Both local teams were victorious in the first round of the state playoffs on Friday and will advance to round two this week.
Pinecrest 45, South Garner 31
The Pinecrest Patriots stormed back in the second half to defeat South Garner 45-31 on Friday night in the first round of the state playoffs. Pinecrest trailed 24-14 at the half, with the scoring coming from two Jaylin Morgan touchdowns. The Patriots erupted for 21 points in the span of about three minutes in the third on two touchdowns by Zymire Spencer and a blocked punt in the end zone recovered by Cole Riley to take command.
Spencer added a 54 yard TD run and Will Miller capped the scoring with a field goal. Spencer rushed for 223 yards on the night.
It is on to round two next Friday night at home against Clayton.
North Moore 28, Chatham Central 0
North Moore shut out Chatham Central in the first round of the playoffs on Friday night. The Mustangs rolled up more than 300 yards on the ground and did not complete a pass as four different players rushed for touchdowns. Jakarey Gillis led the way with 109 yards and a score. Kolby Ritchie had 85 yards and a touchdown. Nathan Rogers and Colby Pennington also found the end zone for North Moore. The Mustangs got their second win over Chatham Central in as many weeks after closing the regular season with a win over the winless Bears. They now move on to the second round of the 1A bracket, against Bertie.
