What’s Up in Prep Football

Lewis Carpenter's Articles

By Lewis Carpenter

Another great week of high school football!  Lincolnton had a huge crowd for their game against Maiden, and I understand some other schools around the area had large gates as well.  There are more than a few local teams who will probably be in the playoffs come November: Shelby, Lincolnton, Burns, Crest, Kings Mountain, South Point, and Cherryville to name a few.  There will be many more come playoff time.  This area is blessed with fine coaching staffs that get the most out the talent they have to work with.  They set good examples for their teams and teach life skills as well as football.

Larry Carpenter, counselor and head athletic trainer for Ashbrook High School, has been to Wake Forrest for a bone marrow transplant.  He will have 6 months to year before he knows how it will turn out.  He is the son of Jerry Carpenter, former head football coach at Ashbrook.  Larry is one of the “good guys” respected by peers and students.  He and I worked together at Bessemer City High School.  I ask you to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you.

I was 11-3 this week, bringing my total to 33-8 so far this season.  This is much better than where I started last season.  Some of these teams are so close in talent level, it is hard to always pick the winner.

MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK IN ALL CAPS:

GASTON COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

Highland @ BESSEMER CITY - Neither of these teams have won a game yet.  Bessemer is playing at home and Highland has really struggled.  Someone will get their first win.  Catch this game on the internet at whatsupshopper.com.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

CREST @ Shelby - This one is almost impossible to call.  Shelby is at home and playing very well.  Crest has been very strong this year and is also playing well.  This game should be close with maybe a mistake making the difference.  Game carried on WOHS 1390, Shelby or realcountry1390.com.

LINCOLN COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

East Gaston @ EAST LINCOLN - East Lincoln is not as strong this year, but they should be able to handle this one.  Check your paper to see if this game will be at home.  East Lincoln has been working on their stadium and may have to move it. Broadcast live on whatsupshopper.com.

THE REST OF THE BEST

WEST LINCOLN @ Thomas Jefferson - West has been playing very well this year.  Thomas Jefferson is still a relatively new program with the usual problems.

Hickory @ KINGS MOUNTAIN - Kings Mountain lost to Burns last week, but they are still a good team and will rebound against Hickory.

Burns @ ASHEVILLE - Asheville is usually a mountain power, and they are at home.  Burns is playing very well, and this could be the year they get the “Cougars”.  Should be close!

Ashbrook @ SOUTH CALDWELL - South is undefeated, and the “Green Wave” has yet to crest.

Forestview @ BYRNES SC - South Carolina teams are very tough.  This one could get ugly.

Hunter Huss @ CONCORD - The “Spiders” are not as strong as they have been in years past, but should be more than Huss can handle.

LINCOLNTON @ North Gaston - Several years ago, this was a competitive game.  Not anymore.  This one will get ugly, and Coach Cloninger will take it easy.  North is no match for the “Wolves”.  Catch this game on WLON 1050AM, Lincolnton or hrnb.com.

TC Roberson @ SOUTH POINT - Roberson is 4-A, but they are 1-2 this year.  South Point is hard to beat in Belmont and should take this one.  WCGC 1270AM in Belmont will carry this game.

Chase @ CHERRYVILLE - This one is close, could go either way. I pick the “Ironmen” to win at home.  Catch the action on WCSL 1590, Cherryville or hrnb.com.

North Lincoln @ NORTH IREDELL - Neither of these teams has won yet this year.  North Iredell is at home and should win this one.

Try to get out and see a high school game this week.  If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me at lccarpenter44@charter.net.

“Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise,” I will see again next week in What’s Up Shopper.  - See ya, Lewis.

What’s Up in Prep Football

Lewis Carpenter's Articles

By Lewis Carpenter

I was fortunate to see one the best high school football games I have ever seen Friday night.  Lincolnton defeated South Point 43-42 in overtime with a two-point conversion. This game went back and forth all night with neither team able to put it away. It was a “fan’s dream” and “a coaches nightmare.”   Both teams played very well.  There was not a personal foul or unsportsmanlike penalty called on either team.  This speaks well of two well-coached and disciplined football teams.  The coaching staffs for either of these teams could take almost any program and make it successful.  It was high school football the way it should be played, hard and clean.  South Point is now 0-2, but they will bounce back and still have a winning season.  Lincolnton goes to 2-0 and needs to be careful of getting too confident.  You always need to remember what got you here and keep on doing it.

