Across the PrepNation: Charlotte

As PrepNation continues to grow and provide more original content, one of my top priorities is to involve as many voices and "on the ground" reports as possible from across the country.

I would eventually like to have regular updates from all the football and boys basketball hot spots ... For starters, I am pleased to welcome Charlotte, N.C., football expert John Teal into the mix.

Teal was on hand last Friday to watch Independence battle West Charlotte. It was Independence 's first game since its 109-game winning streak was snapped by Cincinnati Elder at the Kirk Herbstreit Classic on September 1. The Patriots are ranked No. 6 this week in the National Prep Poll's East Coast region.

Here is Teal's report from Charlotte:

• Right before taking the field it appeared the WC players made a few comments to the Indy players and got flagged fifteen yards. Indy came out fired up and with 2:44 left in the first quarter the Patriots led 28-0. Indy scored on a 50 yard swing pass, an interception return of 30 yards, a 23 yard pass, and a return fumble.

• WC's qb Darius Thomas has great quicks to go with a strong and accurate arm. The Indy front seven applied pressure all night and had several sacks but Thomas was able to create space and get rid of the ball. He passed for over 500 yards. Two tds came in the final six minutes including a 77 yarder.

• Indy played without Georgia verbal Makiri Pugh and will need him back and 100% for the Butler game or it could be a tough night. That is eight weeks away.

• Butler won big over Berry Technical Academy 55-0. Jacob Charest threw for seven tds.

• In eastern NC Greenville Rose the four time defending small 4A champion had its winning streak of 38 games stopped by Rocky Mount 17-7.

• One of the biggest neighborhood battles saw Crest beat Shelby 14-7 in front of over 8000 fans.