point 0

HALFTIME STATS
ASHBROOK
First downs: 5
Rushes-yards: 23-93
Passing yards: 0
Comp-Att-Int: 0-1-0
Total yards: 93
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 4-20

Crawford 6-46 rushing; Watts 9-39 rushing; Toomer 5-21 rushing

SOUTH POINT
First downs: 1
Rushes-yards: 13-32
Passing yards: 0
Comp-Att-Int: 0-0-0
Total yards: 0
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 4-40

Justice 7-23 rushing; Crumbley 3-5 rushing

Stat of the half: Ashbrook ran 24 plays to South Point’s 13. Obviously, Ashbrook dominated time of possession, and South Point’s going to wear down and give up some big plays if the trend continues.

OTHER SCORES
Here are all the scores I have:
Forestview 14, Weddington 0 Half
AC Reynolds 14, East Gaston 0 first half
Lincolnton 13, Maiden 6, second
Bessemer City 7, Avery County 3 Half
Shelby 13, Bunker Hill 3 Q2
Burns 21, West Henderson 7 Q2

To the one looking for East Gaston scores, go here:
http://www.highschoolsports.net/Stats/gameStats-G.cfm?userSchoolID=NC288031753&userGameID=33640583&showBoxscore=true&showGameSummary=true&showTeamStats=true&showPlayers=true&news_id=citizen-times

Or, go to citizen-times.com and look at the top of the page for the score updates.

THIRD QUARTER
South Point’s Merrill has received the opening kickoff and given SP decent field position at its own 29.

McWhirter picked up seven yards on second down to set up third and 2 but Crumbley was stuffed for a 1-yard loss, forcing SP to punt. Shempert’s short return gives Ash the ball at its own 33, 10:06 third quarter.

Ashbrook faced third and long at the 50 when Crawford hit the left corner and burst down the left sideline for a 50-yard TD run. Andrew Robinson’s extra point was good and Ashbrook leads 7-0. South Point is in trouble. 7:27 left in third quarter.

Trumiel - I’d love to have a Huss update, but they’re at Franklin and I don’t have any connections up there. If you get an update from somebody, please post it on the blog.

Another three-and-out for South Point. After a 2-yard gain by Crumbley on first down, South Point tried passing for the first time tonight. Justice’s first pass was tipped at the line and his third-down pass went incomplete. Ashbrook takes over at its own 30, still leading 7-0 with 6:29 left in the third.

Ashbrook went three and out for the first time of the night. After a 13-yard punt return by Truesdale, SP takes over at its own 43 with 4:55 left in the quarter.

South Point is showing life on offense for the first time all night. In just three plays, South Point has reached the Ashbrook 17. Justice has carries of 15 and 19 yards, the latter of which forced Ashbrook coach Mike Briggs to call timeout with his team still leading 7-0 with 3:40 left in the third.

Thanks for the Huss updates, everybody. Keep ‘em coming.

South Point finished off the drive with a 5-yard TD run by QB Justice. Mitchell’s kick was good and we’re tied 7-7 with 2:27 to go in the third.

Ashbrook fumbled the kickoff but Hopper recovered it. The Green Wave has reached its own 47 and will face second and nine when we return for the fourth quarter.

END OF THIRD: Ashbrook 7, South Point 7
Scott hooked up with D’Monte Byrd for a 22-yard completion, putting Ashbrook at the SP 16. Crawford scored on the next play but it was brought back by a holding penalty.

The holding penalty didn’t end up hurting Ashbrook too much as Preston Watts scored on a 19-yard run on third down. Watts took a delayed pitch to the right and broke a tackle at the 5 on his way to the end zone. Ashbrook 14, South Point 7, 9:11 remaining.

South Point hasn’t given up yet. Costner (yes, Costner) threw a deep jump ball to Merrill, who caught the ball at the 10. Merrill and the defender both had possession of the ball, but the tie goes to the offense. Also, Ashbrook roughed the passer and was assessed a five-yard (half-the-distance) penalty, giving SP the ball at the 5, 7:35 remaining.

