North Lincoln, Shelby, fourth round pick, preview

On December 14, 2024By Littum

Here are previews for NCHSAA regional semifinal games with teams in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln countieswith reporter Joe Hughes making a prediction for each.

3A west

North Lincoln at Hickory

Records: North Lincoln is 12-1; Hickory is 13-0.

Last week: North Lincoln defeated Ashbrook, 20-10. Hickory outshot Crest, 63-48.

Players to watch: North Lincoln — Landen Agee (So., RB), Ryan Bassani (Sr., LB), Tim Folk (Sr., RB/LB), Eli Sipe (Sr., QB), Kade Sturgill (Sr., LB), Shannon Wingate ( Jr., RB); Hickory – Ellis Chappel (Sr., WR), Isaiah Lackey (Sr., RB), Jamien Little (Sr., WR), Brett Rowland (Jr., DB), Brady Stober (Sr., RB).

The word: For the second straight postseason, North Lincoln’s pursuit of an NCHSAA 3A state title will go through Hickory. The Red Tornadoes have won four consecutive games in the series, including a 60-25 rout of the Knights on Oct. 2. North Lincoln had six turnovers in the game, including four fumbles. However, the Knights moved the ball through and rushed for 376 yards against Hickory. Both of North Lincoln’s primary ball carriers are approaching milestones. Junior running back Shannon Wingate is approaching 2,000 rushing yards this season, while sophomore Landen Agee is 19 rushing yards away from reaching the 1,000-yard plateau. The Knights’ rushing attack will go hand in hand with efforts to contain a notorious Hickory offense, one that last week amassed more than 600 yards against a stout Crest defense. Quarterback Brady Stober has completed better than 82% of his passes for 3,238 yards and 38 touchdowns. His top targets are Duke-bound wideout Jamien Little, Ellis Chappell, Damarion Lee and Austin Ballard, each with 24 receptions or more.

Next week?: The winner will face West Charlotte or Dudley in the NCHSAA 3A West regional final.

Pick: Hickory

2A west

Monroe in Shelby

Records: Monroe is 12-0; Shelby is 11-2.

Last week: Monroe beat West Stokes 48-21. Shelby defeated Community School of Davidson, 35-7.

Players to watch: Monroe — Kaegan Chambers (Sr., QB), Yoel Deleon (DL/LB), Nymir Kendall (Jr., RB), Quay Knotts (Sr., DB), Zion Lindsey (Sr., RB), Joey Shearin (Sr., LB), Jordan Young (Sr., WR/DB); Shelby – Lan Farmer (Jr., QB), Derrick Kee Jr. (Jr., DB), Tyler Morgan (So., WR), Nick Norris (Sr., RB/LB), Jaylen Tate (Jr., RB), Tristan Tate (Sr., RB), Majay Thompson (So. , WR).

The word: This is the programs’ first matchup since a 2016 meeting won by Shelby, 28-7. Shelby has not lost a playoff game at George Blanton Memorial Stadium since a 2009 loss to Salisbury. While the Shelby backers don’t know the vintage Golden Lion offense, the unit has taken a more balanced approach. The Golden Lions have passed for 193.3 yards during their current playoff run while rushing for 127.7 yards. It was Jaylen Tate’s turn to fill the Shelby workhorse role last week, rushing for 134 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. The Golden Lions have won 10 games in a row for a total of 43 points during their streak. Monroe provides a big challenge, the undefeated Redhawks are averaging better than 48 points per game. match. Speed is Monroe’s biggest asset, especially for a rushing attack that has gained 11.5 yards per carry. carry this autumn. Five Redhawks have rushed for more than 400 yards this season. Monroe’s defense is nothing to scoff at in and of itself. A unit with Michigan football recruit Jordan Young, it has allowed 7.3 points per game. game with 21 sacks and 26 turnovers.

Next week?: The winner will host either Forest Hills or Brevard in the NCHSAA 2A West regional final.

Pick: Shelby