Calvin Adkins
It’s time to see what the Tarboro Vikings are made of.
Tonight, the No. 2 ranked Vikings will travel to No. 6 ranked Kinston and put their undefeated season on the line in a critical game in the Eastern Plain Conference. It could be one of the best match-ups in the state this week, and that’s just half of the story. Next week, the Vikings will have another tough game against EPC foe and county rival SouthWest Edgecombe.
Also tonight, the SouthWest Edgecombe Cougars will travel to North Pitt, and North Edgecombe will host Kipp Pride.
Vikings Coach Jeff Craddock, I know, is not even thinking about the Cougars matchup today. However, if the Vikings beat Kinston, next week’s game will add extra luster to a match-up already deemed as the next-best-thing to a state championship game.
The undefeated Cougars, who beat Kinston 28-13 in Week 6, have a vested interest in this game also. If Kinston (7-1, 4-1) wins, the Cougars will take over sole possession of first place in the EPC.
But first things first. The Vikings must handle their business tonight.
Last week, for the first time all season, the Vikings’ offense showed some weakness. Against Greene Central, Tarboro came in the game averaging well over 300 yards per game and over 30 points. The Rams held them to just 259 yards and 21 points, and only one touchdown in the first half for Tarboro.
Craddock was obviously delighted about the victory, but said after the game, “We have to play better than we played tonight against Kinston.”
Knowing Craddock, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Vikings had one of their most intense practices of the season. You won’t see that same Vikings offense on the field tonight.
Defensively, like always, the Vikings stood their ground. Defensive coordinator, Coach A.B. Whitley is a defensive guru. The Vikings have given up a meager 27 points through seven games. No team has scored more than one touchdown on them this season.
Last week Mike Hilliard was the defensive star. Hilliard made a second interception in the third quarter that led to a key touchdown that broke a 7-7 tie. He also made seven tackles including a clutch sack in the fourth quarter.
Field position will be key in this game, with Vikings kicker Ricardo Arias playing an important part in this game. Arias is all but a sure shot for extra points. He may be called upon for a field goal or two tonight. He boots long balls, with them often sailing into the endzone during a kickoff return, which negates the possibility of a big return from Kinston.
This will be the toughest game of the season for the Vikings. I look for them to prevail 28-21. Wow. Three touchdowns scored on the Vikings. Whitley is cringing on that one.
Cougars vs. Panthers
It will be another day at the office for the Cougars. The hungry cats will go to Bethel and easily take care business against the North Pitt Panthers tonight. Immediately afterward they will began preparation for the Vikings.
But Cougars, don’t look too far ahead to next week until you put this game in the bag.
North Pitt is coming off a bye and is well rested. They will be the best 3-4 team the Cougars have faced all season. But they still can’t matchup with the phenomenal Cougars offense. Too many weapons. Running back, Javon Brown left, fullback Quandre Pittman up the middle, and quarterback Chris Ellerbee right. Touchdown. Touchdown. Touchdown.
The Cougars will win by at least three touchdowns.
North Edgecombe
vs. Kipp Pride
Has anybody jumped on the Warriors bandwagon as I suggested last week. They are not a fluke. The Warriors (3-3, 3-0) have won three in a row and guess what? Tonight will be the easiest game of the season for them. I know each week I talk about Quintin Higgs and his outstanding play. Rightfully so. He’s a bull. So I’m not going to tell you that Higgs is going to gain close to 200 yards tonight although he is going to do it. Look out for Keltcey Richardson. Richardson was injured against Tarboro and played sparingly for the first time last week against Northampton-East. Richardson will be the surprise that Kipp Pride hasn’t heard about.
This game will be over in the first half.
The Warriors will win by as many touchdowns as they want to score.
