Through the Uprights

Live blogging from Asheville at South Point

Phillip Gardner — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:01:49 GMT

I'll soon be on my way to South Point's Lineberger Stadium, where the Red Raiders will play host to Asheville in the third round of the 3A state football playoffs. Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the drive-by-drive action.

7:20 update

South Point has practically filled up its side of the stadium. Asheville's crowd is more sparse. I estimate 250 fans on the visitors' side.

Setting the stage

Asheville (9-3) has the No. 6 seed in the 3A West. The Cougars shared the Mountain Athletic Conference title with Tuscola and avenged an earlier loss to the Mountaineers with last week's 31-10 victory.

South Point (12-1) earned the No. 2 seed in the bracket. The Red Raiders have won 12 in a row since dropping their opener, 48-42, to Clover.

COIN TOSS

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

FIRST QUARTER
Darion Ray returned the kickoff 34 yards to the Asheville 37 and the Cougars quickly moved the ball down field. Roughing the passer on third and long gave Asheville first down at the South Point 25. The Cougars mustered only one yard the rest of the way, though. South Point holds on downs and takes over at its own 25. 7:35 mark of the first quarter.

South Point picked up one first down but had to punt after five plays and 13 yards. Asheville ball at its own 24.

Asheville has continued a grueling drive. Its ninth play of the drive gives the Cougars a first down at the South Point 37 and takes to the end of a quick first quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Asheville 0, South Point 0

SECOND QUARTER
Asheville picked up 0 yards on a run by Greg Ray, QB Brandon Whiteside took a 7-yard loss and then threw an incomplete for bring up fourth and long. The punt sailed into the end zone. South Point takes over at its own 20 at the 10:21 mark of the second quarter. So far, the South Point offense has barely been on the field.

South Point mounted the best drive of either team yet thanks to a few nice runs by QB Desmond Lowery. But after gaining a first down just inside the Asheville 5, Lowery tripped over his own teammate for a short loss, then fumbled on second down and Rob Douglas pounced on the loose ball. Asheville has possession at its own 11 with 6:14 before halftime.

Asheville went three and out but South Point was offsides on fourth down, giving the Cougars a first down. Asheville picked up another first down but eventually stalled at its own 33 after a sack, a short run and an incomplete pass. South Point's ball at its own 23 with 2:23 before halftime. Still scoreless.

South Point had to punt it away with 30 seconds remaining and Asheville's Darion Ray lost 8 yards on the return to the 12. Asheville took a knee on first down but South Point called the first of its three first downs. Asheville eventually punted it away and Jesse McGaha returned it from 50 to the Asheville 41. With three-tenths of a second remaining, Lowery passed to Chase Cowart, but he was stopped at the 25.

HALFTIME: Asheville 0, South Point 0

HALFTIME STATS

ASHEVILLE
First downs: 8
Rushes-yards: 19-34
Passing yards: 57
Comp-Att-Int: 8-13-0
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 3-15

Individual leaders
Marcus Thorpe: 4 carries, 20 yards; 2 catches, 21 yards
Greg Ray: 5 carries, 14 yards
Brandon Whiteside: 8-13 passing, 57 yards
Darion Ray: 2 catches, 12 yards

SOUTH POINT
First downs: 6
Rushes-yards: 16-99
Passing yards: 16
Comp-Att-Int: 1-4-0
Fumbles-lost: 1-1
Penalties-yards: 3-25

Individual leaders
Desmond Lowery: 10 carries, 66 yards; 1-4 passing, 16 yards
Aaron Crumbley: 4 carries, 20 yards

The biggest storyline in the first half was Asheville's defense holding South Point scoreless at halftime -- the first time that's happened all year. The Red Raiders entered the game averaging 40 points per game.

On the other side of the bracket: Carver leads West Rowan 10-7 in the second quarter. The winner of that game will play the winner of this game.

THIRD QUARTER
South Point has received the kickoff.

It's a long drive, 12 plays so far and South Point has reached the Asehville 19 with a little more than six minutes left in the quarter.

We finally have a score. Lowery took it in from 17 yards out, untouched around the right side. James Justice's extra point was good. The drive covered 80 yards on 13 plays and ate 6:17 off the clock. South Point 7, Asheville 0, 5:43.

Lowery now has 96 yards.

Asheville put together a nice drive, but it ended when Carson Ginn sacked Whiteside at the South Point 34 and the Red Raiders recovered. 2:05 left in the third.

South Point's offense is starting to roll now. After a 2-yard loss by Lowery on first down and a 1-yard pickup by Crumbley on second down, McGaha made a circus catch for 35 yards, then Lowery ran an option keeper to the right for 29 yards and his second TD. All of a sudden, South Point is ahead 14-0, 0:26.2 left in the quarter.

Asheville drove to midfield, then went for on fourth-and-1 from the South Point 41. Officials measured and the Cougars had come up short. South Point takes over there with 8:03 remaining, leading 14-0.

Update from West Rowan: Carver 10, West Rowan 7 in the third quarter. South Point fans celebrated at the sound of that score. If both scores hold, South Point would be at home next week.

South Point went three and out. After the punt, Asheville has possession at its own 20. There's still time to make it a game, as 6:19 remains on the clock.

Tydre Crawford intercepted Whiteside on first down at midfield and took it all the way to the 8. South Point can seal it with another score here.

Lowery carried for 7 yards on first down, then took it from the 1 for his third TD of the night. South Point is well on its way. South Point 21, Asheville 0, 5:30 remaining.

