Sunday, Dec. 04, 2011

Stevens stays on the mark

In August, high school sports editor Tim Stevens posed what he thought would be four key questions for the area's 2011 high school football teams.

Most of the questions have been answered now:

1. Will WF-Rolesville continue to dominate?

No.

Wake Forest-Rolesville finished 10-3 with two losses to Cap Eight rival Leesville Road.

The Cougars had a great season, but Leesville Road was the league's dominant team.

2. Can anyone overtake Garner?

Emphatically no.

Garner is the best team in the area. Two years ago, coach Nelson Smith said his sophomores could be a special class by their senior year. They are.

Juwan Moye has emerged as an outstanding runner and leader. Lineman Greg Millhouse is a two-way star.

Wide receiver Anthony Tucker became a big-play man and defensive end Andre Gillespie has anchored a defense that always been good enough.

Garner not only ruled the Greater Neuse 4A, but also remains the area standard of high school excellence.

3. Who'll make the big plays for Durham Hillside?

Khris Francis.

Francis rushed for more than 2,000 yards and led Hillside to an 11-2 season. The Hornets lost to New Bern in the season opener, but were unbeaten until losing at Scotland County 35-7.

Francis helped carry the Hornets to the Piedmont Athletic 4A title and one of the best seasons in school history.

4. Who will emerge in the Tri-Nine?

Middle Creek.

Middle Creek was picked as the preseason favorite and was the Tri-Nine's best team.

The Mustangs shared the regular-season title with Fuquay-Varina, but the Mustangs beat Fuquay during the regular season and in the playoffs.

Middle Creek made a run into the third round of the playoffs before losing to Fayetteville Britt 28-14.