Published October 2, 2009
By Cliff Mehrtens
The Charlotte Observer
Players to Know
Thomas Ashcraft, Chase Carbone and Colton Walls
SCHOOL: Charlotte Latin
POSITION: Linebackers
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: Each is 6-foot-2. Ashcraft weighs 200 pounds, Carbone 205 and Walls 215.
CLASS: Ashcraft and Carbone are seniors. Walls is a junior.
The trio has helped Charlotte Latin (5-0) limit opponents to 31 points. The Hawks have limited four opponents to seven points or less, and have one shutout. Walls is the son of former Carolina Panthers tight end Wesley Walls.
3 Things to Watch
1. CHARLOTTE CHRISTIAN'S DEFENSE: Can the Knights slow down Charlotte Latin, which has scored 44, 42, 34, 57 and 52 points this season?
2. WEST CHARLOTTE'S OFFENSE: New coach Jeff Simpson loves the run, and the Lions ground out 290 yards last week, despite not having starting quarterback Ahmad Brown. The line is large and working well together.
3. PENALTY FLAGS: Mallard Creek, East Meck and Charlotte Latin committed too many penalties last week to make coaches and fans comfortable. It's the middle of the season, and concentration needs to be better.
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