CFNN Kamari Faison

The Cape Fear Colts football team was matched up with the number 1 ranked Havelock in the second round of state playoffs. Both teams had explosive offenses and physical defenses. The matchup was more even than most people expected. 

To kick the game off Havelock received the ball and made quick work scoring their first touchdown early in the first quarter placing the score at 7-0 after a successful PAT. Cape Fear then got a shot to match the score but fell short resulting in a punt. 

After another drive Cape Fear’s defense found themselves with their backs against the wall again early in the game. After the Rams marched into the red zone the Colts finally found their rhythm forcing the Rams all the way to a fourth down attempt. Unfortunately the defense collapsed and Havlocked scored their second touchdown of the game with 2 minutes to go in the first quarter.

Cape Fear received the ball again and their offense took the field with an obvious change of their mentality. The Colts drove down the field and punched in their first touchdown of the game with a pass from Geronimo Sanchez to Jeremiah Melvin, with a successful two point. The Colts were right back in it with a score of 14-8.

For the second quarter both teams were scoreless. The Colt defense found their rhythm and got multiple 3 and outs as well as a turnover on downs. Unfortunately their offense couldn’t capitalize off all those stops until after halftime. 

The Colts received the ball to start the third quarter but turned it over with a fumble. The Colt defense responded to the sudden change, resulting in a 3 and out. They then handed the ball right back to the explosive colt offense. This time around Cape Fear found themselves in the endzone. Making the score even but after a successful PAT the colts took the lead for the first time of the night.

For the remainder of the third quarter the Colts held on to the lead for dear life. Their defense forced stop after stop after stop. Cape Fear wouldn’t hold on to the lead much longer after a pick 6 that gave Havelock the lead late in the fourth quarter.

But after another interception, followed by a touchdown, the Colts third round ambitions slowly faded out of reach. Unfortunately the Colts came just short of a victory. Cape Fear finished 9-3 on the season with their first playoff win in seven years. Hopefully the Colts can keep winning in the postseason, a trend going into next season.