It’d be easy to dedicate this lead-in to the Central Cabarrus at West Rowan showdown. Let’s list a few reasons to do so.
1. West Rowan’s crazy down-but-not-out rally past Carson last week.
2. It’s a big game as far as the South Piedmont Conference standings.
3. It’s a bigger game when you look a the playoff picture for the teams in the SPC.
4. The Falcons send us money every time we mention them in The Post.
By the way, that last one is completely not true. It was thrown in there for comedic effect. Though, it’s probably only funny to us.
Instead, we’re going to talk about the game between East Davidson and Salisbury. The Hornets go into this game desperately needing a win. It will help get rid of the lingering memories of last week’s debacle against Southeast Guilford.
It will also help them gain an identity.
Salisbury looked like they turned a corner in a 41-31 win over South Iredell. The Hornets ran the ball well. They limited mistakes. They responded when the Vikings threatened to steal a win.
It went the exact opposite how Salisbury wanted it to go against Southeast Guilford. Special teams errors and penalties led to a 33-14 loss on a Thursday night at Ludwig Stadium that wasn’t as close as the score indicated.
Now, the Hornets enter the Central Carolinas Conference fray Friday.
In this game last year, a missed extra point after a touchdown run by Tim Rhodes was the difference in a 33-32 loss to the Golden Eagles.
Salisbury picked up its only two wins of the season in league play last year, and it wants to use a tough non-conference schedule to, hopefully, roll through the CCC this year.
Starting conference play off with a win is imperative for Salisbury.
Common Sense went 5-0 last week to improve to 26-9 on the year.
Let’s look at this week’s action…

Salisbury at East Davidson
If the Hornets play like they played against South Iredell, the game should swing in their favor. If they don’t, well…
Common Sense pick: Salisbury 33, East Davidson 32
North Rowan at Lexington
Lexington has not won a game this year, but you have to look at who the Yellow Jackets have played. Newton-Conover is ranked in the Associated Press poll. North Davidson is obviously good. Statesville is 3-3, but all three of its losses are to talented squads. This game will be closer than it looks on paper.
Common Sense pick: North Rowan 28, Lexington 17

Carson at South Rowan
Carson ain’t happy after letting victory get away last week. South Rowan can stop the run, but the Raiders’ troubles on offense and special teams will be their doom.
Common Sense pick: Carson 49, South Rowan 7
Northwest Cabarrus at East Rowan
The Mustangs’ powerful offense should have no trouble with the Trojans’ weak defense. Northwest Cabarrus has been outscored 114-0 in three straight losses.
Common Sense pick: East Rowan 35, Northwest Cabarrus 10
Central Cabarrus at West Rowan
It’s a must-win for both teams when it comes to the league championship and playoff picture. West Rowan talked earlier this week about turning the page on last week’s emotional win over Carson. It’ll be interesting to see if it happens.
Either way, this game shapes up to be a close one.
Common Sense pick: West Rowan 28, Central Cabarrus 21.
Robinson at A.L. Brown
Brown was ahead in the third quarter of last week’s game against a talented Vance team. Then the Cougars turned it on. Looking to put one in the win column, the Wonders will take care of business this week.
Common Sense pick: A.L. Brown 56, Robinson 14