Through the Uprights

We’re doing things a little bit differently this week. I’ll try to blog updates at each quarter, but our primary live presence today will be through a Web cast called by me and Richard Walker.

Go here to check out the live audio:
http://local.gastongazette.com/state_championship/

Enjoy the game!

FIRST QUARTER
Crumbley scored on South Point’s second drive for a 7-0 South Point lead. The TD gave him sole possession of the Gaston County record with 85 career rushing TDs.

South Johnston stormed to a 14-7 lead on two plays — a 29-yard pass from Dunigan to Williams, then a 40-yard run by Crumity after an onside kick.

SECOND QUARTER
South Johnston scored again on a 33-yard pass from Dunigan to Williams, making it 21-7. South Point made it 21-14 on Crumbley’s second TD but South Johnston returned the ensuing kickoff for a TD — it was Williams again doing the damage.

South Point has four turnovers for the game — two fumbles, one interception and a muffed kickoff return.

Halftime: South Johnston 28, South Point 14

THIRD QUARTER
South Point has dominated the third quarter to make this a 28-28 game. Crumbley scored both touchdowns to cap long, clock-churning drives. We’re tied heading into the fourth quarter.

Crumbley scored his fifth touchdown to give South Point a 35-28 lead. Then, as South Point tried to run out the clock, Justice found daylight for a 43-yard TD with 38 seconds remaining.

South Johnston put together one last threat but it hardly mattered as time was almost out.

Congrats to South Point for winning its fourth state title in school history and second this decade.

Be sure to check out all our coverage at GastonGazette.com and VarsityNC.com.

… you got it.

The Gazette is pleased to bring you a live Webcast of South Point’s state championship game against South Johnston on Saturday. Richard Walker and I will call the action radio-style, and you’ll be able to access the live audio on our Web site from anywhere in the world as long as you have Internet access.

Kickoff is at 2:30, and we’ll start our pregame probably a few minutes before that. Be sure to tune in!

South Point will play in the state semifinals for the second straight year and fourth time since 2002 when the Red Raiders play host to Anson County tonight at 7:30.

The winner advances to next week’s 3AA state championship game in Chapel Hill.

Lineberger Stadium will undoubtedly be packed tonight, but for those of you staying at home, I’ll bring you the action as it happens. Check back here at 7:30 and refresh often as I update on each drive.

6:49 update
It was crazy driving between all the tailgaters on my way in at 6 p.m. Not many people are staying in the parking lot, though, as the home side is more than 75 percent full. The Anson side is somewhere around 35 percent full.

The most interesting thing right now is that the Anson football team has not started warming up on the field yet. Someone said they spotted the team bus a while back, but no sight of them in the stadium.

6:55 update
Anson is making its entrance onto the field behind someone waving a flag that with a logo resembling the Clemson paw.

7:09 p.m.
Both teams have left the field and have entered the lockerrooms for their final pregame preparations. The home side looks mostly full from my vantage point. The Anson side is about 60 percent full, with the section to my right almost completely empty.

SCOUTING THE TEAMS
South Point showcased its offensive balance last week in a 24-7 win at Kannapolis Brown as four players (FB Aaron Crumbley, WB Scott McWhirter, QB Josh Justice and WB Ramon Costner) rushed for at least 58 yards each. Crumbley last week tied the Gaston County record with his 84th career rushing TD. Justice leads the team with 1,577 rushing yards and has completed almost half his passes (39 for 83) for 733 yards and 8 TDs.

Defensively, the Red Raiders have given up only one touchdown over the past six quarters.

Anson rushed for 345 yards last week to upset No. 1 seed Northern Guilford 34-32. The Bearcat offense features Shrine Bowl lineman Tra Thomas and Clemson-bound running back Brandon Ellerbe. The Anson defense features LB Stephone Anthony, the state’s No. 2 prospect in the Class of 2011.

Until kickoff, you might want to check out some of our stories leading up to the game.

Falls wants state championship ring before joining East Carolina roster

Basketball team disappointed to be playing during football game

COIN TOSS
Anson County won the toss and deferred its choice to the second half. South Point will receive the opening kickoff.

South Point players are wearing red jerseys and black pants to go with their red helmets.
Anson is dressed in purple pants, white jerseys with orange numbers and orange helmets. They look a lot like Clemson.

FIRST QUARTER
Costner returned the kickoff 17 yards to the SP 40.
Crumbley pikced up 4 yards on first down, then Justice ran a QB keeper for 12 yards to the Anson 44.

Runs of 2 and 5 yards by Crumbley sets up third and 3 from the Andon 37.

Wow. That was quick. On that third down play, Justice ran to the left and found a wide-open hole on his way to a 37-yard TD run. Mitchell’s extra point was good. South Point 7, Anson County 0, 9:48 first quarter.

Mitchell’s kickoff went out of bounds. Anson will start its first drive at its own 35.

Anson is moving the ball just as effectively as South Point did on its first drive. A 6-yard gain for Ellerbe, the Clemson commitment, then a 10-yard pickup for QB Hildreth on second down.

To Red Raider Alum — Crumbley is being recruited by Navy, Air Force and Army. He plans a visit to Navy in January before making his decision official. As far as Justice, I haven’t asked for a recruiting update on him recently.

Anson gained six yards on the next two plays combined, then passed for the first time. The pass was incomplete and there was holding on the play. That forced a third and 17 from the Anson 44. A deep pass sailed just out of the reach of the intended target and Anson punted.

South Point takes over at its own 22.

Justice gained 18 yards on first down but that was about all the Red Raiders could msuter. After a pair of 2-yard gains by Crumbley, a holding penalty wiped out a nice gain on a pitch to McWhirter. That forced third and 14 from the SP 36. Justice then threw deep — too deep. The crowd wanted pass interference because the receiver went down but the pass was clearly uncatchable. South Point punted and Anson fair caught it at the Anson 24. 5:11 left in the first quarter.

Jerry — Yeah, Ellerbe is a junior. He’s an early commitment.

Illegal procedure negated a long gain by Stephone Anthony, the highly regarded linebacker. Still, Cole caught an 8-yard pass for a first down, then Anthony ran for 5 yards to the Anson 41. Second and 5 with 2:13 left in the first quarter. Anson has called timeout.

There’s the first turnover of the game. Ellerbe had picked up 7 yards when the ball came loose and rolled forward. South Point’s Jalen Porter pounced on the loose ball, giving the Red Raiders possession at their own 40, 59.2 seconds left in first.

Six yards for Justice on first down, then 2 yards by Crumbley and that’ll take us to the end of the first quarter.

