An early look: Here’s The Herald’s rundown of this week’s high school football games

There are a dozen games on the schedule Friday night, and all 16 area teams are in action. Three teams have season-openers, while the others head to the field for the second time.

South Pointe (1-0) at Rock Hill (0-1)

This is a big cross-town rivalry game with bragging rights at stake. It also is part of the Rock Hill City championship series.

South Pointe was dominant in its win over Gaffney last week. Rock Hill needs to put last week’s loss behind them.

Northwestern (1-0) at Clover (0-0)

Northwestern was dominant in their win over Rock Hill last week. Their offense will present problems for any team on the schedule, and their defense is solid. Clover is playing its first game of the year. They will have to contain Northwestern’s offense as well as maximize their offensive possessions.

Nation Ford (0-1) at York (0-0)

Nation Ford is coming off a loss and needs some positives to get things turned around. York is playing its first game of the year and needs to get things started on the right foot to build on last year’s excellent season.

Chester (0-1) at Fort Mill (0-1)

Both teams lost last week. Chester is playing its second game of the year against a higher classification team. They need to get things headed in the right direction. Fort Mill also needs to get some things corrected.

Irmo (1-0) at Lancaster (1-0)

Both teams are coming off big wins. Irmo toppled Chapin, while Lancaster was impressive in beating Chester. The key for Lancaster is for the offense to deliver on drives and big plays. The defense will be tested against Irmo. They must create turnovers like they did last week.

Myers Park (0-1) at Catawba Ridge (1-0)

Catawba Ridge got a big win last week, while Myers Park lost to Mallard Creek.

The key for Catawba Ridge to keep the momentum going is to execute offensively. The defense came up big last week, and they will need a similar effort this week against a very good Myers Park offense.

Timberland (0-1) at Indian Land (1-0)

Indian Land is coming off a big win last week, while Timberland dropped a close game to Berkeley. Indian Land must continue their offensive production against a talented Timberland defense. Indian Land’s defense will need to step up again this week.

Fairfield Central (1-0) at Andrew Jackson (0-0)

Andrew Jackson opens its season against a team that scored 62 points in their season opening win. The key for Andrew Jackson is to contain the diverse Fairfield Central offense. Andrew Jackson’s offense must do two things. They must get points from their drives and keep possession of the ball to keep Fairfield Central’s offense off the field. The home field advantage could be the difference in this one.

McBee (1-0) at Buford (1-0)

Both teams are coming off wins last week. Buford’s offense was impressive last week, and that same effort will be needed this Friday night. The Buford defense faces a solid McBee offense. The home field advantage should help Buford as they try to surpass last year’s win total early the season.

Wagener-Salley (1-0) at Lewisville (1-0)

Both teams are coming off big wins. Lewisville’s offense was in high gear last week, and that will have to continue. The Lewisville defense needs to be efficient against a very potent Wagener-Salley offense. A win for Lewisville would give them even more momentum, and the home field advantage just might be the key.

Lee Central (0-0) at Great Falls (0-1)

Great Falls needs a win to recover from their opening week loss. Lee Central had its game canceled last week, so it is their first time on the field. That gives Great Falls a little bit of an advantage as does the fact that the game was switched from Bishopville to Great Falls.

Legion Collegiate (0-1) at Asheville Christian (0-1)

Both teams are coming off one-sided losses. Legion Collegiate will have to rebound on both sides of the ball if they are to get a much-needed win.