Viking vs Viking showdown week one may be one of the best games of the year in 1-A! I wish it was being played week 4 or 5 instead of leading the season off, but so glad these two old conference rivals are renewing this series. I'm old so I'm talking about the 3-A days when they were in the same conference as Williamston, Washington, Bertie, Ahoskie, Roanoke Rapids. Both could represent the East come December in 1-A & 1-AA. Edenton will not make it easy on Tarboro, and if Southside can find a few athletes they will give Plymouth their best again. Give Manteo a year or two under Sport Sawyer and the Redskins will be in the mix. Expect Murphy to be the team to beat from the West in 1-A with Robbinsville making a push to return to the top of the SMC. I don't know what it is, but I've got a funny feeling about Cherokee. Not saying the Braves will make a deep run, but will not be surprised if they do. 1-AA West isn't my strong suit, but West Montgomery has plenty left and if the right coach can connect with those kids quickly, the Warriors could return to the Championship. WSP & MICS are wild cards. I don't want to get started on train again. I'll just be glad when they strap it up again and start slapping leather.