It's all falling apart for Asheville. Maurice Falls sacked Whiteside, who fumbled and South Point recovered. That's turnovers on back-to-back plays for Asheville. South Point ball at the Asheville 14 with 5:20 remaining.

Lowery carried two times, the second one a 10-yard TD run -- his fourth TD of the night. South Point's turning this one into a blowout, leading 28-0 with 4:39 remaining.

Asheville barely moved the ball before turning it over on downs. South Point's about to run this one out with 1:45 remaining.

A 5-yard run by Lowery, then three quarterback kneels gave Asheville the ball with 11.3 seconds remaining.

This one's over. South Point was really impressive in the second half to advance to its first semifinal since winning it all in 2003.

FINAL: South Point 28, Asheville 0

Live blogging from High Point Andrews at South Point

Phillip Gardner — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:01:05 GMT

I'm about to leave our warm offices for the frigid outdoors at Lineberger Stadium, where South Point will play host to High Point Andrews in the second round of the 3A state football playoffs.

I'm stopping at Wal-Mart on my way to pick up some Hot Hands hand warmers because Target didn't have any.

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

7:00 update

I found some Hot Hands at Wal-Mart but I don't think I'll need them. The press box windows and doors are shut, and Kenny Williams got here at 5:30 to crank up the heat. It's nice and toasty up here.

My Weather Channel desktop says it's 33 degrees in Belmont. High Point Andrews fans have been scared off by the cold weather.

Only 30 minutes prior to kickoff, I can count 28 people on the visitor's side. South Point's side isn't as full as usual this close to game time, but their fans far outnumber Andrews' at this point.

7:27 update

Both teams have made their entrances and the captains have met at midfield. High Point Andrews won the toss and elected to defer its decision to the second half. South Point will receive the opening kickoff.

High Point Andrews' side has added a few more fans, but I estimate maybe 300 -- and that's being generous.

FIRST QUARTER
South Point picked up only four yards on its first drive and had to punt it away. Andrews' Tony Washington -- the Shrine Bowl DB -- returned the punt but South Point dropped him for a 1-yard loss. Andrews ball at its own 26.

Two plays after completing a 20-yard pass, Quantez Swinton was intercepted by Daron Murphy, who returned it to the High Point Andrews 41.

Aaron Crumbley ran for 15 yards, Jesse McGaha for 5 and Josh Justice for 18 before McGaha put South Point on the board with a 3-yard run. James Justice's extra point was good. South Point 7, High Point Andrews 0, 6:59.

Three and out for High Point Andrews.

South Point scored quickly. Desmond Lowery ran an option keeper for 60 yards before Kaciem Lynch chased him from behind at the 4. Crumbley took it in on the next play, scoring his 36th TD of the year. That gives him the school single-season TD record outright and leaves him one from tying Princeton Brooks' Gaston County record set last year. James Justice's extra point was good. South Point 14, Andrews 0, 4:23.

Quantez Swinton connected with Mark Johnson for a 59-yard pass down the left sideline to the South Point 15. But South Point's defense held Andrews without a yard on the next four downs and Andrews turned it over on downs. 0:32.9.

South Point has the ball on its own 9 as we change sides of the field.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: SOUTH POINT 14, ANDREWS 0

South Point failed to get a first down and had to punt.

High Point Andrews is threatening again after a 29-yard completion from Swinton to Corbin Collins. And Andrews just scored on a trick play. A different quarterback lined up in the shotgun, but pitched to the regular quarterback, Swinton, who spotted a wide open Cameron Neil in the end zone. Swinton passed to Devon McClain for the 2-point conversion. South Point 14, HP Andrews 8, 8:53.

South Point engineered a nine-play, 70-yard scoring drive. McGaha scored his second TD of the night, this one on a 46-yard pass from Lowery. South Point 21, Andrews 8, 4:09 second.

Three and out for Andrews. The punt went out of bounds. South Point ball at the Andrews 44, 2:55 before halftime.

South Point was able to score again, this time on a 4-yard run by Lowery, which capped a 6-play, 44-yard drive. South Point 28, Andrews 8, 1:09.

Washington's long kickoff return to the South Point 29 gave Andrews a chance but Andrews was unable to move any further.

HALF: SOUTH POINT 28, ANDREWS 8

Halftime stats
HP Andrews: 4 yards rushing, 141 passing, 145 total
South Point: 185 rushing, 56 passing, 241 total

South Point individuals

QB Lowery: 9 carries, 96 yards; 2-2 passing, 56 yards
Crumbley: 9 carries, 44 yards
McGaha: 19 rushing yards, TD; 46 receiving yards TD

THIRD QUARTER
Andrews reached the South Point 49, but was backed up later by holding and had to punt.

South Point manufactured a 10-play, 92-yard scoring drive. Crumbley ran it in from 21 yards, tying him for the Gaston County single-season TD record with 37. North Gaston's Princeton Brooks also had that many last year. South Point 35, Andrews 8, 4:59 third.

South Point's Michael Lewis picked off a pass and returned it deep, but he was called for pass interference. That gave Andrews the ball at its own 43 but Andrews couldn't move much further. A punt gives South Point the ball at its own 32. 2:58 left in third.

South Point has reached the Andrews 13 and we've reached the end of the third quarter.

