Northwest Cabarrus Outlasts Central Cabarrus 27-24 in Overtime Thriller
Photo by Jaelen M - CLT Media Group (Instagram: cltmedia.frames)
Trojans survive second-half Vikings comeback before Erwin finds Caleb Bryant for the game-winning touchdown
By CLT Media News
Concord, NC - What began as a defensive battle turned into an overtime thriller as Northwest Cabarrus survived a furious Central Cabarrus comeback to defeat the Vikings 27-24.
Neither offense could generate much momentum early, and the opening quarter ended the same way it began — scoreless.
Northwest opened the second quarter with possession at its own 40-yard line but went three-and-out without gaining any ground. Central Cabarrus appeared ready to take advantage when Chris Richardson broke several tackles on a run of approximately 30 yards, but the Vikings' drive eventually stalled.
Northwest finally broke through when No. 22 Braxton Bashaw found daylight along the left side and raced approximately 25 yards untouched into the end zone.
The Trojans continued to build momentum and pushed their advantage to 14-0 with 3:26 remaining in the first half when quarterback Erwin connected with No. 3 Nate Jones in the back-right portion of the end zone.
Central received a huge opportunity just before halftime after a Northwest punt attempt went wrong. The snap was mishandled, and the Northwest punter was ruled down while attempting to recover the ball, giving the Vikings possession at the Trojans' 18-yard line with 28 seconds remaining.
Instead of capitalizing, Central went backward.
A pass into the flat was nearly intercepted by Northwest's Matthias Wilfolk, and penalties quickly pushed Central out of the red zone. The Vikings eventually found themselves backed up near the 32-yard line before Northwest defensive standout Levi Grande (#15) closed the half with a sack.
Northwest entered halftime leading 14-0.
Vikings Seize the Momentum
The complexion of the game changed almost immediately in the third quarter.
Northwest struggled with dropped passes and missed opportunities offensively, and Central Cabarrus took advantage.
On the Vikings' first offensive play following a Northwest punt, Jamari Bost broke free up the right side, outran multiple Trojan defenders and raced into the end zone. The touchdown cut Northwest's lead to 14-7 with 11:02 remaining in the third quarter.
Another stalled Northwest possession gave Central an opportunity to keep applying pressure.
Although Grande continued to disrupt the Vikings' offense — recording his second sack of the night — a Northwest personal foul helped move Central deep into Trojan territory.
Bost eventually finished the drive with another touchdown, his second of the game. The extra point tied the score at 14.
Momentum had completely shifted.
Northwest's next possession ended when Erwin was intercepted by Bost, who was making an impact on both sides of the football.
But the Trojans responded.
Behind the running of Nate Jones, Northwest moved across midfield late in the third quarter. Jones then broke loose on a spectacular run, weaving through defenders and taking the ball inside the Central 10-yard line.
Following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, Erwin took matters into his own hands. The Northwest quarterback scrambled approximately five yards, juked multiple defenders and reached the end zone, helping erase the mistake from his previous possession.
Northwest was back in front, 21-14.
Central Answers Again
The Vikings refused to go away.
Jamari Bost scored for the third time in the game with 9:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, and the ensuing extra point once again tied the game, this time at 21-21.
Bost's three-touchdown performance powered Central Cabarrus' comeback after the Vikings had trailed 14-0 at halftime.
Penalties continued to hurt Northwest throughout the second half. A promising Nate Jones run was erased by a holding call, while both defenses made enough plays down the stretch to prevent either team from taking control in regulation.
Levi Grande (#15) remained a major factor for Northwest's defense, collecting his third sack of the game on a botched Central snap.
Neither team could find the winning points before the end of regulation.
The rivalry battle was headed to overtime.
Northwest Delivers the Final Answer
Central Cabarrus received the first scoring opportunity in overtime and drove into position to attempt a fourth-down field goal.
The kick was good.
For the first time all night, Central had the lead, 24-21.
Northwest now needed an answer.
The Trojans began their overtime possession from the 10-yard line. Jones carried the ball for two yards on first down, setting up second-and-eight.
Northwest wouldn't need another play.
Erwin dropped back and lofted a beautifully placed fade toward the right side of the end zone. Caleb Bryant went up and secured the pass for the game-winning touchdown, immediately ending the contest.
Northwest Cabarrus 27.
Central Cabarrus 24.
After leading 14-0 at halftime, watching Central score 21 second-half points and then falling behind for the first time in overtime, the Trojans found one final response.
And when Northwest needed its biggest play of the night, Erwin and Bryant delivered.
Final: Northwest Cabarrus 27, Central Cabarrus 24 (OT)
Post game interview with Hudson Erwin (QB, Northwest Cabarrus HS) - CLT Media News
Post game interview with Caleb Bryant (WR, Northwest Cabarrus HS)
CLT Media News Game Notes
Northwest and Central Cabarrus finished the first quarter tied 0-0.
Northwest built a 14-0 halftime lead.
Braxton Bashaw scored on an approximately 25-yard touchdown run.
Jamari Bost scored all three of Central Cabarrus' touchdowns.
Bost also recorded an interception for the Vikings' defense.
Levi Grande (#15) recorded three sacks for the Northwest defense.
Nate Jones provided several explosive plays on the ground for Northwest.
Central Cabarrus erased a 14-point halftime deficit.
Central took its first lead of the game, 24-21, with an overtime field goal.
Erwin connected with Caleb Bryant on a fade for the game-winning overtime touchdown.