End of first quarter: South Point 7, Anson County 0

SECOND QUARTER
South Point picked up a first down on McWhirter’s 7-yard run but South Point stalled after that. Three short runs forced a punt that South Point downed at the Anson 14, 9:22 left in the half.

After an incomplete pass on first down, QB Hildreth found a seam on the left side for a 15-yard gain. We’ve heard a lot about the LB, RB and OL, but this quarterback looks like a nice athlete, too.

By the way, Southern Nash leads South Johnston 3-0 at the end of the first. The winner of that game will face South Point or Anson for the state title next Saturday.

A holding penalty took away a 14-yard run by Anthony, who looks to be every bit the athlete he’s been hyped up to be. It’ll be second and 15 from the Anson 37.

Big play for Anson. Falls laid a lick on QB Hildreth — but after he had released a deep throw to Polk, who made a diving catch at the South Point 34.

There’s the second turnover of the game. Hildreth botched a handoff and South Point recovered at the 30 to thwart the Bearcats’ best threat.

South Point came out throwing on its next drive. Justice underthrew Merrill, who slipped trying to come back to the ball. Justice then rushed for four yards on second down, then tossed an incomplete pass on third down. South Point punted for eht third straight drive, and Anson takes over at its own 39 with 3:53 left before halftime.

Hildreth passed to Cole for eight yards on first down then hooked up with three plays later for an 18-yard gain. Anson is again in business with first down at the South Point 32 with 1:47 until halftime.

Another turnover. Tydre’ Crawford made what looked like a one-handed diving interception across the middle of the field. Incredible play. Can’t wait to see the replay later tonight. South Point takes over at its own 13 with 1:03 until halftime and probably won’t try to do much here.

South Point ran two running plays and was content to walk into the field house with a 7-0 lead.

HALFTIME: South Point 7, Anson County 0

HALFTIME STATS
Anson County 0 0 – 0
South Point 7 0 – 7
First quarterSP – Josh Justice 37 run (Joey Mitchell kick), 9:48
A SP
First downs 7 4
Rushes-yards 20-82 17-111
Passing yards 80 0
Comp-Att-Int 6-9-1 0-3-0
Fumbles-lost 2-2 0-0
Penalties-yards 3-25 0-0
Individual statistics
RUSHING—Anson County, Brandon Ellerbe 9-44, Jordan Hildreth 4-29, Maurice Corpening 4-4, Stephone Anthony 3-5. South Point, Aaron Crumbley 7-21, Justice 7-79, Scott McWhirter 2-9, Ramon Costner 1-2.
PASSING—Anson County, Hildreth 6-9-1 80. South Point, Justice 0-3-0 0.
RECEIVING—Anson County, Drew Cole 3-34, Jonathan Hough 2-17, Jackie Polk 1-29. South Point, none.

THIRD QUARTER
By the way, Southern Nash leads South Johnston 13-10 at the half.

Anson picked up nine yards on its first two plays, then the QB fumbled again on third and one but an Anson lineman recovered. Anson punted away — twice — the second after a false start penalty. South Point takes over at its 38 at the 9:37 mark of the third.

On South Point’s second play, Justice used outstanding blocks by McWhirter and Williamson on his way to a 31-yard gain. Justice has rushed for 115 yards on nine carries.

Three plays later, Justice kept it again, ran left, then cut back inside and found daylight for a 19-yard TD run. Mitchell’s extra point was good and South Point leads 14-0 with 8:02 left in the third quarter.

Crowd esimated at around 6,000. It’s not a sellout, though. There are still seats remaining, although a lot of people are lining the fences.

Anson County does not have a radio station here.

Anson County has put together another decent drive with a couple of pass plays mixed in with the run. The Bearcats face fourth and 4, though, from the South Point 41. South Point called timeout to talk it over. Then, Anson County called timeout.

Anson tried a screen pass but Anthony couldn’t hold on to a low throw. South Point takes over at its own 41 with 2:23 left in the third

Four plays later, South Point scored again.

Justice threw a slant pass to Costner in stride and Costner outraced the secondary for a 42-yard TD. South Point 21, Anson 0, 2:23 third quarter.

Charles Ruff of Lincolnton pocketed tonight’s half-and-half drawing worth $732.

Bizarre play on the kickoff. South Point interfered on a fair catch attempt and Anson accepted the 15-yard penalty, resulting in a re-kick from the 25. Anson, though, didn’t get much on the return and a holding call backed them up to the 20.

The Bearcats look like they’ve given up. Two incomplete passes and a 0-yard rush resulted in another punt. South Point takes over at its own 49 with 1:18 to play in the third.

Another quick South Point touchdown. This team is on a roll led by QB Justice, who has rushed for his third TD of the night. This time he zigzagged through the Anson defense for a 30-yard TD. South Point 28, Anson County 0, 11:13 fourth.

South Point is moments away from advancing to its first state title game since 2003, when it won the championship.

Anson has finally scored, but it hardly matters. Hildreth connected with Cole for an 11-yard TD. South Point 28, Anson County 7, 7:54 fourth.

Anson recovered the onside kickoff and will take over at the South Point 45 with 7:53 remaining.

One play and another Anson County TD. Hildreth threw deep and again found Cole, this time for a 45-yard TD. The last time these teams played, South Point blew a late lead and Anson recovered an onside kick before staging the winning drive. Obviously that game was much closer, but I’m sure South Point fans are getting nervous with their lead down to 28-14, 7:44 remaining.

Amazing. Anson recovered another onside kick after a pass interference call on the TD allowed Anson to kick off from the SP 45. Anson ball at the SP 32 with 7:41 to play.

South Point got the break it needed. Ellerbe caught a screen pass before Ginn forced him to fumble. Crawford recovered it for South Point and the Red Raiders take over at their own 20 with 7:29 to go.

South Point picked up a first down on its third play and is trying its best to milk the clock.

Block in the back against South Point - first and 21 from the SP 35.

Incomplete pass stops the clock at 4:59. Second and 21.

Big play for South Point as Justice throws a laser to Merrill for a 25-yard gain to the Anson 40. First down.

That should do it. Justice ran for his fourth TD, this one from 40 yards out. South Point 35, Anson County 14, 4:29.

Anson drive -
Incomplete on first down from the Anson 24.
Second down - short loss on QB run
Third down - Screen pass to Anthony for 78 yards to the South Point 8.

First down - Hildreth rush for an 8-yard TD.

South Point 35, Anson County 21, 3:34 fourth quarter.

That was a quick drive. You know the onside kick is coming.

South Point’s Truesdale recovered the onside kick this time. Illegal touching on the kickoff anyway. South Point ball at the Anson 49 (where the Anson player touched the ball) with 3:34 remaining.

So much for running out the clock. Costner fumbled on SP’s first play and Anson recovered, taking over possession at the SP 49 with 3:27 remaining.

