High school football gameday: Your guide to the week’s games in the Charlotte area

The remnants of Hurricane Helene are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds to much of the Carolinas from Thursday evening into Friday. And that is causing a number of changes in this weekend’s high school football schedule.

Basically, instead of one night of high school football, fans will get games spread out from Wednesday night to next Monday night.

We’ll help you navigate all these changes, with previews of the top games and the latest schedule:

This week’s previews

WEDNESDAY

Covenant Day (3-1) at Charlotte Latin (5-0), 7 p.m. — The football will be flying in this game. Covenant Day QB Logan Misocky threw for 346 yards last week, 139 of those to Teddy Helton, as the Lions knocked off previously unbeaten Hickory Grove Christian. But the host Hawks have North Carolina’s leading passer in Troy Logan, with 1,466 yards in the air. A possible wild card: Latin DB Joe McGirt has four interceptions this season.

Harding (1-3, 0-1 Queen City 3A-4A) at North Mecklenburg (1-3, 0-1), 7 p.m. — Harding coach J.T. Stone resigned abruptly on Monday, so the beleaguered Rams, with one of the area’s youngest lineups, take the field under an interim head coach. North Mecklenburg won 52-0 two weeks ago, then lost 56-0 last week.

THURSDAY / MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Butler (1-4, 1-0 Southwestern 4A) at Providence (1-2, 0-1), 7 p.m. — One possible key in this game: Butler’s defense against the Providence passing game, led by junior QB Jackson Debe. Butler DE Ian Coleman has six sacks this season, and teammate Legend Lockwood has five. Butler can’t afford a loss here, if the Bulldogs expect to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Cabarrus Stallions (1-4) at Bonnie Cone Leadership (0-4), 7 p.m. — The visiting Stallions happen to have North Carolina’s leader in sacks. Eli Dempsey has recorded 11 sacks, and teammate Hudson Patrick has five.

Corvian Community (4-0, 1-0 Catawba Shores 1A-2A) at Christ the King (1-3, 0-1), 7 p.m. — Noah Best (eight touchdowns) leads an explosive Corvian Community attack. He is among three Cardinal backs averaging 50 or more rushing yards a game. After losing several close games, Christ the King trounced Carver last week. Sophomore QB Jamison Ehret had his most efficient game of the year, completing 16-of-23 passes with no turnovers.

Palisades (3-2, 1-0 SoMeck 4A) at Myers Park (2-3, 1-0), 7 p.m. — The winner of this game takes the early lead in the conference, as Olympic (1-0) is off this week. Addison Rowland threw for three Palisades touchdowns last week. QB Jared Lockhart is a threat to throw or run with the ball.

No. 3 Providence Day (4-1) at North Raleigh Christian (2-3), 7 p.m. — This has all the makings of a mismatch. Providence Day is loaded with offensive and defensive weapons, led by QB Zaid Lott (1,374 passing yards, 13 touchdowns to just one interception). North Raleigh Christian is averaging 300 yards’ total offense per game, but the Knights also are averaging more than two turnovers per contest.

SouthLake Christian (3-2) at Trinity Christian (4-1), 7 p.m. — QB Kamm Freeman (862 passing yards) leads a revitalized SouthLake Christian offense. But the host Crusaders are a state title threat in the NCISAA’s Division 2, led by QB Elijah Oehlke (204 passing yards per game) and LB Dontario Austin (12.3 tackles per contest).

THURSDAY / TOP AREA GAMES

East Lincoln (3-1, 0-1 Western Foothills 3A) at Statesville (3-1, 0-1), 7 p.m. — It’s a meeting of teams that lost to the conference’s two other powers a week ago. East Lincoln, beaten by Hickory, is led by QB Grant Lawless, who is just 38 yards short of 1,000 for the season.. Statesville gave up 331 rushing yards last week to North Lincoln.

FRIDAY / MECKLENBURG COUNTY

Albemarle (2-3) at Lake Norman Charter (3-0), 7 p.m. — LB Skyler Potts has 49 tackles and leads a solid Albemarle defense. Lake Norman Charter, which was drubbed 34-0 last season by the Bulldogs, is led by QB David Wignot, averaging 161 passing yards a game. The host Knights are much improved over a year ago.

