East Rowan steamrolled its way past West Rowan in a way that it almost didn’t seem possible. It’s just one more piece of evidence that anybody can be beaten on any given day.

Well, except when Common Sense goes one-on-one in hoops with LeBron James. First, there’s no chance of that happening. Second, there is no chance, in a game to 11, that LeBron doesn’t win despite spotting Common Sense nine points. Got to win by two, folks.

Even if Common Sense had the ball first, LeBron still scores 11 in a row. Man, that guy is awesome. I can’t believe the Cavaliers’ fortunes for the upcoming season turned with the posting of a simple article on Sports Illustrated’s website.

Sorry. Got sidetracked for a minute. Back to the matter at hand.

East Rowan used a shock-and-awe first quarter to put up 38 points on the Falcons. Only thing to say, “Common Sense sees you, East Rowan. Nice work.”

The key to this week is not living in last week. East Rowan can be happy about demolishing West Rowan. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be. The Mustangs just can’t be satisfied with it.

They get a reprieve from South Piedmont Conference action this week with a home game against Ledford. It has trap game written all over it for two reasons. It’s a nonconference game. It’s also the week after what, regardless of what happens with the postseason, will likely turn out to be East Rowan’s biggest win of the year.

Ledford is no joke. The Panthers sit at 6-2 right now, and the defense held opponents to single digits in five of those wins. Three of those games were shutouts.

That said. It’s also a good game for the Mustangs. It gives them a chance to show everyone, Common Sense included, last week was not an aberration, a fluke, a lucky win. The Mustangs can prove they are a force on the rise in Rowan County and opponents — and mediocre-at-best prognosticators of high school football for that matter — better not sleep on them.

Common Sense certainly won’t make that same mistake again.

Anyway. Despite whiffing on the West Rowan pick last week, Common Sense went 6-1. The record is 38-10 this season.

Now, let’s look at this week’s action.

Ledford at East Rowan

The Mustangs come with a chip on their shoulder and win this one.

Common Sense pick: East Rowan 42, Ledford 34

West Rowan at Concord

What was shaping up to be the SPC championship game still has ramifications when it comes to the conference title. Though it doesn’t have the same luster as it did going into last Friday. West Rowan will be fired up trying to rebound from last week’s thrashing at the hands of its cross county rival, but the Spiders have Rocky Reid.

Common Sense pick: Concord 28, West Rowan 20

Carson at Northwest Cabarrus

Brandon Sloop and Darren Isom should have a field day with this one. The Cougars come away with a win without a problem.

Common Sense pick: Carson 35, Northwest Cabarrus 6

Hickory Ridge at South Rowan

Hickory Ridge has put up 61, 21, 42 and 34 points in the its last four games — all wins. South Rowan has scored 13, 0, 13 and 0 in its last four games — all losses. The Raiders’ defense may be able to keep the Ragin’ Bulls in check for a while, but the Raiders’ lack of a consistent offense leads to another loss.

Common Sense pick: Hickory Ridge 48, South Rowan 6

Salisbury at Thomasville

Salisbury has won its last two games and appears to have turned a corner. As long as the Hornets can avoid going back to bad habits, they should get their third win in a row.

Common Sense pick: Salisbury 28, Thomasville 21

North Rowan at East
Davidson

The Cavaliers appear to be healthy and rolling again. North Rowan cruises by East Davidson.

Common Sense pick: North Rowan 42, East Davidson 7

Mallard Creek at
A.L. Brown

The Wonders have their hands full Friday night. They let one get away last week at Hough. Now, they take on state power Mallard Creek. Things probably won’t be pretty in Memorial Stadium.

Mallard Creek 49, A.L. Brown 7

Parkland at Davie County

Davie County gets a respite from the rigors of the Central Piedmont Conference. The Mustangs scored more than eight points only twice this year, and they lost both games. Davie should win this one easy.

Common Sense pick: Davie County 35, Parkland 7