Anson has reached the South Point 15 after a 16-yard pass, offside penalty and a 13-yard run by Hildreth. 2:44 remaining.

In the East final, South Johnston has tied Southern Nash at 20 and they’re entering overtime.

Maybe that’ll do it. Patrick Horne intercepted Hildreth at the 2 and returned it to the 15 with 2:08 remaining. Let’s see if South Point can put this one away. It sure has been a long final quarter.

BJ — No, Devine is not subbing. Anson just won’t give up and this is a very talented team.

This one’s about over. Crumbley picked up a first down on third and 1. South Point can now run out the clock.

It’s over. South Point ran out the clock to close out its second Western title in seven years. Final score: South Point 35, Anson County 21.

South Point will play for the state title next Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill. Last I heard, South Johnston and Southern Nash were in overtime.

Time to interview. Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and VarsityNC.com.

South Point and Kannapolis Brown are warming up on the field as fans continue to stream into Memorial Stadium, where two tradition-rich schools will meet in the third round of the 3AA state playoffs.

Both teams enter with 11-2 records and have been here before. Just last year, South Point advanced to the fourth round of the 3A playoffs while Kannapolis Brown lost in the 3AA state title game.

Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the action by the drive.

7:08 update
There’s surprisingly still room on the South Point side, but not much. The Kannapolis side isn’t close to full. I guess their fans are tailgating or trying to stay warm as long as possible.

We have learned that Kannapolis Brown running back Travis Riley will not play tonight. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior suffered a concussion in last week’s game and will not dress out, according to sources. Riley has rushed for 1,754 yards and 30 TDs this season.

7:25 update
South Point has made its grand entrance and the captains are about to take midfield for the coin flip.

South Point won the coin flip and elected to defer its decision to the second half. Kannapolis will receive the opening kickoff.

This place has become more lively in the past couple of minutes. A few houses line a fence behind the visitor’s side. In one of the backyards, I spotted someone warming his hands at a fire. I guess he’s watching the game for free from his yard. Another yard as a neon flashing K accompanied by some sort of sparklers.

FIRST QUARTER
Kannapolis Brown was called for false start on first down from its own 23 and then fumbled on the next play and South Point recovered at the Kannapolis 17.

One play was all South Point needed. Justice ran a QB keeper up the middle and worked himself out of one tackle for a 17-yard TD. Joey Mitchell’s extra point was partially blocked but still managed to split the uprights. South Point 7, Kannapolis Brown 0, 11:43 first quarter.

Kannapolis Brown picked up one first down a 12-yard completion from Campbell to Tyler Gilmore but eventually had to punt on fourth and 1. Truesdale fair caught the punt at the 20, 7:50 first quarter.

South Point has reached midfield, where it has first down at the SP 48.

SP went for it on fourth and a short 2 from the Kannapolis 44 but Crumbley gained just one yard. Kannapolis takes over at its own 43, still trailing 7-0, 3:42 first.

Kannapolis drove to the SP 41 before punting on fourth and 5. The Wonders downed the punt at the SP 15, where the Red Raiders will take over with 20.9 seconds left in the first quarter.

Crumbley picked up one yard on first down and that was the last play of the quarter.

End of first: South Point 7, Kannapolis Brown 0

SP managed just seven yards on that drive (1-yard run by Crumbley, 5-yard run by Justice, 1-yard run by Justice) and had to punt it away. Kann takes over at its own 40, 10:26 second quarter.

Kannapolis put together its best drive of the game, scoring on a 10-play, 60-yard drive. Xavier Stanback caught an 18-yard pass from Campbell in the end zone and the extra point was good. South Point 7, Kannapolis Brown 7, 6:21 second quarter.

A 13-yard pass from Justice to McWhirter, a 15-yard facemask penalty on Kannapolis and a 17-yard pass from Justice to Merrill highlights the current South Point drive. The Red Raiders have the ball at the Kannapolis 21 with about 2 1/2 minutes remaining.

South Point put it in when McWhirter took a pitch left and found the end zone on a 9-yard run. South Point 14, Kannapolis Brown 7, 39.2 second quarter.

Kannapolis has reached the SP 44 with 5.1 seconds until halftime after an 8-yard pass from Campbell to Gilmore. Timeout Kannapolis.

Devon Mathis sacked Campbell on the last play, preserving South Point’s lead at halftime.

Halftime: South Point 14, Kannapolis Brown 7

HALFTIME STATS

South Point
First downs: 8
Rushes-yards: 23-90
Passing yards: 35
Comp-Att-Int: 3-4-0
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 0-0

Individual leaders:
Justice 10-44 rushing, 1 TD
Crumbley 9-24 rushing
McWhirter 2-11 rushing, 1 TD
Costner 2-11 rushing
McWhirter 2-18 receiving
Merrill 1-17 receiving

Kannapolis Brown
First downs: 7
Rushes-yards: 20-64
Passing yards: 46
Comp-Att-Int: 5-7-0
Fumbles-lost: 1-1
Penalties-yards: 3-35

Individual leaders:
Stanback 5-38 rushing; 2-21 receiving, 1 TD
Jordan 9-21 rushing
Gilmore 2-20 receiving

THIRD QUARTER
Justice was intercepted by a diving Kaleel Hollis on the third play of the second half. That evens up the turnover count to one apiece. Kannapolis takes over at the SP 42, 10:39 left in third.

Stanback ripped off an 18-yard run and Kannapolis has reached the SP 7.

Patrick Horne burst through the line for a 7-yard sack on third down. Brown lined up for a 29-yard field goal attempt, but missed to the left. SP takes over at the 20, still leading 14-7, 7:14 third.

South Point is in scoring position again after a 50-yard run by McWhirter on a pitch left. Kannapolis ran him down but SP has the ball at the Kannapolis 6.

South Point touchdown. After an offside penalty on Kannapolis gave SP the ball at the 1, Crumbley took it in from there on a run up the middle. That TD ties Crumbley for the Gaston County career touchdown record at 84. The extra point was good. South Point 21, Kannapolis Brown 7, 4:51 third.

Three and out for Kannapolis after a sack by Roy Turner on third down. Truesdale returned the punt 34 yards to the Kannapolis 36. 2:51 left in the third, SP still leading 21-7.

South Point drove to the Kannapolis 9, but the defense has held. South Point will line up for a field goal.

Mitchell split the uprights from 27 yards out, giving South Point a 24-7 lead with 15.7 seconds left in the third.

A long kickoff return gave Kannapolis possession at the South Point 45. Kannapolis ran one play — a pass for minus-2 yards — before the sound of third-quarter buzzer.

