Gaston Lincoln and Cleveland Round Two Playoff Picks

Game of the Week: South Point (10-2) @ Forestview (10-2)

Another Big South rematch is in the making. The Red Raiders come back to Joe Alala Stadium in hopes of avenging their 21-20 loss against Forestview earlier in the season. Forestview has other ideas. They are out to prove that their elusive one-point victory was not a fluke. Both teams did get a share of the Big South Conference title given Ashbrook knocked off Forestview the next week 21-0. All that is in the past and the regular season is gone. The playoffs are what really matter, now. The winner of this match-up will go on to face the winner of the A.L. Brown-Erwin game. This is one of those games where more than bragging rights and conference championships are at stake. The loser of this game meets the end of the road. The Jaguars are undefeated at home with a 6-0 record this year. Can they keep that streak going?

My pick: Forestview 24 - South Point 21

Bessemer City (8-4) @ Swain County (8-3)

The Yellow Jackets advanced on to the second round of the playoffs with a 33-9 home victory over the Avery County Huskies. Now, the Jackets must take a three hour road trip to take on the Maroon Devils of Swain County. The Devils have won six straight games and in those six games have allowed an average of 8.5 games. Their last loss was to 1A powerhouse, Robbinsville, by a score of 39-0. The Yellow Jackets have allowed only 13 points a game this year with their most lopsided loss coming against Sun Valley in a 38-16 blowout. This game will come down to who makes the fewest mistakes and probably down to missed extra points.

My pick: Swain County 14 - Bessemer City 12

Crest (7-4) @ Anson County (8-4)

These two have not met since 2002 when Crest won 43-0. These two met four times between 2000 and 2002. Anson beat Crest 20-17 in overtime in a second round playoff match-up back in 2000. Crest came back and beat Anson 56-13 in Wadesboro the next year and won 28-0 in the first round of the playoffs in Boiling Springs. The Bearcats breezed past #5 Marvin Ridge 21-7 in the first round while Crest took down #4 Northeast Guilford 27-14. Anson has the ability to score points, but the defense has had a hard time stopping other teams offenses for the most part. Their win over the Mavericks last week was the lowest score they have held their opponents to all year long. Crest has struggled on the road this year while Anson is unbeaten at home.

My pick: Anson County 17 - Crest 14

Lincolnton (9-3) @ W-S Carver (8-4)

The Wolves will take the road and travel to Winston Salem to face a dangerous Carver Yellow Jackets squad. Lincolnton allows an average of 16 points and have held their last four opponents to seven points or less. Carver, on the other hand, has shut out four out of their last six opponents. Their last loss came against the hands of 4A powerhouse Mount Tabor (27-21). Lincolnton's last loss came against Southern Piedmont Champion, East Lincoln (31-14). Don't look for many points to be scored in this game.

My pick: W-S Carver 14 - Lincolnton 10

Burns (6-6) @ Tuscola (10-1-1)

The Bulldogs will make a long road trip to the mountains to take on Tuscola. The Bulldogs have won six of their last seven games since starting the season 0-5. Tuscola, however, has not lost since the beginning of the year when they lost to Polk County 26-14 and tied with Asheville 14-14 a week later. They have scored points in bunches since. They scored their second lowest of the season last week as they edged Hickory 17-10. The Bulldogs will have a tough time trying to contain the Mountaineers' high-powered offense.

My pick: Tuscola 24 - Burns 14

West Stokes (8-4) @ East Lincoln (10-2)

The Mustangs have won their ninth straight game They have also won 19 straight home games. That is not good news for West Stokes as they travel to Denver to take on an aggessive Mustangs team. The Wildcats have been up and down this year. This could be a battle for the Mustangs, but look for them to pull away late in the game.

My pick: East Lincoln 34 - West Stokes 20

Salisbury (8-4) @ Shelby (11-1)

The Golden Lions are looking to avoid another second round let-down like last year's 22-21 loss against Bandys. Shelby welcomes the Salisbury Hornets to town for a second round match-up. Salisbury's defense has been pretty strong this year allowing only 12 points a game. Salisbury averages nearly 34 points a game, but have had three games where they were held to seven. Shelby is usually a really tough place to play. Just ask anybody that has had to play there these past five years.

My pick: Shelby 27 - Salisbury 14