Time: 7:30 p.m.
Records: North 1-4, 0-1 YVC; East Montgomery 2-2, 1-0 YVC
Series: North leads 2-0
Last meeting: Cavaliers rolled 34-7 after getting two first-quarter defensive TDs from Javon Hargrave.
In the first ever meeting of the two schools in 2009, North plowed for 347 rushing yards, held East Montgomery to minus-55 rushing and forced five turnovers in a breezy 40-12 win
Last week: North Rowan was pounded 34-0 on the road by South Stanly; East Montgomery edged South Davidson 22-18 on the road
Next week: North Rowan is home against North Moore; East Montgomery is home against South Stanly
Game notes: While North has demolished East Montgomery in the two previous meetings of the schools, the Cavaliers aren’t clear-cut favorites this time.
The defending YVC champs have shown negligible offense to date, averaging just 68.8 rushing yards, 45.6 passing yards and 10.2 points per game. Basketball hero Pierre Givens may see his role expand. He’s a threat passing, running or receiving.
Defensively, North’s been respectable against a strong schedule that has included Salisbury, Carson, YVC contender South Stanly. North is allowing 23.8 points per game and just 70.4 passing yards per game.
North hasn’t exactly been the “Airport” so far and owns a win only because it had a 6-0 edge in the turnover battle against winless East Rowan.
North has forced 14 turnovers and is plus-6 for the season in that category. North got fumble recoveries from Daylon Gray and Will Robertson last week.
East Montgomery held South Davidson to zero passing yards last week and picked off three passes.