END OF THIRD: SOUTH POINT 24, KANNAPOLIS BROWN 7
South Point’s fourth sack of the game — this one by Maurice Falls — resulted in a 10-yard loss on third down and Kannapolis had to punt from its own 45. Truesdale fair caught the punt at the SP 22, 10:31 remaining.

Quick three and out for South Point. Fair catch at the 50, 8:33 remaining, SP still leading 24-7.

Kannapolis is sniffing the end zone after a 36-yard pass reception by tight end Spencer Falls. Kannapolis ball at the SP 14.

SP defense held. On fourth and 9 from the 13, Campbell’s pass went incomplete in the end zone. South Point takes over at its own 13 with 6:45 remaining.

Another three and out for South Point. Kannapolis takes over at its own 47 with 4:48 remaining, trailing 24-7.

Kannapolis has reached the South Point 28 but faces fourth down and 6.

Campbell threw incomplete on fourth down and South Point takes over on its own 28. This one’s just about over, with South Point leading 24-7 with 3:58 remaining.

We’re under a minute and South Point is simply draining the clock.

That’ll do it. South Point took a delay of game penalty on fourth down, then took a knee and Kannapolis didn’t even attempt a play with 17.7 seconds remaining.

FINAL SCORE: South Point 24, Kannapolis Brown 7

South Point advanceas to the state semifinals for the second straight year. They’ll face No. 1 seed Northern Guilford or No. 12 seed Anson County next Friday. South Point would be at home against Anson County or on the road at Northern Guilford.

Thanks for following the blog. Check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and VarsityNC.com.

After losing the regular-season meeting 21-20, South Point wanted another shot at Forestview. The Red Raiders get that chance later this evening as they visit Joe Alala Stadium for a second-round playoff game.

Check back here at 7:30 as I bring you the drive-by-drive action live.

6:52 p.m. update
The South Point stands were about 85 percent full when I arrived at 6:15. Now, they’re completely full and fans are starting to line the bank. The Forestview side — much bigger than the visitor’s — has gone from about 50 fans at 6:15 to maybe 500. The parking lot is full but I still see headlights wandering around looking for spots. There are quite a few people still tailgating, too.

7:22 update
I’m sure this is the biggest crowd ever to witness a game at Joe Alala Stadium. The home side is finally starting to fill up, and I’ve seen a lot of Kings Mountain and Hunter Huss fans. The home side looks to be about 90 percent full. Fans are lining the visiting bank from the stands to the entrance.

The captains have met at midfield. Forestview captains - Kevin Jeter, Jonathan White, Roderick Lindsay, Menjay Melsior. South Point captains - Josh Justice, Maurice Falls, Aaron Crumbley, Brent Walden

Coin toss
South Point won the toss and elected to defer its decision to the second half. Forestview will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
After a short kick, Forestview will start the opening possession at its own 32.

JV call-up Octavius Wallace ripped off a 23-yard gain on the first play, but South Point’s defense stiffened after that. On fourth and 5 from the South Point 40, White threw a deep pass to Cy Davis, but the pass was too long. South Point took over on downs, 9:34 first quarter.

Forestview went offside on SP’s first play, but the Red Raiders couldn’t take advantage and went three and out. SP covered the punt well and Forestview takes over at its own 20, 7:39 first quarter.

Nothing doing for Forestview on that drive. Four yard loss for Jeter on first down, then two incomplete passes by White. SP takes over at its own 38, 6:30 remaining.

Three and out for Forestview after two short QB keepers by Justice and an incomplete pass. So far, just one first down in four possessions. Taylor fair caught the punt at the Forestview 25, 5:16 left in the quarter.

Forestview showed some quick offense on that drive. White completed an 11-yard pass to Davis, who fumbled the ball out of bounds. Jeter carried up the middle, then shot around to the right corner for a 29-yard gain. The JV call-up, Wallace, then showed his speed, hitting the left corner for a 35-yard TD. Forestview 7, South Point 0, 4:17 first quarter.

Forestview got the ball right back as Justice fumbled on SP’s first play. Forestview gets the ball the SP 27, 4:09 first quarter.

Forestview couldn’t take advantage of great field position, turning it over on downs at the 25. SP gets the ball back with 3:42 left in the first quarter, trailing 7-0.

Three and out for South Point, but Jawan Taylor fumbled the punt and South Point recovered at the 20. A lot of people thought the play was dead, but SP gets the ball.

Two plays later, Crumbley took it up the middle for 16 yards and a touchdown. Forestview 7, South Point 7, 52.4 first quarter.

Forestview has reached its own 46 in two plays and we’ve reached the end of the quarter. End of first quarter: Forestview 7, South Point 7

For those of you looking for the radio broadcast online, I’m told to go here:

http://am1450wgnc.com/

SECOND QUARTER
Forestview punted on the third play of the quarter. South Point took over at the 15 and is driving.

South Point put together the most impressive drive of the game - a 14-play, 85-yard drive capped by Crumbley’s 10-yard TD run, his second TD of the night. South Point went to its fullback most of that drive, and Leeper carried three times on the possession. South Point 14, Forestview 7, 5:16 second quarter.

White kept Forestveiw’s next drive alive with a 16-yard run on third and nine after he couldn’t find an open receiver.

For the other radio questions — 1450 AM in Gastonia is broadcasting the game. If you’re not within their range go to http://am1450wgnc.com/.

Forestview has reached the South Point 9 with an array of plays, including a 21-yard pass from White to Jawan Taylor.

The Jaguars are back on the board. On third and 7 from the 8, White faked the handoff, rolled out left and spotted a wide open Joseph Reid in the back of the end zone. Reid hauled in the pass and Florence’s extra point was good, making it Forestview 14, South Point 14, 1:42 until halftime.

South Point had to punt with 55.8 seconds remaining. Forestview tried to make something happen, but eventually let the clock run out.

HALFTIME: Forestview 14, South Point 14

Halftime stats
South Point
First downs: 8
Rushes-yards: 25-126
Passing yards: 7
Comp-Att-Int: 1-5-0
Fumbles-lost: 2-1
Penalties-yards: 0-0
Individual leaders:
Crumbley 13-91 rushing, 2 TDs
Justice 6-18 rushing
Leeper 3-18 rushing

Forestview
First downs: 10
Rushes-yards: 19-152
Passing yards: 40
Comp-Att-Int: 3-13-0
Fumbles-lost: 2-1
Penalties-yards: 2-10
Individual leaders:
Wallace 4-72 rushing, 1 TD
Jeter 13-65 rushing

About the latest radio question: I don’t know anything about the link. Maybe somebody else following this blog can answer.

THIRD QUARTER
For the first time tonight, Florence’s kickoff did not reach the end zone and Truesdale returned it from the 4 to the SP 42.