In other games, Ashbrook played well against Clover, but Clover has too many horses.  Bessemer City lost big to Hunter Huss.  In Cleveland County, Crest defeated Burns 42-19, and Shelby and Kings Mountain both won big.  I was 15-1 this week bringing my total to 22-5.  I have got to keep on predicting well to keep this up!

MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK IN ALL CAPS:

GASTON COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

SHELBY @ Ashbrook - Shelby looks very strong and Ashbrook continues to struggle.  I think Ashbrook will improve, but with their tough schedule, they better get to work.  This game will be broadcast on WOHS 1390 or realcountry1390.com.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

Kings Mountain @ BURNS - This will be a very close game.  Kings Mountain has a good team, but I am giving Burns the edge at home.  This game will be on the internet at whatsupshopper.com.

LINCOLN COUNTY GAME OF WEEK

Maiden @ LINCOLNTON – Maiden has improved greatly from last year, but Lincolnton will be hard to beat at home. Lincolnton needs to forget last week and concentrate on Maiden. This game will be on WHATSUPSHOPPER.COM!  The WOHS 1390AM What’s UP SunDrop Tailgate Party will be there for your pregame entertainment.  Play cornhole, grill out, register for prizes and more!

THE REST OF THE BEST

SOUHT POINT @ East Gaston - South Point will be fired up for this game, and although East has played well so far this season, I think the “Red Raiders” will be raiding.  This game will be on the internet at whatsupshopper.com.

Mooresville @ BANDYS - Bandys is playing well, and is tough at home.  Mooresville has not had a good year so far.

TC Roberson @ Crest - Roberson usually has a good team, but Crest is at home and the “Chargers” are really charging at this time.

CLOVER @ Forestview - Clover has been controlling Gaston County teams and Forestview will fall this week to the South Carolina powerhouse.

Tuscola @ HUNTER HUSS -   Tuscola traditionally has a strong program, but they are 0-2 so far this year.  Huss looked very good against Bessemer City and should continue their winning ways.

North Gaston @ WEDDINGTON - Weddington is undefeated and has scored big in its first two games.  The “Wildcats” still have much work to do.

Bessemer City @ CHASE - Both of these teams are 0-2, but Chase played well against Chesnee and Bessemer is still looking for answers.

CHERRYVILLE @ West Henderson -   West is 0-2 and Cherryville has played very well in its first two games.  This game will be broadcast on WCSL, 1590 AM or at hrnb.com.

EAST SURRY @ North Lincoln - East is 1-1 so far this season, and North is 0-2 and still has some problems to solve.

WEST LINCOLN @ Fred T. Foard - Coach Sain has the “Rebels” playing well so far this year.  They should continue this at Foard.

Highland @ BISHOP MCGUINESS - Highland is struggling this year and McGuiness is always a tough opponent.

Try to get out and see a game this week.  You will enjoy it, and the young folks will appreciate it.

“Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see again next week in the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER.

-  See Ya, Lewis

What’s Up in Prep Football

Lewis Carpenter's Articles

By Lewis Carpenter

I witnessed good football this past Friday as Lincolnton defeated East Rutherford, 52-20.  Lincolnton ran out to a 38-0 lead, but East came back and scored three touchdowns.  The Wolves just had too much offense and won easily. Lincolnton plays at South Point this Friday, but more on that later.

Cherryville lost to Bunker Hill Friday and star quarterback, Thomas Bess, was injured during the game.  According to reports, he was checked out at the hospital and will be fine.  This would have been a big blow to Cherryville to lose him this early in the season.  Congrats to West Lincoln and new coach, Tom Saine, on their win over West Wilkes!  Tom is a good guy, and we wish him well in his new position.  RS Central defeated Bessemer City Friday night and continued their win streak against Bessemer City in opening games.

