Southern Piedmont 2A/3A/4A - Week 7

Stormsurge1

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Burns and Cramer will be a good game
Should be a good game. Looking forward to great environment in Lawndale. I will go ahead and throw out that both teams have some players banged up and may not play (I know that is a huge topic of conversation these days being the first team to tell you how many players they are missing 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️). However I think there are a ton of key players on both sides that will be playing so it should be a lot of fun.
 

beamer24

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Jul 16, 2009
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Should be a good game. Looking forward to great environment in Lawndale. I will go ahead and throw out that both teams have some players banged up and may not play (I know that is a huge topic of conversation these days being the first team to tell you how many players they are missing 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️). However I think there are a ton of key players on both sides that will be playing so it should be a lot of fun.
Everyone has kids banged up right now. Biggest thing is whether or not its season ending or not.
 

BurnsBulldog02

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Should be a good game. Looking forward to great environment in Lawndale. I will go ahead and throw out that both teams have some players banged up and may not play (I know that is a huge topic of conversation these days being the first team to tell you how many players they are missing 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️). However I think there are a ton of key players on both sides that will be playing so it should be a lot of fun.
You will not hear that from me. Burns will be healthier this week than the Lincolnton game overall. We actually get two players back. I expect more of the same on predictions as the Lincolnton week. Sometimes people do not put who they think will win as much as who they hope wins if you get my drift. 😎
 

Stormsurge1

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You will not hear that from me. Burns will be healthier this week than the Lincolnton game overall. We actually get two players back. I expect more of the same on predictions as the Lincolnton week. Sometimes people do not put who they think will win as much as who they hope wins if you get my drift. 😎
I fully expect everyone other than Cramer people to pick Burns. I am ok with it and wouldn’t expect anything less. We are definitely walking in Friday as underdogs. Game was 21-21 with 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter last year and I expect it to be close again this year. Who makes the plays down the stretch.
 

BurnsBulldog02

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Aug 21, 2016
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I fully expect everyone other than Cramer people to pick Burns. I am ok with it and wouldn’t expect anything less. We are definitely walking in Friday as underdogs. Game was 21-21 with 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter last year and I expect it to be close again this year. Who makes the plays down the stretch.
You would be surprised. FB allows people to have a voice and the majority I am reading have Cramer. We beat Lincolnton and the comments were all about "Mayfield was out". This would be a great opportunity for Burns to make a statement. I watched the Shelby and SC game last night. SC is big and physical up front. We have our work cut out but something tells me the players have a chip and have the mindset they are the underdog according to everyone outside of that locker room. Should be a great atmosphere in Lawndale.
 
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Stormsurge1

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You would be surprised. FB allows people to have a voice and the majority I am reading have Cramer. We beat Lincolnton and the comments were all about "Mayfield was out". This would be a great opportunity for Burns to make a statement. I watched the Shelby and SC game last night. SC is big and physical up front. We have our work cut out but something tells me the players have a chip and have the mindset they are the underdog according to everyone outside of that locker room. Should be a great atmosphere in Lawndale.
I am actually going to mirror your same message. All we heard last year when we best Lincolnton by about the same score you guys did was they were missing Mayfield and some other players. All I am reading on Facebook is how Shelby is missing players and everyone is picking Burns. I think our players are coming in with a chip on their shoulder and looking to prove something. Sounds like the makings of a good game. Good luck and hopefully both sides perform well and it is a great game.
 
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Aug 9, 2025
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I fully expect everyone other than Cramer people to pick Burns. I am ok with it and wouldn’t expect anything less. We are definitely walking in Friday as underdogs. Game was 21-21 with 8 minutes to go in the 4th quarter last year and I expect it to be close again this year. Who makes the plays down the stretch.
I’ve seen both teams now. I think Cramer is better on defense and Burns is better on offense, or at least more explosive. I think it’s a dead even matchup, and it might happen twice this year. Both teams are big and strong and prefer to run the ball. I’d take Cramer by a field goal on a neutral field, maybe even by an extra point. But Burns is at home and that crowd/environment will help.
 

