Wildcats, Panthers entering in different directions

 They have headed in different directions.

While Richlands appears to have found its offensive rhythm, the same can't be said about East Duplin, and it's evident in the scoring outputs from each of the East Central 2-A Conference foes.

The Wildcats (3-2 overall, 1-0 in ECC) have posted a combined 81 points in their previous two outings, including last week's 30-19 win over Croatan, while the Panthers (3-2, 0-1) have scored just one touchdown in the last two games, including last week's 16-0 defeat at Southwest.

Nonetheless, offensive execution will be instrumental in tonight's meeting at Richlands in one of 11 games featuring readership area squads. Kickoff for all games is 7:30 p.m.

"For years people have talked about the big four being East Duplin, Southwest, Clinton, and Northside," said Wildcats head coach Jeff Cobb. "If you can steal one of those you can feel good, but we also take every game the same.

"East Duplin is a well-coached team and this will be one of the toughest contests we have, but we will go about our business as usual."

The Wildcats, who topped the Panthers 23-20 last season, have progressed enough offensively that they are now the second-highest scoring club in the East Central Conference, behind only Northside.

Chris Norman paced Richlands' option-oriented offense last week, as the sophomore rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while senior Jordan VanScooter recorded 130 yards passing and a touchdown toss to Robert Diaz, while also scoring one via the run as the Wildcats stromed to a 17-0 edge. Senior John Flanagan added 83 yards rushing and a score.

"Richlands has played well and they have a lot of confidence," said East Duplin head coach Brian Aldridge. "On defense everybody has to know their assignments, and you have to practice (against the option), but it's hard to simulate the way they run it."

Conversely, the Panthers have tried to establish consistency to an offense that last week was shut out for the first time this season. East Duplin registered just five first downs.

"We have to find the right people to put out there, we are still trying to find the right combinations," Aldridge said. "We knew going into the season we would have inexperience in the backfield, and we still haven't had someone step up and take the lead.

"And it comes down to poor preparing on my part."

Still, Cobb is aware the Panthers have the ability to break out of their slump.

"East Duplin is big up front, and we are small, so that concerns us," he said. "But I hold no secrets, our 3-5 defense is what it is ... we can get into different looks and play gap control defense.

"The 3-5 is supposed to be confusing as we can blitz from all areas, but it's all about assignment football and being at the right place."

Clinton (2-3, 1-0) at Northside (5-0, 1-0)

Northside welcomes Clinton in a matchup of teams who last week won their East Central 2-A Conference openers.

The Monarchs, still second in The Associated Press 2-A rankings, are coming off a 49-0 victory over Swansboro. Adrian Scott paced Northside by rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns, while Brad Simmons scored two touchdowns and Austin Baggett and B.J. White each had a score.

Meanwhile, the Darkhorses are coming off a 34-0 triumph over South Lenoir. Josh Smith ran for 79 yards and a score, and Dexter Carr scored two touchdowns for Clinton, which lost to Northside 41-0 last year.

Laney (1-3, 0-0) at Jacksonville (0-6, 0-1)

Jacksonville once again vies for its first win as the Cardinals host Mideastern 3-A/4-A Conference foe Laney.

Dayton Campos rushed for 87 yards and Will Coleman completed eight passes for 69 yards in the Cardinals' 14-10 loss to Ashley last week.

Laney, which fell to JHS 35-12 last year, was idle last week.

Southwest (5-0, 1-0) at Croatan (2-3, 0-1)

Southwest tries to remain undefeated as the Stallions travel to East Central 2-A Conference foe Croatan.

The Stallions, fourth in the state 2-A rankings, are coming off a 16-0 home win over East Duplin. That game saw Chris Hairston rush for 160 yards, while Chris Strayhorn recorded a sack for a safety and returned a fumble for a touchdown.

The Cougars are coming off a 30-19 defeat to Richlands. Aaron Stull threw three scoring passes for Croatan.

Southwest defeated Croatan 56-13 last year.

Swansboro (1-4, 0-1) at South Lenoir (1-4, 0-1)

This East Central 2-A Conference contest features clubs who have each dropped four consecutive games after opening the season victorious.

The Pirates are coming off the defeat to Northside, while the Blue Devils lost to Clinton. Last week Trevor Chambers rushed for 51 yards for Swansboro, which lost to SLHS 35-14 last season.

White Oak (2-4, 0-1) at West Brunswick (2-3, 0-1)

White Oak tries to gain an edge for the Mideastern 3-A/4-A Conference's top 3-A seed as the Vikings visit West Brunswick.

The Vikings are coming off a 27-16 defeat to New Hanover, while the Trojans are coming off a 20-10 defeat to Hoggard. Last week, Tamari White rushed for 65 yards and Jake Fritter completed 12 passes for 75 yards, including a touchdown strike to Devein Davis for WOHS

Midway (5-0) at Dixon (3-2)

Dixon looks for its third consecutive victory when it hosts non-conference foe Midway.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 41-14 triumph over Spring Creek. That game saw Jacob Bisser rush for 103 yards and a touchdown, Michael Cline run for 74 yards and a pair or scores and Chris Lawson 49 yards.

Midway, eighth in the 1-A rankings, is coming off a 49-6 victory over Rosewood.

Topsail (5-0) at Lakewood (3-2)

Topsail vies to stay perfect when the Pirates visit Lakewood in a non-conference contest.

The Pirates were idle last week following a 41-20 win over Trask, while Lakewood is coming off a 41-16 win over Lejeune. Topsail won last year 14-13.

Rosewood (1-4) at Jones Senior (4-1)

Jones Senior goes for its fifth straight win when it welcomes non-conference foe Rosewood.

The Trojans are coming off a 42-0 victory over South Lenoir, while The Eagles last week lost to Midway. Jones Senior won 21-0 last season.

West Carteret (2-3, 0-1) at Havelock (4-1, 1-0)

West Carteret visits Havelock for a Coastal 3-A/4-A Conference contest.

The Patriots lost 49-21 last week to Greenville Rose and Havelock defeated New Bern 12-8. West Carteret lost to Havelock 48-14 last season.

Cardinal Gibbons (2-3) at East Carteret (0-5)

East Carteret looks for its first win when it hosts non-conference foe Cardinal Gibbons.

The Mariners were idle last week after a 13-12 loss to Union. Cardinal Gibbons last week defeated North Raleigh Christian Academy 36-6.