Kinston (2-0) at Wilson Fike (2-0)
Kinston switched up its game plan in Week 2 against Nash Central, as it went pass-heavy in the 26-9 victory over Nash Central. The Vikings drew 15 flags and 174 penalty yards in the game, but their defense held the Bulldogs to only 170 yards. Kinston proved it has the total package, which will be significant when it faces tougher matchups --- like Wilson Fike.
Fike will play its first home game tonight, so the Vikings know this team is ready to fight. It’ll be tough, but both teams are averaging about 320 yards so far. And, both team’s unblemished records are on the line, making for an interesting contest.
Jessika’s pick: Kinston 20, Fike 17
North Lenoir (0-2) at C.B. Aycock (2-0)
It was another bad loss for the Hawks in Week 2 against Farmville Central, in which the Jaguars won 46-16. North Lenoir’s game was plagued by turnovers and bad snaps to the punter. It also allowed major touchdown runs of 67 and 36 yards before it was said and done, with Farmville Central outscoring the Hawks 20-0 in the second quarter.
North Lenoir hasn’t yet found a game that works as it reworks a young team. A win is probable for the Hawks, as Aycock trailed a middling Greene Central team until the last 26 seconds before pulling out 16-14. But already having two wins to fuel them, the Golden Falcons have the upper-hand to beat a team that hasn’t clicked yet.
Jessika’s pick: C.B . Aycock 26, North Lenoir 13
South Lenoir (0-2) at North Duplin (2-0)
South Lenoir managed to score against a strong Southwest Onslow team in Week 2, but still fell 37-7. The Stallions beat the Blue Devils out on the ground terribly, 304 yards to 65. South Lenoir’s total production was only 78 yards, with quarterback Kyle Huffman only allowed a single pass. Like their up-county counterparts North Lenoir, it’s a rebuilding year for South Lenoir --- and that will prove true each week this season.
North Duplin is a 1A school, but it’s at the top of its conference coming off a 28-0 shutout last week. The Blue Devils showed they can actually score, but it was Dion Jones who ran it in for two yards. They’ll probably have to manage to get that close again.
Jessika’s pick: North Duplin 42, South Lenoir 0
Greene Central (0-2) at Southwest Edgecombe (1-1)
Greene Central gave up 46 points in Week 1, but they came back in Week 2 to only allow 16. The Rams led C.B. Aycock until the last 25 seconds when a late-game field goal spoiled it for them --- talk about a heartbreaker.
Greene Central will have to tighten up offense, and head coach Allen Wooten really seems to have his guys on the right track. The Rams will have to rely on their offense if they want to beat SW, which is doable. If GC quarterback Austin Batchelor can get off some passes and running back Ronshon Bullock can break through some holes, the Rams have a chance.
Jessika’s pick: Greene Central 20, SW Edgecombe 17
Jones Senior (0-2) at Havelock (2-0)
Jones Senior was shut out by a powerful Jacksonville team, 46-0, last week. Defense clearly crippled the Trojans as they allowed 20 points in the final quarter. Jacksonville more than doubled Jones Senior’s production, outgaining the Trojans 398 yards-170.
They’re likely no chance Jones Senior beats Havelock this week. Last week, the Rams beat New Bern in a state championship-style showdown, 31-13. Havelock also plays at home for the first time this season. If Jones Senior thought Jacksonville’s defense was tough, it was the Rams that recorded 41 tackles in their Week 2 win.
Jessika’s pick: Havelock 50, Jones Senior 0
North Pitt (1-1) at Ayden-Grifton (0-2)
What was the conference favorite three weeks ago is now in last place headed into Week 3. Greenville D.H. Conley defeated Ayden-Grifton 56-21 last week. That loss is a little more significant than losing in the fourth quarter like the Chargers did in Week 1. They have to win this week.
Week 3 opponent North Pitt also lost to Conley, 36-15, this season --- it was a road game for the Panthers, as is this week. This is the Chargers’ chance to post that craved first win.
Jessika’s pick: Ayden-Grifton 36, North Pitt 27
Arendell Parrott Academy (1-0) at Merry Hill Lawrence Academy (0-1)
Parrott looks very good in its season opener last week, winning 30-22 over Raleigh St. David’s. It gained 450 yards, which were distributed relatively evenly in the air and on the ground. A lot of different Patriots stepped up in the win, and the team looks well-rounded.
It travels to Merry Hill to face Lawrence Academy this week as the favorite this time around. Lawrence will be at home, but it also lost 46-6 to Southampton Academy last week. Only scoring six points in a fast-paced game like eight-man football isn’t impressive. Parrott looks to have shaken off first-game jitters and is ready to go.
Jessika’s pick: Parrott 40, Lawrence 14