Sorry — Forgot to mention the Belmont radio station.

South Point has reached the Forestview 22 but faces fourth and 2.

Crumbley picked up three yards on that fourth down play and South Point is still driving.

On third and 6 from the 13, Justice hooked up with Merrill for a 13-yard TD. Merrill caught the ball at about the 2 or 3, then held the ball over the plane as a defender tried to bring him down. South Point 21, Forestview 14, 6:34 third quarter.

Forestview kept the ball for a little while, picking up two first downs along the way, but wound up punting from the South Point 48.

END OF THIRD QUARTER: South Point 21, Forestview 14.

FOURTH QUARTER
Two plays into the fourth quarter, South Point appears to have put this game out of reach. Justice ran a quarterback keeper 59 yards for a touchdown. South Point 28, Forestview 14, 11:27 to go.

Forestview went three and out and chose to punt, down two scores with 9:55 to go. South Point takes over at its own 37.

South Point faced fourth and inches from its own 46 and chose to go for it. Crumbley went straight ahead for four yards and looked toward the South Point sideline in celebration, knowing this one’s almost in the books.

South Point keeps slowly driving. Six minutes remaining.

The Red Raiders converted on fourth-down down again, this time needing two yards from the 42. Costner got it on a pitch out, picking up 7 yards.

The home side is starting to empty and here’s why: Crumbley just burst up the middle for a 33-yard TD, his third of the game, and South Point leads 35-14 with 5:07 remaining.

Crumbley now has 83 touchdowns for his career, which is one shy of the Gaston County record.

Forestview had a long kickoff return but the Jaguars again came up empty, turning the ball over on downs at the South Point 9. South Point takes over there with 1:54 remaining.

South Point ran out the rest of the clock and this one is over.

Final: South Point 35, Forestview 14

South Point moves on to the third round, where it will travel to Kannapolis Brown or play host to Asheville Erwin.

Thanks for following the blog. Check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and VarsityNC.com.

Last I heard, A.L. Brown was up two touchdowns. Haven’t heard an update since halftime.

Big South Conference foes meet for the second time this season as Ashbrook travels to South Point for a first-round 3AA state playoff game tonight. South Point won 34-0 last time but lots of people are giving Ashbrook a better chance this go around. We’ll find out pretty soon and I’ll be there to bring you the drive-by-action beginning at 7:30.

7:21 update
It was a late-arriving crowd on both sides, but the South Point side has filled up nicely except for the end sections, and Ashbrook’s side is looking better, although probably only half-full.

COIN TOSS
South Point won the coin toss and deferred its selection to the second half. Ashbrook will receive the opening kickoff.

The sign the South Point players busted through read: “Raiders, ride that Green Wave all the way to state.”

FIRST QUARTER
Ashbrook’s Justin Shempert returned the kickoff from the 12 to the SP 40, where he was tackled by the kicker, Joey Mitchell.

Angelo Crawford spun out of a tackle and gained 22 yards on the second play of the drive and Ashbrook eventually reached the 11. But on a 31-yard FG attempt the holder couldn’t handle the snap and was tackled for a 16-yard loss.

South Point went three and out after a 3-yard carry by Crumbley and two minimal gains by Justice. A long unreturned punt puts Ashbrook on the 10.

BJ — Richard is covering the Forestview game and usually updates me at the end of each quarter. I’ll certainly pass along the updates.

Ashbrook has reached midfield and we’ve reached the end of the quarter. So far, a defensive struggle, although Ashbrook has had the ball for all but four plays.

End of first: Ashbrook 0, South Point 0

Real Red Raider — The listings were on 3B but so small I could see how you missed them. Anyway, the 1270-AM gang is here.

SECOND QUARTER
Ashbrook punted from the 50 on the first play but as called for a false start. South Point fair caught the punt at the SP 17.

SP was called for false start on first down and paid the price. They came up four yards short of the first down and had to punt again. So far, no South Point first downs and we’ve reached the 9:34 mark of the second quarter.

A late hit on SP on the return gave Ash the ball at the 48. The Green Wave eventually drove to the 22 but again came up empty. Robinson lined up for a 40-yard field goal but kicked a line drive that I’m guessing was tipped at the line. Still scoreless, 6:14 till halftime.

Terrence - Field conditions are actually pretty good considering all the rain we had this week. I walked onto the field briefly before the game and the turf had pretty much dried up. Cleats are definitely doing their damage though.

South Point finally picked up its first first down, but that was all. The Red Raiders had to punt it away again.

Ashbrook reached the South Point 44 but had to punt. SP let the punt roll to the 3 and then took a knee on first down to run out the clock.

HALFTIME: Ashbrook 0, South Point 0

HALFTIME STATS
ASHBROOK
First downs: 5
Rushes-yards: 23-93
Passing yards: 0
Comp-Att-Int: 0-1-0
Total yards: 93
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 4-20

Crawford 6-46 rushing; Watts 9-39 rushing; Toomer 5-21 rushing

SOUTH POINT
First downs: 1
Rushes-yards: 13-32
Passing yards: 0
Comp-Att-Int: 0-0-0
Total yards: 0
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Penalties-yards: 4-40

Justice 7-23 rushing; Crumbley 3-5 rushing

Stat of the half: Ashbrook ran 24 plays to South Point’s 13. Obviously, Ashbrook dominated time of possession, and South Point’s going to wear down and give up some big plays if the trend continues.

OTHER SCORES
Here are all the scores I have:
Forestview 14, Weddington 0 Half
AC Reynolds 14, East Gaston 0 first half
Lincolnton 13, Maiden 6, second
Bessemer City 7, Avery County 3 Half
Shelby 13, Bunker Hill 3 Q2
Burns 21, West Henderson 7 Q2

To the one looking for East Gaston scores, go here:
http://www.highschoolsports.net/Stats/gameStats-G.cfm?userSchoolID=NC288031753&userGameID=33640583&showBoxscore=true&showGameSummary=true&showTeamStats=true&showPlayers=true&news_id=citizen-times

Or, go to citizen-times.com and look at the top of the page for the score updates.

THIRD QUARTER
South Point’s Merrill has received the opening kickoff and given SP decent field position at its own 29.

McWhirter picked up seven yards on second down to set up third and 2 but Crumbley was stuffed for a 1-yard loss, forcing SP to punt. Shempert’s short return gives Ash the ball at its own 33, 10:06 third quarter.

Ashbrook faced third and long at the 50 when Crawford hit the left corner and burst down the left sideline for a 50-yard TD run. Andrew Robinson’s extra point was good and Ashbrook leads 7-0. South Point is in trouble. 7:27 left in third quarter.

Trumiel - I’d love to have a Huss update, but they’re at Franklin and I don’t have any connections up there. If you get an update from somebody, please post it on the blog.

