The Pam Pack escaped the first round of the NCHSAA 2-AA playoffs by grinding past North Pitt to set up tonight’s second round matchup at home against No. 6 Bunn at 7:30 p.m.
Washington (10-2), the No. 3 seed and No. 9 ranked 2-A team in the state according to the final AP Poll, was able to survive the Panthers attack by banking up a 21-7 first half lead that helped the Pack pull out a 24-14 victory.
Special teams played a big role in the win as two blocked punts helped set up two touchdowns, while a botched snap on a North Pitt punt attempt led to Washington’s third touchdown of the game.
The Pack also got three key points from placekicker Christian Crompton, who nailed a 25-yarder in the second half on his first field goal attempt of the season.
“It was a good high school football game,” Washington coach Sport Sawyer said. “For the first round it was a real tough matchup, but we were able to pull it out.”
Playing a key role in the Pack’s win was the defense, which limited the North Pitt offense to only one touchdown.
Washington had six players record double-digit tackle totals. Brandon Williams led the way with 17 tackles and Henry Corey racked up 11, while Stevie Green, Travon Wallace, Rakwuan Satterwaithe and Karim Topping each had 10.
“Our defense continues to be a force out there,” Sawyer said. “The defense only let up one score, special teams let up the other one. Our defense was able control the game in a lot of cases and that’s a real positive for us.”
On paper, the Pam Pack ground game had a solid night. Running backs Stevie Green and Markel Spencer rushed for 112 and 107 yards, respectively, and score a touchdown a piece.
However, Washington was unable to break off one of its signature long runs and each touchdown drive was greatly aided by a special teams play that left the offense with a short field.
“I thought all year long offensively we have been able to run the ball effectively, but the other night we struggled,” Sawyer said. “I felt like North Pitt controlled the line of scrimmage against us, offensively.”
The Pack will look to get back on track tonight against Bunn, who advanced to the second round by steamrolling No. 11 Greene Central 69-20.
“On offense they run the wing-T and they have some fast backs,” Sawyer said. “Defensively, they run a four-man front and are a solid football team.”
Bunn is led by the running back tandem of Tevin Ferrell and Ashton. Ferrell, a senior, has rushed for 1,343 yards and 16 TDs, while Avery, a junior, has gained 750 yards and scored eight touchdowns.
Washington will counter with its dynamic duo of 1,000-yard rushers in Spencer (1,576, 14 TDs) and Green (1,257, 13 TDs).
With both teams featuring high-powered run games, the key to tonight’s contest lies on the defensive side of the field, which should sway the advantage to Washington.
Led by 6-2, 305-pound Baylone Guildford and 6-0, 286-pound Trevon Wallace, the Pam Pack has a premier defensive front that is extremely tough to move off the line.
“All year long we’ve faced some running teams and our defensive players and coaches have done a very good job of preparing and stopping it,” Sawyer said. “We feel confident about this game from a defensive standpoint.”
If the Pam Pack can get past the Wildcats it will advance to the third round of the playoffs for the second straight season and will take on the winner of the No. 2 Currituck-No. 7 Kinston game.