"Reuben's 2012 High School Football Predictions -- Week #11" by The Reuben Davis Blog

Reuben's 2012 High School Football Predictions -- Week #11

Blog: The Reuben Davis Blog

October 25, 2012

Perfection struck again last week as I went 10-0 (100%) in last week's games. The overall mark for the season moves up to 120-22 (84.5%). Will I repeat myself again this week? I sure do plan on it.

The final week of the regular season is upon us. It seems like yesterday that we were sweating out the August heat and getting ready for the first game. But now, for a lot of teams, it's getting ready for the state playoffs beginning next week. Lots of things could happen in this final week that could have huge ramifications on the playoff brackets.

The ADM figures, which helps in placing schools in the 'A' and 'AA' brackets were just released. Scotland may wind up going 4A and getting a shot at a second 4A state title as opposed to moving to the larger 4AA bracket. I do find it interesting that Pinecrest (2070) has more students than Richmond Senior (2018).

And just like March Madness, there are a few folks who think they know the brackets ahead of time. One such person is Brian Simmons, founder of the Simmons Ratings. In his recent playoff projections, there is the possibility of Pinecrest even hosting a first-round playoff game. Possible opponents include Green Hope, Fuquay-Varina, and yes, even Hoke County again. But if the Patriots are to get to earn that first round home game, they must beat Hoke County. A Patriot win will help them get a higher seeding, thus, the possibility of getting that opening round playoff contest. Then, they really could see the Bucks again next Friday night. But, let's hope not. I'm not too crazy about back-to-back matchups against the same team. I know coaches don't like that idea either.

But, no one will really know who's playing who in the playoffs until the NCHSAA finalizes the brackets sometime late Saturday afternoon or early evening. It is however, interesting to ponder the matchups that could occur.

Checking out the CarolinaPreps.com polls this week, Swain County (10-0) continues to hold the top spot in 1A while Albemarle (7-1) remains at #5. In the 3A rankings, Northern Guilford (9-0) owns the top spot. No Cape Fear Valley 3A teams are in this week's 3A poll. In the 4A rankings, Matthews Butler (9-0) continues to hold on to the #1 spot, while Richmond Senior (9-0) holds on to the #3 spot and Scotland (8-1) maintains the #6 position.

In Friday night's games Albemarle (6-0, 9-1) visits South Stanly (5-1, 6-2). This game will decide conference supemacy in the Yadkin Valley 1A Conference. North Rowan (5-1, 7-3) will be pulling for South Stanly so they could possibly win a share of the conference title. Gray's Creek (5-0, 8-1) is at Overhills (4-1, 5-4). A Gray's Creek win gives the Bears the Cape Fear Valley 3A Conference championship. Douglas Byrd (4-1, 7-3) could get a share of the title if the Jaguars pull off the victory. And, in the Southeastern 4A Conference, Scotland (4-0, 8-1) will travel to Rockingham to take on Richmond Senior (4-0, 9-0) for the conference title.

So, for the the "Game of the Week", it doesn't get any better than Scotland @ Rchmond Senior. Over 10,000 fans will pack Raider Stadium for this grand matchup. The Raiders hope to avenge last year's 41-7 loss to the Fighting Scots. Here in North Carolina, this is what "Friday Night Lights" are all about.

Yadkin Valley 1A Conference

Albemarle 28 South Stanly 13

Chatham Central 35 North Moore 12

West Montgomery 27 East Montgomery 19

North Rowan 48 South Davidson 6

Cape Fear Valley 3A Conference

Douglas Byrd 49 Union Pines 7

Gray's Creek 41 Overhills 35

Westover 22 Western Harnett 13

Cleveland 49 Southern Lee 10

Southeastern 4A Conference

Pinecrest 27 Hoke County 24

Lumberton 28 Purnell Swett 14

Richmond Senior 35 Scotland 28

RD28327 6 months, 4 weeks ago

Here are the projected 4AA bracket from HighSchoolOT.com. Not sure where Fuquay-Varina and Pinecrest would meet. Of course, these two teams met in 2009 as F-V knocked the Pats in the second round of the 4AA playoffs. Pinecrest finished 10-3 that season, most wins in a season ever in school history.