MaxPreps Top 10 high school football Games of the Week: Mallard Creek vs. Byrnes

Video: Top 10 Games of the Week
MaxPreps previews some of the top matchups in the nation this weekend.

Mallard Creek (Charlotte, N.C.) at Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)

Why it's big: You won't find two more big-time programs in the Carolinas than in this first-time matchup of perennial state-title contenders. For No. 7 Mallard Creek, this game represents an opportunity to solidify its growing national reputation. Although Byrnes isn't nationally ranked this season, the Rebels have lost just three home games in the last 15 seasons.

Byrnes, the winningest team in South Carolina during the last decade and a half, seeks to improve its already glowing 13-3 record against out-of-state teams in the last decade. On the season, the Rebels are 2-0 after beating Hanna (Anderson) last week, 42-21. Senior quarterback Micah Young threw five touchdown passes.

Names to watch: Mallard Creek's defense is headlined by senior Joshua Brown, a Florida State commit ranked the nation's 16th-best senior outside linebacker by 247Sports. On the other side of the ball, Mavericks junior receiver Ryan Jones is rated the No. 6 prospect overall in North Carolina for his class.



Byrnes lacks some of the four- and five-star power its past teams have enjoyed, but there is still plenty of college-level talent on its roster. Keep an eye on senior Jaylan Foster, who has offers from several FCS programs, as a legit playmaker as a return man and receiver.