Story by Cinthia Rico
Pisgah cruised past county rival Section with a 35-8 victory capping regional play for both teams last Thursday night at Sam Kenimer Stadium.
The Eagles marched the ball up the middle as Legion McCrary ran for a first and goal, stopping short on the next play, then rushing for a touchdown at the 4:42 mark. Luke Gilbert dove for a successful 2-point conversion giving Pisgah an 8-0 lead.
Jett Jeffery recovered the ensuing kick for an Eagles first and 10. On the following snap, the Eagles fumbled and the Lions recovered the ball at the 45-yard line, but Pisgah’s line held strong.
Gilbert rushed up the middle to the 5-yard as the Eagles took control of the ball. McCrary capped the effort by curving to the left for a second-quarter touchdown.
A few plays later, Gilbert connected with Jeffery, who rushed for a 32-yard touchdown pass with 43 seconds left of the frame. Dalton Johnson added a point after.
At the half, the Eagles held a 21-0 advantage.
McCrary moved the ball down the field at the start of the second half following a series of rushes.
Jackson Smalley caught a long pass at the 1-yard line, where McCrary hooked left, making it 27-0 at the end of the third.
Gilbert furthered Pisgah’s advantage by breaking free up the middle for a scoring run at the 9:56 mark and added a successful 2-point for 35-0.
Section avoided a shutout with Brayden Williams catching an interception and Jaylan McCarver rushing for a Lion 32-yard touchdown pass with 55 seconds left of regulation play. Preston Graham drove up the middle for adding a 2-point conversion, cutting the score 35-8.
Gilbert led the Eagles with 244 total yards, 145 passing yards on 8-of-16 attempts, and rushing for more than 95 yards on nine carries. McCrary rushed for 73 yards on 16 carries and Jeffery ran for 25 yards on three carries.
Kirby caught three passes for 44 yards and Grant Smith caught two passes for 45 yards, one of those a 42-yarder.
Section’s McCarver finished with 49 rushing yards on 11 carries for the Lions. Cameron Summerford rushed for 31 yards, and Graham ran for 28 yards.
The matchup closed the season for Section (1-9, 1-6) with a bye today.
Pisgah (7-2, 6-1) closes out its regular season play against North Jackson (2-7, 2-5) today before taking on Hatton on Nov. 4 for the first round of playoffs.
