Time: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Carson 2-2; SHS 4-1
Series: Hornets lead 3-1
Last meeting: Carson beat the Hornets for the first time in 2010 with Shaun Warren romping for 300 rushing yards in a 42-27 victory over the eventual 2AA state champions. That game would get votes as Carson’s best win ever.
History: Home field has been very significant. Carson has played extremely well in China Grove, not only beating the Hornets last season but dominating the line of scrimmage in 2008 in a close loss.
The two games played at Ludwig Stadium have been romps. The Hornets slapped around an 0-11 Carson team 48-14 in 2007 and totally mauled the Cougars 50-6 in 2009.
Last week: Carson beat East Rowan 20-7; Salisbury crushed Winston-Salem Atkins 56-0
Next week: Carson is home vs. Statesville; SHS opens CCC play at West Davidson
Game notes: Salisbury has been impressive and has the backfield options and quick defense to again be among the elite teams in 2A.
Statistically, the Hornets lead the county on both sides of the ball, although with the exception of West Rowan,the schedule has been light and breezy. The Hornets chewed up struggling county foes South (0-5), East (0-5) and North (1-4), along with winless Atkins, a team that makes North look like Mallard Creek.
Even with injuries, Carson easily qualifies as the second-best team the Hornets have seen.
Salisbury’s offensive line, which includes guard Terrance McElrath, against Carson’s defense, which includes linebacker Will Zentmeyer, will be an interesting struggle.
Can Carson slow down a SHS machine that’s averaging 45 points a game? The Hornets shouldn’t get 45, but they figure to get enough.