END OF THIRD: SOUTH POINT 35, ANDREWS 8

Crumbley scored his third TD of the night, this time for 3 yards out. That gives him 38 for the year, which breaks North Gaston's Princeton Brooks' year-old record. South Point 42, Andrews 8, 10:21.

Andrews finally got back on the board with a 70-yard scoring drive. Devon McClain punched it in from 4 yards out. The 2-point conversion pass failed. South Point 42, Andrews 14, 5:39.

South Point, with its backups in the lineup, went three and out.

Andrews reached the South Point 38 but stalled after that.

South Point then ran out the rest of the clock.

Final: South Point 42, Andrews 14

South Point will stay at home next week to face Asheville.

Live blogging from East Rutherford at East Lincoln

Phillip Gardner — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:37:24 GMT

When Bessemer City decided to move its game to Saturday, I decided to head for East Lincoln tonight. I'll be able to watch the Mustangs for the first time this season as they open the 2AA playoffs against East Rutherford.

East Lincoln (10-1), riding a 10-game winning streak, will be heavily favored as the top seed in its bracket. East Rutherford placed fifth in the Southwestern 2A/3A Conference ahead of Burns.

Check back here at 7:30 as I blog live from the game at the conclusion of each possession.

COIN TOSS
East Lincoln won the coin toss and elected to defer its choice to the second half. East Rutherford will receive the opening kickoff.

SETTING THE SCENE
It's not raining now, but the earlier rain appears to have scared away some fans. The crowd is light here at David Clark Stadium. I walked on the field during pregame warmups and realized first-hand how muddy the field is. The coaches have piled some sand in the really muddy areas, but players will definitely be slipping around tonight.

FIRST QUARTER
Three and out for East Rutherford, who had to punt from deep in its own end zone.

Five plays, 35 yards and a TD for East Lincoln, which quickly took a 7-0 lead on Jason Perry's 10-yard run and Brandon Strupp's kick. East Lincoln 7, East Rutherford 0, 8:49.

Another three and out for East Rutherford. East Lincoln takes over at its own 45 after an 8-yard punt return by Jason Perry. 7:18 Q1

Culp picked up 11 yards on two carries but fumbled and East Rutherford pounced on the loose ball at its own 45. 6:43 Q1.

East Rutherford drove to the East Lincoln 36 but turned it over on downs when QB Jordan Mabe was stopped for no gain on fourth-and-1. 2:33 Q1.

East Lincoln reached its own 47 before punting. The first quarter clock expired during the punt. East Rutherford ball at its own 12.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: East Lincoln 7, East Rutherford 0

SECOND QUARTER
East Rutherford went three-and-out for the third time tonight. East Lincoln's ball at its own 47.

This game sure has become a defensive struggle. East Lincoln picked up one first down but punted it away after two consecutive incomplete passes. Josh Wilson's short punt went out of bounds for seven yards. EL still leads 7-0. 7:36 Q2.

East Rutherford is starting to move the ball well. The Cavaliers have reached the East Lincoln 25 with 4:04 left before halftime. They've called timeout and will face second-and-10 when they return.

Either Preston Perry or Jason Perry intercepted Mikail Baxter at the East Lincoln 1.

One play later, Austin Culp fumbled for the second time tonight on a run up the middle. East Rutherford's Karun Price recovered in the end zone for a TD. East Lincoln, East Rutherford 7, 3:13 Q2.

East Lincoln lost its third fumble of the night and East Rutherford had the ball at its own 43 with 55.6 seconds before halftime.

On East Rutherford's first play, though, Preston Perry picked off Jordan Mabe on the far sideline and streaked down the sideline untouched for a 48-yard interception return for TD. EL 14, ER 7, 0:47.1 Q2.

East Rutherford couldn't advance the ball, and we've reached halftime.

HALF: East Lincoln 14, East Rutherford 7

HALFTIME STATS
East Rutherford
First downs: 5
Rushes-yards: 24-36
Passing yards: 20
Comp-Att-Int: 3-5-1
Fumbles-lost: 2-0
Penalties-yards: 0-0
Total yards: 56

Tajdre Wilkerson: 5 carries, 23 yards
Tyler Hamilton: 10 rushes, 20 yards

East Lincoln
First downs: 6
Rushes-yards: 16-48
Passing yards: 45
Comp-Att-Int: 6-12-0
Fumbles-lost: 4-3
Penalties-yards: 2-10

Austin Culp: 11 carries, 37 yards, 2 fumbles lost
Preston Perry: 6-12-0, 45 yards passing
Jason Perry: 2 carries, 13 yards, 1 TD

Scoring summary
First quarter
EL--Jason Perry 10 run (Brandon Strupp kick), 8:49.
Second quarter
ER--Karun Price fumble recovery in end zone (Ryan Bailey kick), 3:13.
EL--Preston Perry 48 interception return (Strupp kick), 0:47.1

THIRD QUARTER
Culp had a rough first half with two fumbles but he redeemed himself with a 60-yard TD run on the first play of the third quarter. He took a pitch to the right and ran untouched down the right sideline. EL 21, ER 7, 11:39.

Three and out for East Rutherford, then Jason Perry returned the punt 55 yards for a TD. East Lincoln's quickly pulling away. EL 28, ER 7, 9:53 third.

Three and out for East Rutherford. No magic on Perry's punt return this time. EL ball at its own 18.

East Lincoln fumbled again and East Rutherford recovered. Cavs ball at the EL 22. 8:24 Q3.

Jason Perry intercepted Devince Boykins in the end zone and returned it to the EL 11.

