CCC- Who wins it

[Wow71]

Two weeks to go and it is time to see what you think about the CCC and how they will finish.

Top Five IMO in no particular order are:

ND, LHS, Thomasville, Salisbury and OG. Lexington May sneak in will see if the new coach can get them right. ED, WD, CD and S Rowan battle it out for bottom rung.

 

[ocdavis31]

Two weeks to go and it is time to see what you think about the CCC and how they will finish.

Top Five IMO in no particular order are:

ND, LHS, Thomasville, Salisbury and OG. Lexington May sneak in will see if the new coach can get them right. ED, WD, CD and S Rowan battle it out for bottom rung.

Thomasville’s spot will be determined by numbers. They have the athletes and the coaching.

 

[mikemattocks]

Of course I will always pull for my Golden Eagles, but I am going to go out on a limb predicting that Oak Grove will finish in the top spot. North Davidson, Ledford, Thomasville and Salisbury round out the top 5. I look for East Davidson to improve this season as well.

 

[BlackKnightNut]

North will win it, but won't dominate in the same way as the last two years. Although two years ago the JV squad absolutely annihilated everyone... Skill positions are strong on offense, its the trenches and defense that must be replaced, quickly.

OG, Ledford, Tville and Salisbury fight for second and one of them may upset North... Lexington always has skill players but is in dire need of line development. That doesnt happen in a year, so I say give the new coach a bit before judging the results. ED, CD, WD and SR continue to fight it out at the bottom, but ED will improve under Hanner again.

 

[Rameses]

My picks are as follows.....

1. North Davidson - The Black Knights lost basically the entire defense (what was it, something like 10 of the 11 starters?), but the one thing ND has always been great at (except for some of those years in the 90's) is putting together really good defenses. Time will tell if this year will be any different. As for the ND offense, they return the QB, two of their best WR's and they should have two really good RB's toting the mail. That kid from the JV team (Green?) is an absolute bulldozer. I don't think North will have problems scoring, it's just a wait and see thing to see if they can keep other teams from scoring more.

2. Thomasville - If the numbers are there, the Bulldogs one tough football team. The Dogs made a vast improvement in 2018 and I won't be surprised to see them get even better in 2019 in year two of Coach Robertson. That guy can flat out coach. The two spot (and the one spot for others) in this league for 2019, at least to me, is a complete toss up, but I like the Bulldogs here.

3. Salisbury - The Hornets are a very athletic team, but can they put the pieces together to win the CCC title?

4. Oak Grove - The Grizzlies have one year of varsity football under their belts and they did an admirable job last season, almost making it to the playoffs in year one. They will only improve as time goes on just because they will be well coached.

5. Ledford - I really wanted to put Ledford in the four spot, but they lost what seems to be EVERYBODY from that 2AA Eastern finalist team. They, like North, lost pretty much everyone off that stout defense they had as well as most of their offensive stars. They do return the QB who started the second half of the season, but Ledford never had much of an offense to begin with. I put Oak Grove ahead of them because they lost no one and they gave Ledford all they could handle last year at Ledford. On the flip side, Ledford had a really good JV team last year so we'll see how that translates to the varsity game. But you know what they say, there's a big difference from Thursday night to Friday night.

6. Lexington - New year, new coach. Let's see what the Jackets have before we think it's 1985 and 1986 again.

7. East Davidson - The Golden Eagles bust their tails every Friday night, but it is no secret that they have a hard time competing against the upper tier of this conference. I hope that changes, because those kids work hard at EDHS and at the very least I'd like to see them beat Ledford this year. Those kids would be thrilled!

8. South Rowan - It's tough to pick these last three because they are so even with each other, so I'll take the Raiders here.

9. Central Davidson - That's right, I'm not putting the Spartans at the very bottom. I'm leaving that to their most hated rival.

10. West Davidson - Maybe they can sneak in at the nine and maybe even the eight position. They did have the biggest upset of the County last year when they went into Lexington and beat the Yellow Jackets. NOBODY saw that coming. I could be wrong, but that was the first time West beat Lexington since something like 1992. At least that's the last time I can remember them beating the Jackets.

 

[CCCGuy321]

This year is hard to predict and I’m ready to see how it plays out but these are my predictions

1. Ledford
Ledford lost 7 starters on a stellar defense and could end up around 5th if they do not replace it but I believe Doby and the other coaches can rebuild a decent d. Their offense is usually lackluster but they will be returning the majority of their players and I expect them to be a lot better. They have a very solid group of jv players coming up and they are my pick to win the CCC.
2. North
This team will always be near the top if not the #1 in Davidson county. Losing 10 starters on a defense is tough but they have too many hardworking kids to not be good. They return their qb, 2 of the best WRs in the county, as well as 2 solid running backs and will likely score atleast 25 on everyone. Definitely in the top 3 this season.
3. Thomasville
That coach is building something special down in Thomasville and their strength training program has greatly improved. Their rb is definitely the best in the conference and is overall a very athletic team.
4. Oak grove
This team likely has the best team spirit and is solid in all aspects but they do not have a killer instinct.
5. Salisbury
I found it hard putting this team so low, because they are definitely the most athletic. They return many speedsters on offense and defense and could prove me wrong and win the whole thing. Time will tell with these folks.
6. Lexington
As some have said before me, they always have skill players but lack discipline and skill in the trenches.
7. Central
This team has to get tired of being the worst, received a transfer from Lexington, and had a decent track season. I predict atleast 3 wins
8. East
Hanner is a good coach but their kids just aren’t built the same. They return a qb that has the potential to be good but a single player isn’t going to get it done
9. West
West is similar to south Davidson, hard hitting and gritty but don’t win. They just don’t. Their rb is decent but he lacks speed.
10. South Rowan
I predict a winless season for these folks.

