Wednesday, Nov. 02, 2011

Key matchups

Millbrook (6-5) at WF-R (9-2)

Wake Forest-Rolesville doesn't lose back-to-back games. The Cougars just don't, which makes this an especially hard task for Millbrook. The Cougars fell 41-16 to Leesville Road last week and it's been more than five years since WF-R has lost two games in a row. Millbrook will need to force WF-R in a lot of passing situations to have a chance. If the Cougars do throw, Millbrook has the secondary to make a play.

This could also be the last high school game for running back Keith Marshall, who already has 25 touchdowns this season.

Wilmington Laney (7-3) at Wakefield (9-2)

Wakefield defeated Laney last year in the first round of the playoffs and are hoping to do the same Friday night. Quarterback Connor Mitch and the rest of the Wolverines have a full year of experience since that game and they should beat Laney again.

The only way Wakefield doesn't get to the first round is if its defense struggles. In the past few weeks, the Wolverines have forced turnovers and made stops in the red zone. If that continues, the Wolverines will be playing undefeated Garner.

Broughton (5-5) at Leesville Road (10-0)

Leesville Road easily beat Broughton earlier this year, but the two teams are different now. Leesville Road will continue to run the ball, and they will have to rely on that more with starting quarterback Austin Berrios suffering a right knee injury. Broughton has beaten Sanderson, Enloe and Heritage since then, all in convincing fashion.

Don't expect the Caps to give up another 71 points to the Pride. Broughton should score some points to make this close with quarterback Will Cooper and running back Chris Mangus.

Athens Drive (5-6) at Garner (11-0)

Garner gets a rematch game in its playoff opener against Athens Drive. Although it looks like a game solidly in the Trojans' favor on paper, the Jaguars held Garner to its lowest point total (29) of the season.

The Jaguars will no doubt test Garner in the air, as pass defense is perhaps the Trojans' only weakness. Athens threw for 280 yards in their earlier loss to Garner but also ran 21 times for just 45 yards.

player ofthe week

Braxton Berrios

Quarterback, Sophomore, Leesville Road

Berrios rushed for 245 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Wake Forest-Rolesville that gave Leesville Road its first undefeated season and outright conference championship in school history.

Coach speak

Clarence Inscore

Millbrook coach on making the playoffs

"We wanted our guys to go out on the right note tonight and get ready for the playoffs. We slipped some the last couple of weeks, but played better tonight."

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