Preston Perry was intercepted by Adrian Wilkins. That was EL's fifth turnover of the night, but the Mustangs still lead 28-7. ER takes possession at its own 13. 4:22 Q3.

East Rutherford picked up two first downs, then had to punt. EL ball at its own 33. 1:37 Q1. This quarter is creeping along.

We've finally reached the end of the third quarter. EL has the ball at the ER 17.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: EAST LINCOLN 28, EAST RUTHERFORD 7

Brandon Strupp kicked a 37-yard field goal for East Lincoln. EL 31, ER 7, 11:06 fourth.

East Rutherford punted from its own 36 after a sack on third down.

East Lincoln scored quickly on Culp's 65-yard run. That run gave him 203 yards for the night to go with two TDs. EL 37, ER 7, 8:32 fourth.

East Rutherford drove to the East Lincoln 5 but came up empty. Marcus Corona's fourth-down interception in the end zone ended the scoring threat. 4:26 remaining.

East Lincoln couldn't move the ball and tried to punt from its own end zone, but East Rutherford applied enough pressure to tackle the punter in the end zone for a safety. East Lincoln 37, East Rutherford 9, 2:21 remaining.

Jordan Mabe threw his third interception of the night and EL takes over at the 1:34 mark of the quarter.

Lightning lit up the sky at the end of the play and officials called it a game.

Final: East Lincoln 37, East Rutherford 9.

Final AP poll votes

Phillip Gardner — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:49:09 GMT

South Point was No. 3 in Class 3A and East Lincoln was No. 3 in Class 2A on my final AP prep football ballot of the year. The poll will be released Wednesday afternoon, and it will be the last one of the year since playoffs begin Friday. Here's my complete ballot:

4A

1. Charlotte Independence 10-0

2. Matthews Butler 10-1

3. Asheville Reynolds 9-1

4. Fayetteville Britt 10-1

5. Wilmington Hoggard 9-1

6. Winston-Salem Mt. Tabor 10-1

7. East Mecklenburg 9-2

8. West Charlotte 8-3

9. East Burke 7-3

10. West Forsyth 8-3

3A

1. Greensboro Dudley 11-0

2. Rocky Mount 10-1

3. Belmont South Point 10-1

4. Winston-Salem Carver 10-1

5. Jamestown Ragsdale 11-0

6. West Rowan 10-1

7. West Craven 11-0

8. Eastern Alamance 10-1

9. Harnett Central 11-0

10. Waynesville Tuscola 10-1

2A

1. Reidsville 11-0

2. Jacksonville Northside 11-0

3. East Lincoln 10-1

4. Lenoir Hibriten 10-1

5. Newton-Conover 10-1

6. Tarboro 10-1

7. South Columbus 10-1

8. East Henderson 10-1

9. Salisbury 11-0

10. Southwest Onslow 9-2

1. Warsaw Kenan 11-0

2. Thomasville 11-0

3. Murphy 11-0

4. Mt. Airy 11-0

5. Albemarle 10-1

6. Jones County 10-1

7. Dunn Midway 10-1

8. Siler City Jordan-Matthews 9-2

9. Topsail 10-1

10. Robbinsville 10-1

LIVE from East Gaston at Forestview

Phillip Gardner — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:16:22 GMT

It looks like a mismatch on paper, but they'll play the game just to make sure.

Forestview has a chance to tie a school record for wins as it plays host to East Gaston tonight at 7:30. The Jaguars can also finish the season in a three-way tie for the Big South 3A/4A Conference title if Crest beats South Point.

I plan to arrive at Joe Alala Stadium between 6:30 and 7. Check back around 7:30 and I'll keep you updated on the game after each drive.

FIRST QUARTER
Forestview won the toss and elected to defer. The Jaguars kicked off to open the game and East Gaston managed nine yards before punting.

Forestview scored two plays later. Jarkeevus Alexander picked up four yards on the first play, then sprinted 65 yards down the right side line for a touchdown. Forestview 7, East Gaston 0, 9:15 first quarter.

East Gaston fumbled on second down and Forestview recovered.

Once again, Forestview needed just two plays to score. Alexander ran for 8 yards then Nathan Anderson burst up the middle for a 20-yard rushing TD. Forestview 14, East Gaston 0, 7:48.

East Gaston picked up a first down and reached the 33 before it had to punt. Forestview takes over at its own 22. We're at the 4:49 mark of the first period.

Forestview quickly drove the field and scored again. Alexander found pay dirt again, this time from 16 yards out. Alexander already has 132 yards and 2 TDs. The extra point was no good. Forestview 20, East Gaston 0, 0:52.0.

East Gaston is driving as we've reached the end of the first quarter.

END OF FIRST QUARTER: Forestview 20, East Gaston 0

SECOND QUARTER
East Gaston picked up three first downs and reached the Forestview 31, but the drive ended when Marcus Williamson intercepted Josh Doster at the Forestview 14 and returned it to the Forestview 49. 8:05 left before halftime.

Alexander carried all four plays on Forestview's next drive, picking up 30, 22, 0 and 9 yards, the last of which carried him into the end zone for the third time of the night. Alexander already has 193 yards. If you're wondering, the school single-game record is 310 yards, set by Mario Dye against East Gaston in in 2000. Forestview 27, East Gaston 0, 6:20 before halftime.

Thadus Benton carried East Gaston to the Forestview 40 before the Warriors turned it over on downs. Forestview ball with 2:28 to go before halftime.

