Raiders rout Grunts in season opener

Published 7:59 pm Friday, August 16, 2024

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The first play of the brand-new football season in Beaufort County went for 70 yards and the Pungo Christian Academy Raiders were off and running to a 59-0 victory over the Grunts from Father Capodanno HS from Southern Pines in 8-man football action at R.H. Bishop Athletic Field in Belhaven.

Only a first half interception prevented the Raiders from scoring on every offensive possession on a humid afternoon, while the defense came up with four turnovers including Wells Eagles’ 80-yard interception return for a touchdown.

“We hadn’t been able to get outside very much the last week or so because of all the rain and the guys were ready to go,” coach Alex Sefton said. “I was very pleased to score on our first two possessions and it built from there. I’m also very pleased that our defense pitched a shutout and forced so many turnovers.”

Junior quarterback Austin Gibbs and running back Wells Eagles led the Raiders with three rushing touchdowns, while Carr Eagles scored twice, and McKinney Waters tacked on the final six points.

“I liked the way we spread the wealth and got several guys involved in our offense,” Sefton said. “We played well in all phases and it’s good to get the season started with a win.”