CFNN Reporters Grace Sherbert & Gracie McLaurin

Last Friday September 16th, the Colts traveled to Lumberton High School for their first conference game of the season. Cape Fear started fast and didn’t let off the gas until the second half, blanking the Pirates 37- 0. 

Coming into the game, the Colts had high expectations for themselves. After their first drive stalled, ending in a punt, Senior Safety Tyler Buckley snatched the momentum in Cape Fear’s favor by picking off a Pirate pass and returning it all the way to the Lumberton 3 yard line.

Cape Fear would capitalize on the pick the very next play. Quarterback Cole WIlson handed off to running back Favour Murtala for the first score of the game.

“Offensively we were able to move the ball, O-line was able to make blocks and create space. “ said Favour Murtala.

The Colts forced a Lumberton punt on the ensuing drive. After a short punt and near score by returner Devonte Hill, the Colts continued the first quarter scoring with a 5-yard touchdown run by Wilson. 

A quick two-point conversion put the Colts up 15-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Colts never slowed down after that. The Cape Fear defense forced punts on the next two possessions, and the offense was able to cash in. Another touchdown run by Murtala in the second quarter and a Tyler Buckley extra point made the score 22-0 in favor of the Colts.

Three runs by Murtala and Wilson on the next drive advanced Cape Fear down to the red zone. The drive was capped off on a throw from Wilson to Wide Receiver Jeremiah Melvin. The Colts would go for two once again on a direct snap to junior Mekhai Coleman.

 This brought the first half to a close with the Colts on top 30-0.

The Colts went into halftime extremely confident about the game plan. Defense held the Pirates to 22 total yards in the first half and no points on the scoreboard.

“Our goal was to play tough, physical defense,” said Head Coach Jake Thomas. “We knew they had some athletes and we wanted to make sure we contained them. We consider the conference schedule the third phase of the season. We wanted to start the third phase with a win.”

Lumberton opted to play the 2nd half of the game with a running clock. This allowed the Colts to empty their bench. Everyone who dressed stepped foot on the field for at least two series.

“It’s always great when you can get everybody in the game. We have some guys on the scout team who have worked really hard to help the team. It’s nice to be able to reward their hard work with some quality playing time,” said Thomas. 

During the 3rd quarter the Colts scored one more touchdown bringing the final score to 37-0. 

“Winning our first conference game is great, we look back at these games later on in the year and are thankful for the win. Games in the past don’t matter, the conference games have a bigger impact on us,” said Jeremiah Melvin.

The win put the Colts at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in United 8 Conference play. The Pirates fell to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the U8 Conference.

Come join the Colts as they take on a tough and physical Purnell Swett Rams team at home this Friday September 23rd, for their second conference game. Stay tuned to see if Cape Fear can keep the winning streak alive and make it 3 in a row.