The football rivalry between Clayton and Fuquay-Varina dates back about 60 years and for many seasons has been the highlight of each fall.
A little of the fire is gone since the two schools joined different conferences, but long-termers will tell you that the old games in the now-defunct Capital Area 2-A, among schools such as Benson, Cary, Garner, Millbrook, Smithfield, Wake Forest, Clayton and Fuquay, were the epitome of what high school football should be.
Every seat was filled. The crowd overflowed to line the fences. You could wander downtown in Fuquay or in Varina on game week and talk high school football all day. Ramble down main street in Clayton, grab a hot dog and get your ear bent about the big game.
It was the sort of game that featured mutual respect.
Fuquay-Varina has had the better of the matchup in the three years since the series resumed. The Bengals won 14-7 in 2009, 7-0 in 2008 and 17-7 in 2007. The games have been surprisingly close considering Fuquay has posted 11-3, 11-2, and 11-2 records during the period while Clayton has gone 3-8, 4-7 and 5-6.
This year's Clayton team looks to be improved. The Comets beat Cardinal Gibbons 33-13 last week, while Fuquay pounded Knightdale 40-7. Bengals running back Cory Hunter could be a difference-maker.
In other games tonight:
No. 1 Wake Forest-Rolesville at East Wake: East Wake plays a brutal nonconference schedule. The Warriors were stopped by Fayetteville Britt 44-7 last week and face the Cougars tonight. Britt and Wake Forest played for the Eastern 4-AA championship a year ago and are among the top teams in the state. Wake Forest brushed aside Durham Riverside 40-0 last week. The 7 p.m. game originally was scheduled for Wake Forest but has been moved to East Wake.
Danville (Va.) George Washington at No. 2. Durham Hillside: Hillside physically pounded Greensboro Grimsley 42-8 last week. Quarterback Vad Lee passed for 308 yards and receiver Shawn Mallory had five catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns last week. This is the opener for George Washington, which has a long football history with a 532-347-40 overall record. Hillside should win, though.
No. 9 Southern Durham at No. 3 Middle Creek: This is the night's marquee game. Middle Creek was an impressive 31-14 winner over Northern Durham last week while Southern Durham was disappointed in a 21-13 loss to Greenville Rose. Middle Creek held Northern to 36 yards rushing, and the Mustangs' defense should be decisive.
No. 4. Harnett Central at Erwin Triton: The Trojans put on an offensive show in a 54-31 victory over Apex, but the Triton defense could be a tougher challenge. Triton topped Smithfield-Selma 26-7 with opportunistic defensive plays. Central's defense needs to play better this week.
West Johnston at No. 6 South Johnston: South Johnston has a handful of starters coming back from last year's state finalist team, and the Trojans were impressive in their 50-28 opening win at Southern Lee. West began its season with a 27-6 victory over Overhills. The two schools are close in proximity, and the neighbors intermingle so the rivalry is strong. South looks like the better team.
Enloe at No. 7 Athens Drive: Athens Drive got off to a fast start as quarterback Ben Snotherly passed for 198 yards in the first half of a 41-13 win over Sanderson. Enloe was shut out at Southern Pines Pinecrest 38-0. The Jaguars could put up some big numbers again tonight.
Knightdale at No. 8 Millbrook: Millbrook's defense claimed a 3-0 victory over Garner, holding the Trojans to 82 rushing yards. That was an impressive feat. Knightdale was overwhelmed by Fuquay-Varina 40-7.
No. 10 Panther Creek at Durham Jordan: Panther Creek leaped into the N&O Top 12 after beating Leesville Road 19-13 last week. The Catamounts looked solid running, throwing and on defense. Jordan beat Orange 50-6. Panther Creek's balance gives it the edge, although Jordan's T.J. Thorpe could be a difference-maker.
Northern Nash at No. 11 Cary: Cary's defense was expected to be good, but the Imps' offense was outstanding in a 53-26 opening win over Broughton. Northern Nash beat Wilson Beddingfield 21-13 last week and has an experienced team. Cary looks like the real thing.
No. 12. Holly Springs at Wakefield: Holly Springs beat Southeast Raleigh last week 28-27 and created some excitement for the first days of school. Wakefield topped Green Hope 20-6. Holly Springs should win another game at the wire.
