PCA update: gridiron Raiders claim victory

Published 2:08 pm Tuesday, September 10, 2024

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PCA Athletics

The Pungo Christian Academy Raiders defeated Mattamuskeet, 42-18, at home to raise their record to 2-1. PCA jumped out to a 21-0 lead midway through the second quarter before the Lakers (1-1) made it 21-6 at halftime, then 21-12 early in the third quarter. The Raiders responded with touchdown runs from Parker Byrd and Austin Gibbs to ice the victory,

“Our guys competed great, and some took advantage of some extra playing time because the Eagles brothers (Carr and Wells) were out sick,” coach Alex Sefton said. “We ran the ball very well and our defense played well. I’m pleased with our effort in all phases.”

Josiah Murray led the Raiders with 110 rushing yards on nine carries, while Byrd added 106 on 13 carries with three touchdowns and had seven tackles, including a sack, on defense.

Gibbs passed for two touchdowns and gained 84 yards on 12 carries.

The Raiders play at Community Christian (3-1) in Wilson, NC, Friday.

Volleyball: PCA went 1 – 1 on the week. Their five-game winning streak ended at Lawrence Academy as the Lady Raiders were sent home in three straight sets. Pungo responded Thursday with their first 3-0 sweep of the year against Ridgecroft School. PCA is now 6 – 2 overall and 1 – 1 in conference play. Raylee Lynch leads the team in kills with 3.1 per set while Julia Rouse leads the team in digs with 3.8 per set. Anna Stoop already has 20 aces on the year and leads the team in assists with 137 through the first three weeks. The Raiders travel to Halifax Academy and Albemarle School this week.

Soccer: The Raiders have improved consistently over the course of the season but is still without a victory, falling to Mattamuskeet and Ridgecroft last week. PCA was tied with Mattamuskeet 1 – 1 at the half before the Lakers scored 7 unanswered goals in the second half to bring home the win. PCA found themselves tied at the half 0 – 0 against Ridgecroft before the Rams scored 4 unanswered goals in the second half to give the Raiders their sixth loss of the year. Lone senior Luke Rouse returns this week from injury to help lead PCA against conference foe Albemarle School Thursday.

Tennis: PCA dropped both matches against conference opponents, falling 6 – 3 to Northeast Academy and 9 – 0 to Ridgecroft School. Maggie Ballance and Emily Copes picked up the only points for the Raiders against Northeast, winning their singles and doubles matches. PCA travels to Northeast Academy and Oakwood School this week.

Cross Country: Taylor Rouse and Trent Armstrong continued their winning ways, each placing in first in the conference meet Monday at home. Armstrong narrowly won his race by one second over the second-place finisher while Rouse was five seconds ahead of the second-place female finisher. Julia Rouse placed third for the Lady Raiders who took home the victory while the boys team finished in second. The Raiders will race at Lawrence Academy next week.