Football: Friday's spotlight games

Norcom at Booker T. Washington, 7 p.m.

It’s still early, but this 7 p.m. showdown today will have a serious impact on the Eastern District. Booker T. Washington is well rested after a two-week layoff because of a bye and weather rescheduling. Norcom’s win last Friday concluded a stretch of three games in 10 days.

Starring roles

Norcom (3-1, 1-0 Eastern District) After a disappointing last-minute, one-point loss to Hampton, the Greyhounds bounced back with a lopsided 44-0 victory over winless Deep Creek last week. QB Da’Quan Saunders blistered the Hornets’ secondary for 254 yards and three touchdowns – all in the first half.

Booker T. Washington (2-1, 0-0) The time off has afforded the Bookers a chance to heal and rest. In its last outing on Sept. 8, Booker T. Washington lost to Warwick 39-7. The Warriors scored 26 unanswered points in the third quarter.

Plot twists

These are two teams with differing attacks – one rested and the other tired – in an Eastern District battle that will have playoff ramifications.

“Playoff atmosphere,” Booker T. coach Che Jacobs said. “This has been a big rivalry for decades and it’s always big. But because we’re both fighting for a title, it’s important.

“So come early. That’s how important it is.”

Norcom brings it from the air. Saunders’ favorite target is receiver Joe Powell, who has snared four of the QB’s six touchdown throws. Running backs Traquan Martin and Chavelle Atkins have kept defenses honest, combining for 314 yards rushing.

The Bookers counter with a balanced attack led by Lafayette Smallwood, who has 315 yards of total offense. Smallwood also has returned a kickoff for an 83-yard score and an interception for a 53-yard TD.

“He’s a phenomenal football player and typifies the kind of speed (Booker T. Washington) has,” Greyhounds coach Larry Archie said.

– Lee Tolliver

How it will end

Larry Rubama says This one comes down to special teams. Norcom, 27-26.

Jami Frankenberry says Bookers have big-play potential. Booker T. Washington, 28-20.

Also showing

Western Branch (1-2, 1-1 Southeastern) at No. 8 Lakeland (3-0, 2-0), 7 p.m. today

Western Branch’s two losses are by seven points (Norcom) and one point (Hickory in double OT). Another loss here could doom the Bruins’ playoff hopes already. Western Branch fell 35-34 to Hickory last week. RB Josh Marriner has rushed for 390 yards and four TDs, while QB C.J. Thomas has completed nearly 50 percent of his passes for 294 yards.

Lakeland, coming off a 0-10 season, leads South Hampton Roads in scoring at 43 points per game. QB Zach Super has thrown for 532 yards and seven TDs, but he was replaced last week by Raekwon Johnson after a minor injury. Johnson, usually a running back, accounted for 259 yards and six TDs in a victory over Maury. Johnson has 327 rushing yards on the season.

Larry says Landstown, 26-14. Jami says Landstown 21-14.

Cox (1-3) at No. 7 Landstown (3-0), 2 p.m. Saturday

Cox has played a rugged schedule in the first four weeks, losing to second-ranked Salem, Green Run and No. 6 Ocean Lakes. The Falcons, like most Beach teams, are playing their third game in nine days because of weather postponements. Cox has outgained its first three opponents 651-270, but in Tuesday’s 34-14 loss to Salem, surrendered 300 yards on the ground. Jay Brooks leads the Falcons with 247 yards rushing and four TDs.

Landstown is one of three Beach teams – Salem and Tallwood are the others – with a bye worked into this nine-day stretch of games. The Eagles thumped Princess Anne 48-0 last Thursday and didn’t play Tuesday.

Landstown’s offense looked like a question mark heading into this season, but four players have accounted for 200-plus yards each on offense: QB Keanu Reuben (475 passing, 217 rushing), RBs Trevon Byron (270 rushing) and Shyheim Swinson (263 rushing) and WR Kelvin Harris (11 catches, 215 yards).

Larry says Landstown 26-14. Jami says Landstown 21-14.

– Jami Frankenberry