CFNN Reporters AbbiKate Daughtry and Rachel Leonard 

Last Friday, the Colts hosted Sanderson High School in the second round of the state playoffs. After the Colts had a first round bye, the Sanderson Spartans would be the first team the Colts would battle on the field. Entering the final phase of a high school football season- the playoffs- is always a little bit nerve wrecking, but more importantly, shows who has the drive to be the last ones to go home. 

The Colts came out strong and focused in the first quarter. They won the toss and elected to defer their choice until the second half, meaning the defense would be on the field to start the night. Within the first 2 minutes of the game on the first defensive series, Senior Dacori Davis scored a touchdown off of a pick 6. This set the tone early in the game, showing the Spartans that Cape Fear meant business.

The Colts kicked off to the Spartans again. Sanderson was able to even things up with a long run on their second series, which would be capped off by a 1 yard touchdown run. This would be the only time Sanderson would find the endzone on the night, thanks to a staunch Colt defense. 

Following Davis’s Touchdown, Wide Receiver Landon Underwood proved once again why he is considered Cape Fears “all purpose guy.” With a 7 yard pass thrown by Geronimo Sanchez, the junior was in the end zone on a corner route, scoring Cape Fear’s second touchdown of the night. Senior Fransisco Rodriquez was then up for a successful extra point, increasing the score from 7-7 to 14-7.

During the second quarter, the Colts defense held the Spartans to no explosive plays or scores. The Colts did, however, score a touchdown for themselves, going into the second half leading 28-7. Sanchez sent a bomb to Landon Underwood for a 50 yard pass, finding Underwood open in the endzone again. This Junior/Senior duo has been so electric to watch all season long, and it will be a show to watch as these 2 are at work this week against Garner. 

As the third quarter began, the Colts continued to capitalize on opportunities to score offensively, as well as hold the Spartans at 7. It was a true team effort from both the Colts offense and defense last Friday. Each side had to pull their own weight to produce the result seen when the clock ran out. 

Landon Underwood score his third touchdown of the night, with a 44 yard fumble recovery. The extra point to follow was blocked, but the Colts were still in standing to come out on top. Sanchez capped off the third quarter with an 11 yard rushing touchdown. 

When the 4th quarter rolled along, Colt Country was feeling optimistic that they would be moving on to the third round. Junior Dy’lan Parker scored a 13 yard rushing touchdown to finalize the night’s win. Between the strong defensive efforts to keep the Spartans at one touchdown all night, and offenses grit and drive to keep running up the scoreboard, Cape Fear marked their territory and protected the house last Friday. 

“What we did last week doesn’t matter going into this week. We are moving on with a different mindset, we are playing a different team, and have a different game plan. We are going to stay level headed and execute how we normally do,” stated Junior Tai Phillips. 

As the Colts make the drive to Garner Magnet tonight, they have a mindset like no other. Now that it is a “go big or go home” situation, everyone is ready to give it all they have. Colt Country knows we have the talent and ability to make it to the State playoffs, and tonight can be the next ticket punched to get there.  

“We are going to keep our heads straight. Whatever happened last week, it happened last week. Pushing forward into this Friday, we are looking for the win. We want to make it to state and this Friday we are going to prove them wrong,” said Senior Dacori Davis.

You heard it here first- the Colts  are pumped up and out for blood. They are ready to continue making history this season, and hopefully having a repeat year from 9 years ago. Make the drive tonight and come cheer on the Colts as they not only prove why they are the best of the 910, but why this season will be one for the books.