CFNN Reporter Natalie Mitchell

Playoff football is a very exciting time of the season: survive and advance, win or go home. Last Friday night, Cape Fear did much more than survive. They absolutely dominated in a 31-0 blowout of the Southern Alamance Patriots. 

The Colts won the toss and elected to defer. That meant the patriots would take the ball on the opening kickoff. Kicker Francisco Rodriguez was his normal self and boomed one into the endzone for his 42nd touchback of the season. The Patriots took over at their own 20 yard line, facing a long field and a ferocious Colt defense.

The Colts were up to the task, forcing a three and out on the Patriot’s first possession. A 36 yard punt and a fair catch by Landon Underwood gave Cape Fear the ball near midfield.

Cape Fear drove the ball straight down the field on their opening drive as Tai Phillips capped it off with a 14-yard touchdown run. The Colts relied heavily on their run game, determined to keep the ball out of Southern Alamance’s hands. Phillips would have 77 yards on 6 carries for the game.

On the ensuing possession, the Colts forced another punt but were unable to capitalize and punted the ball back to the Patriots. The Patriots showed signs of life and were able to drive the ball down the field, aided by a big 3rd down catch and a pass interference penalty. At the edge of the red zone, free safety Damien Gary was able to steal the momentum away from the Patriots by intercepting a pass in the endzone. 

The Colts were unable to capitalize on the pick by Gary, as they were forced to punt again. This left the score at 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

“I knew how important this game was for my coaches, the community, my teammates, especially my fellow seniors, and myself,” said Gary.

The second quarter saw more of the same from the Colts. Tough defense and a strong running game were the order for the night. Cape Fear tacked on another rushing touchdown from senior running back King Faison. Faison scored on a stretch off the left tackle from 2 yards out. Faison’s 83 rushing yards came on 13 carries.

The score was set up by a well-executed reverse to junior wide receiver Ja’Keal Williams for a big conversion on 3rd and 8 from the 30 yard line. Sanchez handed the ball to King Faison off the left tackle, but Faison flipped it to Williams going the other direction. There was nothing in front of WIlliams but green grass. He raced down to the 2 yard line before being tripped up by a diving Patriot defender.

On the ensuing drive, Southern Alamance was able to move the ball again, threatening to move the ball late in the second quarter, but was once again turned away by a Damien Gary interception. Gary’s two interceptions and his 12 tackles were some of the main reasons the Colts defense was so solid on the night. 

“I think my picks really helped keep the game in our favor; both plays gave us momentum throughout the game,” said Gary.

The stop left the score at 14-0 at the break in favor of the Colts. 

Cape Fear received the second half kick on a touchback, taking the ball at their own 20 yard line. After two unsuccessful running plays, the Colts were forced to take to the air on third down as quarterback Geronimo Sanchez connected with senior wide receiver Jack Edwards on a corner route for a clutch conversion. 

On the next play, Sanchez went deep, finding Ja’keal Williams for a 42-yard completion. The long pass sparked the momentum for the Colts, and they were able to capitalize on a 16 yard run. This left the score at 21-0 midway through the third quarter. Sanchez would end the night with 67 yards on 11 carries.

“A big key to success last Friday was good blocking up front from the offensive line; they have been solid since day one, and they have always pushed for me. That’s what is contributing to our success,” said Sanchez.

Southern Alamance would not threaten the Colts again, as their power run game just couldn’t seem to find anywhere to plug in. Leading the Colts defensively were Marquan Footman with 12 tackles and a sack, Anthony Carroway with 11 tackles, 2 of those for loss,  Will Wicklin with 11 tackles, Aydin Leonard with 10 tackles and a sack, and Chris McDOnald with 9 tackles.

“Coaches did a great job of studying film and putting a game plan together, and the guys got out there and executed plays and did what we asked them to do,” said head coach Jake Thomas

The Colts would add a field goal in the fourth quarter on a 46 yarder from Rodriguez.

It seemed like the scoring was over for the night until Southern Alamance dropped back to pass late in the fourth quarter and Aydin Leonard blitzed in past the Patriot line and stripped the ball from the quarterback, streaking down the field for the final score of the game.

The Colts now led 31-0 and were able to get some valuable playoff snaps for every member of the team. As the clock ticked down, the team celebrated their impressive victory. The win moves the Colts to 10-1 on the season and on their way to the second round of the state playoffs, where they will travel to undefeated CB Aycock High School to take on the Golden Falcons. The Falcons are 11-0 and in the second round of the playoffs for the first time ever. The Colts will look to spoil their historic season this Friday in Pikeville. 

“We’re focused on avoiding complacency and continuing to find things to improve on in practice,” said senior linebacker Bryan Charles. “Making sure that we are giving it our all will prevent us from coming up short of our full potential.”

Be sure to make the drive and come out and support your Cape Fear Colts Friday night at CB Aycock High School for the second round of the playoffs as they look to advance to the third round for the 4th time ever!