Another three-and-out for South Point. After a 2-yard gain by Crumbley on first down, South Point tried passing for the first time tonight. Justice’s first pass was tipped at the line and his third-down pass went incomplete. Ashbrook takes over at its own 30, still leading 7-0 with 6:29 left in the third.

Ashbrook went three and out for the first time of the night. After a 13-yard punt return by Truesdale, SP takes over at its own 43 with 4:55 left in the quarter.

South Point is showing life on offense for the first time all night. In just three plays, South Point has reached the Ashbrook 17. Justice has carries of 15 and 19 yards, the latter of which forced Ashbrook coach Mike Briggs to call timeout with his team still leading 7-0 with 3:40 left in the third.

Thanks for the Huss updates, everybody. Keep ‘em coming.

South Point finished off the drive with a 5-yard TD run by QB Justice. Mitchell’s kick was good and we’re tied 7-7 with 2:27 to go in the third.

Ashbrook fumbled the kickoff but Hopper recovered it. The Green Wave has reached its own 47 and will face second and nine when we return for the fourth quarter.

END OF THIRD: Ashbrook 7, South Point 7
Scott hooked up with D’Monte Byrd for a 22-yard completion, putting Ashbrook at the SP 16. Crawford scored on the next play but it was brought back by a holding penalty.

The holding penalty didn’t end up hurting Ashbrook too much as Preston Watts scored on a 19-yard run on third down. Watts took a delayed pitch to the right and broke a tackle at the 5 on his way to the end zone. Ashbrook 14, South Point 7, 9:11 remaining.

South Point hasn’t given up yet. Costner (yes, Costner) threw a deep jump ball to Merrill, who caught the ball at the 10. Merrill and the defender both had possession of the ball, but the tie goes to the offense. Also, Ashbrook roughed the passer and was assessed a five-yard (half-the-distance) penalty, giving SP the ball at the 5, 7:35 remaining.

There was a lengthy delay as both coaches had discussions with the officials. Eventually, Crumbley got two carries and scored on the second, a 1-yard run up the middle. Ashbrook 7, South Point, 7, 6:56 remaining.

Three and out for Ashbrook against a spirited South Point defense. A short punt return puts SP on its on 41 with 4:43 to play. Still tied at 14.

With 2:43 remaining, South Point has second and 4 at the Ashbrook 39 after an offside penalty against Ashbrook.

Update: Forestview 14 Weddington 7 10:30 Q4

A 6-yard pass from Justice to Merrill makes it fourth and three from the 25. SP called timeout with 38.1 seconds remaining and will attempt a field goal.

Mitchell had plenty of leg but was wide left. Ashbrook ball at the 20 with 32.7 seconds remaining.

Ashbrook was content to run the ball, so we’re headed to overtime, tied at 14.

OVERTIME
Both teams will have possession from the 10.

South Point will start on offense first.

First down: 5 yards by Justice
Second down: 3 yards by Justice
Third down from the 2: 1 yard by Justice
Fourth down from the 1/2 -yard line: Crumbley TD
Mitchell’s XP was good. SP has its first lead of the game at 21-14.

Ashbrook’s possession:
First down: Scott fumbled the pitch on what appeared to be miscommunication in the backfield and jumped on the loose ball for a 4-yard loss.

Second down from the 14: Crawford brought down for a 4-yard loss

Third down from the 18: Scott passed laterally to Curtis Armstrong, who was taken down for a 4-yard loss.

Fourth down from the 22: Scott’s pass was tipped just short of the end zone and then intercepted by Crawford in the end zone.

And that finishes off a crazy game. The Ashbrook players look dejected for obvious reasons. Their incredible run to end the season comes to a halt. South Point will move on to likely play Forestview in a rematch of Forestview’s 21-20 win. Forestview was leading Weddington 28-7 with 3:25 remaining.

The last AP prep football poll of the season will be released this afternoon. Here’s how I voted this week:

(And see how the poll actually turned out.)
CLASS 4A
1. Matthews Butler 10-0
2. Charlotte Independence 10-1
3. Jamestown Ragsdale 11-0
4. Richmond County 10-1
5. Greensboro Dudley 10-1
6. Mallard Creek 9-1
7. Wake Forest-Rolesville 11-0
8. Winston-Salem Reynolds 11-0
9. Harnett Central 11-0
10. Fayetteville Britt 10-1

Comments: Fayetteville Britt drops from No. 3 to 10 after a 48-42 overtime loss to Terry Sanford. Undefeated Harnett Central jumps in my top 10 for the first time at No. 9. West Forsyth drops out after losing 27-6 to Mount Tabor.

Actual poll

CLASS 3A
1. West Rowan 11-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 11-0
3. Havelock 10-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 9-1-1
5. Asheville 9-0-1
6. Hertford Co 11-0
7. Belmont South Point 9-2
8. Northern Guilford 10-1
9. Eastern Alamance 10-1
10. West Craven 9-2

Comments: West Craven drops from No. 6 to 10 after a narrow loss (42-40) to No. 3 Havelock.

Actual poll

CLASS 2A
1. Reidsville 11-0
2. SW Edgecombe 11-0
3. Tarboro 10-1
4. East Duplin 11-0
5. Newton-Conover 10-1
6. East Lincoln 9-2
7. Kinston 9-2
8. East Bladen 11-0
9. Catawba Bandys 10-1
10. Shelby 10-1

Comments: Unchanged from last week.

Actual poll

CLASS 1A
1. Mt. Airy 11-0
2. Albemarle 11-0
3. SW Onslow 11-0
4. Manteo 11-0
5. Monroe 11-0
6. Wallace-Rose Hill 9-2
7. East Surry 10-1
8. Pender County 9-1
9. Kernersville McGuinness 9-2
10. Hendersonville 9-2

Comments: East Surry drops from No. 5 to 7 after a 30-6 loss to No. 1 Mt. Airy.

Actual poll

Second place in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference is on the line as Bessemer City plays host to Lincolnton tonight in the final regular-season game for both teams.

Both teams are locked into their conference playoff seeds (Bessemer City - 1A No. 1, Lincolnton - 2A No. 2) but it appears Lincolnton could improve its overall seed with another win.

Regardless, it should be a great game as both teams are loaded with athletes and speed.

Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the drive-by-drive action.

Lincolnton will receive the opening kickoff.

FIRST QUARTER
Lincolnton QB Brandon Wilson hit Carnell Wilson for a 47-yard gain on third and 23, giving the Wolves the ball at the BC 19.

