The Pam Pack picked up its first win of the season and its first victory over Tarboro in at least five years on Friday as Washington held off the Vikings, 20-13.
Once again, the Pam Pack defense looked strong as it limited the 2012 2-A state runners up to under 200 rushing yards, forced three turnovers and came up with a huge red zone stop at the end of the first half.
However, Washington’s had its own struggles with ball security and committed four turnovers.
“The defense did a good job again,” Washington coach Sport Sawyer said. “We’ve been grooming some of those guys for three years and they’re getting after it.”
The Pam Pack (1-0, Eastern Plains) had plenty of opportunities to pull away from the Vikings (1-1, Two Rivers), but could not capitalize on them, committing three red zone interceptions, which left Sawyer feeling frustrated after the game.
“I thought our guys played hard and fought and made some good plays, but you got to score points when you get inside the red zone,” Sawyer said. “We were in there numerous times tonight and didn’t get points and that bothers me.”
Washington turned the ball over on its first two possessions but held on to the ball on its third, grinding out 58-yard drive highlighted by a 25-yard run by Markel Spencer an ending with a 16-yard TD run by Trey Spruill to take a 7-0 lead midway through the first.
The Pack upped its lead to 13-0 when sophomore quarterback Brodie West connected with junior wide receiver Javon Whitney on a 19-yard slant pattern on fourth down.
West finished the game going 3-5 with 42 yards, a TD pass and three interceptions.
It appeared the Pack was going to run away with the game midway through the third when Tarboro botched a punt attempt and gave Washington the ball at the Vikings 17-yard line. One play later Spencer rumbled down the right side of the field to put his team ahead 20-0.
However, the Vikings answered with an 80-plus yard kick return that left them on the Washington six-yard line and one play later Radja Bobbit was breaking through the goal line.
The Vikings continued to threaten as it took advantage of a botched punt attempt by the Pack, which led to another Bobbit touchdown and cut the deficit to 20-13 1:49 left in the game.
However, Washington would field the ensuing onside kick attempt and put the game out of reach when Stevie Green broke off a 44-yard run that gave the Pack a precious first down and chewed the game clock.

Tarboro    0    0    6    7    —    13
Washington    7    6    7    0    —    2

                                         THS          WHS
First downs                          9           9
Rushes-yards                   45-196      36-295
Comp-att-int                       1-2        3-5-3
Passing yards                          15            42
Fumbles-lost                            4-3          4-1
Penalties-yards                         7-76          4-40
Punts                                   4-36           2-29

Scoring Summary
W — Trey Spruill 16 run (Christian Crompton kick), 1:52, 1st.
W — Javon Whitney 19 pass from Brodie West (kick failed), 8:18, 2nd.
W — Markel Spencer 17 run (Crompton kick), 8:33, 3rd.
T — Radja Bobbit 6 run (kick good), 8:10, 3rd.
T — Bobbit 9 run (kick good), 1:49, 4th.