Smith Middle School has a big OPAC football showdown today at 4:30 p.m., when the 4-1 Cyclones host Phillips. The Falcons are 3-1 under first-year head coach Eugene Privott.

The Cyclones won two games last week with a 20-6 decision against North Roxboro and then Gravelly Hills 26-0 in what coach John French termed "their most complete game of the year."

Last Monday Quole Wilson led the way against the NR Raiders with 82 yards total offense and a touchdown. Darius Allen and Jack Hankins also contributed with touchdowns. QB Lucas Christy completed all of his pass attempts for 54 yards. The defense was led by Devon Gattis and Damian Lee who each had six tackles and a QB sack. M.J. Craig made five tackles while Aaron Smith and Terrance Hunter chipped in with four each.

Christy completed 80 percent of his passes against the Grizzlies for 90 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. Wilson topped 100 yards rushing and tacked on 40 yards receiving with two touchdowns. Aaron Smith scored a touchdown on one Christy pass and Lee ran in for another score. Juno Parks led the Smith defense with three tackles and a host of other players contributed to the shutout.

Eh, a win's a win

Carolina's No. 2-ranked field hockey team saw a streak of nine shutouts ended Sunday at Duke, but the Tar Heels still got a 2-1 win over the Blue Devils and a point in the Carlyle Cup standings. Freshman Kelsey Kolojejchick's goal with less than five minutes on the clock provided the game-winner that boosted the Tar Heels to 13-0 on the year. Duke fell to 6-7 overall.

Carolina picked up its ninth shutout with a with a 4-0 win Saturday over ninth-ranked Boston College at Francis E. Henry Stadium -- matching a mark first achieved by Virginia in 1978. The 2007 Tar Heels also strung together nine consecutive shutouts en route to an undefeated season and national championship. This year's Tar Heels have a total of 10 shutouts in their 13 games and have allowed just three goals while scoring 67.

Next up for the Tar Heels is a pair of road games. UNC takes on No. 3 Virginia on Saturday in Charlottesville, then will travel on to Harrisonburg for a Sunday gamegame at No. 11 James Madison.

Let the play begin

UNC's South Campus Recreation Complex grand opening will be 1-6 p.m. Saturday, featuring sand volleyball, tennis, and basketball tournaments for Carolina students.

Four professional paddle tennis players ( Mike Cochran, Jean Kempner, Mike Rahaley and Mark Fischl) are coming to offer clinics and play in a pro exhibition at 2 p.m. on the rea's newest courts.

Also, Carolina women's varsity tennis coach Brian Kalbas and members of his team will be on hand to play in a pro-am exhibition match at 3 p.m. Though the new center is for use by the UNC students only, the open house and all paddle tennis exhibitions are open to the public.

For more information, contact UNC Recreation Office at 843-PLAY (7529).

Briefly ...

Undefeated in regular-season matches, Northwood placed four golfers on the Central Carolina All-Conference team: Emily Brooks; Maggie Denny; Avri Smith and Rachel Wynne. Chapel Hill High School had three on the all-conference team -- Emma Marlatt; Caroline Jones and Blythe Carter -- and East Chapel Hill two: Katie Koltz and Wilton Burns. Caitlyn Threadgill represented Carrboro and Elisabeth McFarland Cardinal Gibbons. ... This Friday's football game at East Chapel Hill marks Homecoming for the Wildcats, and the Booster Club is still looking for volunteers to man the concession stand and field crew. Contact Bonnie at bnelson@rti.org if you can help. ... Emily Prins and Robert Warnock have been elected Homecoming Queen and King at East Chapel Hill. ... The Carrboro High volleyball match at 6 p.m. Thursday, pitting Granville Central against the Jaguars, has been designated as a "DiG PiNK" event to help raise funds to fight breast cancer and to promote health in the community. Attendees are encouraged to help raise awareness by wearing something pink in the stands. Admission will be $2 for those wearing pink. ... The Carrboro football team will show its support Friday by adorning their helmets with pink-ribbon stickers.