Here are previews for Week 9 high school football games in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties , with reporter Joe Hughes making a prediction for each one.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

Hickory at East Lincoln

Records: Hickory is 7-1 (6-0 Western Foothills 4A/5A). East Lincoln is 8-0 (6-0).

The word: The winner earns at least a share of the Western Foothills 4A/5A title. This matchup also has playoff implications; East Lincoln is third in the latest NCHSAA 5A RPI rankings, while Hickory is seventh. Hickory has won its last seven games since a Week 1 loss at South Point. Jaheem Jenkins paces the Hickory offense, rushing for 951 yards and 23 touchdowns. Maddox McRee is completing 68% of passes for 970 yards and 11 TDs. East Lincoln has been unstoppable on offense, a

See Full Page