FROM THE BEARS’ DEN
This week: Chatham Central (0-3, 0-8) hosts South Stanly (3-0, 5-3). Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. at Chatham Central High School, Bears Stadium.
Head Coach: Ryan Ochier
Leading returnees for South Stanly: QB Jaquez Cooke, WR/FS Justin Gaddy, LB Nate Irby, RB/DB Cameron Huneycutt, WR Jadaerian Smith, WR/CB Jaquavius Caraway.
Last week: North Rowan 72 Chatham Central 3, West Stanly 49 South Stanly 12
Last meeting: 2018 South Stanly 49 Chatham Central 7
Notable: It’s Homecoming Night for Chatham Central down in Bear Creek as the locals try to follow up Homecoming wins by Northwood and Jordan-Matthews in the two previous weeks.
Game keys: After running the proverbial YVC gauntlet to start the league season Chatham Central will play a South Stanly club that is formidable, but also that the Bears could play with if they show up focused and mentally prepared. The Bears are getting healthier which is a key. With South Stanly, as is the norm, you never know what you will get. What is known is that it all starts with senior quarterback Jaquez Cooke who can run it, as shown by his 16 carries for 180 yards with two touchdowns, including a 69 yarder, and 166 yards passing. Containing Cooke will be the key. The Rowdy Rebel Bulls play roughly eight players both ways, so if the Bears can sustain drives, and limit big plays defensively, things could get interesting late.
From the coaches: CC’s coach Sherman Howze says his team will have to: “It’s Homecoming and our kids are excited. We are getting some players back from injuries and that could play a big role for us. Getting off to a good start and controlling their quarterback (Cooke) is a key factor to the game.”
ON CHARGER BOULEVARD
This week: Northwood (3-1, 4-4) travels to Orange (1-3, 2-6) Kickoff: 7 p.m. at Orange High School, Panthers Stadium.
Head Coach: Van Smith
Leading returnees for Orange: QB Wyatt Jones, RB Omarion Smith, RB/OLB Machai Holt, RB/OLB Elliott Woods, WR Zyon Pettiford, LB Owen Brimmer.
Last week: Southern Durham 49 Northwood 3, Vance County 40 Orange 30
Last meeting: 2018 Northwood 24 Northwood 7
Notable: Northwood is facing a key game in its quest for a state playoff bid with just three games remaining. A win would set up a key clash with Vance County in PIttsboro next week with the winner likely to capture the third spot in the 3A Big Eight Conference. Orange offensive coordinator is former Jordan-Matthews alum and 23-year head coach of the Jets, Marty Scotten.
Game keys: Northwood will have to stand up physically to Orange which will pound it the entire night while setting up a dangerous passing attack. The Chargers need to forget last weeks loss to Southern Durham and get off to a fast start. The outcome could have huge implications on the state playoff berths out of the conference as both teams need to win, especially Orange who must win and run the table the final three weeks to have a legitimate shot. The Panthers have been banged up all season long and are just now getting health. Sophomore running back Omarion Lewis has a chance to be special while quarterback Wyatt Jones is a capable passer.
IN THE JET HANGAR
This week: Jordan-Matthews bye.