There was a lengthy delay as both coaches had discussions with the officials. Eventually, Crumbley got two carries and scored on the second, a 1-yard run up the middle. Ashbrook 7, South Point, 7, 6:56 remaining.

Three and out for Ashbrook against a spirited South Point defense. A short punt return puts SP on its on 41 with 4:43 to play. Still tied at 14.

With 2:43 remaining, South Point has second and 4 at the Ashbrook 39 after an offside penalty against Ashbrook.

Update: Forestview 14 Weddington 7 10:30 Q4

A 6-yard pass from Justice to Merrill makes it fourth and three from the 25. SP called timeout with 38.1 seconds remaining and will attempt a field goal.

Mitchell had plenty of leg but was wide left. Ashbrook ball at the 20 with 32.7 seconds remaining.

Ashbrook was content to run the ball, so we’re headed to overtime, tied at 14.

OVERTIME
Both teams will have possession from the 10.

South Point will start on offense first.

First down: 5 yards by Justice
Second down: 3 yards by Justice
Third down from the 2: 1 yard by Justice
Fourth down from the 1/2 -yard line: Crumbley TD
Mitchell’s XP was good. SP has its first lead of the game at 21-14.

Ashbrook’s possession:
First down: Scott fumbled the pitch on what appeared to be miscommunication in the backfield and jumped on the loose ball for a 4-yard loss.

Second down from the 14: Crawford brought down for a 4-yard loss

Third down from the 18: Scott passed laterally to Curtis Armstrong, who was taken down for a 4-yard loss.

Fourth down from the 22: Scott’s pass was tipped just short of the end zone and then intercepted by Crawford in the end zone.

And that finishes off a crazy game. The Ashbrook players look dejected for obvious reasons. Their incredible run to end the season comes to a halt. South Point will move on to likely play Forestview in a rematch of Forestview’s 21-20 win. Forestview was leading Weddington 28-7 with 3:25 remaining.

The last AP prep football poll of the season will be released this afternoon. Here’s how I voted this week:

(And see how the poll actually turned out.)
CLASS 4A
1. Matthews Butler 10-0
2. Charlotte Independence 10-1
3. Jamestown Ragsdale 11-0
4. Richmond County 10-1
5. Greensboro Dudley 10-1
6. Mallard Creek 9-1
7. Wake Forest-Rolesville 11-0
8. Winston-Salem Reynolds 11-0
9. Harnett Central 11-0
10. Fayetteville Britt 10-1

Comments: Fayetteville Britt drops from No. 3 to 10 after a 48-42 overtime loss to Terry Sanford. Undefeated Harnett Central jumps in my top 10 for the first time at No. 9. West Forsyth drops out after losing 27-6 to Mount Tabor.

Actual poll

CLASS 3A
1. West Rowan 11-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 11-0
3. Havelock 10-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 9-1-1
5. Asheville 9-0-1
6. Hertford Co 11-0
7. Belmont South Point 9-2
8. Northern Guilford 10-1
9. Eastern Alamance 10-1
10. West Craven 9-2

Comments: West Craven drops from No. 6 to 10 after a narrow loss (42-40) to No. 3 Havelock.

Actual poll

CLASS 2A
1. Reidsville 11-0
2. SW Edgecombe 11-0
3. Tarboro 10-1
4. East Duplin 11-0
5. Newton-Conover 10-1
6. East Lincoln 9-2
7. Kinston 9-2
8. East Bladen 11-0
9. Catawba Bandys 10-1
10. Shelby 10-1

Comments: Unchanged from last week.

Actual poll

CLASS 1A
1. Mt. Airy 11-0
2. Albemarle 11-0
3. SW Onslow 11-0
4. Manteo 11-0
5. Monroe 11-0
6. Wallace-Rose Hill 9-2
7. East Surry 10-1
8. Pender County 9-1
9. Kernersville McGuinness 9-2
10. Hendersonville 9-2

Comments: East Surry drops from No. 5 to 7 after a 30-6 loss to No. 1 Mt. Airy.

Actual poll

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