Week 8 Game Picks Presented by WeUp Athletic Group

Laieke Abebe has pulled ahead in Week 8 of the Game Picks presented by WeUp Athletic Group. Laieke won last week by one game to go ahead 4-3 on the season.

The Game Picks are presented by WeUp Athletic Group. We before Me. WeUp Athletic Group offers skill development and mentoring to local athletes at an affordable price. To schedule your workout, contact Nic Oats at 919-980-6036.

South Johnston vs Clayton — WJG Sports Game Of The Week

Kai: “This game is very important to both teams, winner needs to beat West Johnston, Smithfield-Selma and East Wake to make the playoffs while the loser would have to win out if they wanted a shot at making the playoffs. Clayton is the more talented team, but they did play a game on Monday against 4-A Heritage. The Comets still should win 32-30.”

Laieke: “The distractions at Clayton should be over now that the school has reinstated their principal amidst allegations against the football program. They’re playing a county foe in South Johnston that also needs to get some wins late in the season. The Comets should bounce back from their loss to Heritage on Monday and it’ll be done with defense. Clayton, 28-22.”

Washington vs Ayden-Grifton — Strika’s Game Of The Week

Kai: “The winner of this game is likely going to win the conference title in my opinion. I’ve been on the Ayden-Grifton bandwagon all year and I’m not getting off yet. Paul Cornwell is the best coach in the conference and coming off the team’s first challenge against West Craven last Friday, I’m sure he will have his team ready to win. Although, if Washington were to win, I think they could run the gauntlet of the 2-A Eastern Carolina Conference undefeated. This is is their toughest opponent left. Ayden-Grifton wins a close one on the road, 24-19.”

Laieke: “Strika’s GOTW is a doozy. Ayden-Grifton traveling to Beaufort County to take on a Washington squad that’s proving themselves to be (arguably) the ECC 2-A favorite. Jon Blank and his Pam Pack squad are coming off of a huge win over previously undefeated North Lenoir while Paul Cornwell and the Chargers lost to West Craven.” Both defenses are excellent and I think this will come down to who makes a the most stops. It’s hard to bet against coach Cornwell losing back to back games, but this Washington squad is legitimately good and they’re at home. Washington, 20-17. 

D.H. Conley vs J.H. Rose

Kai: “Now this is a rivalry. Two crosstown foes with plenty of history. Conley is coming off a monumental smacking of New Bern while Rose is on a four-game losing streak. Coming into this year, I thought Rose was the most talented team in the conference. After a bye, I believe the Rampants will get right and win this ball game, 41-38.”

Laieke: “Conley. Rose. The best rivalry in Pitt County. Both teams in different directions at the moment. The Rampants are talented, but have played a gauntlet of a schedule. Meanwhile, Conley has started to gain momentum over the last few weeks. It makes for a great game between the Rampants and Vikings. In the end, I think the Vikings ride their offense to a big win. Conley, 39-34.”

Bethel Christian at Halifax Academy

Kai: “Eli Harris is a man amongst boys. Halifax wins this one, 42-40.”

Laieke: “Halifax senior Eli Harris has been a monster, but Bethel is getting most of their team back from suspension this week. It’s the biggest game of the season as well, and I expect the Trojans to deliver. BCA, 47-39.”

Southern Wayne vs Eastern Wayne

Kai: “Two squads who cannot seem to get out of their own way meet on Friday. Southern Wayne is on a five game losing streak and Eastern Wayne is 0-6. The Warriors should have starting quarterback Desmond Vaughn back, and haven’t lost to the Saints since 2010. But Southern Wayne is the more talented team and should win, 18-14.”

Laieke: “With Desmond Vaughan coming back, I think it’s enough motivation for the Warriors to grind out a win against their county rival. EW, 10-7.”

C.B. Aycock vs New Bern

Kai: “This game will tell us a lot about both teams, no matter the outcome. Aycock is riding a three-game win streak and is on track to host the first playoff game since 2004. New Bern on the other needs a bounce back game after being trounced by Conley. Aycock will need to play a great game to beat this team, and I think they will. Falcons squeak out a 35-32 win.”

Laieke: “New Bern’s incredible turnaround came to a halt last week against the Conley Vikings. The Bears lost 41-15 and now find themselves in a must-win situation against one of the top two teams in the WJG Sports coverage area: C.B. Aycock. The Golden Falcons will give the Bears a run for their money, butI don’t believe New Bern will lose two games in a row in this fashion. NB, 32-26.”

Kinston vs West Craven

Kai: “This will be another tell-tell game. Kinston may not be the same team they were a year ago, but losing this game would eliminate them from the conference title race. West Craven, the dark horse of the conference, might be salty after last year’s game against Kinston ended 14-6. I think the Eagles will get revenge 25-20.”

Laieke: “West Craven is a legitimate conference championship contender. The Eagles are looking to avenge last seasons close loss to the Kinston Vikings. In the end, the Eagles will find a way to win another tight battle. WC, 22-20.”

Arendell Parrott vs Faith Christian

Kai: “Arendell Parrott are rolling baby! Patriots win 32-20.”

Laieke: “This is another big game between two NCISAA Big 8 conference powers. I think the Patriots continue to roll especially with revenge on their mind. Too much McLawhorn will do the trick. APA, 48-33.”

Pungo Christian at Community Christian

Kai: “Both of these teams are not good. Pungo is less not good. Pungo wins 42-26.”

