Friday, November 2, 2012 —
South Robeson (3-7) at Albemarle (10-1)
The 2012 postseason for the Albemarle Bulldogs has the potential to be one that at the very least will keep travel costs down should the Bulldogs continue their winning ways from the regular season.
After losing to Mount Pleasant 26-14 on Sept. 7, the Bulldogs have won seven in a row and have secured the No. 1 seed overall in the West Region, meaning that the ‘Dogs would be at home throughout the first four rounds of the 1A state playoffs.
The Bulldogs host the 3-7 South Robeson Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night.
South Robeson finished tied with Fairmont and West Columbus for last place in the split 1A/2A Three Rivers Conference standings this season, with 1AA Red Springs winning the conference title. The Mustangs have lost their previous two games at 1AA Red Springs and at home against 1A East Columbus by a combined score of 107-19. South Robeson’s three wins this season came against West Bladen (33-10), Trinity Chrisitan (20-0) and West Columbus (23-20).
“They are big up front on the offensive line and have good athleticism. This will not be a cake walk,” Albemarle head coach Danny Akins said.
Albemarle’s head coach added that being at home for the duration of the playoffs is advantageous.
“Being at home is the biggest part so we don’t have to travel, no long bus rides.”
Quarterback Deon Christian has thrown for 1,386 yards and 19 touchdowns this season while being the third-leading rusther on the team with 556 yards. Kevin McKinney broke the 1,000-yard plateau this season for Albemarle (1,122 yds) with 16 touchdowns.
Defensively, Albemarle’s “Oak Tree” defense has only allowed 95 points all year and just 13 in the last two games.
Chatham Central (4-7) at South Stanly (8-3)
It will be a Yadkin Valley Conference rematch of sorts for the South Stanly Rowdy Rebel Bulls at 7:30 p.m Friday night at K.L. Young Stadium when the Bulls host the 4-7 Chatham Central Bears.
South Stanly is the No. 3 seed in the 1A Midwest section and No. 6 overall in the West Region, while Chatham Central is No. 6 in the Midwest and No. 12 overall.
In the first meeting between the two teams on Sept. 21 in Bear Creek, the Bulls jumped out to an 18-0 lead with two touchdown runs and a 30-yard interception return for a score from NCAA Div. I prospect Jordan Starnes.
South fullback Anthony Smith had a huge night with 204 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, while Devante Hamilton added 115 rushing yards as well. For the regular season, Hamilton finished with 1,325 yards and 17 touchdowns, with Smith rushing for 981 yards and seven touchdowns.
South Stanly enters the playoffs having suffered a 48-6 loss at home to Albemarle in the final week of the season. However, the Bulls could get another shot at Albemarle in the playoffs; if both teams win in the first two rounds of the playoffs, they would meet at Albemarle in the third round.
The Bears finished in sixth place overall in the YVC with a 2-5 record, posting a win over South Davidson 40-14 and a 46-2 win over North Moore last Friday night.
The winner of the Chatham Central – South Stanly matchup faces the winner of the East Columbus (7-3) / North Stokes (3-7) game. Should East Columbus, the No. 2 team in the Midwest, earn a win over the Vikings, eithe the Bulls or the Bears would have to make the three-hour drive down to the coast to play the Gators.
