Football Game Preview: Newton-Conover Red Devils vs. North Lincoln Knights

The Newton-Conover Red Devils will square off against the North Lincoln Knights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Newton-Conover has given up an average of 32.2 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.

Newton-Conover took a 21-point loss the last time they faced off against Bandys, but this time they managed to keep it close and that made all the difference. The Red Devils slipped by the Trojans 36-35 on Friday.

Newton-Conover found their leader in sophomore Jeremiah Pope, who rushed for 238 yards and one TD while picking up 13.2 yards per carry. Pope's longest rush was for an incredible 71 yards.

Newton-Conover was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 410 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 169 rushing yards in six consecutive games dating back to last season.

Meanwhile, North Lincoln was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fifth straight defeat. They were dealt a 49-6 loss at the hands of Hickory. The Knights were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 42-0.

North Lincoln's defeat dropped their record down to 1-5. As for Newton-Conover, their victory was their first in the conference, bumping their conference record up to 1-2 and their overall record up to 3-2.

Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Newton-Conover has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 273.6 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like North Lincoln struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 202.2 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground.

Newton-Conover was able to grind out a solid win over North Lincoln in their previous matchup back in March of 2021, winning 27-16. One of the biggest obstacles trying to stand in the way of that victory was the Knights' Jack Carter, who rushed for 106 yards and one touchdown on only seven carries. Now that he won't be playing on Friday, will it be easier for the Red Devils to walk away with another win? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.