Another Forestview drive, another Alexander touchdown. He carried the ball on all six Forestview plays that possession, picking up 50 yards and scoring on a 5-yard plunge. He now has 243 yards on 20 carries. East Gaston blocked the extra point. Forestview 33, East Gaston 0, 2.9 seconds before halftime.

The minimal kickoff return expired the clock and we've reached halftime.

HALFTIME: Forestview 33, East Gaston 0

HALFTIME STATS
East Gaston
First downs: 7
Rushes-yards: 26-87
Passing yards: 25
Comp-Att-Int: 1-2-1
Fumbles-lost: 1-1
Penalties-yards: 6-50

Benton - 17 rushes, 75 yards

Forestview
First downs: 11
Rushes-yards: 22-281
Passing yards: 0
Comp-Att-Int: 0-0-0
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 4-30

Alexander - 20 carries, 243 yards

School single-game rushing record: Mario Dye, Forestview 310 (vs. East Gaston Aug. 18,2000)
Gaston County single-game record: Marquis Adams, East Gaston 321 (vs. East Lincoln Sept. 12, 1997)

THIRD QUARTER
Forestview received the opening kickoff and it looks like Alexander is done for the night. He stands on the sideline as Forestview drives down the field. Now it appears to be the Kevin Jeter as he carried on the first seven plays. Darion Hancock later toted the ball into the end zone on a 1-yard run. That drive lasted 8 minutes, 8 seconds and covered 66 yards in 11 plays. Forestview 40, East Gaston 0, 3:52 third quarter.

East Gaston is driving on some nice running by Thadus Benton. He reached 1,000 yards for the season on a 12-yard carry for a first down. East Gaston reached the Forestview 32 as a quick quarter ended. End of third: Forestview 40, East Gaston 0.

FOURTH QUARTER
East Gaston turned the ball over on downs. Forestview takes over at its own 29.

Forestview punted for the first time tonight after failing to pick up a first down.

East Gaston then staged a nice drive and scored on Thadus Benton's 1-yard run. Benton now has 138 yards for the game. Forestview 40, East Gaston 7, 1:32 fourth quarter.

East Gaston recovered the subsequent onside kick.

Another nice drive by the Warriors with little time to work with. QB Josh Doster had a 19-yard carry, then ran a bootleg right for 11 yards and dove to the end zone. Forestview 40, East Gaston 14, 0:44.2

East Gaston tried another onside kick, but Forestview recovered it. Two plays expired the remainder of the clock.

Final: Forestview 40, East Gaston 14

At last check, Crest was beating South Point. If that score holds, Forestview would share the conference title with crest and South Point. Check VarsityNC.com and GastonGazette.com for updates.

Live soccer blog: Forestview at Charlotte Catholic

Phillip Gardner — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:57 GMT

Forestview attempts to advance past the third round of the state soccer playoffs tonight when it faces Charlotte Catholic.

We've had the starting lineups and national anthem and we're seconds away from kickoff. I'll keep you posted every score or every 10 minutes, whichever is most frequent.

Starting lineups:
Forestview
Carter Wong
Price Martin
Jacob Lane
Taylor Hendrick
Jordan Rowe
Danny Sassano
Jordan Beam
Thad Calvert
Patrick Grajeda
Justin Henry
GK--Adam Henry

Charlotte Catholic
Jordan Archer
Maclin Lindsay
Ben Needham
Murray Keogh
Andrew Sperr
Nathan Badke
Donnie Smith
Joe Wirth
Chris Kyryliuk
Sutton Porter
GK--Pat George

GOAL: Catholic has jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead. Donnie Smith, the guy Forestview was most concerned with heading into the match, lasered the ball past Forestview goalkeeper in the fifth minute.

GOAL: Smith just scored his second goal for Catholic, giving the Cougars a 2-0 lead in the 10th minute. Forestview had penetrated deep for the first time, but Catholic quickly cleared it and got down field for the goal. Joe Wirth made a nice pass to Smith.

10th minute update: Catholic has dominated the game so far. The Cougars have taken 4 shots to Forestview's 1. The Jaguars have threatened only twice on their offensive side of the field and received 1 corner kick. Catholic still leads 2-0.

Setting the scene: Catholic has a narrow field with no track around it. The stands are steep, which means you feel like you're right on top of the action. I really like the feel of this place. It's called Jim Oddo Field after the current football coach. Forestview has brought a few hundred fans, including the usual rhythmic student section. The host team Catholic has a few more fans but not many more.

20th minute update: A Catholic player got a stern talking to from the head official for some rough play but did not receive a yellow or red card. Catholic continues to control the match, leading 2-0. Catholic has 5 shots to Forestview's 2.

YELLOW CARD: Catholic's Joe Wirth, who assisted the second goal, received a yellow card in the 22nd minute.

30th minute update: Forestview's Patrick Grajeda took a direct kick from about 25 yards out but Catholic's wall blocked it before it presented any threat. Smith had another near-score for Catholic, hitting the cross bar after Forestview couldn't clear a previous shot. The Cougars still lead 2-0.

HALFTIME: Catholic takes a 2-0 lead into the break. Not many scoring chances in the last 10 minutes for either team. Smith had a breakaway (boy, is he fast) just before halftime and fell in the box. Catholic fans thought he was fouled, but there was no whistle.

STATS: By my count (but I'll admit I haven't received proper training on keeping soccer stats), Catholic has outshot Forestview 9-4. Forestview keeper Adam Henry has three saves. Both teams have one corner kick.

