The weekend that will be

So much to do on a Friday, so let's get after it.

*** Carolina Panthers will win Sunday against Atlanta. It won't be a rout, but I think it will result in a Panthers victory. Atlanta is having issues in the secondary, and while the Panthers had issues at the QB spot last week, this shapes up well for the Panthers. I believe Jake Delhomme will live up to his promise. He's madder than a hornet about his play in his past 2 outings--he won't show it with the cameras rolling, but after spending some time around this cat, I think his blood is boiling.

To me, there is a difference in losing a playoff game, and having 8 months to wait before playing again compared to the week-to-week that is the regular season. The way Jake and company exited the post-season in January didn't sting as much last Sunday as it did the day after the loss to Arizona. The Arizona loss was ancient history before they even kicked off with Philadelphia. Fresh in their minds, though, is the loss to Philly just a week ago. If the Panthers are flat Sunday, I will be shocked.

One other note for Sunday's game, the Falcons will be wearing throwback uniforms, which should mean, red jerseys with red helmets (circa the Steve Bartkowski era). I love throwback uniforms in any sport--and yes, I even dug those ridiculous Philadelphia Eagle things that were yellow and light blue. Should be neat seeing that look in person (I will be on the field Sunday), and I know Panther fans are hoping the Falcons play like those old school Atlanta teams that, well, weren't so good in those older uniforms.

*** Drag racing fans have the weekend to enjoy the Carolina's Nationals at the ZMax Dragway in Concord. Plenty of storylines coming into this, with the start of the NHRA's version of the Chase beginning. The "Countdown to One" starts this week, and if the weather holds, the speeds should be quick. Of course, rains holding off would be helpful.

Some of teams employ, for lack of a better work, weathermen. They let the crews know the upcoming conditions, and how that can affect the racing surface. Cooler temps with humidity are prime ingredients for great speeds in drag racing. Something to keep in mind.

*** Some high school football was played in Charlotte on Thursday night, rather than the normal Friday. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools moved all CMS home games up a day, to avoid conflicts with the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashana. More games to come Friday, and you can see the best of them on the Discount Tire Friday Night final at 11pm tonight. If you miss the 11pm show, check out the encore presentation, Saturday morning at 11am. "Encore presentation sounds better than re-run, right?

Have a great weekend!

Mike Solarte

Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/MikeSolarte