By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
There are some top-tier matchups set for this week involving Alamance County football teams. Because of concerns about the weather late in the week, these games have been moved up a day to Thursday night:
Williams at Eastern Alamance
The outcome of this game should factor heavily into the championship picture for the Central Carolina 3-A Conference.
The connections to these programs run deep. Second-year Williams coach Patrick Stokes was a longtime assistant coach at Eastern Alamance, so he has coached many of the current Eagles.
Eastern Alamance (4-1, 1-0) is the reigning league champion. Each of its games this season has been decided by 15 points or less, including a 22-16 escape last week at Western Alamance. The last three games for the Eagles had margins of seven or fewer points.
Williams (4-2, 2-0) hasn’t been challenged in two conference romps, plastering Northwood and Orange in games that were shortened with a running clock due to the mercy rule.
The Eagles won 47-26 against the Bulldogs last season in Burlington.
Both these teams defeated Southern Alamance in non-conference play. The Eagles topped Eastern Randolph in its season opener, while Williams dropped its last non-league game with Eastern Randolph.
Chapel Hill at Southern Alamance
Southern Alamance (3-2) is aiming for a three-game winning streak in this DAC-VII Conference opener for both teams.
The Patriots have racked up more than 40 points in all three victories. In their past two games, they haven’t attempted a pass.
“They’ve never seen an offense like we have,” running back / linebacker Logan Foust said, referring to opponents.
Chapel Hill (4-0) hasn’t played since Sept. 9. Last week’s scheduled game with rival East Chapel Hill was called off because of a threat made at Chapel Hill High School. The Tigers’ four victories have come against teams with a combined record of 7-15.
Southern won 35-27 last year at Chapel Hill.
Bartlett Yancey at Cummings
Cummings should finally get its Mid-Carolina Conference schedule started with this homecoming game.
It has been almost a month since the Cavaliers (2-2) won a game, with a September 2 whipping of host Orange.
Cummings couldn’t contain Southern Alamance’s rushing attack in last week’s home loss. But in the second half, the Cavaliers perked up offensively and clicked with their passing attack.
“It’s something to build on as we’re getting into conference,” Cummings coach David Grimm said.
Bartlett Yancey (4-2, 1-1), which is slated for an open date next week, suffered a 35-22 home loss to undefeated North Moore last week.
Cummings is 0-2 at home. The Buccaneers have been solid in road games, with a pair of victories by routs and an overtime loss to McMichael (5-1).
These teams split their last two meetings, with Cummings winning last October.
Week 7 schedule – Thursday
Williams at Eastern Alamance, 7:00
Chapel Hill at Southern Alamance, 7:00
Bartlett Yancey at Cummings, 7:30
Note: Graham and Western Alamance are off.
Follow our football coverage: For results from Thursday night’s area high school football games, including a report from the Williams-Eastern Alamance showdown, visit www.alamancenews.com; also subscribe to our YouTube channel for interviews with key players.
