Could Maiden-Lincolnton game be a barn burner?

If you think Lincolnton has scored a bunch of points this season, look at its next opponent.

In only two games, Maiden has piled up 98 points (three more than the Wolves), leading some to believe these teams could be in for a barn burner tonight at Lincolnton’s Memorial Stadium.

The Blue Devils (2-0) have defeated North Lincoln 40-13 and Fred T. Foard 58-14, averaging 355.5 yards along the way. Lincolnton (2-0) averaged 362.5 yards of offense in its two wins — 52-20 over East Rutherford and 43-42 in overtime against South Point.

Although Lincolnton handed the Blue Devils a 55-6 first-round playoff defeat last season, Wolves coach Scott Cloninger expects a challenge this time.

“They look like they’re a lot better than they were last year,” Cloninger said. “(Matt) Johnson the quarterback is doing everything perfect, and up front on both sides of the ball they look like they’re playing well.”

Johnson has completed 18 of 22 passes for 386 yards and seven touchdowns. The junior has thrown only one interception and has rushed for another 86 yards.

Lincolnton has won the last three games in the series, including a 21-13 regular-season victory last year when Wolves quarterback Brandon Wilson was nursing a broken hand. Lincolnton became a much better team with Wilson under center, and he’s been a difference-maker so far this season. Last week, the senior passed for 160 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for 94 yards and another score and made the winning two-point conversion pass.

By beating the defending 3AA state champions, Lincolnton earned only its eighth win in 28 meetings.

“It’s been a good week but we talked about it Monday: You’ve got to forget about it,” Cloninger said. “The South Point game will mean nothing if we slip up and lose to a good Maiden crowd.”

Lincolnton is 2-0 for the first time since 2005, when it reached the state title game.

You can reach Phillip Gardner at 704-869-1843.