Time: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Central Cabarrus 0-5, 0-1 SPC; A.L. Brown 4-1, 1-0 SPC
Series: Wonders have won all 20 meetings
nLast meeting: Wonders crushed the Vikings 48-6 in 2008
Streaks: Wonders have won their last seven against Cabarrus foes
Last week: Central lost to Porter Ridge 14-6; A.L. Brown beat Robinson 34-14
Next week: Central Cabarrus is home against Concord; A.L. Brown is home against Cox Mill
Game notes: Throw out Concord and the Wonders are 61-3-1 against the rest of Cabarrus County, so it figures to be one-sided even with star running back Travis Riley under the weather. Martel Campbell, Antwoine Jordan and Xavier Stanback can carry the offensive load if Riley is limited or out.
The Wonders held Central to 31 yards of offense last season. The Vikings could do better this time. Back Quintin Gray and QB D.J. Watson are the chief offensive threats. Central tries to get the ball in the hands of the speedy Gray often, and he’ll sometimes take a direct snap in a “Wildcat” formation.
Brown has built momentum since its loss at South Rowan. The Wonders have scored at least 34 points in each of their four victories. The rebuilt offensive line, which includes Charles Mance, Tyrone Langley and Matt Griffin, has done a solid job. The Wonders are rushing for an area-best 285 yards per game.
Brown’s defense has made strides with a 3-4 look and produced seven turnovers with two TDs in its last two outings.
A concern for the Wonders is the apparent weakness of the SPC. Brown definitely will have a fine record, but only Northwest Cabarrus looks capable of providing a serious test before the playoffs begin.