GOAL: Forestview's leading scorer has put the Jaguars on the board 10 minutes into the second half. Patrick Grajeda shot from the left side and sent the ball to the right corner, past the hands of keeper Pat George. Catholic leads 2-1.

GOAL: Grajeda did it again 19 seconds later. He was one-on-one with George, kicked it high, George tipped it but the ball gently rolled into the goal. Amazingly, this match is tied at 2. Grajeda, a junior, now has 28 goals for the year in his first year at Forestview. He's the son of Gaston United Soccer Club's director of coaching, Hugo Grajeda.

55th minute update: We remain tied at 2 and this match has taken on a whole different feel. Forestview players seem to be playing with more intensity now that they've tied the game. Catholic just had a great scoring chance but the wide-open player (didn't catch the number) missed well high of the goal.

GOAL: Catholic has jumped back into the lead on a goal by Sutton Porter off a rebound. The first Catholic shot bounced right back to Porter, who booted it back in the net. Catholic leads 3-2 with just under 21 minutes to play.

65th minute update: Catholic has put a lot of pressure on Forestview's defense. The Cougars had back-to-back corner kicks, but Forestview held them out of the net. Catholic still leads 3-2.

70th minute update: Catholic still leads 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining. By the way, the official clock tonight is being kept on the scoreboard, so there will be no stoppage time. Both teams had near-misses. Forestview's Henry saved a great shot by Porter, and the Jaguars' Grajeda, moments after being shaken up, hit the cross bar. A few inches lower and he would have tied it.

Two-minute warning: Catholic, still ahead 3-2, just attempted its fourth corner kick of the second half. The Jaguars are running out of time.

One-minute warning: Forestview is having trouble producing scoring opportunities.

Taylor Hendrick took a shot for Forestview with 26 seconds remaining, stopping the clock as the Jaguars set up a corner kick. After that, two Jaguar shots hit the cross bar.

The clock stopped for injury with 2.4 seconds remaining. Catholic was able to kick it away to end the game. What a wild finish. Catholic advances with a 3-2 win.

FINAL: Catholic 3, Forestview 2

The Cougars (21-1-1) will face R-S Central or Asheville in the second round.

Forestview finishes its season with a 19-3-1 record.

Crest at East Gaston live game blog

Phillip Gardner — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:47:10 GMT

East Gaston snapped a 20-game losing streak last week by beating North Gaston. I'm betting the Warriors will have a hard time making it two in a row tonight when they play host to Crest.

I'll be blogging live from that game as soon as it begins at 7:30. Check back then to follow the action.

FIRST QUARTER
After about a 10-minute delay to wait for a stand-by ambulance, Crest received the opening kickoff. The Chargers twice converted on fourth-down (the first was a TD run by QB Reggie Wilkins called back by a block-in-the-back penalty) and eventually scored on a 5-yard run by Neil Chambers on an option pitch to the left. Crest 7, East Gaston 0, 6:06 first quarter.

East Gaston advanced the ball 22 yards before punting. The punt was shanked out of bounds. Crest takes over at its own 40, 3:55 on the first-quarter clock.

Crest drove quickly down the field. Chambers ran for 14 yards on the first play, Price picked up 35 on the next and the Chargers scored four plays later on Rhaheim Ledbetter's 4-yard run on a pitch right. Crest 14, East Gaston 0, 1:22 first quarter.

East Gaston fumbled on first down and Crest gets the ball at the East Gaston 17.

SECOND QUARTER

Reggie Wilkins ran a QB keeper for a 9-yard TD on the first play of the second quarter. Crest 21, East Gaston 0, 11:52.

East Gaston coaches made a bold call, choosing to go for it on fourth-and-2 from its own 30. The Warriors rushed to the line of scrimmage and ran a FB bull-run up the middle before Crest could set its defense and picked up the first down. EG didn't pick up another first down, though, and punted it away. Crest takes over at its own 39.

Crest advanced to the East Gaston 32 but turned it over on downs. Josh Doster made a nice tackle of Rhaheim Ledbetter on fourth and one. East Gaston ball at the 34 with 5:36 before halftime.

East Gaston reached the Crest 34 before turning the ball over on downs. Crest will get another chance to score before halftime with 2:21 on the clock.

Two incomplete passes, one short run and a punt. East Gaston gets the ball back at its own 13 with 1:20 before halftime.

J.J. Jenkins fumbled the pitch for the second time tonight and Crest fell on the loose ball at the East Gaston 5 with 34.8 seconds remaining.

Three plays later, Ledbetter punched it in from 1 yard out. Crest 28, East Gaston 0, 17.4 seconds before halftime.
East Gaston ran one running play for a loss and we've reached halftime.

HALFTIME: CREST 28, EAST GASTON 0

Crest outgained East Gaston 183-41 in the first half. The Chargers rushed for 134 yards, led by Neil Chambers' 42 yards on 10 carries. Thadus Benton has rushed for 42 yards for East Gaston.

THIRD QUARTER
East Gaston was moving the ball nicely but fumbled a pitch near midfield. Taylor Crosby scooped up the loose ball and ran 41 yards untouched down the right sideline for a TD. Crest 35, East Gaston 0, 6:42 third.

East Gaston punted and Crest easily worked its way down field. The Chargers scored on a 7-play 73-yard drive, capped by Ledbetter's 11-yard TD run, his third TD of the night. Crest 42, East Gaston 0, 0:48.0 third quarter.