Laieke: “Rooting for coach Stacey Keech and the Raiders to win their first game of the season. A win would help both teams causes because it would likely put them in the state playoffs. PCA, 40-30.”

Northside at Riverside

Kai: “Riverside puts some crazy numbers on the board. Knights roll 47-35.”

Laieke: “Outside of Tarboro, any Coastal Plains 1-A game will be a shootout. The Knights will have the ball last. Riverside, 46-40.”

Greene Central vs South Lenoir

Kai: “Greene Central’s strongest position may be their secondary and South Lenoir throws the ball a ton. Rams get a few picks and roll, 34-18.”

Laieke: “It’s homecoming in Snow Hill, so South Lenoir will try to play spoiler. Greene Central is squarely on the playoff bubble and has to find their offense in this game. This would be a good time for the Rams to get back in the right direction. GC 23-16.”

Southside vs Tarboro

Kai: “Tarboro is Tarboro. 58-0 Vikings.”

Laieke: “For the sake of my picks, this is how Kai and I do tiebreakers. You’ll figure it out easily. Southside is a bubble team, but this game won’t help their cause. 57-0 Vikings.”

John Paul II vs Grace Christian 

Kai: “The football season has been rough on the Saints after their program opening win. Won’t get any easier here as Grace Christian needs a bounce back game. Grace Christian 48-12.”

Laieke: “JP2 continues a difficult stretch of their schedule with a tough contest against Grace Christian. This Eagles team played APA close last week and they should bounce back over the Saints. Grace, 50-16”

North Pitt vs Southwest Edgecombe

Kai: “SouthWest Edgecombe is one of the best teams in the state…North Pitt has improved but they aren’t in the Cougars’ league. 38-12 SWE.”

Laieke: “Recent Radford basketball commit Keishon Porter and running back Cortezz Jones lead a run-first offense for the Cougars. North Pitt has improved in every game, but I don’t see them beating this state championship contender. SWE, 42-6.”

Farmville Central at Nash Central

Kai: “Farmville Central has consistently been one of the worst teams in the JLB coverage area. I expect nothing to change here. 42-8 Nash Central.”

Laieke: It’s been a struggle for the Jaguars and it continues against conference opponent Nash Central. NC, 36-0.”

Goldsboro vs Wallace Rose Hill

Kai: “Which Goldsboro team am I getting? The team I saw against Beddingfield the Saturday before last? That team protected the ball, finished drives and played disciplined and tough on defense. Or am I getting the team I saw the first five weeks, that didn’t move the ball, didn’t protect the ball and relied on big plays to score? Wallace Rose Hill is one of the best teams in the state, but I think Goldsboro has a chance to win if they play their best football like they did against Beddingfield. 32-14 Wallace Rose Hill.”

Laieke: “One of the best football programs in the state is traveling to Goldsboro on Friday. The Cougars are coming off a bye week and they need to stack up some wins for a chance at the postseason. However, I don’t think it’ll come in their conference opener against a powerhouse like W-RH. W-RH, 48-21.”

Rosewood vs Hobbton

Kai: “Rosewood has been scoring at will this season. Don’t think that changes against Hobbton — a team with a below average defense. 55-38 Eagles.”

Laieke: “This Carolina 1-A matchup should be a shootout and that bodes well for the Eagles. I expect another big night from the Rosewood offensive line. Rosewood, 35-20.”

Spring Creek at Bear Grass Charter

Kai: “Very winnable game for Chomp City! I believe in the Gators, as Bear Grass’ only victory was against an 8-man squad. Gators 38-36.”

Laieke: “Both teams have a shot in this one, but the Gators will win a defensive struggle. Spring Creek, 16-8.”

Wayne Christian at Northeast/Hobgood Academy

Kai: “It’s a Wayne Christian’s last game of the season and they have all their players back. This game ended in a tie last time. Wayne Christian wants this one bad. 60-48 WC.”

Laieke: “The first matchup was insane to the point where it ended in a 58-58 tie. Expect this matchup to come down to the last possession again. NE-H, 63-59.”

Princeton vs Union

Kai: “Union is much improved, but still not as good as the Bulldogs. 38-7 Princeton.”

Laieke: “Princeton offensive line should have a field day and the run game will be dominant. 42-24 Princeton.”

North Johnston vs Beddingfield

Kai: “I’m all in on North Johnston this week. I think this matchup is winnable. If they win this they’re going to the playoffs. I believe Panthers. I believe! 21-20 North Johnston.”

Laieke: “If North Johnston wants a chance to make the playoffs, they have to steal this game. Beddingfield didn’t play well against Goldsboro, so they should be refocused. In the end, I’m not sure lightning will strike twice. Beddingfield 24-16.”

West Johnston vs Smithfield-Selma

Kai: “I’ve sold my stock on Smithfield-Selma. West Johnston should win their second straight, 24-6.” 

Laieke: “For the Greater Neuse teams besides Cleveland, this week is a chance to make a playoff push. Both teams absolutely need this one. 27-17 WJ.”

Cleveland at East Wake

Kai: “Should be a boat load of scoring for Cleveland. 56-0 Cleveland.”

Laieke: “Omarion Hampton, Hunter Morris, and Skyler Locklear take care of business. C, 47-6.” 

Corinth Holders vs Heritage

Kai: “Corinth Holders will need to get this game in order to have momentum heading into the rest of the conference. 24-20 CH.”

Laieke: “I don’t think they’ll get this game, but it’s definitely possible for the Pirates with great defense and Kambron Whitaker controlling the time of possession. H, 31-26.”