BurnsBulldog02

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I’ve seen both teams now. I think Cramer is better on defense and Burns is better on offense, or at least more explosive. I think it’s a dead even matchup, and it might happen twice this year. Both teams are big and strong and prefer to run the ball. I’d take Cramer by a field goal on a neutral field, maybe even by an extra point. But Burns is at home and that crowd/environment will help.
That is a fair opinion. Making adjustments on Defense mid game and at halftime has been great. We have come out the second half the last few weeks and really locked in on Defense. We will have to continue that trend. Our offense has improved big time in the air since the Lincolnton game. I am not talking about how we looked against weaker competition but more of the quality of the passes being on the money. Ussery, Dawkins, McKenzie and Surratt have definitely made it harder to just stack the box to stop Max. We will get a true test of where were at since the Lincolnton game where SC has 3 tough games in 4 weeks to see about themselves.
 

Lincolnton

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Stormsurge, respectfully, feel like you might be overstating the “Mayfield was out” comment. Have seen you comment on it in the past and you do it in a general way… Bushleague put it on here, and someone else might have said it, but you talk as though it was a constant harangue and it wasn’t.

I make it a point to not make excuses for my team’s losses or try and dampen another team’s victory. As for me I have not mentioned it once.
 
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Stormsurge1

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Stormsurge, respectfully, feel like you might be overstating the “Mayfield was out” comment. Have seen you comment on it in the past and you do it in a general way… Bushleague put it on here, and someone else might have said it, but you talk as though it was a constant harangue and it wasn’t.

I make it a point to not make excuses for my team’s losses or try and dampen another team’s victory. As for me I have not mentioned it once.
That is fair and you are right there was not a lot of talk on this board about it and the Lincolnton fans on this board have always been respectful. Tons of respect for you guys as well as the Lincolnton program. I was referring to the Facebook moms who got on there and did what they do.

I apologize for lumping you guys into it and I should have clarified my statement.
 
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Lincolnton

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That is fair and you are right there was not a lot of talk on this board about it and the Lincolnton fans on this board have always been respectful. Tons of respect for you guys as well as the Lincolnton program. I was referring to the Facebook moms who got on there and did what they do.

I apologize for lumping you guys into it and I should have clarified my statement.
Thanks StormSurge, I completely forgot about Facebook and other social media. That is where the world has passed me by so my apologies for that. Watched The Storm on NFHS play Shelby. That game could’ve gone either way… I feel like both teams are enough to give us nightmares. Good luck Friday night.
 
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Stormsurge1

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Thanks StormSurge, I completely forgot about Facebook and other social media. That is where the world has passed me by so my apologies for that. Watched The Storm on NFHS play Shelby. That game could’ve gone either way… I feel like both teams are enough to give us nightmares. Good luck Friday night.
No worries I am getting older myself. Lincolnton is going to be a huge challenge for anyone they play this year. Good luck this weekend but also in two weeks against Shelby. Their front seven is legit but you guys have a lot of speed and matchup problems that other teams don’t have. We said all 6 games involving the top 4 teams in this conference would be battles and the first 2 games have not disappointed.
 
Oct 10, 2018
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I know Shelby won't have 2 of the 7 starters missing from the SC game for the rest of the season, but will the others be back anytime soon? That will determine how they finish this season out because last Fridays Shelby team was nowhere near the Shelby team at the beginning of the season. By the playoffs some of that dline will probably have to play some oline to make up for missing production.
 
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WNC_MountainMan

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Aug 17, 2026
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I keep coming back to Burns having a slight advantage in this matchup, and it starts with their ability to generate body blows with their massive offensive line and down hill running game. Stuart Cramer is going to showcase a good 3-4 front, and there’s no doubt the Storm can create problems with their stunts, twists and movement up front. But that's a double-edged sword, if those pressures don't hit home or the defense loses gap integrity, Burns has the personnel and physicality to turn those creases into chunk plays in a hurry. If Burns can consistently stay ahead of the chains and make Stuart Cramer tackle for four quarters, this could become a very uncomfortable night for the Storm defense.

That said, I'm not sleeping on Stuart Cramer's offense whatsoever. The Storm have explosive playmaking ability and enough athletes to generate offense even when things aren't perfect. This feels like one of those games where the first team to blink could be in trouble. Burns has simply been through the tougher early-season gauntlet, and that experience matters when you're talking about physicality and playing through adversity. And don't overlook the fact that Burns has already lost some potentially significant offensive production to injury. If the Bulldogs can withstand those losses and continue leaning on the OL and run game, I think that's where they can eventually wear on Stuart Cramer by limiting their time of possession. But if the Storm's front wins the line of scrimmage, creates negative plays and keeps Burns from establishing the run, this thing could turn into a track meet and that's exactly the kind of game Stuart Cramer wants.
 