One of the big games on tap for this week is Lincolnton at South Point.  These are two of the stronger programs in the area with two of the most successful coaches, Scott Cloninger and John Devine.  I talked with both of them this week and asked them the same questions.  1. Even though this is not a conference game, why is important for your program?  2. What do you look for from the other team?

Coach Devine’s reply to question one: “They’re going to keep score, and anytime you keep score it is important to win.”   He went on to say that Lincolnton was one of the best teams in the area, and if you can play well against them, you can play anybody.  He also pointed out this was a rivalry that dated back to the 1960s with both teams having great respect for the other.  Devine said the main point about Lincolnton was their experience and speed at most positions.  He closed by saying that, “Preparing for this game will cause me a headache all week.”

Coach Cloninger said that this game was important because it is a “measuring stick of how good a team you are.  South Point is always a quality team, and to do well against them shows you what you need to do win against good teams.”   He also remarked how physical South Point up front and how well they execute.   He closed by saying “They (SP) are well coached and always prepared to play.” This should be a great game!   Get there early, Lineberger stadium will be rocking

I was 7-4 last week, not great, but better than I started out last year.

MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK IN ALL CAPS:

Bessemer City @ HUNTER HUSS - Bessemer and Huss both lost last week.  The kids on these teams know each other, and it will be a hard fought game.  I choose Huss to win a close one at home.  This game will be carried live on the Internet at whatsupshopper.com.

Burns @ CREST - This is a huge game for both schools even though it has no conference implications.  These are two very well-coached teams and storied programs.  This game should be close.  I am picking Crest because they are at home. This game will be live on the Internet at whatsupshopper.com.

Newton-Conover @ EAST LINCOLN - East is very tough at home, but these are two strong programs and anything could happen.  This game could have future impact as these two could meet again in the playoffs.

FORESTVIEW @ East Rutherford - Forestview lost in SC this past week, but should be able to handle the CAVELIERS.  East is not a bad team.  Should be a good game!

CLOVER @ Ashbrook - Clover hasn’t lost to a Gaston County team in several years, and this will not be the exception.  Clover, looking very good against South Point and Ashbrook, still has its problems.

Q Foundation @ KINGS MOUNTAIN - The MOUNTIES are tough at home and Q doesn’t have the horses to win this one.

EAST GASTON @ North Gaston - Both of these teams have had problems in recent years, but East has looked better this year.

LINCOLNTON @ South Point - Both of these coaches are very good friends of mine so I hate I have to pick a winner.  This ballgame will be well-played and close.  Lincolnton’s speed may be the difference.   This game will be carried live on WLON 1050, Lincolnton or hrbn.com on the internet.

Draughn @ CHERRYVILLE – Cherryville played well in losing to Bunker Hill and should be too fast for Draughn.

North Lincoln @ BUNKER HILL - North continues to struggle and Bunker Hill ran out the old Notre Dame Box against Cherryville.  This offense is not seen much and can be confusing.  Woody Fish had great success with it at Bessemer City in the 1980’s.

WEST LINCOLN @ North Wilkes - West looked great Friday, and I expect their good fortune to continue.

Highland @ CENTRAL ACADEMY TECH - Highland was beaten badly last week and was beaten by Central last year.

Watauga @ SHELBY - The “Golden Lions” are at home and by all accounts have remounted and reloaded. This game will be live on 1390 WOHS radio and whatsupshopper.com.

BANDYS @ St. Stephens - Bandys won this past week and St. Stephens lost.  Bandys to win on the road!

Hickory @ STATESVILLE - This is Hickory’s first game, and Statesville played well against A.L. Brown last week.

Fred T. Foard @ MAIDEN - Maiden was strong against North Lincoln last week and is hosting a winless Foard team.

Please try and get out to see a game this week.  The kids need your support and you will have a good time!

