As we head into Week Two, we see all the Carter County teams open up conference play. We take a look at things to watch for in this week’s slate of games.
Elizabethton at Sullivan East: For Elizabethton, this week is all about coming out and putting the Science Hill game in the rearview mirror. The Cyclones proved they have the offense to be one of the top teams in the area as well as the defense (minus the 35-point first quarter). The key for Elizabethton in Bluff City is simple – just get back to playing football.
Hampton at Unaka: The Bulldogs also need to get back to playing football to erase the memory of last week’s stumble. This week, Hampton needs to finish the offensive drives to get points on the board, while not shooting themselves in the foot. The Bulldogs defense has put opposing offenses on the sidelines this season.
For Unaka, the Rangers need to continue to get and stay healthy. The small roster size has been reduced even further by injuries, and they need to get back to full strength. Offensively, Unaka must find a rhythm for the whole game, and that will come for the young squad as they get more reps.
Happy Valley at Sullivan South: A trip to Kingsport is never an easy task, but a trip on the rebound is even tougher. The Warriors have to find the offensive groove that they had in the first half of the Cloudland game. With Nathan Hicks showing he is another threat to contend with, the Warriors have a great group in the backfield. However, Happy Valley is facing a daunting few weeks, and needs to take advantage of every opportunity.
Cosby at Cloudland: The ‘Landers found their offensive groove last week in the second half against Happy Valley, and need to keep it rolling as they open Mountain East Conference play. After scoring 20 points combined in the first six quarters, Colby Birchfield and the ‘Landers exploded for 32 points in the second half. Cloudland will need to keep that offensive attack rolling, while keeping Cosby quarterback Dereck Weeks in check.
