CORNELIUS – Hough High’s football team is a new power in the I-MECK 4A conference.

The Huskies (5-1) are tied with Mallard Creek for the conference lead at 2-0, after beating Hopewell 28-15 on Sept. 21. It was Hough’s fifth straight victory, and it has surpassed last season’s victory total.

Hough plays – and acts like – a veteran team that has its eye on a larger prize.

“We’re looking to win the conference,” senior linebacker Ryan Lemke said. “We’re looking to beat (three-time reigning champion) Mallard Creek and sweep the conference. Our goal is the state championship.”

Hough used solid special teams play and forced four turnovers to give its offense excellent field position. The Huskies’ first three touchdown drives began at Hopewell’s 36, 49 and 40.



Hough sealed the victory midway through the fourth quarter. The first of safety Jake Rodman’s two interceptions near midfield set up Josh Stilley’s 48-yard touchdown bomb to Sanders Poff for a 28-15 lead with five minutes left.

Tylan Murrell broke up a pass on fourth down to stymie Hopewell’s ensuing possession, and Rodman’s second interception with 88 seconds left touched off a Husky celebration.

“It feels good; the kids are buying in,” Hough coach Bobby Collins said. “The biggest challenge is keeping them humble and hungry at the same time. … We’re getting there.”

Steady improvement for North Meck



HUNTERSVILLE – North Mecklenburg’s 10-7 victory against West Charlotte on Sept. 21 ended two dubious streaks. It was the first time in 12 games the Vikings allowed less than 20 points, and ended an 11-game losing streak in I-MECK 4A conference games, dating to last season’s victory against East Mecklenburg in the conference opener.

The Vikings, under first-year coach Brad Baker, improved to 1-1 in conference and 2-3 overall. Last season, they were 1-10.

SouthLake has revenge on its mind

HUNTERSVILLE – SouthLake Christian on Sept. 28 will host Asheville School, the team that eliminated the Eagles from the state semifinals last season.

“This is the biggest home contest we’ll play this year,” SouthLake coach Bub O’Donnell said. “A victory over Asheville School (1-3) would bring healing to our program. Asheville beat us in the state semis last year, and it left us nauseous for months.”

SouthLake is 5-0 and has outscored opponents 220-14. q

– compiled by Cliff Mehrtens