What’s Up in Prep Football

Lewis Carpenter's Articles

By Lewis Carpenter

It is that time of year again, and What’s Up Shopper has once again allowed me to voice my observations.  I have attended several scrimmages and was surprised by what I saw.  West Lincoln looked good against North Gaston.  Burns and Crest both looked very good.  They play each other on August 27.  This will be a huge game for both programs.  Cherryville looked very impressive against West Caldwell.  Can anyone say Thomas Bess?  This young man may be the best overall athlete in the county and if he stays healthy, Cherryville will win more than they lose.  Bessemer City gave up one score against West Mecklenburg on a long run around the corner.  On offense, I was impressed with sophomore, Brady James, who has a strong arm and good instincts.  With experience he is going to be a fine player and help Bessemer City win some games.  Brady’s father and former student of mine, Billy James, is helping to coach at Bessemer City.  Lincolnton did not look real strong against Crest, but I still believe they will be a force in the conference.  They have some fine skill people returning.

I didn’t get to see any of the Gastonia teams or South Point.  I think there will be some good teams in that area.  The football in our four county area is going to be very good again this year with more than a few state playoff entrants.

MY PICKS FOR THIS WEEK IN ALL CAPS:

Ashbrook @ SUN VALLEY – Ashbrook has a new coach and will probably improve this year.  Sun Valley plays in a tough 3-A 4-A conference and should be strong again this year.

FORESTVIEW @ Nation’s Ford SC - South Carolina teams are usually tough, but I think the JAGUARS will pull this out.

North Gaston @ WADDELL - North has struggled the past few years , and I am afraid they are going to have their troubles again this year.

South Point @ CLOVER - Clover is usually very tough at home.  I think South Point will have good team this year.  It will be a hard-fought game between two fine programs.

RS Central @ BESSEMER CITY - RS had a good year last year and finished strong, but BC is at home with a good young quarterback and something to prove.

Bunker Hill @ CHERRYVILLE  -  Based on what I saw the other night in the scrimmage, Cherryville is going to be a good football team and give lots of people fits.

East Rutherford @ LINCOLNTON - The Wolves were not real impressive the other night against Crest, but I believe that Coach Cloninger and his coaches will have the WOLVES ready to play.

North Lincoln @ MAIDEN - I don’t know a whole lot about either of these teams, but traditionally, Maiden is tough at home.

West Wilkes @ WEST LINCOLN  -  At the scrimmage the other night, I thought Coach Saine had the REBELS playing about as well as I had seen them play in a while.  They played hard and hustled.

Hickory Grove @ HIGHLAND - Don’t know much about either of these teams, but I think Highland will win at home.

BANDYS @ Fred T. Foard - This should be a close game with Bandys winning.

BURNS, CREST, KINGS MOUNTAIN, and SHELBY are at the Cleveland County Jamboree.

NEWTON-CONOVER and HICKORY are open this week.

I hope that you will be able to get out and support the teams, bands and cheerleaders this week.  These kids work hard for the love of doing what they do.  They will appreciate your support.

“Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you here next week in WHATS UP SHOPPER.

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

Last Friday night I witnessed a great individual performance by South Point’s Quarterback  Josh Justice .  He rushed for 226 yards, scored four touchdowns, threw for 67 yards and another touchdown.  South Point dominated the game until 8 minutes left in the game, when Anson County scored two touchdowns and recovered two onside kicks.  Justice scored another touchdown to put it out of reach.  South Point will face South Johnson in the State Finals, Saturday at 2:30 PM in Chapel Hill.  More on that later.

Newton-Conover defeated a very good Salisbury team 17-10 in overtime.  In talking to some friends who attended this game, it was hard fought right down to the end.  Newton will face Reidsville for the 2-AA championship in Chapel Hill at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 12.

This has been a great year for local high school football with 11 teams qualifying for the playoffs.  I was able to see some great games.  My thanks to the coaches and players for their access during the season.  We are fortunate to have some fine coaching staffs in our area who are a credit to the way the game should be played.  My congratulations to them for their hard work and dedication. I got both my predictions right last week and now to this week’s predictions.

