What’s at stake as two SC football title contenders renew Rock Hill regional rivalry

One of the best high school football games in the Carolinas will be played in Rock Hill on Friday night, when the annual Northwestern-South Pointe rivalry gets another installment.

Like most years, both teams are state title contenders — and very familiar with one another.

Northwestern (3-0) and South Pointe (2-1) are about 6 1/2 miles apart, and both manage to be among South Carolina’s best teams each year.

The Trojans come into the game ranked No. 2 in The Charlotte Observer’s Sweet 16 poll , while the Stallions are No. 7. Both teams say fans should expect a hard hitting and competitive game full of emotion.

“All four of our non-conference games leading up to our conference schedule have been really tough,” Northwestern coach Page Wofford said. “We started with Hough and then Ridgeview and last week, South Florence. So, we’ve played some really tough opponents and this is just another team in a long line of good opponents for us.”

Northwestern is led by senior quarterback Finley Polk, who is committed to play college football at Gardner-Webb. Northwestern lost running back Turbo Richard to graduation last season, so Polk has taken on a bigger role in the Trojans’ offense. In three games, he’s thrown for 589 yards and 10 touchdowns this season — with no interceptions.

“For us, every game is big,” Polk said. “So, for us it is just another game on the schedule. We are trying our best to win this game just like we do any other game. I don’t feel any pressure. I know I have great weapons around me. The offensive line does a great job, the receivers are always making plays for me, and the running backs are always fighting for extra yards. I just have to go out there and do my job.”

Wofford has been pleased with the growth of this year’s team under Polk’s leadership.

“When you lose a player like Turbo, it’s tough,” Wofford said. “Our running backs are still finding their way, and they are doing a great job of getting better every week. We’ve had some receivers step up. Kameron Vance has had a bunch of touchdowns already this year. Jayden Nichols has also had big games. Those two are really doing a good job. And, it just happens to be what the (opponents) defenses are doing. It’s not really our system or targeting those guys. They are getting themselves open and Finley is finding them.”

South Pointe coach Bobby Collins acknowledged the history of the two programs and what it means to play in a big game like this.

“This is football city USA,” Collins said of Rock Hill. “Both schools right now have kids playing Division I football, players playing in the National Football League. So, I’m glad this game is at home. I’m glad the weather is supposed to be nice, and I know that both teams are going to be ready to get out there and play.”

Every game is important to Collins and the Stallions, but there is always an added chip on their shoulders when it comes to Northwestern.

“I’ve been here three years now,” Collins said. “This will be my third year playing (Northwestern) and we’ve not beaten them yet. So, I think that keeps the kids as humble as possible. Northwestern is 3-0, they are averaging over 40 points per game. So, our kids respect them, but don’t fear them.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday.