This one is a must-see. Both teams started the season 1-3, but have rebounded nicely winning ten straight. Anson breezed through their first two opponents. Anson beat St. Stephens 35-10 and walloped Olympic 55-20. Kings Mountain, on the other hand, had to scrape and scuffle through their first two playoff games. They beat Hickory 24-7 after a scoreless first half and then beat Mooresville 41-34 in three overtimes.

 

The Bearcats have been rolling through their opponents averaging 42 points a game and have pitched three shutouts. The Mountaineers defense is going to have contain Anson’s Triple-Option attack and will have to stay consistent offensive in order to have a chance in this one.

 

Experience is also a key factor in this one. This would be Anson’s third straight year in the post-season while this is Kings Mountain’s first year in ages in the quarter-finals.

 

Asheville has really turned it around since their 0-2 start. They have won ten of their last eleven games. Their last loss was to Tuscola, a team Asheville just beat 31-10 last week. However, the Cougars are going to have bring their A+ game to Lineberger Stadium. The Red Raiders have scored 42 points in their first two playoff games and their defense has punished their opponents. The Red Raiders’ defense is also responsible for four shutouts this year.

 

Ironically, the last time these two met was the day after Thanksgiving. That was in 2003 and it was also the year that South Point won the 3A State Championship. Like this team, that South Point team also lost their opening game that year to a South Carolina team. The only thing different was that it was at Asheville and it was the fourth round and not the fourth. Unfortunately for those who would like to see another Snow Bowl, the weather does not forecast such a thing.

 

But do look for a similar outcome in the game.

 

 

Entering the playoffs with a 5-6 overall record and a twelfth seed, the Trojans of Bandys really mounted a turnaround. Bandys toppled Ashe County 42-24 and then surprised fourth-seeded Shelby with a two-point conversion that won the game 22-21 in overtime. Next in line for the Trojans is East Lincoln, a team that beat Bandys 35-28 earlier this season. However, the Mustangs have also upped their game since the beginning of the season. They have put up an average of 36 points in their twelve wins and have allowed only eleven. Bandys was the last team that scored over two touchdowns on the Mustangs, but North Lincoln was the last team that really gave them a tight game.

 

Bandys should give East Lincoln a fight, but do expect the Mustangs to pull away in the final quarter.

 

 My pick: East Lincoln 35 – Bandys 21