Asheville coach worried about North Gaston's offense

Asheville coach Danny Wilkins is quite the poor-mouther when it comes to Friday’s matchup with North Gaston.

“Just looking on paper and film, we don’t seem to match up in a lot of places,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see how it goes.”

Of course, a coach is always going to praise his team’s opponent. But who knows? He could be telling the truth. After all, North Gaston has made it to the 3A state semifinals for a reason.

The sixth-seeded Wildcats (11-2) travel to face Asheville Friday at 7:30, with a trip to Chapel Hill for the state championship game on the line.

Wilkins said the biggest challenge for his fourth-seeded Cougars (11-2) will be North Gaston’s overall speed.

“I think their team speed is really outstanding,” he said. “They’re a physical team, and the quarterback puts so much pressure on you.”

That quarterback is A.J. Blue, who has rushed for 1,954 yards and 20 TDs while adding 1,406 yards and 15 TDs through the air.

Running back Princeton Brooks is a nice complement in the backfield. He’s rushed for 2,120 yards and 34 TDs.

Behind a veteran offensive line that features five seniors, the backfield duo has been virtually unstoppable. The Wildcats are averaging 39.3 points and 410.7 yards per game in the playoffs.

“They seem to be playing with so much confidence,” Wilkins said. “Third and 10 is nothing for them.”

North Gaston has scored 55, 35 and 28 points in its three playoff games.

“It’s a defensive nightmare trying to get a grip with all they’re capable of doing,” Wilkins said.

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