A Time For Thanksgiving

We the people of the United States have so much to be Thankful.  Those considered  in poverty in this country have no popped bellies like you see in third world countries when ribs are visibly seen over the poaching belly.

Today we go to Grand Ma's house and get to eat turkey, ham, collards, sweet potatoes and plenty of stuffing and gravely.  Then we recline to watch football and which I believe for the first time the unbeaten Carolina Panthers take part on one of the three TV games against the team if you listen to their fans will not lose another game this year because Tony Romo is back for Dallas.

We have four high school teams who by the time you read this probably have already finished their Turkey Day work to prepare for their Friday night playoff game in the third round of the state playoffs. last week got all eight playoff games right giving me a 89-17 record for the year.

North Edgecombe 7-5 4th place Twin Rivers @ Southside 11-1 2nd place Coastal Plains.  Common opponents  Riverside Martin.  NE lost 22-40. Southside 46-42... Northampton NE lost 32-34 Southside won 40-36.  North Edgecombe averaged  32 points per game, Southside 42.  The defense the Warriors gave up 23 plus while the Seahawks 16.

The Warriors are almost healthy and this game has the making of a real doozy.  The tilt toward the winner is Southside is home. Southside 36 North Edgecombe 32

James Kenan 12-1 Tied first in Carolina 1A with Lakewood @ Tarboro champion of Twin Rivers 1A 12-1.  Common opponents Riverside Martin. Tarboro 49-28 JK 47-14.  Lakewood  37-7 Tarboro, James Kenan 35-6.  Tarboro averaged. 41 points JK 44.  Points allowed Tarboro 14 James Kenan  10.

This is a state championship quality game.  The winner has every chance to win it all in two weeks. Once again I'll take the home team. Tarboro 24 James Kenan 21.

Fairmont 11-2 champion of Three Rivers 2A/1A @ SouthWest Edgecombe  12-1 champion of Eastern Plains 2-A.  No common opponents.  Cougars averaged  36 points per game, Fairmont 42.  SWE yielded 15 points on defense every time out while Fairmont 19.

Over riding issue for me in this game is Fairmont plays in a split league and some are 1-A schools inflating Fairmont 's numbers.  Once again I will go with the home team.  The Cougars will advance SWE 38 Fairmont 24.

Morehead 10-3 3rd place Mid State 3A @ Rocky Mount 11-2 champions of the Big East.  One common opponent Williams. RM 24 Williams 13.  Morehead 42 Williams 15 at Williams.  The Gryphons average 36 per outing while Morehead 31.  The tackling side Rocky Mount gives up 18 while the Panthers 25.

This game will not be decided until the 4th quarter.  The Panthers are one of the hottest teams at this point in time.  Just like the others two home local teams Gryphons will be hard to beat at home.  Need a full house in attendance.  I think this one will be in fourth quarter before Gryphon gets control. Rocky Mount 31 Morehead 23.

So I'm taking all the home team's Friday but let me tell you.  The Cougars have the best chance to advance while both Tarboro and Rocky Mount have their work cut out for themselves.  North Edgecombe  has a shot.  All four could lose and all four could win.  The best place to be Friday is in one of our four teams still alive and cheer hard.