 

[Rameses]

CCCGuy321, who exactly do the Panthers return on offense this season? You mentioned they return "The majority of their players" on offense, but other than the QB who do they return? I remember looking at a roster of Ledford last year when they played ND (the second game) and noticed that pretty much everyone playing offense (and defense) were seniors. Just curious, Thanks!

 

[CCCGuy321]

CCCGuy321, who exactly do the Panthers return on offense this season? You mentioned they return "The majority of their players" on offense, but other than the QB who do they return? I remember looking at a roster of Ledford last year when they played ND (the second game) and noticed that pretty much everyone playing offense (and defense) were seniors. Just curious, Thanks!

Although they were the stars of the offense, Ledford only lost Little, Reich, wetherington and a lineman this year. They return the qb, receivers, most of their line, and the smaller tailback. The jv tailback will likely get lots of reps in and that kid can move. Of course, my info comes from a nephew on the team so it is likely biased but I’m going to take his word and support his team XD

 

[Kylar2018]

1. Ledford
2. OG
3. ND
4. Thomasville
5. Salisbury
6. Lexington
7. South Rowan
8. ED
9. CD
10. WD

 

[ocdavis31]

Another poster mentioned it, but I don’t believe Thomasville’s RB from last year will be a Bulldog this year.

 

[Wow71]

Another poster mentioned it, but I don’t believe Thomasville’s RB from last year will be a Bulldog this year.

That is the last thing a reliable source told me.

 

[CCCteamz]

1. North
It's hard to bet against the Black Knights who were the state runner-up last season in 2AA. They lost nearly the entire defense but return enough young talent and all their key skill players on offense to win the conference again. They are still the defending champion until someone knocks them off so I'm picking them in the top spot.
2. Ledford
The Panthers like ND seem to reload with talent every year. Despite losing alot of great players especially on defense due to graduation, they still return their QB and several starters along the OL. They also had a strong JV team last year so it's hard not to pick them in the top 3 of the conference this season.
3. Oak Grove
The Grizzlies probably have the overall best coaching staff in the conference and along with returning everyone due to no senior class last year makes them in my opinion one of the top contenders. One thing that worries me about this team is they seem to play to the level of their competition by last year barely escaping with wins against Central, South Rowan and East Davidson while giving Ledford all they wanted.
4. Salisbury
The Hornets are always very athletic and return a lot of players from a young team last season. I was tempted to put them higher in the top 3 but feel that there coaching is always a little lacking. They might very well end up in the top 3 if they get better coaching but for now this is a predictable spot for them to end up.
5. East
This may be a surprise to put the Golden Eagles this high but the current roster has them with 26 seniors this year which I believe means a lot in high school ball. The team only lost a handful of starters about 4-5 on defense and 2 on offense. They return a 2 year starter at QB who has a great arm along with all 3 starting WRs and 4 of 5 starters on the OL. If the coaching staff can get the team to buy in to what they want to do then this team could end up with several wins this year and contend for a playoff spot. (Plus I have some family on the team and know a lot of the kids so I may be biased here).

6. Thomasville
I believe the new coach is building a great program again in Thomasville but the lack of numbers will just be too much for the team to win down the stretch this year. They definitely have some talent and one of the most athletic teams in the conference but with only 28 currently listed on the varsity roster that includes some JV players, IMO that and hearing they lost their starting RB transferring to Lexington will be too much to overcome.
7. West
This may be another surprise putting the Green Dragons above Lexington but I give the nod to West because of they have good size on offense and their ability to run the ball plus they beat the Jackets last season in an upset.
8. Lexington
With Lexington finishing out the year on a down note last season and getting a new coach, it's hard to pick the Jackets too high. I believe it will take them a while to adjust to the coach and a new system but they are always very athletic and could give other teams fits. They were very weak on the interior line last year so it remains to be seen if they can improve this season.
9. Central
Hard to pick the Spartans any higher with only 1 win in the last 3 years.
10. South Rowan
As far as I know, South doesn't return much talent from last year so I believe they struggle to get 1 win this year. They will fight it out with Central for the bottom spot in the conference this season.

