In The Huddle

Sure, I know it’s technically a little late (the actual mid-point of the season was last week) but here are my midseason thoughts.

Thus far the best team in the area is Eastern Alamance. What makes the whole thing scary is that I’m not sure they’ve maxed out on their potential yet. With the help of an improving line, Lamar Ivey is getting more dangerous at quarterback each week, opening up things for the Eagles’ array of offensive weapons.

Also, wasn’t the Eastern Alamance defense supposed to take a hit after losing so many stars the past few years? I guess not.

If the Eagles can keep up the momentum in a brutal Mid-State 3-A Conference, look out.

Despite earlier reports, Western Alamance is still Western Alamance. With a little help from the NCHSAA in the form of a forfeit, the Warriors bounced back from an 0-2 start to find themselves at 6-1. With the offensive show they’re putting on as of late, they’re reminding Warrior Nation of the good ‘ol days of … 2007.

While Western Alamance is a nice story, Greensboro Dudley, Behemoth No. 1 in Class 3-A, could stand in the Warriors’ way for a conference title. Also Rocky Mount, Behemoth No. 2 in Class 3-A and a familiar Western Alamance playoff victim the past few years, could stand in the way when it comes to defending — or pursuing — their second-straight state title.

But Western Alamance has defied odds before, so who’s to say?

Southern Alamance started out this season as the feel-good story of 2008. Now the Patriots look like they may end up serving as an example of how unfair life on the prep gridiron can be.

After starting 2-0, the Patriots saw their win total erased after they discovered an ineligible player. That player never stepped foot on the field, mind you.

Anyway, throw in a five-game road swing and a two-game losing streak and all of the sudden, Southern Alamance’s playoff hopes in a tough league are rocky.

But remember, this is a program that lost a coach two years ago this month and bounced back. Don’t count these guys out.

So, if Eastern Guilford gets past Winston-Salem Atkins this week and goes into its uber-game with Reidsville undefeated, do you think traffic on Highway 61 will be thick?

The Holt brothers might have to jet in for that one.

Cummings (2-4), Graham (2-4) and Williams (3-3) had non-conference seasons they’d like to forget. The Red Devils and Cavaliers jump into a Mid-State 2-A Conference without a long list of powerhouses. Williams jumps into a Mid-State 3-A Conference that is almost nothing but powerhouses.

We’ll find out a lot about these three teams in the coming weeks.

When I spoke with Eastern Randolph coach Burton Cates prior to the season, he told me of how much redistricting and youth will hinder his team this year. I thought that, like most coaches, he was just being humble and keeping another strong Wildcats’ group under wraps until opening night.

I guess he wasn’t exaggerating. Eastern Randolph, a team that has traditionally delivered lumps to everyone around is taking them this year. Seeing the Wildcats near the bottom of the Mid-Piedmont standings just doesn’t look right.

But I recommend getting your licks in now against this squad. Next season, you might not have a chance.

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