The NC Warrior varsity football team (2-1) continued their impressive run with a dominant win over the Alpharetta Raiders (1-3) on Friday, September 10. After a prestigious victory over the Milton Eagles a week prior, the Warriors took control quickly, scoring on every offensive drive in the first half.  Led by head coach Shane Queen, NC legitimized their top 3 7A state ranking, showing they hold a chance at this year’s state title. Already boasting several highly-touted recruits, the Warriors welcomed senior wide receiver, De’Nylon Morrissette, to Emory Sewell stadium, after he battled a minor injury through the first 2 games. 

“Our offense was very explosive. Tom Clark did a great job game planning and our offensive line protected Malachi very well. Last weekend, he [Malachi] had five rushing touchdowns and this weekend [he had] three throwing touchdowns. So, we’re trying to be balanced and we’re working on that balance and I think he did a great job, taking what the defense gave him,” Queen said. 

Junior running back Ben Hall launched the Warriors forward with a 33-yard touchdown run, pushing the scoreboard to 7-0 in less than 2 minutes. Junior quarterback and defending Region Player of the Year Malachi Singleton punched in a 9-yard touchdown run, extending the gap to 14-0. Hall then hammered in a tough 1-yard score, while Singleton added a 2-point conversion play, spring-boarding the Warriors up 22-0. To finish out the half, Singleton hit Morrissette at 11-yards to score, and tossed a 66-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Sam Mbake. Throughout the night, NC’s receiving core played to their full potential, carving up the Raiders’ defense. Senior wide receivers Reggie Givhan, Mbake, and Morrissette all put up terrific stat lines to help the Warriors pull away with a 36-0 halftime lead. 

“You know, he’s (Morrissette) the real deal, he brings so much to our program. He’s a true leader on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom– so it’s great to have (him) finally suit up for us,” Queen said. 

The Warrior defensive and offensive line remained stout throughout the night. NC strayed from their aggressive play calls in the first half and allowed younger players to see the field. Givhan scored the defending region champs’ only touchdown in the second half, hauling in a 9-yard touchdown pass from the hands of Singleton. As the play clock wound down, the Raiders finally scored their first touchdown and field goal of the night, bringing the final score to 43-7. 

Singleton finished with 322 yards on 18 of 22 passes and four total touchdowns. Mbake tallied 3 catches for 130 yards and a touchdown, while Morrissette added 109 yards on 9 catches and a touchdown. 

The Warriors displayed elite talent on Albert Matthews field during Friday night’s play. Prior to the game, Warrior fans celebrated the legacy of Albert Matthews, who earned legendary status amongst NC’s entire community as a former NC coach. Make sure to catch the Warriors as they take on the Etowah Eagles on Friday, September 17 at Eagle stadium.