2-AA State Championship

REIDSVILLE / Newton-Conover -  Reidsville is the defending state champion having defeated East Lincoln last year for the 2-AA championship.  They have won 47 games in a row and two state championships. They have great speed and playoff experience and it is hard to pick against them.  Newton-Conover is the defending state 2-A champions, moving up to the 2-AA division this year.  They have a great team, coaching staff, and playoff experience.  It will take their best effort to defeat Reidsville.  I hope they can pull it off.  Good luck to Coach Bazzelle and the “Red Devils”.

3A State Championship

SOUTH POINT / South Johnson – South Johnson is playing in its first State Championship game.  They defeated several perennial Eastern powers in Fayetteville Byrd, Rocky Mount and Southern Nash in overtime.  According to Coach Devine they will throw the ball two out of every three plays.  They have a strong offensive line and experienced quarterback who has quick release and is very accurate.  They also have some speed receivers who can catch the ball.  In order to stop them, Coach Devine says that South Point needs to put pressure on the quarterback and take away the passing lanes. As he pointed out, this is easier said than done.  On defense they run a 50 look and are quick. I am picking South Point, because of their playoff experience, their option offense and their experienced coaching staff. The option offense is hard to stop and with Josh Justice playing as he is right now, it is even more potent.  Good luck to South Point.  I hope they can bring home a state championship.

My sons and I are planning to attend both of these games and I will have a report for you next week.  “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you here next week in the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER.  See ya,  Lewis.

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

2-AA  PLAYOFFS

Salisbury @ NEWTON-CONOVER -  Newton Conover is the defending state champion and has reached the Western finals by defeating Piedmont, Bandys,( who had defeated them earlier) and East Lincoln.  I attended the East Lincoln game and Newton Conover won  quite handily.  Newton is big, strong, and very quick. Their offensive line dominated the game from the outset. Salisbury reached the finals by defeating East  Burke, Shelby, and Pisgah.  Both Newton and Salisbury were lower seeds and had to travel and defeat some very good football teams. This game Friday night should be tremendous.  Newton is at home and is trying hard to repeat as state champions.  The winner of this game will play the winner of  Reidsville and Kinston at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill at 11:00 AM on Saturday December 12, 2009.

3-AA PLAYOFFS

Anson County @ SOUTH POINT -  South Point defeated Ashbrook, Forestview, and A.L. Brown to reach the Western Finals.  Both Ashbrook and Forestview were conference opponents whom South Point had already played.  No coach wants to face a team two times in a year. This is one of the weaknesses on the dual playoff system. Anson County defeated East Burke, Shelby, and Pisgah to gain the finals.  Both Anson and South Point had to travel for most of the games, which makes winning tougher.  Anson defeated the #1 seed Northern Guilford. I talked with Coach John Devine of South Point about Anson County.  Offensively they run mostly from the I formation.  They have a quarterback who can throw very well and a hard running senior tailback.  They operate behind a big offensive line laden with senior players. On defense they operate mostly from a 4-3 formation which places a premium on linebacker play.  Coach Devine says they have some outstanding linebackers who can get to the ball and hit. South Point runs the “Redbone” a variation of the Wing-T.  Anyone who has played them can tell you they run it very well.  Option football is hard to stop when it is done well, and South Point does it very well.  In a recent Gazette article some of the South Point players were very complimentary of their coaches as being knowledgeable and being able to adjust to game situations. I agree fully with this assessment. They are one the best coaching staffs in high school football.  The winner of this game will play the winner of Southern Nash and South Johnson in Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill at 2:30 PM on Saturday, December 12, 2009.

Best of luck to both Newton and South Point in their quest to win a state title.  Unless you have coached or had some one involved in an athletic program, most people are not aware of how much time is spent in preparing and looking after players.  During the season most coaches and players put in a 12-14 hour day, including school and practice.  Don’t forget most of these coaches are teachers, and the players have to attend class. I think that it is remarkable what they are able to accomplish and they should be recognized for it.

Try to get out this Friday and watch Newton Conover or South Point.  The players, coaches, cheerleaders, and band will appreciate your support and you will enjoy yourself.  “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you at least one more week in the WHATS UP SHOPPER.   See Ya, Lewis

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

We are in the second round of state playoffs and we have 10 local teams still in the hunt.  I was 12-1 this week bringing my total to 99-30 for year.  I have done better lately after a slow start the first few weeks.  The picks this week will be especially hard, because the teams that are left are so evenly matched. There are no bad teams in the second round.

