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High School Sports

PAC-6 looking for respect

By Nick Stevens

Aug 21, 2008

The PAC-6 Conference is demanding respect from the rest of the Triangle. With the Cap Seven Conference receiving a lot of attention as the area's toughest conference, the PAC-6 says: "Hey, don't forget about us."

From Southern Durham, to Jordan, to Hillside, to Chapel Hill, this conference is sure to be stacked.

And could Northern Durham be a sleeper team? The Knights think they can, and new head coach Anthony Sullivan is confident that a good summer will translate into wins on the field.

Southern Durham returns a lot of talent from a great playoff run last season, advancing all the way to the 4-A Eastern Regional Final, only to lose to eventual state champion Hoggard.

What does their returning talent include? Eight players on both sides of the ball.

The Spartans are determined to get back to that point this season, and they begin with a tough game at Mount Tabor. A few weeks later, they'll host Wake Forest-Rolesville, another state championship contender.

Jordan will be another team to watch in the PAC-6 this season. The Falcons return Jerrell "J.R." Rhodes and Torrence Hunt, two players more than capable of carrying this team to a successful season.

Rhodes is the all-time leading rusher at Jordan, and last season he ran for 1,200-yards, averaging about 100-yards per game. With his offensive power, Rhodes was responsible for 19 touchdowns in 2007.

Hunt, one of the fastest guys in any combine this spring, is going to be the leader of the defense when Jordan's opponents take the field. Last year, Hunt recorded 71 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 pass deflections.

The key for Jordan: How has their offensive line improved since last season?

It has been well publicized that Hillside has one of the best backfields in the state. Two Duke recruits, Corey Gattis and Desmond Scott, are sure to put some points on the board for the Hornets.

A concern for Hillside will be their defense. Returning just 5 starters on the defensive side of the ball, the youthfulness and inexperience will have to work itself out before Hillside gets to conference play.

Chapel Hill will also be a force this season, but Riverside showed signs of improvement in their scrimmage against Apex. And if you listen to East Chapel Hill, they believe they will improve on last season.

One thing is for sure, the PAC-6 will be a very deep conference from top to bottom.

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