Losing Jaquell Davis to a shoulder injury was a costly factor for the Trojans.
(Shallotte Area Sports Photo/W.A. Myatt)
West Brunswick experienced some misfortune at Middle Creek in the second round of the NCHSAA 6-A football playoffs.,
Leading rusher Jaquell Davis went out early in a 52-20 loss to the Mustangs. The Trojans were already without linebacker Tony Sanchez and defensive end Israel Saunders. Cornerback Trey Evans was ejected at Middle Creek, leaving another void.
The Trojans had a 14-7 lead at the half on scoring runs by Jabari Cumbee and Marzell Stanley but not much went right for the No. 14 seeds in the second half as Middle Creek, the No. 3 seeds, improved to 8-2 going into a third-round game at home with No. 6 Southern Alamance (8-3).
Still, the Trojans (7-5) won a playoff game, 35-6, at home against West Johnston on Nov. 7, and had their first winning season since finishing 6-2 in the COVID-delayed season in the spring of 2021.
“I feel good about the direction our kids are going and their work ethic,” said West coach Shane Handy. “Obviously, we had some key injuries. Then Friday night Jaquell couldn’t play after the first quarter and that hurt.”
Davis, who rushed for 821 yards and 12 TDs as a senior was also a mainstay on defense at linebacker.
“We were down three starting linebackers, obviously,” Handy said. “So it makes it tough defensively without those guys.
“Overall, our kids played well and gave ’em everything they had. Seniors for the most part did a really good job leading. And I feel good about the direction everything’s going.
“Young kids are already in the weight room working, so I think it’s heading in the right direction.”
Senior K’Veon Griffin had a scoring reception from Josiah Borton in the second half in the season finale.
Borton, a junior, completed 16 of 23 for 211 yards with one TD and one interception. Stanley, a sophomore, had 59 yards on 11 carries.
Handy said tight end Jude Surigao has committed to Campbell and will sign on December 3.