Lincolnton reached the BC 4 but came up empty. The Wolves lost yardage on the next two plays and Wilson threw an incomplete pass on third down. Kevin Miller then attempted a 27-yard field goal attempt, but Reggie Williams burst through the line and blocked the kick, then picked up the ball and ran about 10 yards, giving BC possession at its own 41.

Bessemer City drove deep but also came up empty. The Yellow Jackets reached the Lincolnton 7 before backing up to 11 and then throwing an incomplete pass on fourth and goal from the 11. Logan threw a fade to Brandon Corry, who caught the ball out of bounds.

Lincolnton has made a couple of big plays and has a first down at its own 44 as we’ve reached the end of the first quarter.

End of first quarter: Lincolnton 0, Bessemer City 0

SECOND QUARTER
Lincolnton reached the BC 32 but BC brought down Wilson for a 6-yard loss on second down and Lincolnton will face a third and 16 play after a timeout. 9:09 until halftime, still scorelesss.

The Wolves were able to stick it in that time. On first and goal from the 6, Wilson ran a keeper up the middle and reached the end zone, putting Lincolnton ahead 7-0 after Kevin Miller’s extra point. 7:09 until halftime.

Bessemer City got a free play when they forgot to change the down marker. On what was actually fourth and 11, Logan hit Jayquan Mackey for a 24-yard gain, good for a first down at the BC 49.

Bessemer City again drove to the red zone but came up empty. On fourth and 4 from the 9, Adams ran a sweep to the right but couldn’t hit the corner, gaining only 1 yard. Lincolnton takes over at its own 8 with 1:21 remaining.

Lincolnton ran a few plays but didn’t appear to try seriously for another score, instead settling to run out the clock and go into the lockerroom with a 7-0 lead.

HALFTIME: Lincolnton 7, Bessemer City 0

Halftime stats
Lincolnton
First downs: 11
Rushing yards: 101
Passing yards: 95
Total yards: 196
Penalties-yards: 2-10
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Individual leaders: Littlejohn 11-61 rushing; Wilson 7-21 rushing, TD, 5-8-0 passing, 95 yards; Thompson 3-19 rushing; Avery 2-0 rushing, 3-29 receiving; Carnell Wilson 1-47 receiving

Bessemer City
First downs: 5
Rushing yards: 47
Passing yards: 74
Total yards: 121
Penalties-yards: 1-5
Fumbles-lost: 0-0
Individual leaders: Logan 8-27 rushing, 4-7-0, 74 yards passing; Adams 5-8 rushing, Jap Mackey 2-7 rushing, Jayquan Mackey 1-5 rushing; Dawkins 2-32 receiving, Jayquan Mackey 1-24 receiving, James Setzer 1-18 receiving

THIRD QUARTER
BC’s McMiller returned the kickoff 31 yards to the BC 40, where BC will start the second half.

BC put together a nice drive and scored on a 28-yard pass from Logan to Jayquan Mackey, who stepped into the front left corner of the end zone. Extra point is pending, Lincolnton leads 7-6.

Adams’ run on the two-point conversion was stopped short despite a holding penalty that was declined. Lincolnton holds a 7-6 lead, 8:25 third quarter.

Bessemer City forced Lincolnton’s first punt of the night. After a 2-yard punt return by McMiller, BC takes over at its own 46, 6:57 in the third.

Logan overthrew an open Jayquan Mackey on a deep route on third down and BC will have to punt.

The punt went out of bounds. Lincolnton ball at its own 31, 5:24 third.

Another three and out for Lincolnton. After an offensive first half that resulted in only 7 points, this game has become defense-dominated. BC didn’t return the punt and has the ball at its own 28.

Three and out for BC. A short punt out of bounds gives Lincolnton possession at its own 48. Lincolnton is winning the field position battle. 1:42 left in the third.

Nothing doing for Lincolnton. The Wolves again failed to pick up a first down and punted it out of bounds at the BC 25. 17 seconds left in the third.

BC ran two plays for a net of two yards and we’ve reached the end of the third quarter.

End of third: Lincolnton 7, Bessemer City 6

FOURTH QUARTER
The first turnover of the game went against Bessemer City as Jalen Littlejohn picked off Logan and returned it 30 yards to the BC 11. Three Dee Littlejohn rushes later, Lincolnton got on the scoreboard again. Littlejohn took it in from 2 yards out and Miller’s extra point was good. Lincolnton 14, Bessemer City 6, 10:34 fourth quarter.

McMiller picked up 23 yards on the first play but BC couldn’t get much else going and punted with 7:45 remaining. Lincolnton ball at its own 27.

Lincolnton couldn’t ice away the game after reaching the BC 19. On fourth and 6, Wilson was picked off by McMiller, who took it all the way to the Lincolnton 21. Still 2:54 remaining.

BC again came up short and Jalen Littlejohn probably just sealed the game with his second interception of the game — a pick in the end zone on fourth down. Lincolnton takes over at the 20 with 1:41 remaining.

Three QB kneels ends this game. Lincolnton wins 14-6 to finish second place in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A Conference.

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.

The Associated Press state prep football poll has no real meaning like the college football polls, but they’re a good talking point during the regular season. With the playoffs almost here, this is the last week anybody will really care about the poll this season.

So, for those of you still like to look at these things, here’s how I voted in this week’s poll:

(And here’s how the poll turned out.)

Class 4A
1. Charlotte Independence 10-0
2. Matthews Butler 9-0
3. Fayetteville Britt 10-0
4. Jamestown Ragsdale 10-0
5. Richmond County 9-1
6. Greensboro Dudley 9-1
7. Mallard Creek 9-1
8. Wake Forest-Rolesville 10-0
9. Winston-Salem Reynolds 10-0
10. West Forsyth 9-1
Comments: Winston-Salem Reynolds leapfrogs West Forsyth after beat West Forsyth 14-9.
Actual poll

Class 3A
1. West Rowan 10-0
2. Lenoir Hibriten 10-0
3. Havelock 9-1
4. Waynesville Tuscola 8-1-1
5. Asheville 8-0-1
6. West Craven 9-1
7. Hertford Co 10-0
8. Belmont South Point 8-2
9. Northern Guilford 9-1
10. Eastern Alamance 9-1
Comments: No change, although I wish I could a way to squeeze in Kannapolis A.L. Brown.
Actual poll

Class 2A
1. Reidsville 10-0
2. SW Edgecombe 11-0
3. Tarboro 9-1
4. East Duplin 10-0
5. Newton-Conover 9-1
6. East Lincoln 8-2
7. Kinston 8-2
8. East Bladen 10-0
9. Catawba Bandys 9-1
10. Shelby 9-1
Comments: I moved Bandys up a spot to No. 9 after a nice win over a good East Burke team. Shelby moves down a spot after escaping East Rutherford in double overtime.
Actual poll

Class 1A
1. Mt. Airy 10-0
2. Albemarle 10-0
3. SW Onslow 10-0
4. Manteo 10-0
5. East Surry 10-0
6. Monroe 10-0
7. Wallace-Rose Hill 8-2
8. Pender County 8-1
9. Kernersville McGuinness 9-2
10. Hendersonville 9-1
Comments: I dropped Kernersville Bishop McGuinness down two spots after a lackluster 33-32 win over West Stokes. The Villains had lost two of their last three in close games against No. 1 Mt. Airy and No. 5 East Surry and stayed high on my ballot, so they’re probably closer to the right spot now.
Actual poll

Three teams are tied for first place in the Big South 3A Conference and two of them will square off tonight at Forestview’s Joe Alala Stadium, where the Jaguars will take on Hunter Huss. I’m expectinganother great game as we’ve seen all year in this league. Check back at 7:30 as I bring you the action by the drive.

