4A- New Hanover, 10-1 (Mideastern), vs. Clayton, 9-2 (Greater Neuse River), at 7:30p.m. at Legion Stadium
New Hanover escaped with a 14-point win over Southeast Raleigh in the first round of playoffs. During the practice week, the Wildcats worked on staying mentally prepared and protecting the football. New Hanover committed nine penalties last week and four turnovers.
“It was an ugly game last week and we were unable to get any rhythm or momentum going,” said New Hanover Coach Kevin Motsinger. “The first time playing in cold weather may have led to some balls slipping off the finger tips, which resulted in those interceptions. But we had a great few days of practice in that cold weather this week and I expect our guys to come out focused.”
On offense, the Wildcats will continue to look to get the ball to their four playmakers Trevon Brown, Jaycen Murphy, Ramone Simpson and Montrell Baldwin. Baldwin ran for three touchdowns in last week’s win. Expect Clayton to try and pressure sophomore quarterback Ward Coleman.
“They’re big up front on defense so we’re going to see what they give us. If they give us the run, we’re going to run it. If they want to allow Trevon and Jaycen to dictate the game through the air, we’re going to pass it. Our offensive line will have their work cut out for them, but there’s a few different things we can do to get Ward the time he needs to find our playmakers,” Motsinger said.
Motsinger’s defense allowed just 175 total yards to Southeast Raleigh. The Wildcats’ defense will have its work cut out as the Comets have put up big numbers on the scoreboard this year. Clayton has been held to just 14 points in only one game all season.
“They’re going to pound the football with three running backs who have run for almost 1,000-yards apiece. They’re going to be happy with a 3-yard gain with the clock moving. They won’t throw it that much and they want to keep our offense off the field, and our defensive kids need to understand that,” Motsinger said.
Hoggard, 9-2 (Mideastern), at New Bern, 11-0 (Mideastern)
The Vikings will travel to New Bern on Friday–one of the perennial favorites out of the east region in the 4A tournament. Hoggard fell to the Bears on the road during the regular season 39-7.
“The big thing now, having played them earlier in the season, is we know what to expect. I’m confident we’ve been able to make the adjustments to hopefully put our guys in a little better position to be successful,” Hoggard Coach Scott Braswell said.
New Bern has a handful of Division 1-caliber talent on offense, led by senior quarterback Josh Taylor and running back Jaquin Watkins. Watkins and Taylor put in four touchdowns against Hoggard on Oct. 15.
“We’re tweaking some things that we’ve done on defense, but when you’re playing an option-type team, it gets back to the fundamentals. Somebody’s going to have to make a play in space on a shifty quarterback and pretty big-time tailback who’s catching that pitch. It’s all going to start up front, both offensively and defensively,” Braswell said.
Hoggard went on the road to Southern Durham last Friday and held on to a 28-26 win in the first round of the state playoffs. The Vikings let a 21-0 lead slip away but stopped a two-point conversion attempt with 30 seconds remaining to seal the victory. With last week’s win, Hoggard advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Senior quarterback Christian Poveromo has thrown for 1,552 yards on the year and 15 touchdowns. The Vikings may have to play without senior running back Sheldon Cooper, who has also found the end zone 19 times with 1,166 yards rushing. Cooper went down in last week’s game, and according to coach Braswell, Cooper playing would be a game-time decision.
“We’ve had a week of preparation now without some of our key players. Our hope is that Sheldon will be able to play, but he’s in a boot right now and we’ll see how it works out. We’ve been realistic about that and have spent the [week] trying to get some of younger guys ready to play against the No. 2 ranked team in the state,” Braswell said.
1AA- Pender, 6-5 (Tri-County), at Red Springs, 9-2 (Three Rivers)
Coming off a 40-20 upset win at conference rival Wallace-Rose Hill, Pender will head to Robeson County on Friday for a date with the Red Springs Red Devils. Following a loss to Wallace-Rose Hill back on Oct. 12, Pender went on a three-game winning streak and will look to keep the momentum going heading into round two of the 1AA state playoffs.
The Patriots will continue to work its offense after rushing for more than 400 yards in last week’s win. On the defensive side of the ball, Pender will have to contain junior quarterback Blake Greene. Greene has thrown 24 touchdowns this season with more than 2,000 yards passing. Greene is dual threat for the Red Devils with 10 touchdowns and more than 500 yards rushing.
