Washington 35, Nash Central 20

The Pam Pack is marching on into the second round of the 2-AA State Playoffs. Washington won their first playoff game since 2015, and head coach Jon Blank was ecstatic about it.

“I was here the last time all that happened. That was a special time in my life and in the kids’ lives back then,” Blank said. “I really hope that this group can continue to win on Friday night’s the next three to four weeks.”

The Pam Pack had a breakout performance from Jaden Hambric, who rushed for well over 100 yards and three touchdowns on the night.

“Its great to score three touchdowns in a playoff game like that,” Hambric said. “I knew off rip they weren’t going to be able to stop our offense.”

Antwone Godley sparked the the team with a punt return in the closing moments of the first half. He bounced off a tackle and raced 55-yards into the Bulldogs’ red zone. He scored on the next play on a quarterback keeper.

Godley scored again in the second half; this time, a 69-yard scamper to the end zone.

“It feels good,” Godley said. “We just have to start out faster. We are starting slower and slower every week. They were spying me the whole game. Like, three guys were spying me the whole time.”

It wasn’t always easy sledding for the defense, as the Bulldogs gave them some trouble. Walt Gerard was just happy they did enough to get the win.

“They were running it right at me all night,” Gerard said. “I just had to shed the blockers and get help from my guys inside. We just can’t let the little mistakes get to us (next week). It feels great though, i’m very happy. We’re trying to make it all the way to state.”

The Pam Pack will host the winner of Salisbury-Mt. Pleasant next Friday night in the second-round of the NCHSAA 2-AA playoffs.

Northside 42, KIPP Pride 12

The Panthers didn’t let a short week slow down their offense. After a 47-point outburst last week, Northside responded with a 42-point performance on Friday night.

“Man we were clicking all night. Outside of those turnovers, we looked good. We can’t turn the ball over inside our own territory in the playoffs though, man,” head coach Keith Boyd said after the game. “We were very efficient. The outside run game really opened up the pass for us. It was awesome though, there’s nothing like a playoff win.”

Zakkai Wilson rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on Thursday night, and also scoop and scored a fumble. He now has 17 end zone trips on the season.

Carter Boyd had a whale of a performance, connecting on 8-of-11 passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns to Clark O’Neal and Tyler Turner. Carter Boyd also had a rushing touchdown on the evening.

“I feel 7-foot tall and bulletproof,” Carter Boyd said about the win. “It felt amazing. We have to take care of the ball, though. If we don’t have two turnovers in our own territory i don’t think they would’ve scored.”

The Panthers will travel to Northampton County (8-3, 5-1)  next Friday night for the second round.

 

South Creek 56, Southside 26

The Seahawks’ season came to an unfortunate close on Thursday night. Southside had a 14-8 lead at halftime, but the Cougars responded in a big way.

It was an unfortunate ending to a good season for Southside, and head coach Jeff Carrow had a message for his seniors after the game.

“These guys were such a fun group to coach. They all had the biggest personalities,” Carrow said. “Each of them will be missed and all the coaches wish them luck on their future plans!”

Jamari Nelson, Daveion McCraw, Iverson Speller, Rolando Cariago, Colby Curlings, Connor Curlings, Johnathan Hernandez, Juan Casiano, Johnathan Galland, Quinte Peele and Ty’Nahj Smith will all move on from Southside High School in May.