With a running clock, this one ended quickly. Crest wins it 42-0, setting up a showdown with South Point next week for a share of the Big South 3A/4A Conference title.

Final: Crest 42, East Gaston 0

East Lincoln moving up

Phillip Gardner — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:02:54 GMT

East Lincoln not only clinched the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference title this week, but also moved up a spot in my 2A state rankings.

Southwest Onslow suffered its first loss of the season, as No. 2 Jacksonville Northside dealt the Stallions a 32-0 defeat. If the game were closer, I might have kept Southwest Onslow at No. 3, but the blowout opened up room for East Lincoln to take my No. 3 spot.

The Mustangs (9-1) beat West Lincoln 43-7 on Monday and will have a week off before closing the regular season next week at home against South Iredell.

Here's my complete AP poll ballot for this week:

4A
1. Charlotte Independence 8-0
2. Matthews Butler 9-0
3. Asheville Reynolds 7-1
4. Fayetteville Britt 8-1
5. West Forsyth 8-1
6. Wilmington Hoggard 7-1
7. Winston-Salem Mt. Tabor 8-1
8. East Mecklenburg 8-1
9. Fayetteville Seventy-First 8-1
10. Mallard Creek 10-0

3A
1. Greensboro Dudley 9-0
2. Rocky Mount 8-1
3. Belmont South Point 8-1
4. Winston-Salem Carver 8-1
5. Waynesville Tuscola 9-0
6. Jamestown Ragsdale 10-0
7. West Rowan 8-1
8. Eastern Alamance 9-0
9. West Craven 9-0
10. Newton Foard 8-1

2A
1. Reidsville 9-0
2. Jacksonville Northside 9-0
3. East Lincoln 9-1
4. Lenoir Hibriten 8-1
5. Newton-Conover 8-1
6. Tarboro 8-1
7. South Columbus 8-1
8. Southwest Onslow 8-1
9. East Henderson 8-1
10. Salisbury 9-0

1A
1. Warsaw Kenan 9-0
2. Thomasville 9-0
3. Murphy 9-0
4. Mt. Airy 9-0
5. Albemarle 8-1
6. Topsail 9-0
7. Jones County 8-1
8. Dunn Midway 8-1
9. Siler City Jordan-Matthews 7-2
10. Cherokee 8-1

Live blogging from the Lincolnton at Bessemer City football game

Phillip Gardner — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:02:21 GMT

I'm at my third prep football game in four nights after Friday's rainy forecast shuffled the schedule. Tonight, I'm covering Lincolnton at Bessemer City, which should be a pretty good matchup in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.

The action begins at 7 p.m.

FIRST QUARTER
Lincolnton received the opening kickoff and drove 50 yards in eight plays to get on the scoreboard first. The Wolves scored on Rashad Thompson's 7-yard run. Lincolnton 7, Bessemer City 0, 8:35.

Bessemer City moved the ball well on its first drive but failed to reach the end zone. Lincolnton staged a huge defensive stand, holding the Jackets to three consecutive 0-yard gains from the 5. Lincolnton ball with 2:45 remaining in the first quarter.

Lincolnton couldn't advance the ball far, gaining just five yards to the 10 before punting. Bessemer City had an illegal block on a minimal gain on the return. The Jackets take over at their own 46.

BC has reached the Lincolnton 46 at the end of the first quarter and will face fourth and 2 from the Lincolnton 46 when we resume.

SECOND QUARTER
Lincolnton's defense came up with another stand, holding QB Logan to just shy of two yards on fourth and two. Lincolnton ball at its 45.

The Wolves faked a punt at midfield and picked up 22 yards on a run by Tevin Avery. Five plays later, Thompson scored on a 5-yard run -- his second TD of the night. The conversion failed. Lincolnton 13, Bessemer City 0, 8:28 second quarter.

The teams traded punts, then Bessemer City got ont he board with an 8-yard TD run by Aaron Rainey. The play was set up by Xavier Logan's 26-yard run to the 8. The extra point was blocked. Lincolnton 13, Bessemer City 6, 3:01 second quarter.

BC forced another Linoclnton three-and-out. After the punt, BC takes over at the Lincolnton 43 with 54 seconds before halftime.

A 35-yard pass from Logan to Jonathan Sellers put BC in business. They have the ball at the Linc 12 with 31 seconds before halftime.

After three incomplete passes, Logan ran left and barely reached the corner of the end zone with 13 seconds remaining. Logan also ran in the 2-point conversion and BC leads 14-13.

Lincolnton ran one play from its own 49 after a squib kick but Thompson lost seven yards.

HALFTIME: Bessemer City 14, Lincolnton 13

HALFTIME STATS

Lincolnton
Rushes-yards: 21-107
Passing yards: 12
Comp-att-int: 2-7-0
Total offense: 119
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 5-38

Leaders
Thompson 9 carries, 57 yards, 2 TDs
Tevin Avery 2 carries, 22 yards

Bessemer City
Rushes-yards: 14-68
Passing yards: 90
Comp-att-int: 9-19-0
Total offense: 158
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 3-20

Leaders
Logan 4 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD
Logan 90 yards passing
Rainey 4 carries, 20 yards, 1 TD

THIRD QUARTER
Bessemer City has the ball to start the second half.

Bessemer City punted. Lincolnton then drove to the BC 14 but wound up turning the ball over on downs. BC still leads 14-13 late in the third quarter.

