Predictions, preview for Week 10 of Gaston, Cleveland and Lincoln high school football
Here are previews for Week 10 high school football games in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, with reporter Joe Hughes making a prediction for each.
Pick 3: Top games for Week 10
Shelby at East Gaston
Records: Shelby is 5-3 (4-0 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A); East Gaston is 7-1 (3-1).
Web/Radio: NFHS Network ($); WOHS 101.5 FM/1390 AM
The word: East Gaston exploded for 42 points last week, albeit in a loss to Burns. The Warriors may need a similar output this week, taking on a Shelby team which has historically enjoyed success at their expense. In the teams’ last three meetings, the Golden Lions have averaged 62.3 points per game. Shelby’s defense has been stingy in league play, allowing eight points through four games. East Gaston’s rushing attack offers a stern test, particularly after going for just shy of 300 yards last week.
Pick: Shelby
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Maiden at Lincolnton
Records: Maiden is 5-3 (3-2 Catawba Valley 2A); Lincolnton is 4-4 (4-1).
Radio: WLON 107.5 FM/1050 AM
The word: After an 0-4 start, Lincolnton has won four straight and is in contention for an automatic playoff berth in Catawba Valley 2A. To make it five in a row, the Wolves must vanquish an old foe in Maiden, which has taken the last seven in a series dating back to 1925. Lincolnton goes as Andre Bost goes, the senior quarterback responsible for 2,151 yards and 22 touchdowns this fall. Maiden counters with junior QB Josh Stover, who is completing 58% of passes for 1,502 yards and 18 TDs.
Pick: Lincolnton
Hunter Huss at Crest
Records: Hunter Huss is 4-4 (3-2 Big South 3A); Crest is 8-0 (5-0).
The word: Hunter Huss seeks its first postseason berth since 2019. Currently on the playoff bubble, a win over Crest would help Huskie faithful breathe easier on “Selection Saturday.” Huss’ running game is its best shot at springing the upset, four different players rushing for touchdowns this fall. Stopping Crest is a tall task, however, the Chargers averaging 509.4 yards and 51.1 points per game.
Pick: Crest
The rest
Big South 3A
Kings Mountain (8-0, 5-0 Big South 3A) at Ashbrook (3-5, 3-2): Kings Mountain welcomed the return of running back Teddy Jeffries, adding another rushing threat to a deep Kings Mountain stable. A win would be a resume builder for Ashbrook, which would be on the outside looking in if the NCHSAA 3A playoffs started today. | Pick: Kings Mountain
South Point (4-4, 2-3) at Forestview (1-7, 0-5): South Point ended a three-game slide last week with an emphatic win over Ashbrook. It looks to take advantage of a Forestview team which has allowed 33.6 points per game during a five-game losing streak. | Pick: South Point
Stuart Cramer (0-8, 0-5) at North Gaston (4-4, 2-3): North Gaston is closing in on its first postseason berth since 2013. To get there, the Wildcats must take care of business against a Cramer team allowing 45 points per game. | Pick: North Gaston
Southern Piedmont 1A/2A
Burns (6-2, 4-0 Southern Piedmont 1A/2A) at Cherryville (2-6, 2-2): Following an emotional win over East Gaston, Burns’ pursuit of a second straight league title takes it to Cherryville, where the Ironmen have won two games in a row. | Pick: Burns
Highland Tech (0-8, 0-4) at Thomas Jefferson (1-8, 0-5): Highland Tech looks to end a 32-game losing streak. Thomas Jefferson aims to finish the regular season strong, this after an overtime loss at Cherryville last week. | Pick: Thomas Jefferson
Western Foothills 3A
North Iredell (3-5, 2-3 Western Foothills 3A) at East Lincoln (6-2, 3-2): Matthew Phuntek has emerged as a reliable option for the Mustangs, rushing for 255 yards and four touchdowns the past two games. While East Lincoln has won three in a row, North Iredell is in the midst of a three-game skid. | Pick: East Lincoln
West Iredell (5-3, 2-3) at North Lincoln (5-3, 3-2): North Lincoln has averaged 326 rushing yards per game during its three-game win streak. Meanwhile, West Iredell looks to end a three-game skid after starting 5-0. | Pick: North Lincoln
Catawba Valley 2A
West Lincoln (7-1, 4-1 Catawba Valley 2A) at East Burke (2-6, 0-5): West Lincoln is averaging 32.8 points per game against conference opponents. Jaylin Winnex, Caden Smith, Gideon Allen and others have an opportunity to add to their tally against East Burke, which has allowed 30 points or more in five of its last six games. | Pick: West Lincoln
Catawba Shores 1A/2A
Mountain Island Charter (5-3, 2-3 Catawba Shores 1A/2A) at Winston-Salem Carver (1-7, 1-4): Following a loss to Bishop McGuinness last week, MICS has little room for error in its pursuit of a home NCHSAA 1A playoff game. Carver is no pushover, though, scoring 44 points in a Week 9 loss to Pine Lake Prep. | Pick: MICS
This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: NCHSAA football: Gastonia, Shelby area Week 10 predictions, preview