This has been a great season so far, and I have seen some great football.  Hopefully one of our local teams will end up in the state finals.

Here are my picks for this week.

3A PLAYOFFS

BURNS @ Tuscola -  Burns has a lot of speed and momentum, this game should be close.

RS Central @ WEST ROWAN -  RS has had their best season in years, but West Rowan has been a power for a while.

3AA PLAYOFFS

Crest @ ANSON COUNTY -  Crest has been up and down this year and Anson has been strong lately.  Close hard fought game.

SOUTH POINT @ Forestview – Forestview won in the regular season, but South Point is the more experienced playoff team and out to avenge their earlier loss.  This game will be carried on WGNC 1450AM, Gastonia.  The Sundrop What’s Up Shopper Tailgate show will be at this game.

2AA PLAYOFFS

East Salisbury @ SHELBY -  Shelby is tough at home and has much playoff experience.  The “Golden Lions” always play well late in the season.  This game will be carried on WADA, 1390AM. Shelby.

West Stokes @ EAST LINCOLN -  East is at home and playing well.  They won their conference after playing some tough competition and will be ready.

2A PLAYOFFS

Lincolnton @ WINSTON-SALEM CARVER -  I hope that I miss this one as I know the Lincolnton staff very well.  I am afraid that Carver has too much speed and home field advantage. This game will be carried on WLON, 1050AM, Lincolnton.

1AA PLAYOFFS

BESSEMER CITY @ Swain County – Swain is always tough, but I believe that Bessemer’s speed and defense will carry the day.  I think that the competition that BC has played this year will have them ready for Swain.

Some of my picks this week are “iffy” because many of these games could go either way.

Get out and see a playoff game this weekend.  We wish all the local teams well.  “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you here next week in the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER.  See Ya,  Lewis.

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

I witnessed a football game between Bessemer City and Lincolnton last Friday night that was one of the best I have ever seen.  The outcome was in doubt until the last minute of the game.  There were very few penalties, no unsportsmanlike or personal fouls, the hitting was fierce and both teams hustled their buns off.  This is the way high school football should be played and both teams and coaches are to be complimented.  If what I saw Friday night is any indication, both of these teams will do well in the playoffs.

This is the first week of high school state playoffs and as predicted, we have many local teams in the hunt. My record this week was 9-2, bringing my total for the year 87-29.  We will see how I do with my playoff predictions.  Winners in ALL CAPS.

4A   PLAYOFFS

East Gaston @ ASHEVILLE REYNOLDS – East is greatly improved over last year, but is probably no match for Reynolds a traditional mountain powerhouse.

3AA PLAYOFFS

Ashbrook @ SOUTH POINT -  Ashbrook was a late entry into the playoffs and drew South Point, a team they lost to earlier.  This one should result in a “Red Raider” victory also.

Weddington @ FORESTVIEW – Forestview has not won  a playoff game in 8 tries.  I think this is the year they break the string of losses.  “Jags” to win at home.  This game will be broadcast on WGNC 1450 in Gastonia.

CREST @ Northeast Guilford -  Northeast is 8-3 and winner of their conference, but I think Crest has played tougher competition and will win a close one on the road.

3A PLAYOFFS

HUNTER HUSS @  Franklin -  Huss and Franklin both lost to Tuscola by the same score, 35-14.  If Huss plays to its potential, their speed should give them an edge.

West Henderson @ BURNS -  The “Bulldogs” just barely lost to a good Shelby team and has played a tougher schedule than West.  Burns to win at home.

2AA PLAYOFFS

Ashe County @  EAST LINCOLN – East has too much speed and is tough to beat at home.

Bunker Hill @ SHELBY -  Bunker Hill had better buckle up, Shelby is too much for them.  This game will be carried on WADA 1390 in Shelby or realcountry1390.com on the internet.

