Rivals Recap: North Carolina

One of the most heated rivalry games in the Charlotte area is when Charlotte (N.C.) Mallard Creek and Charlotte (N.C.) Hough meet. Last season, Mallard Creek won in comeback fashion at Hough. Last night, Hough won an overtime thriller 31-28.

I was impressed with...

We all know Rivals250 defensive back commit Marquill Osborne is a baller. The Tennessee commit is always physical with receivers and does a great job closing on the ball. Last night he made some key plays, including the game-winning interception in overtime to beat a highly regarded and loaded Mallard Creek team. Hough and Mallard Creek will probably see each other again down the road but Osborne had more a of a burst than he did during the offseason and seems like he has really stepped up his game.

INT by #Vols commit Marquill Osborne wins it for @HoughFB. 31-28 over @MC_mavsfb in OT. @Volquest_Paul pic.twitter.com/hZa5mwKJf1- Adam Friedman (@RivalsFriedman) October 10, 2015

Led by juniors TJ Moore, Grant Gibson and Eric Douglas, Mallard Creek has a massive offensive line that really plows the road for Chancery Bowman. Bowman put up big numbers, breaking off chunks of yards at around 10 a pop. He did most of his damage between the tackles but converted a very important 4th and long attempt by making a catch in the flat and hurdling a defender. Bowman has been limited by injury this season but his return should have a big impact on Mallard Creek's offense.

I was surprised by...

Traditionally Mallard Creek has a very stout defense but a few big plays by the Hough offense were the difference in the game. There was a long pass that set up a short touchdown run and a 59-yard touchdown run by Hough sophomore Rashad Williams. Lots of credit needs to go to Hough's offensive line for opening running lanes and protecting their quarterback.

One thing that usually gives Mallard Creek's opponents a hard time is the size and depth of their offensive line. They wear down the defense and can really push them around in the second half. Hough's defensive line held their ground in key situations and was able to get penetration to disrupt running plays and fluster the quarterback. They were clearly ready for their toughest test of the season.

Don't look now but Mallard Creek has a few more massive underclassmen that will be major college football prospects. Sophomores C.J. JohnsonClick Hough lost a lot of major playmakers at the end of last season but they seem to have reloaded. Former Hough stars Mark FieldsClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. and Van SmithClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. went off to ClemsonClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. but their younger siblings will be looking to make an impact in the near future. Fields' brother, Tyus FieldsClick Other notes...Here to view this Link., played a very good game last night. Smith's brother, Deangelo SmithClick Other notes...Here to view this Link., did not dress because of injury concerns.Here to view this Link. and Jordan DavisClick Hough lost a lot of major playmakers at the end of last season but they seem to have reloaded. Former Hough stars Mark FieldsClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. and Van SmithClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. went off to ClemsonClick Other notes...Here to view this Link. but their younger siblings will be looking to make an impact in the near future. Fields' brother, Tyus FieldsClick Other notes...Here to view this Link., played a very good game last night. Smith's brother, Deangelo SmithClick Other notes...Here to view this Link., did not dress because of injury concerns.Here to view this Link. are massive defensive tackles and they will get lots of attention when the time comes.