There’s always two sides to a storm.
The rainy conditions that fell over many North Carolina high school football games and caused delays, postponements and the cancellation of Seaforth’s matchup against Southern Lee Friday night can symbolize Chatham County’s disappointing 2-5 start to the season. Yet, like a plant, it can also be seen as the catalyst to a program’s growth.
Waiting through the days of just eight players showing up to practice, a winless season and the literal rain before Friday night’s game was all worth the effort as Chatham Central beat South Davidson. That was its first win since 2022 and the first win under coach Derrin Little.
In week two, the Bears found reason to celebrate while the rest of the county dealt with tough losses, including the loss of an extra opportunity to make a future playoff push. According to Seaforth athletic director Jared Worley, a makeup game for the Hawks’ bout against Southern Lee is unlikely as the two teams haven’t been able to find a compatible date.
Here’s a recap of Friday’s football action, a preview of next week for each county team and the latest football power rankings:
Chatham Central
Chatham Central’s (1-1, 0-0) defense came up huge in its 16-14 win over South Davidson (0-2, 0-0).
The Bears held South Davidson scoreless in the first half while building a 16-2 lead by the end of the third quarter, and they came away with sacks and tackles for losses throughout the game.
Offensively, Chatham Central found some success on the ground through quarterback runs from junior Nick Glover. For one of the scores, Glover found senior receiver Luke Gaines down the field for a 63-yard touchdown.
Although there was plenty to celebrate Friday night, the Bears have a tough opponent in Southeast Alamance (2-0, 0-0) waiting for them in week three.
The Stallions have played well defensively in the first two weeks of the season, coming away with a combined six turnovers and two defensive touchdowns. Their combination of sophomores Daniel Bunker and DJ Callis have also rushed well this year. Another strong performance from the Bears’ defensive line will be crucial when they host Southeast Alamance Friday at 7 p.m.
Jordan-Matthews
Jordan-Matthews (1-1, 0-0) couldn’t quite keep the momentum rolling in its 27-0 loss to Carrboro (1-1, 0-0) Friday.
The Jaguars came with a balanced attack, passing for 145 yards and a touchdown and adding 165 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
Unfortunately for the Jets, they’ll be without star corner and receiver Kenneth Dula for some time due to an injury he suffered Friday.
That’s a key loss for the Jets going into their week three matchup against Cummings (1-1, 0-0). Without former star running back Jonathan Paylor, Cummings isn’t the same team as last year, but it still has a solid rushing attack led by junior Jaidyn Briskey. Briskey rushed for 218 yards on 22 carries in the Cavaliers’ season-opening win against Morehead. Finding a way to replace Dula’s impact on both sides of the ball while also establishing its own run game will be key for Jordan-Matthews.
The Jets will travel to Cummings Friday at 7 p.m.
Northwood
Northwood (0-2, 0-0) fell victim to a nightmare offensive performance against Union Pines (2-0, 0-0) Friday, throwing seven interceptions. Nevertheless, the Chargers’ defense kept them in reach for most of the game, showing some good things to build on in week three.
The Chargers will have a chance to regroup and get its first win of the season when they host North Moore (0-1, 0-0) Friday.
The Mustangs lost a lot of talent from last year’s team, and after out-muscling Northwood last year in what turned out to be a crucial conference result, the Chargers will look for revenge.
Seaforth will have a bye Friday.
Power Rankings
Last week (as stated on the Chatham County Sports Roundup show last week): 1. Northwood; 2. Jordan-Matthews; 3. Seaforth; 4. Chatham Central
New rankings: 1. Northwood; 2. Jordan-Matthews; 3. Chatham Central; 4. Seaforth