For the second week in a row, the local high school football slate spilled over into Thursday. Casting an eye on the Friday morning sky here in Smithfield, one wonders if Saturday night will end up in play as well.
For now, let’s talk Thursday:
West Johnston 31, Smithfield-Selma 28, OT
This all-Johnston County clash came down to the wire as West Johnston escaped Charles Tucker Stadium with an overtime win. Kevin Rojas missed what would have been a game-winning 25-yard field goal as time expired, but went on to make a 20-yard try to win the game for the Wildcats (1-1).
Brandon Hicks completed seven of his 11 passes for 102 yards, a touchdown and an interception at quarterback for the Wildcats, who also got 190(!) yards on 30(!) carries.
Bartlett-Yancey 8, American Leadership Academy 6
It was all going pretty well for American Leadership Academy through three quarters Thursday night. A Michael Beasley touchdown run staked the Patriots to a 6-0 halftime lead, and as the fourth quarter began, the ALA defense stopped Bartlett Yancey on downs inside the 10-yard line.
The Buccaneer defense forced a safety on the ensuing possession, and eventually won it with a touchdown pass in the final minute. Cam Thaxton had 10 carries for 82 yards for ALA (0-1), while Helaire Trahan (11 tackles) and Nick Massey (9 tackles) paced the defense.
We’d mention the scorers from Bartlett-Yancey (1-1), but those stats aren’t in MaxPreps yet.
Fike 63, South Johnston 7
Well, if you’re going to be wrong picking high school football games, be spectacularly wrong, I say. According to our friends at the Wilson Times, Sam Finch topped 400 yards passing and tossed eight (!) touchdown passes as the Demons trounced South Johnston.
The Trojans fall to 1-1 on the season while surprising Fike is now 2-0.
Holmes 45, North Johnston 6
Meanwhile, when you’re right, you’re right. Holmes is pretty good, and the Aces turned up in a big way Thursday night in Kenly.
Zion Whitfield rushed for 65 yards and the Panthers’ lone score as they fell to 1-1. Holmes, after a couple of impressive wins to open the season, stands at 2-0.
East Duplin 40, Princeton 34
These two matched each other score for score through three quarters, but East Duplin got one more stop in an early contender for game of the season. Teo McPhatter was pushed out of bounds a yard shy of first down yardage at the East Duplin 10-yard line in the final minute, dropping the Bulldogs to 1-1.
They would have never been that close without him, as he accounted for 245 yards and four touchdowns on the night.
The Panthers (2-0) got 202 yards on 14 carries from Noah LeBlanc in the victory.
Clayton at Southern Nash
Damacio Cueto was a perfect 11-of-11 passing for 270 yards and three scores as the Comets (2-0) streaked past the Firebirds in Bailey.
Terris Hobbs had a short, but spectacular evening, rushing for 137 yards and three scores on just six carries while Blake Beckwith added 70 yards and another score for good measure.
Cleveland at Corinth Holders
Owen Hulbert tossed three touchdown passes, Kaleb Ferrell added 108 yards rushing and a score and the Ram defense pitched a shutout as new head coach Codi Vick’s squad moved to 2-0.
Tahj Guerrant topped 100 yards receiving (109) and hauled in two of the three scoring strikes from Hulbert (13-18, 179 yards).
Corinth Holders fell to 0-2.