While many teams were postponing games due to the rains, a few others decided to brave the elements and have their games on Friday. Two of those teams were the Ashbrook Green Wave and the Stuart Cramer Storm. It was a defensive struggle for most of the first half with Ashbrook leading 6-0 for most of the first half. That score was a one-yard touchdown run by Kristien Bell. That touchdown run was set up by a 44-yard punt return by Jeff Glenn.
With the offense struggling to sustain drives, the Green Wave defense came up with a big that set up their offense. A fumble recovery by the Green Wave’s Justin Alexander at the one-yard line put Ashbrook in business and they would capitalize. Bell scored another touchdown run from the one-yard line to extend Ashbrook’s lead to 12-0. Ashbrook’s two-point conversion try would fail again, however.
The Green Wave extended their lead 19-0 with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Jabreze Robbs to Jeff Glenn and Tyson Fortenberry’s kick for the extra point. That would be the score at half-time.
In the second half, Ashbrook wasted no time getting more points. Bell capped off Ashbrook’s first drive of the second half with a three-yard touchdown run. The extra point failed, however. But it would not matter. The Green Wave forced another Storm fumble deep in Cramer territory. Penalties backed Ashbrook up to the Storm 45, however. But on the ensuing play, Robbs would connect with Thomas Smith for a 45-yard touchdown pass. Taquan McConneaughey would put one more score up for Ashbrook with an 18-yard touchdown run. Tyson Fortenberry was 3-for-4 on his extra point kicks.
Stuart Cramer was not able to get anything going on offense as they were shut out 39-0. To make matters worse, Cramer lost two starters in the first half to injury. Quarterback Noah Oxendine and runningback/wide receiver Dezure Moulden both left with injuries.
"We didn’t start the way we wanted to." said Ashbrook head coach Greg Hill "We could never get into a rhythm offensively in the first half. But I think Stuart Cramer had something to do with it."
"Our defense played really well all night long and gave our offense chances to make big plays."
Ashbrook started the season 0-2 losing to defending 3A state champion, Crest, 44-28 and losing 48-14 to Davidson Day. Since then, Ashbrook has amassed three straight wins. Hill acknowledged that playing stiff competition early helped his Green Wave but also stated that selflessness has also been a key factor.
"They are starting to play for each other and not for themselves. They are playing in the system." Hill said
"We have to do better offensively. People got to do a better job and start stepping up and that starts with me." said Cramer head coach Ben McMillan.
When asked about the injured players, McMillan believes Noah Oxendine injured his back or ribs and that Dezure Moulden left with a shoulder injury.
Ashbrook (3-2)(1-0) will be at home next week against North Gaston. The Wildcats play at home against Hunter Huss Monday night. Stuart Cramer (3-2)(0-1) travels to Forestview, whom plays at home Monday against Lake Norman Charter.
Great headline!
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