A nice catch by Terrance Dawkins gave BC a first down at its own 45 on the final play of the third quarter.

FOURTH QUARTER
Logan fumbled on the first play of the fourth quarter and Lincolnton recovered at the BC 43. Lincolnton QB Brandon Wilson returned the favor two plays later, fumbling at the BC 33. BC recovered and has the ball at its own 33 with 11:28 remaining, still leading 14-13.

BC came up empty and had to punt. Lincolnton ball on its own 25 with 7:40 remaining.

Three consecutive incomplete passes by Lincolnton (the first by Jordan Wright on a flea-flicker) gave BC the ball back at the Lincolnton 40 with 5:13 to play.

BC has reached the Lincolnton 28 but faces third and 12 with 2:46 to go. Lincolnton just called its final timeout.

Parker, now at QB for BC, appeared to get the first down, but officials called him two yards short. Fourth and 2 with 2:04 remaining.

Parker looked to run on fourth down, but Lincolnton had him contained, and he threw a pass short of his intended receiver. Lincolnton takes over at its own 17 with 1:59 left. BC still ahead 14-13.

Lincolnton drove to the BC 34 but three incomplete passes gave BC the ball with one second remaining. BC holds on to win, 14-13. It's the Jackets' first win over Lincolnton since 1958.

FINAL SCORE: BESSEMER CITY 14, LINCOLNTON 13

Make sure to check out the recap later tonight on VarsityNC.com and GastonGazette.com.

LIVE from North Lincoln at Cherryville

Phillip Gardner — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:37:20 GMT

I'm in Cherryville for the only prep football game of the night. The Ironmen will take on North Lincoln in a game moved from Friday due to forecasted rain that never transpired.

I'll be blogging occasionally but not as frequently as my usual game blogs.

FIRST QUARTER
Cherryville received the opening kickoff.

The teams traded punts on their first drives. Jordan McClain then intercepted Thomas Bess on Cherryville's next drive.

Despite a 22-yard run by Kenny Raymer to the Cherryville 11, North Lincoln came up short when Peter Amico's 30-yard field goal attempt was short.

After another Cherryville punt, a 55-yard screen pass from Brad Mosteller to Pat Sykes set up the first score of the game. Kenny Raymer carried it in from six yards out, giving North Lincoln a 7-0 lead, 3:52 in the first quarter.

Raymer strikes again, this time with a 19-yard TD run. He now has 66 yards on nine carries. North Lincoln leads 14-0 late in the first quarter.

Another Cherryville three-and-out. The Ironmen will punt when the second quarter begins.

SECOND QUARTER

Four punts to open the second quarter.

Bess has thrown his second interception of the game. North Lincoln takes over at the Cherryville 40.

North Lincoln turned it over on downs when Matt Scott's run on fourth-and-2 came inches short. Cherryville takes over at its own 9.

Cherryville was unable to move the ball. We've reached halftime, with North Lincoln leading 14-0.

HALFTIME: NORTH LINCOLN 14, CHERRYVILLE 0

HALFTIME STATS

North Lincoln
First downs: 7
Rushing: 22-89
Passing: 2-7-0, 64 yards
Total offense: 153 yards
Penalties: 2-25
Fumbles-lost: 3-0
Raymer -- 11 carries, 80 yards, 2 TDs

Cherryville
First downs: 2
Rushing: 19-14
Passing: 2-12-2, 10 yards
Total offense: 24 yards
Penalties: 3-25
Fumbles-lost: 1-0

THIRD QUARTER
North Lincoln opened the third quarter with a drive that resulted in a punt. Bess then threw his third interception. Mitchell Gates picked him off this time, returning it from the Cherryville 23 to the 6. On the next play, Gates ran nine yards into the end zone. North Lincoln 21, Cherryville 0, 8:08 third quarter.

Cherryville punted for the sixth time tonight. North Lincoln returned it to the 16 and a facemask penalty gave the Knights the ball on the eight (half the distance). One play later, Matt Scott bullied into the end zone from eight yards out. North Lincoln 28, Cherryville 0, 6:45 third quarter.

Cherryville punted, North Lincoln turned the ball over on downs at the Cherryville 22, then Bess threw his fourth interception. North Lincoln ball at the Cherryville 40 with 1:48 left in the third quarter.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: NORTH LINCOLN 28, CHERRYVILLE 0

FOURTH QUARTER

Cherryville crossed the 50 for the first time on a 27-yard pass play from Thomas Bess to Erik Crank. Four plays later, Bess ran an option keeper up the middle 21 yards for a TD. North Lincoln 28, Cherryville 7, 10:19 fourth quarter.

North Lincoln fumbled away its next possession. Cherryville ball on the Ironmen 43 with 7:09 remaining.

Cherryville punted and Robbie Ackerman returned it 78 yards for a touchdown. North Lincoln 35, Cherryville 7, 5:28 remaining.

Cherryville isn't quiting. The Ironmen manufactured a 68-yard scoring drive, capped by Bess' 39-yard TD run. North Lincoln 35, Cherryville 14, 2:41 left.

North Lincoln fumbled on its first play of the next drive and Cherryville recovered. The Ironmen gave it right back, though, as Bess threw his fifth interception of the night. Pat Sykes picked him off in the end zone for a touchback. 2:21 remaining.

North Lincoln ran out the rest of the clock and it's a final: North Lincoln 35, Cherryville 14