Crest held its position atop the USA Today Network’s high school football power rankings for the Gastonia area after a 37-16 victory over Hunter Huss in Week 8. The Big South 5A/6A leader maintained a 6-1 overall record and remained unbeaten in conference play at 3-0. Brock Melton scored twice while Florida State recruit Majay Thompson recorded his best performance of the season with five catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Crest faces a challenging test next week at North Gaston before confronting Ashbrook in Week 10.
Shelby stayed second in the rankings after a defensive battle against Lincolnton, winning 9-7. The Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A team improved to 6-1 overall and remained flawless at 5-0 in conference games. Shelby’s defense limited Lincolnton to just 203 total yards and held the Wolves to seven points, far below their average of 432 yards and nearly 53 points per game. This defensive display was a significant step before Shelby’s upcoming match against East Gaston and a later showdown with Burns on October 30, which could decide the conference title.
Kings Mountain preserved its third-place spot after a 35-8 win over Ashbrook. The Mountaineers improved to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in Big South play. Quarterback Jordan Jenkins threw four touchdown passes, three of them caught by wide receiver Xavier Hutchens. Kings Mountain’s defense contained Ashbrook’s offense until the game was well in hand. Their next challenge will be hosting South Point, who themselves moved to fourth with a 7-1 record after a 68-0 rout of North Gaston.
South Point fell one place to fourth but continued their strong season with that dominating win over North Gaston. The Red Raiders rushed for 272 yards, averaging nearly 12 yards per carry. Their next game at Kings Mountain promises a competitive clash between two balanced offenses.
Burns remained fifth despite not playing last week. The Southern Piedmont team had won five consecutive games, including a narrow 24-23 victory over Stuart Cramer. Burns had a well-timed bye before upcoming matches against Cherryville and Shelby.
Stuart Cramer held sixth place after a 42-0 shutout of West Lincoln. Their defense, dubbed the “Darkside Defense,” had allowed only two opponents to reach double figures this season. Next up is a matchup against Lincolnton, who are coming off their defeat to Shelby.
East Lincoln rose one spot to seventh after a 44-0 win over Foard. The Mustangs recorded their second shutout and third game with 40 or more points this season. They head to Hickory for a game that remains significant despite no longer affecting the Western Foothills 4A/5A title race.
Lincolnton dropped to eighth following their Week 8 loss at Shelby. Their offense, usually prolific, was held to season lows in yards and points. Lincolnton’s next test comes at home against Stuart Cramer’s stingy defense.
Cherryville was mentioned among other contenders but remains outside the top eight, holding a 4-2 record with a 3-2 mark in the Southern Piedmont conference.
The Week 9 schedule will see Crest visit North Gaston, Shelby host East Gaston, Kings Mountain face South Point, and Lincolnton take on Stuart Cramer. Burns will travel to Cherryville, and East Lincoln will play at Hickory.
According to Yahoo Sports.