Southwest Guilford at Parkland

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Records: Southwest 3-7, 0-5 Piedmont Triad 4A; Parkland 2-8, 1-4

Last year: Parkland 20-7

Last week: Southwest fell 34-12 to High Point Central; Parkland was idle

This week: Just as High Point Central and T. Wingate Andrews share Simeon Stadium, Parkland and R.J. Reynolds split time at Deaton-Thompson Stadium in Winston. The Demons try to close out a perfect regular season against Reagan on Friday, pushing this contest to Thursday.

On the surface, it would be easy to say both of these squads don’t mind finishing early. Southwest has struggled to seven straight losses following the team’s first 3-0 start since 1997. While the Cowboys still can reach the necessary four-win plateau to qualify for the playoffs, Southwest would be the third at-large team in line to be picked from the PTC since East Forsyth and Northwest Guilford each have five wins. To continue its season, Southwest must win this game and then hope there aren’t more than 64 teams in the 4A classification – 32 into the 4AA bracket and 32 into the 4A field – with four or more victories.

Parkland surprised Northwest Guilford 21-14 two weeks ago for its lone league win. The Mustangs’ other victory came against Atkins in Week 4.

Southwest last beat Parkland in 1997, when Brian Williams scored a pair of TDs in a 22-12 decision. The teams have played every year since, putting the Mustangs’ winning streak at 11 games.

– Compiled by Steve Hanf