Friday's football gems, clunkers

So, what jumped out at me the first week of high school football?

Here’s a half dozen of the good and the bad.

Let’s start with “Top Three Gems”:

1. Mallard Creek
Last season’s one-victory total was matched in a 46-17 pounding against Ardrey Kell. Second-year Mallard Creek might open more eyes, especially if sophomore quarterback Marquise Williams (four touchdown passes) gets room to operate.

2. Dual at Mooresville
As 1-on-1 battles go, this was a dilly. Catawba Bandys’ Kyle Houser threw for a school-record 452 yards and four touchdowns. Mooresville’s Jishaun Pinkston ran for five touchdowns, and 255 yards on 31 carries. He also had a 75-yard kickoff return. Final: Bandys won 40-35.

3. Record run
Hickory Ridge’s Brett Lilly tied a record that can’t be broken, scoring on a 99-yard run in a 34-6 victory against Mount Pleasant.

Here are my “Top Three Clunkers”:

1. Charlotte Catholic allowing 30 points in a loss at South Mecklenburg.

2. Providence throwing four interceptions in a loss to Olympic.

3. Waddell’s two punts of less than six yards.


- Cliff Mehrtens