Nov 15, 2014
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Burns has been really really good this year at making adjustments at halftime and playing a much better second half than the first half. Will that continue? We'll see. Probably gonna see Max on both sides of the ball like the Lincolnton game. As was said before we do get 2 starters back this week which will help, still will be on a second string OLB though because the 1st string OLB is playing QB (3rd option there). Outside of the QB spot we are basically 100% as far as I know. But Dawkins has had 3 games now at QB and was the JV QB last year so he's not uncomfortable in that role and he's gotten better each week. Being at home gives Burns a slight advantage I think but this game very well may come down to the last possession. I'll admit, Cramer scares me.
 
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Stormsurge1

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Oct 21, 2025
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Burns has been really really good this year at making adjustments at halftime and playing a much better second half than the first half. Will that continue? We'll see. Probably gonna see Max on both sides of the ball like the Lincolnton game. As was said before we do get 2 starters back this week which will help, still will be on a second string OLB though because the 1st string OLB is playing QB (3rd option there). Outside of the QB spot we are basically 100% as far as I know. But Dawkins has had 3 games now at QB and was the JV QB last year so he's not uncomfortable in that role and he's gotten better each week. Being at home gives Burns a slight advantage I think but this game very well may come down to the last possession. I'll admit, Cramer scares me.
Hey look on the bright side we might get to do it twice this year 😂😂
 

CCFB

Redshirt
Sep 28, 2026
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Should be a good game. There is a key to victory for both teams. I will not say, that is for the coaches to figure out. interesting tidbit, Cramer is the last Gaston County team to beat Burns. Since then, Burns has won 33 in a row going back 8 years. That should be locker room material for both teams. Going to be a good one. The other Belmont - Cleveland County game should be good also. I will say toss up on both games.
 
Aug 29, 2021
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Burns has been really really good this year at making adjustments at halftime and playing a much better second half than the first half. Will that continue? We'll see. Probably gonna see Max on both sides of the ball like the Lincolnton game. As was said before we do get 2 starters back this week which will help, still will be on a second string OLB though because the 1st string OLB is playing QB (3rd option there). Outside of the QB spot we are basically 100% as far as I know. But Dawkins has had 3 games now at QB and was the JV QB last year so he's not uncomfortable in that role and he's gotten better each week. Being at home gives Burns a slight advantage I think but this game very well may come down to the last possession. I'll admit, Cramer scares me.
Correct me if I’m wrong. Didn’t Max Davis start at LB his sophomore and junior year? If so, then you’re deeper on the linebacker depth chart than you realize. They had Max ranked in the top 5 linebackers in Gaston/Cleveland county going into his junior season. Then he was the few to re back and still played defense. A lot of rambling to get to my point of burns has athletes and players to help when injuries occur or to step up so someone doesn’t have to play both ways. I would guess that the defense would definitely benefit from having max play LB but if they can survive and let him stay fresh to run it then so be it. But looking a max preps he still isn’t getting many carries. So why save him? Yall burns folks can help answer that.
 

CCFB

Redshirt
Sep 28, 2026
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You would be surprised. FB allows people to have a voice and the majority I am reading have Cramer. We beat Lincolnton and the comments were all about "Mayfield was out". This would be a great opportunity for Burns to make a statement. I watched the Shelby and SC game last night. SC is big and physical up front. We have our work cut out but something tells me the players have a chip and have the mindset they are the underdog according to everyone outside of that locker room. Should be a great atmosphere in Lawndale.
Mayfield was out not a valid statement. As you know, Burns LB1 & LB2 was out and LB3 switched to QB due to QB1 and QB2 being out. Mayfield is good, but his absence doesn't outweigh all of that.
 
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BurnsBulldog02

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Aug 21, 2016
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Mayfield was out not a valid statement. As you know, Burns LB1 & LB2 was out and LB3 switched to QB due to QB1 and QB2 being out. Mayfield is good, but his absence doesn't outweigh all of that.
Couldn't agree more!! I don’t care how good you are, if the other 10 on defense are wore slap out then you can hang it up alone. They were exhausted in the 4th quarter after battling our line for 3 straight. We had been tested and Lincolnton had not.
 
