FOUR OAKS – It took five days and three different attempts before Harnett Central ran its record to 4-0 with an 18-13 win over South Johnston Tuesday afternoon.

This version of the Trojan war doubled as the Carolina Pines 6A opener, but we had to wait for it. Severe weather pushed this game off its original Friday date, and a power outage and more lightning forced the teams back on the field Tuesday to finish up a game that was paused with Harnett Central leading 18-6 early in the fourth quarter.

A Kenny Forsythe rushing touchdown cut the margin to five with a few minutes left, but South Johnston was stopped on downs in the closing moments to end the game.

The homestanding Trojans fell to 1-3 overall, despite a solid debut outing from freshman (!) quarterback Cam Jones, who was 12-for-18 for 86 yards and an interception. The youth movement continued in the backfield with sophomore Caden Stack, who piled up 202 rushing yards and the other South touchdown.