CHOCOWINITY — A strong first half performance was enough to carry the Chocowinity Indians past the Belhaven Bulldogs, 12-0, in the first round of the 10U Community Youth Football League playoffs on Saturday at the Chocowinity Rec Complex.
The No. 1 seeded Indians (7-1) scored once in the first quarter and again in the second quarter to hold off the No. 6 Bulldogs (0-7)  and advance.
“Belhaven was a very physical team today, but we were able to battle and get the victory,” Indians coach Carlton Godley said. “We’re looking forward to next week, we’re just taking it one week at a time.”
The Indians took a 6-0 lead in the first when Joshua Langley broke off a 13-yard touchdown run.
In the second, the Indians struck again when Sean Gerard scored from four yards out.
“In the first half our offense was clicking,” Godley said.
With a lead in hand, the Indians continued to play strong defense.
“Defensively, it was a team effort,” Godley said. “Defense has probably been our strength all season.”
The Bulldogs  fought hard for four quarters and was able to move the ball behind the running of quarterback Noah Manning, but could not cross the goal line.
Defensively, Belhaven played strong and was led by linebacker Frederick Taylor.
“We have a lot of young players, but we’re learning,” Belhaven coach Thomas Selby said.
Selby said the kids have improved a lot since opening day.
“We’ve been a close knit team from the jump,” Selby said. “The main objective I have here with these kids is that they learn something. Not only the athletic part of it, but learn things in life like how to get along with one another and work ethic.”

Belhaven     0    0    0    0    —    0
Chocowinity    6    6    0    0    —    12

Scoring summary
C — Joshua Langley 13 run (two points failed), 1st.
C — Sean Gerard 4 run (two points failed), 2nd.