Week four is in the books and it was another action packed and hard hitting Friday evening on the gridiron throughout our great state.
Winston Salem, North Carolina- There was an immense level of talent on display and it’s getting to that point in the year where the cream is separating itself from the crop. The usual suspects are flexing their muscles as non conference play begins to wrap up, but we also can’t ignore several programs who have taken that next step this season and firmly entered themselves into the conversation.
I won’t hold you guys, let’s dive into some story lines and examine some key matchups and players to watch this week!
East Forsyth looks Primed for another title run
East Forsyth (4-0,0-0)- The Eagles are outscoring opponents 154-52 and they seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. In what was billed as a tough matchup of undefeated powers, East dominated a short handed Parkland (3-1,0-0), squad playing without their star signal caller Camian Shell. Injuries aside the size and depth of East Forsyth wore the Mustangs down, the Eagles have a stable of running backs locked in behind one of the largest offensive lines in the state. It all starts in the trenches with this group they’ve dominated the line of scrimmage and continuously blow open running lanes for these backs.
Senior running back and Wake Forest commit Ahmani Marshall continues to spearhead this group, he scored two touchdowns on Friday, Marshall has an exciting blend of size, speed, and power in one package. Marshall also has advanced vision, he’s patient in the backfield picking his spots, and Marshall is a committed blocker with the hands to be a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Senior running back Robin Smith has provided a nice change of pace and some relief for Marshall in the backfield, quarterback Ty Lyles is also a threat to breakout and make plays with his feet in the open field, both Smith and Lyles added scores on the ground for the Eagles. This defense should also be applauded for holding Parkland to negative two yards in the first half, and containing the Mustangs star receiver Chase Rorie to under 50 yards.
This week East plays a traditional Guilford County powerhouse in Page (1-3,0-0), it’s been a bumpy start for the Pirates, they’ve lost some tough games. Last week the Pirates got their first win, this offense can put up points and after a recent quarterback switch, it’s running even more like a well oiled machine.
Reidsville may boast the most talent in the state regardless of classification
The Rams look like a safe bet for a three peat in the 2A division this season, this group looks scary good heading into week five. A common theme with this program is their ability to dominate all three areas of the game, offensively this group can absolutely run it up on teams, defensively the Rams are physical and fly around the ball, on special teams there are playmakers all over the field capable of breaking games open.
Senior quarterback Kyle Pinnix is one of the most efficient field generals in the state, according to Max Preps Pinnix has already tossed out 15 touchdown passes and racked up 773 yards through the air. Pinnix is the reigning mvp of last year’s 2Avstate title game and he’s picked right back up where he left off, Pinnix has an arsenal of weapons to get the rock out too, Demontrez Canada and Breon Pass are two of the most explosive and versatile athletes in the Triad. Canada and Pass can literally lineup anywhere on the field on both sides of the ball, either guy is a threat to take it the distance at any moment.
The Rams also boast a stable of running backs. This group is out scoring teams 210-6, the defense is stingy as well they’ve allowed just one touchdown through four games. This Friday this Rams defense will face arguably their toughest test to this point in Eastern Guilford (2-2,0-0). The Wildcats boast a capable offense led by one of the most underrated passers in the state junior Kamell Smith.
Tabor is proving defense wins games
This isn’t the typical Mt Tabor(2-2,0-0), squad we’ve grown accustomed to seeing, to put it lightly the offense has struggled to accumulate point. in both victories the Spartans defense has set the tone, against Glenn Javouse Chambers took an interception 13 yards to the house and scored the game’s only points. Defense also paved the way for a hard earned victory over RJ Reynolds (1-3,0-0) as well last week, the Spartans held the Demons talent offense to just nine points on the night.
This same defense forced five turnovers against undefeated East Forsyth as well, the Spartans came up with three interceptions, the secondary is proven to have some ballhawks, and the linebackers for this group can cover a lot of ground in a short time, this defense is fast reacting.
This week the Spartans take on a winless North Forsyth (0-3,0-0), squad.
Dudley is coming together after winning three straight
The Panthers didn’t start the season how many predicted, but an embarrassing loss to West Forsyth in a game billed as a battle of heavyweights may have humbled this group. You would be hard pressed to find a roster with the amount of overall talent Dudley boasts, the Panthers are outscoring teams 118-40 through this three game winning streak.
Sophomore quarterback Jahmier Slade has come to life and sparked this offense, after a slow start he’s thrown six touchdowns and only one interception on the season, running back Branson Adams has been a reliable option in the backfield, Myles Smith is another versatile athlete and hard runner, but this group will need to get Mike Wyman (Scar commit), more involved to reach max potential offensively.
The defense has really stepped up for this group and they’ve started to wreak havoc upon opposing offenses. The front seven of Dudley is athletic, physical, and they swarm the football. The defensive line has next level size and this unit relishes blowing plays up before they’re able to happen. Next up for Dudley is Southeast Guilford (2-2,0-0), this is a team that commits to running in between the tackles, it’s going to be a collision in the trenches on Friday.
Walkertown is making noise
The Wolfpack are off to one of their hottest starts in school history, led by a veteran signal caller and a ballhawking defense. Walkertown drubbed Bishop Mcguinness (0-4 ,0-0), 47-0 in a contest where this entire group flexed its muscles.
Senior field general Zion Conrad has been a reliable leader for this group through four contests, there are playmakers at the skill positions, running back Jerron Sellars punched in two scores on the ground, Lorenzo Gains and KJ Greer proved capable of stretching the field for this offense in the passing game. This group can score points early on and in a hurry, the Wolfpack have proven that through four games. After a bye week this week, Walkertown is kicking off conference play against North Surry (1-2,0-0).