Ballantyne Ridge (0-4, 0-1 SoMeck 4A) at Ardrey Kell (1-3, 0-0), 7 p.m. — Ardrey Kell QB Gavin Adams and the Knights figure to snap a three-game losing streak (against teams with a combined record of 12-3). Ballantyne Ridge, a first-year program playing mostly with freshmen and sophomores, has scored only three points this season.

Berry Academy (2-3, 0-1 SoMeck 4A) at South Mecklenburg (0-4, 0-1), 7 p.m. — South Mecklenburg, which has played solid football much of the time this season but without a victory, faces a Berry team that had problems stopping the pass last week in a 38-0 loss to Palisades.

No. 14 Charlotte Catholic (2-2, 1-0 Southwestern 4A) at No. 5 Independence (4-0, 0-0), 7 p.m. — This could be the conference championship game. The visiting Cougars have a stout defense and shut down the explosive Providence passing attack last week. In addition, the Cougar ground game enables Charlotte Catholic to keep the ball away from the explosive Independence offense.

QB Justin Little (870 passing yards) and RB Jayden Jones (822 rushing yards) lead the Patriot offense. Jones is the leading ground-gainer in the Charlotte area and ranks fifth in North Carolina.

No. 9 Charlotte Christian (3-1) at Rabun Gap School (3-2), 7 p.m. — Don’t let Rabun Gap’s record fool you. The Eagles’ losses came to a couple of state powers — Georgia (Baylor) and Hun (New Jersey). QB Gavin Owen has completed 81 of 123 passes for 906 yards this season. The visiting Knights will try to move the ball on the ground, behind Jamal Rule (545 yards). Cam Johnson (nine touchdowns) is tied for fourth in the Charlotte area in that category. The winner of this game likely will be seeded No. 1 or 2 in the state playoffs.

Charlotte Country Day (3-3) at Cannon School (2-3), 7 p.m. — The visiting Buccaneers are coming off a heartbreaking 22-21 loss last week to unbeaten High Point Christian. Sam Jacobson (142 rushing yards, three touchdowns) leads a punishing Bucs’ ground game. Cannon’s Kenan Dixon ranks fifth in the area in receiving yardage (423).

Community School of Davidson (2-2, 1-0 Catawba Shores 1A-2A) at Mountain Island Charter (1-3, 0-1), 7 p.m. — The visiting Spartans are known for their passing game, but they showed last week that they can run the ball, too, as Brandon Albert carried for 95 yards and three touchdowns. Mountain Island Charter WR Justice Washington (111 receiving yards per game) is among the region’s top pass-catching threats.

Garinger (0-5, 0-1 Southwestern 4A) at East Mecklenburg (0-5, 0-1), 7 p.m. — This is the best chance either team will have at a victory this season. In their meeting last year, East Mecklenburg broke to a big early lead and coasted.

GRACE Christian (2-3) at Hickory Grove Christian (5-1), 7 p.m. — The host Lions try to recoup after last week’s loss to Covenant Day. The visitors are averaging less than 200 yards total offense a game and have thrown nine interceptions. That’s music to the ears of Hickory Grove DB Kevin Powell, who has four interceptions this season.

Hopewell (3-1, 1-0 Queen City 3A-4A) at No. 4 Mallard Creek (3-1, 1-0), 7 p.m. — Hopewell aims to be the conference’s surprise story of the season, and the Titans can control the ball with RB Zacchaeus Jones, who rushed for 110 yards last week. Mallard Creek has beaten Ohio power Cincinnati Moeller and area power West Charlotte in back-to-back weeks. The Mavericks can change pace, using either of three quarterbacks to switch from a ground to a passing attack.

No. 6 Hough (3-1, 1-0 Queen City 3A-4A) at Chambers (2-2, 1-0), 7 p.m. — Can Chambers’ rugged defense, which held West Mecklenburg to six points last week, succeed in slowing down the Hough air game. Huskies’ QB Trey Blakeney (959 passing yards, 13 touchdowns) has several outstanding targets, led by Sean Brady (404 receiving yards).

