For the first time this season, Cedar Ridge will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. After each having a week off, they and the South Granville Vikings will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Cedar Ridge has given up an average of 36.4 points per game this season, but Friday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
Cedar Ridge is headed into Friday's matchup looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight games last Friday. They were dealt a 62-19 defeat at the hands of Northwest Halifax. The Fighting Red Wolves were already down big by the end of the third quarter and they stayed that way after failing to score in the fourth.
Cedar Ridge's loss shouldn't obscure the performances of Matthew Asay, who threw for 212 yards and a pair of TDs on only 15 passes, and Mason Hughes, who picked up 107 receiving yards.
Meanwhile, South Granville scored the most points they've had this season last Friday, but it wasn't enough. They fell just short of Knightdale by a score of 38-35. The Vikings were up 28-6 in the second quarter but couldn't hold on to the lead.
Cedar Ridge will have to contain Jaylen Wilkerson as he made an impact in South Granville's last game. He rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 8.6 yards per carry. With that strong performance, Wilkerson is now averaging an impressive 101.6 rushing yards per game.
Don't try to pin the team's loss on the defense: they kept the trenches locked down and allowed a mere 2.5 yards per carry. The team can thank Timmy Stubbs for the heroic effort on defense: he. South Granville didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged 8.4.
South Granville's defensive line didn't let the opposing QB, get away unscathed either: they got into the backfield for four sacks. Ellis Robinson refused to say out of the backfield, picking up 1.5 sacks all by himself.
Cedar Ridge's record is now 1-4. As for South Granville, their record now sits at an identical 1-4.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Cedar Ridge has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 185.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like South Granville struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 165.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
