CFNN Reporters AbbiKate Daughtry and Natalie Mitchell

“It’s the most wonderful time of year” all Colt fans say in unison. Cape Fear is back on that winning grind, proving how their summer workouts and practice have paid off. 

The Colts started their season with a win against the Pine Forest Trojans, 44-0. What a great win for the first game of the season. 

As the first whistle of the season blew, the start of a historical 2024 Colt Football season began. The Colts started strong by scoring the first touchdown of the season on their 8 play opening drive. Senior running back King Faison took it to the end zone, scoring the first touchdown of the season.

“It felt like a great way to open up the senior season and set the tone for things expected to come from the Colts,” said Faison. 

Faison would be the top rusher of the night with 79 yards on 12 carries.

The Colts carried the momentum into the second quarter, staying close to the end zone, ready to pounce for another touchdown. Midway through the second quarter, the Colts forced a Pine Forest fumble which was recovered by Marquan Footman at the 25 yard line. The Colts were able to cash in for a touchdown 3 plays later on a keeper by quarterback Geronimo Sanchez. 

The Colts ended the first half up 30-0, giving them a head start going into the second half. 

“Our kicking game and kick coverage was really good. Solid kicking and good returns allowed our offense to take advantage of some really great field position,” said associate head football coach Joe Grates. “Defensively, we hustled to the ball and gang tackled. We were very physical on defense.” 

Coming into the second half, the Colts were ready to continue their nonstop dedication to the game. 

Cape Fear tacked another 14 points on the board by way of a Sanchez pass and a Chosen Wynn touchdown reception, along with an Alijah Simmons breakaway run. The touchdown catch would be Wynn’s only reception of the game at 33 yards. Sanchez ended the night 3 of 9 for 81 yards and 2 touchdowns. Simmons rushed for 52 yards on the night. 

In the 4th quarter, the Colts held the Trojans off the scoreboard, allowing themselves a clean sheet and a shutout of the Trojans.

Coincidentally, this was the first time Pine Forest had been shut out since 2019. It was an all around solid night for the Colts in all three phases of the game. 

The Colts took the field by storm and are on their way to what we hope will be a groundbreaking season. Next week, they will be back on their grind against the Terry Sanford Bulldogs in the Battle of the Blues rivalry game. The Colts have won the last two meetings against the Bulldogs and are looking to make it three in a row. Will they put the dogs in the pound? We will see you next Friday to find out!

CFNN Editor: Kennedi Brown