It’s hard to find a high school football program that has made more news in the last 12 months than New Bern — for better or for worse.
On Dec. 9, 2022, the Bears won the 4A state title with a 40-28 win over Grimsley. But that’s not what the record books say.
New Bern had to vacate that win, and all its other wins last season, for fielding ineligible players, and a similar issue has resulted in five more forfeits for the Bears this fall.
None of that interests Cleveland very much, with the Rams (12-0) set to host the Bears (6-6, counting forfeits) in the third round of the NCHSAA 4A East playoffs Thursday night.
New Bern has won 24 of its last 25 games on the field, and that is where the Rams’ focus should lie.
Emmanuel Johnson is a dual threat for the Bears, passing for 1,638 yards and 18 scores while rushing for 487 yards and 10 more touchdowns. Freshman running back Karvin Magwood leads the team with 948 yards and 12 scores on the ground while seven different receivers have at least 10 catches, led by Ivion Smith’s 43 for 709 yards and five touchdowns.
New Bern’s defense has run hot and cold at times this season, allowing 18.3 points per game. Zion Wright is one of the headliners, with a team-high 94 tackles and six sacks. Meanwhile, Currine Henry (8 INT) and Smith (6 INT) are ball hawks in the secondary.
Cleveland quarterback Jackson Byrd is likely aware of that, but it won’t stop him from trying to add to 3,051 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and a 70-percent completion percentage. He’s also third on the team in rushing with 387 yards and nine scores.
Tyson Stokes has emerged as the primary ballcarrier, with 930 yards and 16 scores on the season. Three different receivers have at least 45 receptions (Cam Goins, Camdon Inscoe and Zalin Ingram) and the trio have combined for 2,157 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns on the season.
As good as the offense has been, the Cleveland defense has matched it stride for stride.
With four shoutouts and three other games allowing less than 10 points, the Rams have been tough on opposing offenses.
Sawyer Lowe (124) is averaging more than 10 tackles a night, and 14 different players have combined for 38 sacks (Karson Cook leads with seven). Toss in 17 fumble recoveries and 10 more interceptions, and you’ve got a potentially dominating defense.
The Massey Ratings have the Rams as an 8.5-point favorite, and you can listen to this game live right here on JoCo Sports at 6:45 Thursday night.