Top 3 RDU Games to Watch in Week 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season rolls on, as we're close to the midpoint of the non-conference season. Our game previews roll on as well, and we're breaking a few down by region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here, I'm breaking down three of the top games to watch in the Raleigh-Durham area on Friday. Which teams are we focused on in the RDU in Week 3?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Week 3 Matchups in RDU</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Northern Nash @ Cleveland</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cleveland has done it again. The state's most consistent producer of top quarterback play has a new passer, and he's leading the Rams to a strong start to the season. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1702810' first='Owen' last='Hulbert']</strong>. The junior is completing nearly 81% of his passes with five total touchdowns through two games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams' offense hasn't been remarkably explosive (though receiver <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1665459' first='Krisjon' last='Clark']</strong> has flashed downfield ability), but it has been impressively consistent, and it's led to 56 points a game through two. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's certainly helped that the defense has been unblockable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rams have 38 tackles for loss, led by Penn commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1600424' first='Jaylen' last='King']'s</strong> eight (with three sacks). Edge rusher <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1698661' first='Daniel' last='Lugo']</strong> has added two sacks, while defensive lineman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1076281' first='Cameron' last='Melvin']</strong> has clogged up the middle in the running game. That pressure has led to seven takeaways through two games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Nash has been a bit more run-heavy, but quarterback <strong>Hylan Wheeler</strong> has been efficient, averaging over 8.5 yards per attempt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='618689' first='Myles' last='Eatmon']</strong> is the main weapon on the ground, averaging nearly 100 yards a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, <strong>Caleb Wade</strong> has been a tackling machine, with 29 tackles through the first two games. While the Knights haven't been as disruptive, they've gotten off the field, and that's what they'll need to do against the Rams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cleveland probably has too much firepower here, but I'm intrigued to see how the Knights handle that high-powered offense and if they can get something going on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">North Raleigh Christian @ High Point Christian</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm interested in this NCISAA matchup between two teams with hopes of putting together strong seasons. North Raleigh Christian comes in 1-1 against a 2-0 High Point Christian Academy team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Raleigh Christian has had some success through the air, led by tight end <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1737717' first='Marcus' last='Monroe']</strong> and wide receiver <strong>Graycen Jones</strong>. However, the running game hasn't really gotten going. Quarterback <strong>Cooper Herakovich</strong> is the leading rusher with just over 50 yards, so the Knights will look to find some steady production out of the backfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior <strong>Micah Finnicum</strong> has had a strong start to the season and Herakovich has a pick, playing both ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High Point Christian is a deserved favorite. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='820867' first='Jaylen' last='Moore']</strong> is a star at running back, but the emergence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1149027' first='Hez' last='Krider Jr'].</strong> as a secondary running back option has been a welcome development for the Cougars.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They'll try to control the ball on the ground, get a lead, and let their defensive line tandem of <strong>Micah Russell</strong> and freshman <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1866343' first='Whitton' last='Butler']</strong> tee off. I'm interested to see what kind of mismatches NRCA can try to create, but HPCA probably has the advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Middle Creek @ Garner</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I find myself talking a lot about Middle Creek, a team I was high on coming into the season, and one that had two impressive wins. The Mustangs will have their toughest test of the year on Friday against Garner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans opened against title-contending Millbrook, then blew out what should be a good Laney team. Now, they have another test against Middle Creek.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I hate cliches, but this is one of those games that each team feels like they should win if they're going to threaten in conference. Accordingly, it's a great measuring stick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The run game picked up last week for Garner, as <strong>Austin Williams</strong> scored two touchdowns. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225217' first='Amir' last='Wallace']</strong> adds some tough running, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656365' first='Tayden' last='McPhatter']</strong> is a change-of-pace guy. Of course, dual-threat quarterback <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1625015' first='Christian' last='Ormandy']</strong> is one of the better runners at the position in the state. The emergence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='369167' first='Eric' last='Chisley']</strong> as a true star receiver has given the Trojans balance on offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPhatter has been everywhere on both sides of the ball, and with defensive backs <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718578' first='Maddox' last='McDowell']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1397877' first='AJ' last='Randle']</strong>, he's part of one of the best secondaries in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Middle Creek may try to impose its will up front behind linemen like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604115' first='James' last='Han']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1658593' first='Jayden' last='Spencer']</strong> could have a big game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663791' first='Tracy' last='Harrington Jr.']</strong> adds a downfield passing element, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1328747' first='Lex' last='Sevilla'] </strong>is always willing to push the ball, but I think the Mustangs may try to assert dominance on both lines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Middle Creek defensive line hasn't gotten home in the passing game as much as I'd expected, but the upside is there. If <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1663952' first='Davis' last='Prichard']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809409' first='Cullen' last='Hunt']</strong>, and company can get home, it'll change the complexion of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a game between two great quarterbacks, but I'm interested to see the game plans. I think Garner's secondary may make it difficult for Middle Creek to move the ball consistently through the air, so I wonder if the Mustangs rely on the running game. Conversely, can Garner give Ormandy time to work down the field?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All I know is that I'm excited to see this one, and I may make the trip over there myself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Who should we preview next week? Let me know on Twitter (<a href="https://x.com/whelms21">@whelms21</a>)</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->