Carolina 1A Conference play begins Friday

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 26, 2013 1:47 PM

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Every high school football coach knows that the season basically breaks down into three separate parts each year.

There is the non-conference slate, the conference portion and hopefully a trip to the postseason. Carolina 1-A Conference teams, with the exception of North Duplin, will begin phase two of their respective seasons.

North Duplin plays host to Lejeune in its final non-league game of 2013.

"Obviously, every game is important," Rosewood head coach Robert Britt said. "But getting your team ready for conference play is what the early games are all about. You want to be clicking when you step out there against teams in your league."

Here is a look at Friday's league games:

Princeton (3-2)

at James Kenan (4-0)

Impact players: James Kenan -- Dominque Barnes, QB; Marcelias Sutton, RB; Ja'Quan Williams, RB. Princeton -- Johnny Frasier, RB; Michael Wooten, QB; Patrick Norris, LB.

Overview: James Kenan enters the first week of conference play as the league favorite. The Tigers are ranked No. 1 among the state's 1-A teams and have built a 4-0 record that includes wins over county archrival Wallace-Rose Hill and East Duplin. N.C. State commit Marcelias Sutton leads the team with five touchdowns.

Princeton is coming off a thrilling 42-41 win over Union. The Bulldogs are lead by Johnny Frasier, who has rushed for an area-leading 971 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Hobbton (0-4)

at Rosewood (2-3)

Impact players: Hobbton -- Marcus McCain, OL; Michael Bass, TE; Johnny Knowles, LB. Rosewood -- Jacob Sasser, QB; Jamari McGown, RB; Quan Joyner, WR.

Overview: What a difference a few years has made at Hobbton. The Wildcats have gone from perennial playoff contender to winless through four games. Hobbton dropped a 42-26 game at Wake Christian last week.

Rosewood got back on the right track with a come-from-behind, 24-20 victory over South Lenoir last week. The Eagles' defense held the Blue Devils to less than 100 yards of offense in the second half. South Lenoir did not score after building a 20-0 lead at halftime.

Spring Creek (1-4)

at Lakewood (3-2)

Impact players: Spring Creek -- Tre Hammonds, QB; Anthony Russo, RB; Jordan Hicks, WR. Lakewood -- J.J. Tanner, QB; Jabriel Cooper, RB; Wesley Sessoms, K.

Overview: Former Tri-County 1-A Conference member Lakewood returns to the Carolina 1-A after playing in the Super Six and Tri-County 1-A Conferences. The Leopards have a big-play offense and a defense that is rounding into shape. Lakewood's wins have come against Union, Pamlico County and North Johnston.

Spring Creek broke an 18-game losing streak two weeks ago with a win over Wake Christian. The Gators have moved the ball at times, but need to develop consistency if they are going to win a conference game for the first time since 2010.