If the Pride is to make a deep playoff run this year, they will have to start by preparing for one of their toughest challenges of the season Friday, November 12. Game time is at 7:30 PM, and ticket prices have increased to seven dollars as is typical of the post season.
After a rough loss to Wake-Forest Rolesville on November 4, there was a three-way tie for the CAP-8 conference championship.
Due to this, athletic director Jack Rogers drew a number for seeding purposes. Rogers drew the two-seed.
As a result, Leesville Road will host the Middle Creek Mustangs under the lights of Marshal L Hamilton Stadium.
“They’re like a combination of Broughton and Wakefield; they’re pretty good,” said Ryan Mangum, senior. “Don’t worry though, we won’t lose at home.”
The Mustangs’ fast-paced pass oriented offense is led by Garret Leatham, senior quarterback.
Middle Creek dominated the same Panther Creek team that tripped up the Pride in the season-opener.
If the Pride is able to overcome their first playoff challenge, the road to the state championship will not become any easier.
In the second round, the Pride would travel to the winner of the heavily anticipated Broughton-Garner rematch.
Garner is one of the hottest teams in the state. After losing their first two games of the season, the Trojans have gone undefeated.
However, Garner plays an extraordinarily weak schedule, and Broughton will be their first true test in awhile.
The playoffs also pit rivals Wake Forest-Rolesville and Millbrook against each other for the second time in three weeks. The Cougars took the first match-up by a score of 21-12.
Wakefield also enters the playoff field as a potential dark horse candidate to make a deep run. After being embarrassed by the Pride, the Wolverines have exploded, downing rivals such as Broughton and Rolesville.
The conference co-champion Wolverines drew the three-seed from the CAP-8 and travel on the road to Wilmington Laney (6-4) November 12.
Unfortunately, due to the new pod-system of the playoffs, CAP-8 teams are forced to eliminate each other early in the playoffs, making it impossible to shed the stereotype that Raleigh-area teams are weak.
The 2010 playoffs offer many exciting first-round match ups, therefore no matter where a fan attends school, there will be something to keep them watching.
Will Bennett is a remarkable staff writer who was recruited from his early days. In fact, before Bennett could even speak, the Mycenaean took serious interest in him. While many consider this practice to be unethical, the Leesville editors disagree. Alex Stewart claims that his contributions to the staff have been “Pullitzer Prize” worthy.
In addition to his writing, Bennett enjoys animals, Freshberry Frozen Yogurt, Hip-hop music, and long walks on the beach. He can often be found on his seaside estate composing original music, writing moving poetry, and balling with old basketball greats like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan.
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