Varsity football starts off season with a bang
On Friday night, the Warriors battled the East Paulding Raiders at home in a preseason game. Although the Warriors expected to win the scrimmage, they never imagined they would demolish the Raiders. “By the end of second quarter, we were up 30-0. I don’t think anyone was worried about losing,” senior linebacker Jamal Kuku said.
August 15, 2016
NC kicked off the 2016 football season with a 33-7 flattening of the East Paulding Raiders in the Warrior’s preseason scrimmage game, last Friday, August 12.
The game started off with a bang as senior running back C.J. Cole took the season’s first handoff 40 yards up the left sideline. NC converted on fourth and one four plays later, and senior quarterback Will Lovett ran it in for six from 10 yards out on the ensuing first down.
The Warriors’ good fortune and dominance continued on the ensuing drive, as the Raiders went three and out and sailed the snap through the back of the endzone for a safety on fourth down.
Sophomore running back Christian Singleton (#34) rushes through a tackle during the third quarter. Towards the end of the game, Coach Queen allowed the JV players to step in and show off their skills.
NC continued their lead and eliminated any offensive consistency through the first half. NC’s starting offense put up thirty points to close out the first quarter.
Sophomore quarterback Kyle Terry and other varsity second teamers took over at the start of the second quarter and maintained the dominant lead.
Kicker Will Horton returned from a torn oblique to to ace a 45 yard field goal at the end of the half, pushing the Warrior lead to 33-0 as NC trotted to the locker room. The team looked confident and prepared, executing passing plays for yards and consistently running the ball for positive gains.
Junior defensive back Jaylen Phillips (#22) blocks East Paulding running back Mohamed Salame (#15). Despite putting up their best defense, the Raiders fell to the Warriors 33-7.
Over the course of the second half NC continued to work through its depth chart, eventually surrendering a touchdown in the third quarter. The fourth quarter allowed each team six minutes of offense with a running clock, and the Warriors JV offense marched the ball down to the Raider thirty before throwing a pick on the game’s final play.
Coach Queen echoed a positive sentiment after the game: “It felt great to finally beat up on someone else, but let’s get ready for the real season next week.”
