Working for the weekend

Who am I kidding, there's no such thing as a weekend in the fall! Surfing the landscape for what is on tap beginning on Friday:

The Discount Tire Friday Night Final! Loads of high school football action from across the state, with plenty of highlights and scores from Charlotte to the Coast. If you haven't watched it, I question your sanity. Ok, I'm kidding. If you are a fan of high school football, this show is for you. It all starts at 11pm. Of course, your normal 10pm Sports Night is on track as well. It's opening night for the Carolina Hurricanes, we'll have Panthers, NASCAR activities from Lowe's Motor Speedway, a look around the A-C-C, and much more. Friday's are a bear, but we knock it out with relative ease. Operative word--relative.

Saturday:
In addition to a ton of college football, it's race day at the speedway. The Bank of America 500 goes green at the track. Sports Night is live from the speedway following the race with highlights, post-race reaction and analysis.

Leading into Saturday's race, the big story is the garage shoving match between Kevin Harvick and Carl Edwards. I didn't see it, but after hearing witnesses talk about it, I am trying to determine who is at fault. Harvick turned to remove himself from the situation, and (according to witnesses), Edwards grabbed Harvick and spun him around. It all stems from Harvick's post-crash comments during Sunday's race at Talladega. Harvick called Edwards a "pansy" during the interview, to which Edwards left a facetious "thank you " note for Harvick.

Should Edwards have been upset about what Harvick said? Maybe. Should he have grabbed Harvick Thursday in the garage? No. Edwards caused the wreck, and he has admitted as much. Sure, go talk to Harvick about popping off on TV, but talk it out. Grabbing him makes for great headlines, but it makes you look like an idiot, especially when he intentionally turned away to avoid a physical confrontation. Should be interesting to see how these 2 behave during Saturday's race.

Sunday, it's NFL time. Panthers visit Tampa Bay. Sounds like the Panthers are getting healthy again. Jeff Otah and Jordan Gross practiced on Thursday. Getting them back will help against a tough opponent. Ryan Kalil may not go, which means Geoff Hangartner would start at center. Dwayne Jarrett is just about a lock to play this week with D.J. Hackett's knee banged up. Would be nice for him to have a solid contribution. I like the way this one is shaping up for Carolina, but this is a rivalry game--one that both sides agree is the most intense for their respective team. The games are always a battle, but generally respectful. They'll try to knock each other's teeth out for 4 quarters, and then will look the other in the eye as they shake hands afterwards. I love games like that. Should be a dandy. Pick: Carolina 27-Tampa 21

That's all I have for now. Have a great weekend!

Mike Solarte