No. 7 West Charlotte (2-1, 0-1 Queen City 3A-4A) at West Mecklenburg (1-3, 0-1), 7 p.m. — It’s a battle for West Side Pride, and each team is coming off a narrow loss last week. West Charlotte, with its strong offense, fell 13-12 to Mallard Creek. This is an interesting game for West Mecklenburg defensive standout Elijah Littlejohn. He played for West Charlotte last season.

FRIDAY / TOP AREA GAMES

A.L. Brown (3-1, 1-0 Greater Metro 4 4A) at No. 15 Lake Norman (3-1, 0-0), 7 p.m. — The visiting Wonders hope their ground game, led by Mekhi Herron (88 rushing yards a game), can help keep the ball away from the Wildcat offense. Freshman QB Kaden Craft has stepped in recently for Lake Norman and completed 75 percent of his passes.

Marvin Ridge (3-2, 0-0 Southern Carolina 4A) at Sun Valley (4-1, 0-0), 7 p.m. — The Southern Carolina 4A has only five teams but is among the state’s toughest conferences. This is the opening conference game of the season. Marvin Ridge QB Brayden Rediger has thrown for 928 yards, and Alex Voss has caught 496 yards’ of those passes. Sun Valley QB Noah Lineberry completed 17-of-25 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns last week in the Spartans’ rout of Alexander Central.

No. 2 Northwestern (5-0, 1-0 Region 3 5A) at Catawba Ridge (4-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. — Two of the Carolinas’ top quarterbacks will be on display in Fort Mill. Northwestern’s Finley Polk has thrown for 1,040 yards, with 17 touchdowns and no interceptions. Catawba Ridge’s C.J. Couch has 1,080 passing yards. If the host Copperheads can avoid mistakes, they have a chance of playing with the powerhouse Trojans.

West Lincoln (2-2, 0-1 Catawba Valley 2A) at Maiden (3-1, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. — With a loss last week, West Lincoln needs a victory here to stay in the conference championship race. RB Grae Ponder is averaging 115 rushing yards a game. Maiden counters with QB Grant Lawing, who is completing 66 percent of his passes for 184.8 yards a game. The Blue Devils also have two outstanding running backs and are averaging 150 rushing yards a contest.

Westside (4-0) at No. 1 Weddington (5-0), 7 p.m. — With apologies to Providence Day, this might be the toughest team that Weddington will face in the regular season. Westside has gotten through a rough schedule unbeaten, and the Rams have a well-balanced attack led by QB Cutter Woods. He has thrown for 701 yards against a schedule that includes two Georgia powerhouses, Creekside and Prince Avenue Christian.

MONDAY / TOP AREA GAMES

No. 16 North Lincoln (4-0, 1-0 Western Foothills 3A) at Hickory (4-0, 1-0), 7:30 p.m. — It’s the North Lincoln ground game against the well-rounded Hickory attack. North Lincoln RB Shannon Wingate is tied for second in rushing yardage in the area (772) and leads in scoring (16 touchdowns for 84 points). Hickory QB Brady Stober was 14-of-16 for 230 yards, and Isaiah Lackey ran for 164 yards and four touchdowns last week against East Lincoln.

This week’s schedule

(all kickoffs at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

WEDNESDAY

Queen City 3A-4A

Harding (1-3, 0-1) at North Mecklenburg (1-3, 0-1)

Catawba Valley 2A

Bunker Hill (3-1, 1-0) at West Caldwell (0-4, 0-1), 6:30

Southern Piedmont 1A-2A

Thomas Jefferson Academy (2-3, 0-1) at Shelby (3-2, 1-0)

Nonconference

Covenant Day (3-1) at Charlotte Latin (5-0)

Pageland Central (3-1) at Anson County (2-2), 7:30

THURSDAY

SoMeck 4A

Palisades (3-2, 1-0) at Myers Park (2-3, 1-0)

Southwestern 4A

Butler (1-4, 1-0) at Providence (1-2, 0-1)

