The Week 8 Football Matchups
Kinston’s Demetri Holmes threw six touchdowns last week and hopes to have a repeat performance against West Craven. Photo by William ‘Bud’ Hardy / Neuse News
By Junious Smith III
We are not worthy.
The slate of games for Week 8 is absolutely glorious and there’s no telling what could commence under the Friday Night Lights. Some teams are looking to prove themselves, others want redemption and everyone is demanding respect. We’ll see who gets it soon.
North Lenoir is on its bye week.
For now, here’s the breakdown of Friday’s action.
Kinston (4-3) at West Craven (4-2)
Last game: Vikings defeated South Lenoir 53-0 Oct. 4, Eagles defeated Ayden-Grifton 34-21
Last matchup: Kinston won 14-6 Oct. 19, 2018
The Vikings’ passing attack was on full display last week against the Blue Devils with Demetri Holmes throwing for six touchdowns and Khari Pitts hauling in four. A repeat performance will be necessary against an Eagles team who ruined the Chargers’ Homecoming last week and have the capabilities of another statement win. Recent history suggests this game will be close as the two have split meetings since West Craven joined the EC2A with a combined 10 points of separation.
South Lenoir (2-4) at Greene Central (3-3)
Last game: Blue Devils fell to Kinston 53-0 Oct. 4, Rams defeated North Pitt 14-6 Oct. 2
Last matchup: Greene Central won 42-18 Oct. 19, 2018
Both teams have playoff aspirations, making this a must-win contest. South Lenoir wants to prove its a better team than what was shown against Kinston and get revenge for Greene Central running roughshod on Homecoming last season. On the other side, the Rams had an extra two days of rest after a Wednesday game last week and want to enjoy their Homecoming with a needed victory.
Faith Christian (3-3) at Arendell Parrott (4-2)
Last game: APA defeated Grace Christian 51-36 Oct. 4, Faith Christian defeated John Paul II 58-26 Oct. 4
Last matchup: Faith Christian won 72-30 Oct. 25, 2018
This all-Patriots showdown is one APA has been waiting for. Faith Christian is not only the defending NCHSAA 2A state champions, but ended Arendell Parrott’s four-year streak of reaching the title game by scoring the most points ever against the team in victory. This year, Faith Christian has gone 0-3 in road matches and APA wants to extend the streak while getting revenge on Homecoming.
Bethel Christian (3-2) at Halifax County (6-1)
Last game: Trojans fell to Halifax Academy 70-48 Sept. 27, Vikings defeated Wayne Christian/Goldsboro Homeschool 68-62 Oct. 4
Last matchup: Halifax Academy won 70-48 Sept. 27, 2019
The Trojans are ready for this matchup for a litany of reasons. After Wilson Community Christian was forced to cancel its game Oct. 4, this is Bethel Christian’s first contest since taking on the Vikings and a shorthanded roster fell to Halifax for the third consecutive time. The Vikings are currently on a four-game winning streak and last season’s NCISAA 1A runner-ups want to show their first win wasn’t a fluke.
Ayden-Grifton (4-1) at Washington (5-1)
Last game: Chargers fell to West Craven 34-21 Oct. 4, Pam Pack defeated North Lenoir 33-6 Oct. 4
Last matchup: Ayden-Grifton won 24-15 Oct. 5, 2018
The Chargers’ best start to a season since 2005 was ended unceremoniously by the Eagles, and the team is out for blood. Still, despite victories over Kinston and North Lenoir, the Pam Pack feels a bit underrated and another statement victory could bode well. The teams have played each other close in the past, as Ayden-Grifton won the two contests by a combined 14 points.
