CFNN Reporters AbbiKate Daughtry and Natalie Mitchell, along with contributions from Jackson Edwards

Round two of the playoffs answers one question for all teams: what kind of team do we have? This round separates a good season from a great season. Friday night at CB Aycock high school, the Colts found the answer. In a frigid climate and a hostile environment, Cape Fear dominated the Golden Falcons, winning 29-7 and punching their ticket to the third round of the state playoffs.

Things didn’t come easy for the visiting Colts, as they had to battle not only their opponent, but also the cold weather and a large home crowd. The Colts brought a crowd of their own though, filling the stands with Cape Fear faithful, creating a true playoff atmosphere.

“For the distance we had to travel, our crowd support was amazing. Their stands were small, and we really filled them up,” said senior wide receiver Jackson Edwards. “Cape Fear always shows up when we need them.”

The Golden Falcons scored first on an interception return for a touchdown. Let it be known this was the only one they got. 

The Colts got the ball and were forced to punt. The Colts got another stop and they got the ball on CB Aycocks 30 yard line. This led to Geronimo Sanchez scoring a 12 yard touchdown run. King Fasion then rushed for the 2 point conversion to give the Colts a 1 point lead with a score of 8-7. 

The Colts forced the Golden Falcons to punt the ball. That drive ended with Sophomore running back Tai Phillips running up the middle for a touchdown. 

Cape Fear kicked it off once again and held CB Aycock to a 3 and out forcing another punt. The Colts came after it and blocked the punt but were called for an atrocious roughing the kicker penalty. This gave the ball back to the Falcons who squandered the home field officiating call by fumbling the ball two plays later to end the half.

Coming out of the break CB Aycock kicked the ball off to the Colts. Cape Fear fumbled the ball and CB Aycock picked it up. The Colt defense was up to the taks and forced the Falcons to turn the ball over on downs.

“They [the defense] played resilient. Gave up some yards in the first quarter, but after we settled down, everyone stepped up and did their job,” said Head Coach Jake Thomas. “Defensively, we were put in some tough situations after turnovers, but each player stepped up and we won the sudden change time and time again.”

The Colts turned the ball over five times on the night, uncharacteristic of an offense that has done such a good job of taking care of the football this season. The team was able to overcome the miscues, though, and continue to scratch and claw toward a win. 

The Colts got the ball and were held to a third and five. Geronimo Sanchez connected with sophomore receiver Dy’lan Parker over the middle to bring Cape Fear to CB Aycocks 47 yard line. 

Sanchez once again connected with Parker for a clutch catch on third down on an out route for the first down. An interception gave the Falcons the ball once again, but they were unable to capitalize as the Colt defense rose to the occasion and forced another punt.

Cape Fear received the ball on their own 4 yard line. The Colts, backed up in the shadow of their own goal post, came out in a different look offensively, using a traditional I-formation that they had not used yet this season. Sanchez handed the ball off to Tai Phillips who proceeded to take it 90 yards for the longest touchdown of the Colts’ season. The young sophomore showed some serious breakaway speed for Cape Fear.

It was at that point that the wings fell off for the Falcons. The Falcons dream was coming to an end; feather plucking. 

CB Aycock fumbled once again and the Colts recovered the ball on the 45 yard line. Cape Fear was happy to capitalize on the gift, as King Faison took another handoff to the house, sealing the deal at 29-7 after a Francisco Rodriguez extra point.

“It really meant a lot to get the last touchdown, as our defense kept us in the game, and we pulled it together to help us seal the win,” said Faison.

The Falcons would fumble on the next two possessions, putting the game out of reach and allowing the Colts to march into the 3rd round of the state playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Colts finished with the win, and are likely looking forward to practicing over the Thanksgiving Holiday.

“Thanksgiving is about gratitude, so we are thankful that we get to practice on Thanksgiving,” said Coach Thomas. “It means you’re having a pretty good season. It’s a time of food, family and football! What could be better?!”

Indeed, Coach. What could be better? Come check out the Colts Friday night at 7:00 PM as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Cardinals in the third round of the state playoffs. As we say, “Colt Pride-NEVER STOPS!”