Northwestern/South Pointe set for game of the week in SC
Rock Hill – In what should be an exciting game, undefeated Northwestern will battle city rival and perennial AAAA power South Pointe on Friday night. The game is billed as the “game of the week” by the High School Sports Report.
Northwestern is the No. 2 ranked team in Class AAAAA and the defending Division II state champions have been impressive in their first three outings. The Trojans have early wins over Spartanburg (39-7), Ridge View (35-28) and South Florence (55-35).
“We feel like the early schedule is helping us improve a lot and will prepare us for the playoffs down the road,” said Northwestern head coach Page Wofford. “We have played three teams that are likely at least third-round playoff teams this season. And, we have a fourth this week in South Pointe. Our kids are getting battle-tested and they are responding very well. We’re fortunate to be 3-0.”
Northwestern is propelled offensively by junior quarterback Xavier Means, a first-year starter. Means has passed for 633 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing for268 yards and two scores.
Quay Mobley is the top running back and Kam Vance has 29 receptions for 325 yards and five touchdowns in three games.
“Execution and not turning the ball over,” says Wofford of the early keys to success,
Kameron McFadden and Jeremiah Cannon are two of the leaders defensively. Northwestern came into the season with an entirely new defensive front but Wofford sees that unit getting better each week.”
South Pointe (2-1) is the top-ranked team in AAAA but has yet to turn it on offensively, scoring 48 points in three games. The Stallions also have played a tough early schedule. The Stallions have allowed just 33 points in three games.
“They have athletes and good players all over the field,” Wofford said. “It’s just a matter of time until they figure it out offensively and I hope it’s after Friday night. They’re a really good football team, we know that. They have some weapons and their defense is really good.They are going to be a problem for a lot of teams.”
The Stallions have perhaps the state’s top athlete in Jzavien Currence, a USC commit. Currence has passed for 314 yards and has rushed for 196 yards. He also rates highly as a defensive back.
RJ Brown is another key player in the backfield while Stallion defensive leaders include KJ Burg and Daquan Evans.
Northwestern has won the last three meetings with their rivals, averaging 34 points per game in those three wins, South Pointe won three of four games between 2018-2021.
Fans of both schools, as well as Rock Hill High, put a lot of emphasis on the “city championship.” South Pointe already has beaten Rock Hill and Northwestern will play the Bearcats in region play. Friday’s game will go a long way in determining the city champion.
“I guess it’s a cool thing for the fans of each school but we don’t emphasize that too much here,” Wofford said. “The trophy we want is handed out in December.”
Other key games around SC on Sept. 12.
Bluffton at Hampton County
Camden at Ridge View
Oceanside Collegiate at Ashley Ridge
Carolina Forest at Irmo
Crestwood at Sumter
Dreher at Bishop England
Eastside at Blue Ridge
Wren at T.L. Hanna
