South Point keeps share of conference lead with win over Ashbrook
6 October 2007By Anthony Perkins
BELMONT - October 5, 2007 - The Ashbrook Green Wave invaded Lineberger Staduim on Friday night looking for a victory over South Point in order to stay close in the Big South 3A/4A conference race. It would never materialize as the Red Raiders broke open a close game in the fourth quarter to capture a 35-21 victory.
The Red Raiders offense started off the game at their own 20 yard line following the opening kickoff. Just over two minutes into the game the Raiders took an early lead on the strength of six running plays with FB Aaron Crumbley covering the final 24 yards into the end-zone. The Raiders held a 6-0 lead after a failed extra point attempt.
After both teams traded punts the Green Wave took possession at their 18 and on first down, RB Ryan Gordon burst through the middle and raced 82 yards to temporarily tie the score. Moments later Patrick Cullum’s point after gave Ashbrook a 7-6 lead.
Brandon Spencer returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards giving the Red Raiders the ball at the Ashbrook 10. It appeared the visitors would not enjoy the lead for very long but on third and goal, QB Desmond Lowery’s pass intended for Josh Justice was intercepted by Ashbrook’s Ryan Gordon temporarily silencing the home crowd.
In four plays Ashbrook advanced the ball from the 15 to mid-field when Ryan Gordon coughed up the ball into the waiting arms of Red Raider Jesse McGaha. Following the fumble the Raiders took possession at the Ashbrook 32 as the first quarter came to a close. The Raiders advanced the ball to the one and instead of kicking a field goal decided to go for six. The Green Wave defense crashed down on the Raiders touchdown bid, stopping Crumbley at the goal line.
The Green Wave then ran six minutes off the clock with an impressive 99 yard drive. Jordan Toomer finished off the drive with a six yard run and the Green Wave jumped out to a 14-6 lead following the Cullem kick with under two minutes left in the half.
With the half almost over and momentum on the side of the visitors, new life was breathed into the Raiders when Stan Wilson returned the following kickoff to the Ashbrook 34. Thirty one seconds later Lowery’s quarterback-keeper from two yards out pulled the Raiders within two points at 14-12. The Raiders decided to go for two and Lowery’s three yard run knotted the score at 14 and gave the momentum back to South Point going into the half.
Ashbrook had the first possession in the second half and started at their 38 following the kickoff. The Green Wave moved the ball down the field to the South Point 25 with a good mixture of rushing and passing until the Red Raiders defense stiffened. On third and eight from the 25, QB Gabe Beverly’s pass to Walter Vanderpuye was intercepted by South Point’s Michael Lewis at the Ashbrook 15. Lewis skirted down the sideline for an 85 yard return and a South Point lead of 21-14 after James Justice added the PAT.
The Green Wave tied the score again on their next possession on a 23 yard pass play from QB Beverly to Jheranie Boyd.
Both teams traded punts to close out the third quarter and they did the same to begin the fourth quarter. South Point regained the ball at their 30 with just over 8 minutes left in the contest and the crowd hoping for one of those long scoring drives. Twelve plays and just over five minutes later their wish came true as QB Lowery punched it in from the seven. James Justice added the PAT and the home field Raiders had a 28-21 lead.
The Green Wave was not going to roll over and play dead with over three minutes left as they took possession at their 32. The next three plays were the biggest plays of the night for both teams. One first down, Ashbrook was called for offensive pass interference putting them into a first and 25 situation. On the next play, receiver Jheranie Boyd broke free over the middle and behind the Raider defenders. Beverly spotted his open receiver but his pass slipped from Boyd’s grasp harmlessly to the ground. On the very next play Red Raider defender Michael Lewis intercepted another Green Wave pass and returned it 43 yards for his second touchdown sealing the victory for South Point.
On the night the Green Wave totaled 396 offensive yards with 237 rushing yards and 189 passing yards. The Red Raiders totaled only 278 yards with all of them coming from their rushing attack. The big diffence on this night was the special teams. The Raiders totaled 136 yards in kickoff returns, 45 yards on a fumble return and 128 yards on two interception returns, both of which were returned for touchdowns.
Next Friday South Point will travel to Forestview and Ashbrook will entertain East Gaston.
Score by Quarter: 1 2 3 4 Final
South Point 6 8 7 14 35
Ashbrook 7 7 7 0 21
Scoring Recap:
SP: Crumbley 24 yard run, kick failed.
A: Gordon 82 yard run, Cullum kick.
A: Toomer 6 yard run. Cullum kick.
SP: Lowery 2 yard run. Lowery 2 point conversion.
SP: Lewis 85 yard interception return. Justice kick.
A: 23 yard pass Beverly to Boyd. Cullum kick.
SP: Lowery 7 yard run. Justice kick.
SP: Lewis 43 yard interception return. Justice kick.
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