It is hard to believe that we are entering Week 6 of the high school season. Week 6, however, could be a rainy night in Carter County with three games slated. With that said, we take a look at what we think will be key in each matchup.
Happy Valley at Elizabethton– The Cyclones are coming off a big win against Tennessee High last week. After such a big win, it would be easy to see how Elizabethton could have a let down against a winless Warriors’ squad. However, the Cyclones must keep the intensity up that they have had the past few weeks. Ethan Thomas, Caleb Jones and the Elizabethton offense should be able to control the game, and if they do it should celebrate Brown Childress Stadium with a win.
The Warriors, however, are still looking for their first win. It hasn’t been for the lack of effort as Happy Valley has been on the losing end of some heartbreakers. While the odds are against them on Friday night, the Warriors know anything is possible. The biggest key for Happy Valley will be to slow down the Cyclone offense, and the best way to do that is to keep them on the sideline. With Phillip Garland and the rushing attack, the Warriors have the capability to sustain some long drives, and that could go along way if they look to pull off the upset.
Avery (N.C.) at Unaka– The Rangers are a week removed from their first win of the season, and look to continue that momentum against Avery County. Micah Hunt, who was named this week’s Applebee’s of Elizabethton Player of the Week, had a solid game, and the Rangers need much of the same on Friday night.
The Vikings have a dangerous all-around player in quarterback Tre Jackson. Unaka will have to find a way to contain Jackson to increase their odds of winning. Much like Happy Valley, the Rangers need to sustain some drives to help keep control of this game.
North Greene at Hampton– It is homecoming at JC Campbell Stadium. The Bulldogs will have to avoid all the distractions that come along with Homecoming in this matchup. On the field, the Bulldogs must finish drives offensively. In their lone loss of the season, Hampton was unable to finish off drives in Oneida territory, and it came back to haunt them at the end.
The Bulldogs will also have to limit the turnovers and not let the upset-minded Huskies. North Greene has shown they will take advantage of opponent miscues this season. However, Hampton is and should be the favorite on Friday night.