Big South 3A

Kings Mountain (3-1, 1-0) at North Gaston (2-2, 0-1), 6

South Piedmont 3A

Jay M. Robinson (4-0, 2-0) at Jesse Carson (2-2, 0-1)

Northwest Cabarrus (3-1, 1-0) at East Rowan (0-4, 0-1)

West Rowan (2-2, 1-0) at South Rowan (1-3, 0-1)

Western Foothills 3A

East Lincoln (3-1, 0-1) at Statesville (3-1, 0-1)

Catawba Shores 1A-2A

Corvian Community (4-0, 1-0) at Christ the King (1-3, 1-0)

Winston-Salem Prep (1-2, 0-1) at Pine Lake Prep (1-3, 1-0), 6

Nonconference

Cabarrus Stallions (1-4) at Bonnie Cone Leadership (0-4)

Metrolina Christian (2-3) at Ravenscroft School (2-4), 6

Pageland Central (3-1) at Anson County (2-2), 7:30

Parkwood (1-3) at Eastern Randolph (4-0)

Providence Day (4-1) at North Raleigh Christian (2-3)

SouthLake Christian (3-2) at Trinity Christian (

FRIDAY

Queen City 3A-4A

Hopewell (3-1, 1-0) at Mallard Creek (3-1, 1-0)

Hough (3-1, 1-0) at Mallard Creek (3-1, 1-0)

West Charlotte (2-1, 0-1) at West Mecklenburg (1-3, 0-1)

SoMeck 4A

Ballantyne Ridge (0-4, 0-1) at Ardrey Kell (1-3, 0-0)

Berry Academy (2-3, 0-1) at South Mecklenburg (0-4, 0-1)

Greater Metro 4 4A

A.L. Brown (3-1, 1-0) at Lake Norman (3-1, 0-0)

Hickory Ridge (0-5, 0-1) at Mooresville (3-1, 1-0)

West Cabarrus (1-4, 0-1) at Cox Mill (0-5, 0-1)

Southern Carolina 4A

Marvin Ridge (3-2, 0-0) at Sun Valley (4-1, 0-0)

Big South 3A

Crest (4-0, 1-0) at Stuart Cramer (1-3, 0-1), 7:30

Forestview (1-3, 1-0) at Ashbrook (3-1, 0-1), 7:30

Hunter Huss (1-2, 0-1) at South Point (3-0, 1-0), 7:30

South Piedmont 3A

Concord (2-2, 1-1) at Central Cabarrus (0-4, 0-1)

Western Foothills 3A

Fred T. Foard (0-4, 0-1) at West Iredell (2-2, 0-1)

Catawba Valley 2A

Newton-Conover (1-3, 1-0) at Lincolnton (0-4, 0-1), 7:30

West Lincoln (2-2, 0-1) at Maiden (3-1, 1-0), 7:30

Catawba Shores 1A-2A

Carver (1-3, 0-1) at Bishop McGuinness (3-1, 0-1)

Community School of Davidson (2-2, 1-0) at Mountain Island Charter (1-3, 0-1)

Southern Piedmont 1A-2A

Bessemer City (3-2, 1-0) at Highland Tech (3-1, 0-1), 7:30

Cherryville (1-4, 0-1) at East Gaston (1-3, 0-0), 7:30

Nonconference

Albemarle (2-3) at Lake Norman Charter (3-0)

Carolina Bearcats (1-3) at North Wake Saints (2-2)

Charlotte Christian (3-1) at Rabun Gap School (3-2)

Charlotte Country Day (3-3) at Cannon School (2-3)

GRACE Christian (2-3) at Hickory Grove Christian (5-1)

North Stanly (3-1) at Forest Hills (2-2)

Westside, SC (4-0) at Weddington (5-0)

SATURDAY

Western Foothills 3A

St. Stephens (1-3, 0-1) at North Iredell (2-2, 1-0), 2

Catawba Valley 2A

Bandys (4-0, 1-0) at East Lincoln (1-3, 0-0), 2

MONDAY

Western Foothills 3A

North Lincoln (4-0, 1-0) at Hickory (4-0, 1-0)

The picks