As Week 10 kicks off Friday night, it appears the Thomasville Bulldogs may finally be starting to find its groove as they have ripped through the first two Central Carolina Conference meetings this season.

Coming into last week’s affair with East Davidson, it appeared the Bulldogs (4-4, 2-0) may face some stiff opposition with 1,000-yard rusher Dylan Gallimore and the rest of the Golden Eagles. Instead, THS howled to a glaring 34-0 thumping of its crosstown rivals, stymying everything on defense and using a 150-plus rushing performance and two touchdowns by Kesean Green.

“We were very much concerned with them but our defense played well and offensively we played better than we have been of late,” said Thomasville head coach Allen Brown. “We also seem to have made some progress with our running game.”

Green has been on a hot streak, using good blocking up front to spring big runs. Quin Riley has been nicked up and did contribute two touchdowns and 87 yards rushing for the game, but Green has emerged as the No. 1 back and is stepping up and wanting the ball.

“He is learning and is finding some seams better and is giving great effort,” said Brown. “We are pleased with where he has come.”

Both Green and Riley get some added help in the backfield with the arrival of High Point Andrews transfer Justin Keitt. The newcomer contributed 66 yards on seven carries, but did have a fumble in his first game for the Bulldogs. In time, he should give THS a potent three-back attack to constantly pound the ball at opposing defenses.

“He is a work in progress,” Brown said of Keitt. “He has some good quicks and tries really hard. We are just trying to adjust him and he is trying to adjust to us.”

This week, Thomasville will travel to Tyro where West Davidson awaits. The Green Dragons (2-6, 0-2) have not had an easy time of it this season, but are still a capable opponent. Thomasville will be ready as they search for a fourth straight shutout dating back to the game at Asheboro Sept. 25.

“West traditionally has been a tough matchup for us,” said Brown. “The things they try to do offensively and defensively mirror us. They try to be a good defensive team and try to run the ball first.”

It appears the league may be decided when Salisbury visits Cushwa Stadium next week, but a trap game such as Friday night is one that can cost a team a conference championship — especially considering the size of the league.

“The conference as I have mentioned before is way too small,” Brown said. “Because of that, each game has huge importance and there is no margin for error.”