Prep notebook: Green Wave tired of losing

GASTONIA — Zeek Bigger had one word to describe Ashbrook’s 31-26 loss to Shelby on Friday.

“It’s unacceptable,” the senior linebacker said.

Ashbrook trailed 17-0 in the second quarter and 31-13 late in the third before roaring back. The Green Wave had the ball at midfield with just over a minute to play but couldn’t assemble a winning drive, dropping to 0-3 on the season. Bigger was among the most visibly frustrated after the postgame huddle.

“We picked it up at the end, but we didn’t start off good,” said Bigger, a Duke commitment. “We need to play the whole game.”

Ashbrook travels to South Caldwell on Friday for what Bigger essentially considers a must-win as the Green Wave tries to gear up for a rigorous conference schedule that begins Sept. 24 against Crest.

“There’s no ifs or buts,” Bigger said. “We have to win. We have to come in starting Monday with an attitude that we’re going to win.”

On their way?

South Point coach John Devine is often his team’s harshest critic.

But after Friday’s 41-16 victory at East Gaston, Devine was pleased with his team’s effort.

“We took big strides tonight,” Devine said. “East Gaston’s got some good skill players, so we had to play well to beat them.”

Devine seemed most pleased with how well his youthful defensive secondary performed. South Point started sophomore Devan Robbins at one cornerback, with freshman Tyler Bray at strong safety and freshman Tristin Fogarty at free safety.

“We started some young kids back there,” Devine said. “They’re growing up fast.” — Richard Walker

Two for one?

East Gaston coach Eric Tippett used junior Jarkevius Hopkins and senior Vidol Crawford at quarterback.

“That very well could be part of our offense,” Tippett said. “Both of them are talented athletes. We’re trying put them in positions to help us.”

Hopkins has started the past two games and played at quarterback all three, rushing for 233 yards and passing for 121 yards. But Crawford picked up 27 yards in his only carry in Friday’s loss and completed the only East Gaston pass (for four yards). — R.W.

Injured Jags QB comes off bench

Forestview quarterback Calvin Johnson didn’t start against Clover but played most of the game despite a shoulder injury sustained in the second game of the season against East Rutherford.

“He’s our starter and if he’s able to go we’re going to use him,” said Forestview coach Chris Medlin. “He had a lot of soreness in practice, but we’ve got to use him if he’s ready to go.”

Johnson only had three completions for 35 yards, but his threat as a passer kept the Clover defense off-guard enough to allow running back Octavious Wallace to spring free for 168 yards on 11 carries.

“He’s a pretty good football player,” Medlin said of Wallace. “People are going to find that out as the season progresses.” — Larry Dawalt