Time: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Statesville 2-3-1, 1-1 NPC; Carson 2-3, 1-0 NPC
Series: Statesville leads 4-1. Carson’s win came in 2009 when Shaun Warren’s 250 rushing yards and three TDs paved the way for a 40-14 victory at Greyhound Hollow.
Last meeting: Carson lost to the Hounds 41-34 in 2010 despite a school-record 308 rushing yards by Warren.
Last game: Statesville thumped North Iredell 28-0 in a weather-shortened contest; Carson was thrashed 43-7 by Salisbury on Friday
Next week: Statesville is at home against rival West Iredell; Carson is at rival South Rowan
Game notes: It’s a huge game for Carson, which would like to be lumped with the pretty good teams instead of the not-so-good ones.
A win tonight at home would stamp the Cougars as potential contenders in an NPC race that is somewhat more in doubt than usual.
A loss would mean another week of the Cougars having to hear that the only teams they’ve beaten are East Rowan and North Rowan.
Statesville is operating without either of its first two QB choices. Carlis Parker (knee) and Josh Gaither (ankle) both got hurt, but the Greyhounds are nonetheless a very talented team. Former running back Tristan Mumford, coveted by D-I schools, is now the QB for coach Randall Gusler. He threw three first-half TDs against North Iredell.
Treon Allison is now the primary running back for the Hounds.
Carson had no offense last week outside of freshman RB Brandon Sloop. A big o-line that includes Mitch Galloway and Daniel Rodriguez has to get rolling again.
Carson’s defense got mauled for 400-plus rushing yards by the Hornets and needs a big performance. DB Dontae Gilbert has three picks.