Jaguars overcome slow start, pull away from Wildcats late

                The game was a stalemate the first quarter as neither team would find the end zone and many wondered if the visiting Wildcats would spoil Forestview’s Homecoming. But the Jaguars would put the doubts to bed in the second quarter. The Jaguars would break the ice when FB/DL Tate Payne ran for 17 yards for a touchdown.

                The Jaguars went into their bag of tricks to extend their lead when Moe Neal pitched to Colton Guthrie on a reverse play. Guthrie, also the back-up quarterback, hit Caleb Mills deep for a 52-yard touchdown strike. Trey Heavner’s kick made it 14-0.

                The Wildcats were able to get on the board before half-time. Christian Stewart drilled a 46-yard field-goal to cut the lead to 14-3. Then it was time for the half-time Homecoming festivities.

Things got worse before they got better for North Gaston. After being forced to punt on their first drive, the punt was mishandled and sailed all the way to the Wildcat six-yard line. Moe Neal scored his first touchdown of the night from the one-yard line. Neal would score again with a 53-yard dash into the end-zone to give the Jaguars a 28-3 advantage.

                But the Wildcats would storm right back. Quarterback Ethan Wiggins hit Jaleel Daniels for a 74-yard touchdown strike. Stewart’s kick made it 28-10. The Wildcats continued to chip away at the Jaguars lead. Chancelor Ellis’s one-yard touchdown run cut the Jaguars lead to 28-17.

                But that would be the end of their fun. Montavis Rogers’s one-yard touchdown plunge pretty much put an end to any comeback hopes. Colton Guthrie hit Isaiah Sanders for a five-yard touchdown strike to close this one out. The final would be 42-17.

                Moe Neal led the rushing attack with 140 yards and two touchdowns. Caleb Mills amassed 113 receiving yards and a touchdown. Trey Heavner was a perfect 6-for-6 on extra points.

                “Forestview is an extremely good team.” said North Gaston head coach Mike Patton “I am glad we played to the final whistle. Our kids keep getting better and better.”

                “(When) we made that run (coming back from 28-3), a play there, a call there, a few different plays and we are back in it.”

                “We’re happy win. We’re happy to be 3-0 (in conference play).” said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “We need to keep building and trying to get better.”

                “They’re a great team. They’re a quality opponent.” Medlin said about North Gaston “Down 28-3, they kept on fighting and I’m just glad we were able to put the game away in the end. It took a while to get going offensively.”

                Forestview travels to South Point next week. North Gaston will be home against Stuart Cramer.