Yes, you read that right. There are only three week-six high school football games Friday night involving area teams.
How can that be? Well, all local squads except for Croatan, Northside, Richlands and Swansboro have open dates while two area teams while one of the three games features two teams – Northside at Richlands.
No doubt the game of the week of Croatan’s clash at Havelock. The Cougars topped the Rams twice last year, so it’s a sure bet Havelock will be ready for some revenge at home Friday.
Who wins Friday’s week six games? Here are my thoughts and predictions:
Croatan (5-0, 1-0) at Havelock (2-3, 1-0)
Croatan certainly raised eyebrows last year by defeating Havelock twice – 14-7 in the regular season and 22-21 in the third round.
The Cougars look to win a third time, this time at Havelock, which seems better than its record indicates as the Rams have lost to New Bern, Tarboro and J.H. Rose.
Havelock’s Michal Gatling averages 7.2 yards per carry and 9.2 yards per reception, so it will be important for Croatan to bottle up the senior and not allow explosive plays.
The Rams, however, do give up points as Havelock has allowed at least 34 points in four games. The Rams’ focus will likely be on Croatan’s Andrew Boucher, who has made plays via the run and catch, meaning others will need to make plays if the Cougars are to score.
Havelock won the first meeting in this series 48-6 in 2021 and then won twice in 2022, capturing a 42-0 victory in the regular season and 67-7 in the playoffs.
Prediction: Havelock 28, Croatan 21
Northside (4-0, 0-0) at Richlands (1-4, 0-1)
Northside had a mini open date as the Monarchs didn’t play Friday, but earned a 28-7 win at Laney on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
It’s no secret that the Monarchs are huge favorites against Richlands, which has lost four consecutive games. Northside will want to score early and put the game away by halftime so that starters are rested for next week’s home showdown with Croatan.
The Monarchs lead the series 10-4, including last year’s 43-3 victory. The Wildcats won the first three meetings, including the inaugural game 37-0 in 2011, but have not defeated the Monarchs since a 23-14 win in 2010.
Prediction: Northside 48, Richlands 7
Swansboro (4-1, 0-1) at West Carteret (2-2, 1-0)
Swansboro is coming off its first loss, a 28-0 defeat at Croatan that marked the first time the Pirates were shut out since a 52-0 loss to the Cougars last year.
The Patriots perhaps come in with momentum following a 33-22 victory at Dixon last week. West Carteret’s two losses are a pair of 3-1 teams in Jacksonville and North Brunswick.
The Patriots leads the series 17-4, including lats year’s 26-25 win. West Carteret has won 12 consecutive meetings with Swansboro’s last win being a 17-14 victory in 2013. The Pirates also won the first meeting 14-6 in 1975.
It’s cliche, but Swansboro will need to establish early scores if the Pirates are to bounce back from last week’s defeat. West Carteret’s defense will likely enter with confidence, given it slowed Dixon’s single-wing offense down last week.
Look for this be a back-and-forth tilt with the Pirates scoring late to win.
Prediction: Swansboro 24, West Carteret 21
Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.