FIRST QUARTER
Forestview will receive the opening kickoff.

One minute and 37 seconds into the game, Forestview already six times the yardage as it did last week against Ashbrook. The Jaguars just put together a quick five-play, 68-yard scoring drive, capped by fullback Darion Hancock’s 32-yard TD run. Forestview 7, Hunter Huss 0, 10:23 first quarter.

Jeter had carries of 11 and 10 yards on the drive. Hancock had carries of 3, 12 and 32. We’ll see what the defense can do against Huss QB Marshall Williams.

Williams picked up five yards on first down but the Jaguars held Ridge Garvin to runs of 4 and 1 yards on the next two plays, forcing a punt on fourth and 1. Forestview ball at its own 41 after a fair catch.

A 38-yard run by Jeter and a personal foul on Huss at the end of the play gives Forestview the ball at the Huss 9.

Forestview went for it on fourth and goal from the 1 and gave the ball to Jeter, who took it up the middle for another Forestview touchdown. Matthew Florence’s extra point was good again. Forestview 14, Hunter Huss 0, 5:30 first quarter.

Williams got loose for Huss, broke a tackle at the 35 and raced to the end zone for an 80-yard TD on the Huskies’ first play after the kick. A bad snap foiled the extra point. Forestview 14, Hunter Huss 6, 5:16 first quarter.

Three Forestview drives, three Forestview scores. The Jags drove 73 yards in nine plays and scored on a passing play this time. White rolled left, had plenty of time and hit Tyerecas Jeter on a sharp pass just inside the goal line. Forestview 21, Huss 0, 2:12 first quarter.

Hunter Huss is putting together a nice drive and has reached the Forestview 12 on the last play of the first quarter.

End of first: Forestview 21, Hunter Huss 6

SECOND QUARTER
Hunter Huss reached the 11 but was flagged for offensive pass interference on an incomplete fade pass to the end zone. That penalty carried a loss of down and gave the Huskies fourth and 24 from the 26.

Forestview returned the favor with pass interference on fourth down, giving the Huskies an automatic first down at the 13.

Loss of four yards for Williams on first down, gain of four on second down, then an incomplete pass on third down. Williams dropped back to pass on fourth down, then tucked and ran, and slipped at the 10. Forestview takes over on downs, still leading 21-6 with 8:50 remaining until halftime.

Forestview has run eight plays on the current drive and has reached the Huss 20 with 5:37 before halftime.

Back-to-back 18-yard gains by Hancock gives Forestview first and goal from the 2.

Hancock took it in from the 1 for his second TD of the game. Forestview 28, Huss 6, 3:52 second.

Florence kicked a touchback for the fourth time tonight. Then on first down, Garvin burst up the middle for 60 yards. Tack on a 5-yard facemask penalty at the end and Huss has the ball at the Forestview 15.

Huss didn’t get much further, then went for it on fourth and five from the 10. Williams gained two yards and Forestview took over on downs at the 8 with 1:26 on the clock.

Jeter gained 2 and 17 yards, but Forestview took a knee on the next play to end the half.

HALFTIME: Forestview 28, Huss 6

Halftime stats
Huss 213 yards (185 rushing, 28 passing), 5 first downs
Williams 10-112 rushing, TD
Garvin 8-73 rushing
Forestview 275 yards (240 rushing, 35 passing), 17 first downs
Jeter 18-140 rushing, 1 TD
Hancock 9-93 rushing, 2 TD

THIRD QUARTER
Hunter Huss didn’t come back from halftime on time, resulting in a 15-yard penalty. With the Florence has been kicking, it didn’t matter. Florence kicked off from the Huss 45 and booted it through the uprights for another touchback.

On the first play of the half, Huss went to a spread formation but Menjay Melsior intercepted Williams across the middle and returned it nine yards to the Huss 24.

Because of a few penalties, it took awhile for Forestview to punch it in, but the Jaguars did just that when Jawan Taylor ran a reverse 15 yards to the left side for touchdown. Forestview 35, Huss 6, 8:51 third quarter.

Thanks as always for the comments, B.J.

Hunter Huss went three and out. Jeter’s short punt return gives Forestview possession at the Huss 48.

White dropped back to pass on third and long and had the ball batted out of his hand. The ball rolled around awhile before Huss pounced on it at the Huss 44. 5:38 third quarter.

Two pass interference penalties on Forestview have aided Huss on this drive. The Huskies have first and 10 at the Forestview 22 and the Jags have called timeout. 3:03 third.

Huss backed itself up with personal foul penalty and wound up turning it over on downs.

Forestview turned it right back over when Jeter was stripped after a five-yard gain on first down.

Four plays later, Ridge Garvin bumped around several defenders around the right side and reached for the pylon to put Huss back on the board. The pass on the two-point conversion fell incomplete. Forestview 35, Huss 12, 0:25.7 third.

FOURTH QUARTER
Forestview answered with a nice sustained drive that has definitely put this game away. Nine plays, 65 yards on a drive that took about four minutes. Hancock took it in from five yards for his third TD of the night. Forestview 42, Huss 12, 8:30 fourth quarter.

Huss drove to the Forestview 13 but lost 8 yards on a third-down screen pass, then tossed an incomplete pass on fourth and 12 from the 21. Forestview takes over with 3:53 remaining, leading 42-12.

The other Jeter — Tyrecas Jeter — took over ball-carrying duties on Forestview’s last drive, picking up 4 and 28 yards on his first two carries. The drive eventually stalled and Forestview punted for the first time tonight.

Huss takes over at its own 14 with 49.3 seconds remaining.

Ridge Garvin ripped off runs of 16, 15, 12 and 12 but this one’s in the books.

Final score: Forestview 42, Huss 12

Thanks for following the blog. Be sure to check out the recap later tonight on gastongazette.com and varsitync.com.