Piedmont @ NEWTON-CONOVER – The “Red Devils” are out to defend their state championship and will be ready to play.

South Iredell @ BANDYS –  South will no match for the “Trojans”.  This one could get ugly early.

2A PLAYOFFS

Maiden @ LINCOLNTON -  Lincolnton defeated Maiden earlier in the season in a close game.  Both teams have improved, but Lincolnton seems to be on their game.  This game will be carried on WLON 1050 in Lincolnton or hrnb.com.  The Sundrop What’s Up Shopper pre-game show will be at Lincolnton this week.  Go by and see Calvin and Tim.

1AA PLAYOFFS

Avery County @ BESSEMER CITY -  The “Jackets” are playing well right now and will be hard to beat at home.  Too much speed and talent.

Cherryville @ MONROE -  Monroe is undefeated and Cherryville will have a “hard row to hoe” in beating this team.

Get out and see a playoff game this weekend.  We wish all the local teams well.  “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you here next week in the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER.  See Ya,  Lewis.

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

It is rare that someone gets to see sport’s records broken.  It is rarer still to have seen those same records set.  That happened to me Friday night during the Bessemer City, Cherryville football game.  Xavier Logan, Bessemer’s quarterback set a season record with 27 touchdowns passes.  The record had been held by Billy James, Bessemer’s quarterback coach with 26.  Ironically, Coach James called the play that led to the touchdown.  I was the trainer for Bessemer City when Billy played and watched him set the record. It is not too often that you are able to witness an event such as this.

I was 11-0 this weeks with my picks, bringing my total to 78-27 for the year.  This is the first time this year I got them all correct.  There are some great games on tap for this week and I am sure that I will miss some of these.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

Shelby @ BURNS – This game is for the conference championship as both teams are undefeated in the conference.  I am picking Burns because they are at home and have played extremely well lately.  It is hard to pick against Shelby with their experience in big games, but I feel Burns is on a mission to win this conference.  It will be close and a great crowd is expected.  Get there early. This game will be carried on WADA 1390AM in Shelby and the Sundrop What’s Up Shopper Pre-Game Tailgate show will be at this game, live on the internet.

GASTON COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

FORESTVIEW @ Kings Mountain – If Forestview can win this game, they will clinch at least a tie for the conference championship. This will a hard-fought game and should be close. The “Jaguars” to win a close one on the road.  This game will be carried on WGNC 1450AM in Gastonia.

LINCOLN COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

LINCOLNTON @ Bessemer City – This will be a great game.  It is hard to pick against Bessemer at home, but I think Lincolnton has too many offensive weapons for the “Jackets”. This games could go either way and should be close.  This game will be carried on WLON 1050AM in Lincolnton.

THE BEST OF THE REST

Ashbrook @ HUNTER HUSS – Ashbrook defeated Forestview and Huss lost to Forestview and will be up for this game.  The winner will get to keep the “Bell” for the next year. Huss is tough at home.

Crest @ SOUTH POINT – Crest has faltered at times and South Point is very hard to beat at home. If Crest wins and Forestview loses, there could be a three way tie for first place.  If South Point wins and Forestview wins, they will tie for first place. This is a huge game and will be hard-fought.  Get there early.

West Lincoln @ CHERRYVILLE -  West is struggling without their quarterback and Cherryville has too much speed.  The “Ironmen” in a close game.  This game will be carried on WCSL 1590AM  in Cherryville.

North Lincoln @ EAST LINCOLN – East has clinched the conference championship and North will be no match for the “Mustangs” at home.

Waddell @ EAST GASTON -  Waddell is winless in the conference and East Gaston should handle them easily.

Bunker Hill @ BANDYS – Bandys has too much for the “Bears”  This one could get ugly.  This is a big rivalry as the two schools are only 6 miles apart.

West Caldwell @ NEWTON-CONOVER -  This one should not be close with the “Red Devils” winning handlily.

MAIDEN @ Draughn – Maiden is too much for this first year program .  The “Blue Devils’ to roll.

This is the last week of the regular season.  Please get out and see a game.  The playoffs will start next week and we will have our predictions ready.  Quite a few local teams are going to qualify for the playoffs.

“Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you next week in  the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER.

- See Ya,   Lewis.

You can contact me by email at lccarpenter44@charter.net.

West Lincoln High School Varsity Cheerleaders at the What’s Up Sundrop Tailgate Show

What’s Up in Prep Football

By Lewis Carpenter

We are down to the next to last week in the regular high school football season. It sure has gone quickly.  As usual there have been some great games, some upsets, and more to come in the last week  There will be quite a few local teams in the playoffs.  This area will be well represented as they are every year.

Last Friday night Calvin and Tim were unable to do the Sundrop What’s Up Shopper pre-game show on the internet.  They asked Terry Reinhardt, Clint Spencer and myself to fill in for them.  Terry and I have worked together on radio for 13 years.  It was good to be back together and do our “Redneck Radio’ bit.  I hope they were not too disappointed, but we had a great time.  Clint is the Shopper’s NASCAR reporter and he and Terry did a NASCAR segment.  There was a great crowd there for the West Lincoln and Lincolnton game.  It was Senior Night at West and they had a nice ceremony for their seniors.  Both cheerleading squads performed on the show.  It was great.

I was 8-2 this week bringing my total to 67-27 for the year.  Huss defeated Crest and Ashbrook pulled a huge upset over Forestview.  This throws the Big South Conference race into an all-out war.  Forestview, Hunter Huss, and South Point all have one loss and are still in the running for the title. My picks for this week follow with the winners in ALL CAPS.

CLEVELAND COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

BURNS @ RS Central -  Burns is undefeated in conference play with the “Hilltoppers” having one loss.  This should be a close game, but I feel that Burns is on a roll and will win this one, barely.

GASTON COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

Hunter Huss @ FORESTVIEW – I am picking Forestview because they will be up after the upset loss to Ashrook and they are at home.  They were dominated and embarrassed and Huss will have their hands full.  This will be a close hard fought game. Get there early if you want to sit down.  This one is for the outright conference lead.  This game will be carried live on WGNC 1450 in Gastonia.

LINCOLN COUNTY GAME OF THE WEEK

West Lincoln @ EAST LINCOLN -  East Lincoln will be trying to be the  county champions by defeating all the other Lincoln County schools.  East should take this one handily.

THE BEST OF THE REST

Kings Mountain @ CREST -  Crest is tough at home and lost two close games to Huss and Forestview.  Kings Mountain is playing well , but Crest should win at home.

SOUTH POINT @  North Gaston -  North continues to struggle and South Point will have too much for the “Wildcats”.  The “Red Raiders” to win big.

Cherryville @ BESSEMER CITY -  These two are big rivals and Cherryville usually plays their best game against Bessemer.  I think Bessemer’s speed and defense will be too much for the “Ironmen” .  The “Jackets” to win.  This game will be carried live on WCSL 1590 in Cherryville.  The Sundrop What’s Up Shopper pre-game show will be at this game.  Come out and join the guys.  I am planning to be there also.

North Lincoln @ LINCOLNTON – Lincolnton has too much talent for a struggling North Lincoln squad.  The “Wolves” will howl.  This game will be carried live on WLON 1050 in Lincolnton.

EAST GASTON @ West Mecklenburg -  East will have to work to win this one on the road, but I think they will prevail.

East Rutherford @ SHELBY -  The “Golden Lions” are playing extremely well and should handle East Rutherford.  This game will be carried live on WADA 1390 in Shelby.

South Iredell @ NEWTON-CONOVER -  The “Red Devils” are hard to beat at home.  They have played well since their only loss to Bandys.

BANDYS @ East Burke -  This will be a close game.  East has only one loss in the conference, but Bandys is on a mission and should win on the road.

OPEN:  Ashbrook & Highland Tech

Get out and support you local team this weekend.  It will be appreciated and you will enjoy it.  “Good Lord willing and the creek don’t rise”, I will see you here next week in the WHAT’S UP SHOPPER. - See Ya,  Lewis.

You can contact me by email at lccarpenter44@charter.net.