03/29/2024
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By Sonny Jones

East Bladen’s playoff hopes are on the line Friday night when the Eagles host Midway for Senior Night. It figures to be a tough task.

Midway (5-3, 2-2 Southeastern) features a high-powered offense led by quarterback Wyatt Holland, who has thrown for more than 1,900 yards and 25 touchdowns with only two passes intercepted. The Raiders are averaging 41 points per game compared to East Bladen’s 20 points per game. Each defense yields about 36 points per game.

The teams have three common conference opponents. East Bladen (3-5, 2-2 Southeastern) has beaten West Bladen 16-8 and Red Springs 42-26 and lost to St. Pauls 46-12. Midway has defeated West Bladen 49-33 and Red Springs 49-22 and lost to St. Pauls 64-41.

The Raiders’ passing attack will certainly test the East Bladen secondary and pass rush. It’s an offense that will be tough to slow down. MIDWAY 36, EAST BLADEN 20.

Week 9 record: 10-3

Season record: 91-25 (78%)

Postponed/canceled through Week 9: 29

Here’s the rest of the Week 10 picks.

HIGH SCHOOL

CLINTON 42, WEST BLADEN 12: It’s the final game of the season for the Knights (3-4, 2-3 Southeastern), who have taken positive strides toward becoming a winning program. Unfortunately, it’s not going to end with a victory against Clinton (5-2, 3-1 Southeastern).

ST. PAULS 48, FAIRMONT 12: The Bulldogs (6-0, 4-0 Southeastern) are putting together another run at a state championship. Fairmont (2-5, 2-2 Southeastern) have won two straight.

WHITEVILLE 56, TRASK 6: One team is unbeaten and will remain so. The other is winless and will remain so.

SOUTH COLUMBUS 38, EAST COLUMBUS 16: The Stallions have won three straight and appear headed for a conference championship showdown next week against Whiteville.

PENDER 22, WEST COLUMBUS 16: Big game in the Waccamaw 1-A race. Home field will make the difference.

COLLEGE

N.C. STATE 34, MIAMI 27: The Wolfpack was very impressive last Saturday at Boston College. It will need another strong effort against the Hurricanes.

WAKE FOREST 27, ARMY 19: A tough road game for the Deacons, but they should be able to pull it out.

KENNESAW STATE 35, CAMPBELL 24: Campbell has a second straight home game against one of the top teams in the Big South. Monmouth won last week 34-17.

AVERETT 28, METHODIST 22: The Monarchs snapped a six-game losing streak to Averett during the COVID-shortened spring season in March. The Cougars should get the win at home in the fall season.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE 48, SAINT AUGUSTINE’S 10: The Broncos lost to Saint Augustine’s two years ago that snapped a six-game win streak against the Falcons. Another win streak starts Saturday.

UNC PEMBROKE 28, CHARLESTON 27: The Braves pull off the homecoming upset against a 5-1 Charleston squad.

HOUSTON 41, EAST CAROLINA 24: The Pirates have shown improvement this season, but the Cougars are among the best in the American Conference.

PRO

CAROLINA 27, N.Y. GIANTS 21: The Panthers still haven’t found a way to close games in Matt Ruhle’s second season. That has to change at some point, doesn’t it? Should have and could have beaten the Eagles and Vikings the past two games.

Sonny Jones can be reached at wibbyj@gmail.com.

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