Top Three: Running to the playoffs

Published 2:53 pm Monday, April 12, 2021

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Washington needed overtime to complete a wild, come-from-three touchdowns-behind, 50-49, victory over Kinston, while Northside kept the Anchor Bowl for the second straight year after a 44-14 home victory over Southside. The Pam Pack and Panthers begin the state playoffs Friday, while the Seahawks season is over. There were multiple big performances at key times last week.

 

  1. Terry Moore-the Washington junior ran for 241 yards on 23 carries with three touchdowns in the pressure-packed comeback over Kinston. His 50-yard touchdown run brought the Pack to within a touchdown in the third quarter, then put them in position to force overtime with a 25 yard jaunt in the final minute.

 

  1. James Gorham-the Northside senior was off to the races almost every time he touched the ball against the rival Seahawks. Gorham picked up 218 yards on only eight carries and scored four touchdowns, including one from 80 yards, as the Panthers advanced to the 1A playoffs.

 

  1. Walt Gerard-the Pam Pack senior linebacker came up with 12 solo tackles and assisted on five others against the Vikings. He also scored four two-point conversions in the 50-49 victory.

 

Honor Roll: Washington and Northside’s offensive line. The Pack ran for 441 yards and gained 481 total on a Kinston defense that had not allowed a point in their first five games. The Panthers had 453 rushing and didn’t attempt a pass against Southside.

Washington running back Jaden Hambric gained 126 yards and broke a 60-yard scoring run. Quarterback Hayes Pippin threw two touchdown passes and ran for two more. The second brought the Pack to within one point with 14 seconds left. Ridge Zerniak was 4-4 on extra points, including the one that forced overtime.

Mitch Godley carried 10 times for 124 yards and a touchdown for Northside, while Sam Vansant recorded eight tackles.

Senior Davion Carter led Southside with 105 rushing yards and seven tackles, while Tequon Moore averaged 25.8 yards on five kickoff returns and added five tackles.