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BurnsBulldog02

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Aug 21, 2016
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Correct me if I’m wrong. Didn’t Max Davis start at LB his sophomore and junior year? If so, then you’re deeper on the linebacker depth chart than you realize. They had Max ranked in the top 5 linebackers in Gaston/Cleveland county going into his junior season. Then he was the few to re back and still played defense. A lot of rambling to get to my point of burns has athletes and players to help when injuries occur or to step up so someone doesn’t have to play both ways. I would guess that the defense would definitely benefit from having max play LB but if they can survive and let him stay fresh to run it then so be it. But looking a max preps he still isn’t getting many carries. So why save him? Yall burns folks can help answer that.
We are deep at LB. No doubt about it.

I am not the coach but if I had to guess, playoff time is where it matters the most. Seems like the goal is to spread it out more to prevent teams from just stacking the box. If he is limited on carries and we’re still scoring that is good. In games like Lincolnton in the 4th quarter Max will be dangerous. He was fresh and they were done for. Seeing us throw for over 200 last week and multiple players scoring is a great sign.
 
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CCFB

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Correct me if I’m wrong. Didn’t Max Davis start at LB his sophomore and junior year? If so, then you’re deeper on the linebacker depth chart than you realize. They had Max ranked in the top 5 linebackers in Gaston/Cleveland county going into his junior season. Then he was the few to re back and still played defense. A lot of rambling to get to my point of burns has athletes and players to help when injuries occur or to step up so someone doesn’t have to play both ways. I would guess that the defense would definitely benefit from having max play LB but if they can survive and let him stay fresh to run it then so be it. But looking a max preps he still isn’t getting many carries. So why save him? Yall burns folks can help answer that.
Max playing LB is not a step down to the defense. It is a hindrance to the offense. But not that much with the other guys stepping up on offense.
 
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BurnsBulldog02

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Max playing LB is not a step down to the defense. It is a hindrance to the offense. But not that much with the other guys stepping up on offense.
Dover, KP, Stroud just to name a few have done a great job in my opinion while Camp has been out. Max being as fresh as possible come playoff time is huge for us. Turf toe limited him too much last year. Like I said, if we can score and win games while keeping him healthy I’m all for it. Bokey and Ussery are becoming a problem more and more to the point I would almost dare teams to stack the box now. We will see how it all plays out Friday but I like the direction we are going in.
 

Shelbyfan1

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Jul 30, 2025
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I know Shelby won't have 2 of the 7 starters missing from the SC game for the rest of the season, but will the others be back anytime soon? That will determine how they finish this season out because last Fridays Shelby team was nowhere near the Shelby team at the beginning of the season. By the playoffs some of that dline will probably have to play some oline to make up for missing production.

We will have everybody back for Lincolton game, all but Tee Hollifield best Olineman. (Tore ACL)
And DE. Which moved back Ohio in week 4
Hopefully were healed up ,looking forward to Lincolnton comming to Shelby...
 
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Nov 15, 2014
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Correct me if I’m wrong. Didn’t Max Davis start at LB his sophomore and junior year? If so, then you’re deeper on the linebacker depth chart than you realize. They had Max ranked in the top 5 linebackers in Gaston/Cleveland county going into his junior season. Then he was the few to re back and still played defense. A lot of rambling to get to my point of burns has athletes and players to help when injuries occur or to step up so someone doesn’t have to play both ways. I would guess that the defense would definitely benefit from having max play LB but if they can survive and let him stay fresh to run it then so be it. But looking a max preps he still isn’t getting many carries. So why save him? Yall burns folks can help answer that.
Yes Max played LB his sophomore year. Played some LB last year but mainly RB. This year he's mainly only played RB outside of the Lincolnton game, he played RB & LB. I'd expect that'll be the case this Friday.
 
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Aug 29, 2021
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Yes Max played LB his sophomore year. Played some LB last year but mainly RB. This year he's mainly only played RB outside of the Lincolnton game, he played RB & LB. I'd expect that'll be the case this Friday.
Being fresh is huge when it counts and you have to win to advance. Seems to arguably be the best player for burns. At some point he’s got to be on the field. He seems to produce on the big stage on football or baseball. As the season gets deeper I believe he needs to be playing botu sides. Just my opinion but I’m not a coach, lol.
 
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