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The 5th Quarter

Nick's revised Triangle Top 10

By Nick Stevens
Aug 19, 2008

Ryan Craig

Southern Durham's Jamario Clayton breaks free from Northern's defense Sept. 28, 2007

Call me a flip-flopper, call me gullible, call me whatever you'd like. But there are some changes to my preseason Triangle Top Ten Poll published Aug. 1.

1. Wake Forest Rolesville (1) - No change here. There's no doubt that this is the top team in the Triangle this season. Wake Forest-Rolesville has been pegged as the team to beat, not only in the Cap Seven and Wake County, but in the region. With a new offense that should increase their scoring ability, and a renewed youth on defense, the Cougars will have a balanced game.

2. Southern Durham (2) - Again, no change for the Spartans. I was impressed with Southern at the Smithfield-Selma SpartanFest Jamboree, and they seem to be the real deal. Here's something interesting, No. 1 and No. 2 will play each other in the non-conference!

3. Southeast Raleigh (7) - That's right. The Bulldogs are movin' on up to No. 3 from No. 7. Have you heard how they did in their scrimmage at Richmond County? Pretty darn good. This is a youthful team, but they're talented and athletic. When I talked to head coach Daniel Finn, he was very optimistic that they could compete for the Grater Neuse River Conference title.

4. Millbrook (3) - I dropped Millbrook back one spot, not because they're not as good as I thought they would be, I think Southeast Raleigh's athleticism would edge Millbrook in a head-to-head match-up just a bit. Of course, if Millbrook's offense is explosive as it was at the end of last season, all bets are off.

5. Garner (6)- I have been impressed with Garner so far this season, and I've seen them twice. They played well against Wake Forest-Rolesville, and they also played Broughton and Leesville Road in scrimmages with success. The loss of a few key players could hurt the Trojans, though. We'll see how that pans out. Can anybody say Game of the Week?

6. Apex (8) - This is a very athletic team, and running back Kevin Fogg is going to score A LOT of points this season, especially if he stays away from the injuries. Houston Hawley is going to be under center, and the Cougar defense looks like they will be able to play against many offenses.

7. Jordan (4) - This team shows a lot of promise, but after I see them play on Aug. 29, I'll be able to determine just how much promise they have. With a lot of talent returning, it will be interesting to see how they improve on last season in a tough PAC-6 Conference.

8. Hillside (NR) - I had a hard time buying into Hillside. Let me tell you why: The Hornets have an incredible backfield, but their line is questionable. How does that line play? Are they able to block and make holes? That will determine how successful Hillside is this season.

9. Broughton (NR) - What can I say? This team is a sleeper in their conference. Against Garner, the Caps had success on offense, success on defense, and they have shown that they have improved tremendously from last season. Having spoken with Chris Martin, Chandler Browning, and Jeremy Shelley, it is evident that they are determined to compete for the conference this season.

10. Chapel Hill (NR) - Again, this is a team that has the potential to do some special things in the PAC-6 Conference. How their star players perform, and how the other players support their performance, will have a lot to do with their success. This conference is stacked... So it's any body's guess as to who will finish where.

Back To: Nick's revised Triangle Top 10
COMMENTS

18 Comments


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huh... well send me an e-mail to stevens@ncsportsreport.com...

Good luck in Charlotte. Maybe you can fill us in on future eligibility scandals! (just kidding, sarcasm)

I think they've actually gotten a good handle on that issue down there. There are some other areas that need to do the same now!
Nick Stevens
August 22, 2008 8:06 a.m.
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No Nick, I just checked... but the coputer simulation is very interesting! I also heard that the WR for Garner will play? Is that possible?? Some good and bad new for me... Not totally offical but I'm probably moving back to Charlotte (Tuesday, I'll knwo), but it means more$$ and with the price of gas... I'll take it! Charlotte football is great(5 years in the late 90's), but it is certainlt offical that The Triangle has caught up if not passed. Nick, you guys have done a terrific job with prep football!!!!
humbay62
August 21, 2008 8:45 p.m.
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Hey Humbay.. Did you get my e-mail? I sent you something.

Leesville has potential. But right now, today, I don't think they're among the top teams.
Nick Stevens
August 21, 2008 4:18 p.m.
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True dat, Nick. Garner looks good! I agree with the middle ranking. My prediction stands Garner35- Millbrook 31. Leesville is not together on Offense, but they showed alot of potential on that side of the ball... Thier D still stands as one of the best!!
humbay62
August 21, 2008 3:01 p.m.
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Bah...ok fine.

This time.
gsmusty
August 20, 2008 11:49 p.m.
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Humbay,

I think Earl was playing down the probability of state championship. I asked him if the talk about WFR was adding any extra pressure, and he didn't answer that part. He's a real nice guy, very genuine, and always looks out for his players' best interest. I don't think he would say something that would put pressure on their shoulders.

I'm just not buying into Leesville Road. Maybe I just saw the bad plays? I don't know. I've got a lot of confidence in Coach Green and his program, but I'm skeptical about how good they are RIGHT NOW. Down the road, they may be just as good as any other team in the conference. We'll see.

In humbay's defense... He made that prediction before all of the scrimmages, so just like I changed my top ten, he's more than welcome to change his predictions!

Bottom line --- THIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT GAME!
Nick Stevens
August 20, 2008 11:25 p.m.
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Wait a cotton picking minute. Now Humbay is picking Garner? A month ago it was Millbrook by 2 touchdowns. We all saw it!

Maybe he is coming to his senses finally...or trying some of that reverse sikology or sumtin.
gsmusty
August 20, 2008 11:21 p.m.
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The questions are muffled and so low that you miss most if not all of the question, but than again my wife tells me I need my hearing checked. Regaurdless of the specificity of the question, Ole Earl needs to down play those questions and revert to the ole; "We'll take'r one game at a time and right now we are focusing on Riverside!". If these questions are being asked NOW, before a single whistle has blown then you can only imagine howthese type of questions will increase. The temptation to speak about it will prove to be a huge mistake, if he continues! Leesville out played Garner and Garner is #5 and Leesville is out?! The same thing seems to happen when Garner makes it into the playoffs and gets a favorable sesd. I respectfully disagree!
humbay62
August 20, 2008 4:32 p.m.
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If you don't want to post anymore comments, that's fine. You're welcome to disagree, but I'm also free - as is anyone else - to rebut what your saying. That is the purpose of a blog.

You can't hear the questions being asked? I got an e-mail this morning talking about one of the questions that was asked.

If you can't hear Earl's questions... I asked the Cap Seven questions, so I know exactly what was said and heard. I said... "A lot of people have pegged WFR as one of the teams to beat in the Triangle, and even the state. Do you think you can win the state championship this year?"
Nick Stevens
August 20, 2008 3:29 p.m.
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FYI Nick... You can't hear the questions on the interviews.
humbay62
August 20, 2008 3:18 p.m.
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