BY JOE JOHNSON
jjohnson@heraldsun.com
The PAC-6 race will begin sorting itself out tonight as most teams play their second conference games, while the remaining area teams wrap up their non-conference schedule.
Southern (5-1, 1-0 PAC-6) may have the toughest test as it travels to Person (3-3, 1-0). The Spartans are coming off a narrow win over county rival Hillside, while the Rockets kept Northern winless last week.
Southern coach Adrian Jones said his team was glad to get by Hillside last week and is ready to play again.
"We're a confident team but we know Person is a dangerous team," Jones said. "They've got a lot of good athletes and they like to run the ball."
Person coach Don Donevan said his team has been through some good, competitive non-conference games and he hopes that will help the Rockets in PAC-6 play. One of the things Donevan said he likes about his team so far is its ability to adapt and overcome tough situations. Beating Northern also gave his team confidence, according to Donevan.
"It's nice to get that first conference win," Donevan said. "We've got to eliminate the mistakes that hurt us in the early part of the season to have a chance against Southern. Of course, everybody likes to play at home, and we're glad to be at home for this game."
Jordan (4-2, 1-0 PAC-6) will try to keep pace at the top of the conference standings as it hosts Northern (0-6, 0-1). The Falcons are coming off a shutout victory over East Chapel Hill, while Northern still is searching for its first win.
A year ago these teams were in a similar situation and Northern was able to win its first game. That is something Jordan coach Mike Briggs has reminded his team of this week in getting ready for the Knights.
"Most of the kids on the team played in that game so I didn't have to remind them much," Briggs said. "They remember what Northern did to us last year, and I don't think they want that to happen again."
Riverside (2-3) will be playing its first conference game, hosting East Chapel Hill (0-6, 0-1). The Pirates did not play last week, while the Wildcats were soundly beaten by Jordan.
Hillside is idle this week.
In non-conference action, Cedar Ridge (4-2) will be celebrating homecoming with a visit from Oxford Webb (2-3). The Red Wolves will be breaking out a new uniform set with black jerseys and pants for the game.
Cedar Ridge coach Lou Geary said his team is coming off a tough loss at Cardinal Gibbons last week but he expects to bounce back against a Webb team he describes as improving.
"We've got to get back to business this week," Geary said. "We're playing a team that we match up better with. Cardinal Gibbons was all power but Webb is more finesse. We're gong to have to play smart."
Orange (2-3) will travel to South Granville (4-2). The Panthers are coming off a convincing win over Granville Central and Orange coach Pat Moser said that win gave his team a boost of confidence they will need against a tough opponent.
"We needed that win," Moser said. "We're still moving players around to find the right spot for them but I think we're playing much better now. South Granville has a very good quarterback and running back so they have a double threat for us to try and stop."
Undefeated Northwood (6-0) will play at Southern Vance (3-2), while Louisburg (4-1) will go to Northern Vance (1-4) and Carrboro (2-3) will visit Pfafftown Ronald Reagan (1-4) in the other area games of note.