 

[CCCGuy321]

1. North
It's hard to bet against the Black Knights who were the state runner-up last season in 2AA. They lost nearly the entire defense but return enough young talent and all their key skill players on offense to win the conference again. They are still the defending champion until someone knocks them off so I'm picking them in the top spot.
2. Ledford
The Panthers like ND seem to reload with talent every year. Despite losing alot of great players especially on defense due to graduation, they still return their QB and several starters along the OL. They also had a strong JV team last year so it's hard not to pick them in the top 3 of the conference this season.
3. Oak Grove
The Grizzlies probably have the overall best coaching staff in the conference and along with returning everyone due to no senior class last year makes them in my opinion one of the top contenders. One thing that worries me about this team is they seem to play to the level of their competition by last year barely escaping with wins against Central, South Rowan and East Davidson while giving Ledford all they wanted.
4. Salisbury
The Hornets are always very athletic and return a lot of players from a young team last season. I was tempted to put them higher in the top 3 but feel that there coaching is always a little lacking. They might very well end up in the top 3 if they get better coaching but for now this is a predictable spot for them to end up.
5. East
This may be a surprise to put the Golden Eagles this high but the current roster has them with 26 seniors this year which I believe means a lot in high school ball. The team only lost a handful of starters about 4-5 on defense and 2 on offense. They return a 2 year starter at QB who has a great arm along with all 3 starting WRs and 4 of 5 starters on the OL. If the coaching staff can get the team to buy in to what they want to do then this team could end up with several wins this year and contend for a playoff spot. (Plus I have some family on the team and know a lot of the kids so I may be biased here).

6. Thomasville
I believe the new coach is building a great program again in Thomasville but the lack of numbers will just be too much for the team to win down the stretch this year. They definitely have some talent and one of the most athletic teams in the conference but with only 28 currently listed on the varsity roster that includes some JV players, IMO that and hearing they lost their starting RB transferring to Lexington will be too much to overcome.
7. West
This may be another surprise putting the Green Dragons above Lexington but I give the nod to West because of they have good size on offense and their ability to run the ball plus they beat the Jackets last season in an upset.
8. Lexington
With Lexington finishing out the year on a down note last season and getting a new coach, it's hard to pick the Jackets too high. I believe it will take them a while to adjust to the coach and a new system but they are always very athletic and could give other teams fits. They were very weak on the interior line last year so it remains to be seen if they can improve this season.
9. Central
Hard to pick the Spartans any higher with only 1 win in the last 3 years.
10. South Rowan
As far as I know, South doesn't return much talent from last year so I believe they struggle to get 1 win this year. They will fight it out with Central for the bottom spot in the conference this season.

“Still the defending champion”?
Ledford definitely beat North last year for the CCC title

 

[BlackKnightNut]

This is true. Ledford was the CCC official champion, North was the Eastern Region Champion. Should have won the first game, buuuuuuut I'll take winning the more important one ;-)

 

[CCCteamz]

“Still the defending champion”?
Ledford definitely beat North last year for the CCC title

Yes you are correct sir. Somehow I forgot that Ledford won the regular-season meeting but it feels like North was still the champion because they beat Ledford in the playoffs and was the eastern regional champion.

 

[ITJ]

Another poster mentioned it, but I don’t believe Thomasville’s RB from last year will be a Bulldog this year.

I have heard the same thing.

 

[PrepFanNC]

That is the last thing a reliable source told me.

As hard as it is to get Thomasville City Schools to allow students to attend Valley Academy (And they can still participate in extra curriculars at Thomasville if they go there), you’d think Thomasville would not just release kids. Probably an actual address change?

Nonetheless, it’ll be a big loss of Thomasville.

I had Oak Grove finishing 3rd or 4th earlier... nothing has changed at OGHS to change my opinion, staff wise or player wise... just thinking back to last year’s big losses to Lexington and Thomasville. I think they could lose to one or both of them until they develop the killer instinct and know that they can win those types of games. I’m pulling back and placing them 4th or 5th.

 

[ocdavis31]

As hard as it is to get Thomasville City Schools to allow students to attend Valley Academy (And they can still participate in extra curriculars at Thomasville if they go there), you’d think Thomasville would not just release kids. Probably an actual address change?

Nonetheless, it’ll be a big loss of Thomasville.

I had Oak Grove finishing 3rd or 4th earlier... nothing has changed at OGHS to change my opinion, staff wise or player wise... just thinking back to last year’s big losses to Lexington and Thomasville. I think they could lose to one or both of them until they develop the killer instinct and know that they can win those types of games. I’m pulling back and placing them 4th or 5th.

It’s an address change. Not saying he’ll be playing for anyone else. That remains to be seen. But it’s unlikely he’ll be at Thomasville.

 

[crazyduke3]

I’ll say North. But it feels like a lot of team can do it. Should be fun. Good luck coaches and players.

 

[Wow71]

I’ll say North. But it feels like a lot of team can do it. Should be fun. Good luck coaches and players.

One thing North does not have this year looking at the roster is big lineman. They have been above average size lately so being smallish upfront isn’t going to help them pound people like they have been.

 

[CCCGuy321]

One thing North does not have this year looking at the roster is big lineman. They have been above average size lately so being smallish upfront isn’t going to help them pound people like they have been.

That is true. I wonder which team will show out in the trenches this year