North Raleigh blanks Northeast

Published 12:00 am Saturday, September 3, 2005

LASKER – Northeast Academy had an interception and a fumble recovery but it wasn’t enough as the Eagles fell to North Raleigh Christian Academy 48-0

The Eagles started the game on a high note as Brodie Harrell recovered a North Raleigh fumble on the kickoff.

Unfortunately for Northeast they fumbled three plays later, giving the Knights the ball on their own 15-yard line.

North Raleigh took advantage, marching 45 yards upfield.

Quarterback Dockie Coppage capped off the drive by connecting with Robby Rutledge for a 37 yard score.

The extra point attempt failed, leaving North Raleigh with a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Knights found the end zone again less than one minute into the second, finishing off a drive started in the first.

Coppage completed a 10-yard pass to Nick Bannister for the score.

The two-point conversion extended the Knights lead 12-0.

North Raleigh scored on their next three possessions, including an 80-yard run by Jared Hart, to increase their lead 35-0 at the half.

North Raleigh started the second half where they left off, recovering their own onside kick.

On their next play, Hart ran 49 yards for the score.

The extra point extended the Knights lead, 42-0.

After Northeast went three-and-out, North Raleigh was again driving to the end zone when Cole Vinson intercepted Coppage’s pass, setting Northeast up on their own 15-yard line. The Eagles were again unable to capitalize on the defensive stop and punted the ball away.

The Knights scored their final touchdown of the night as Coppage ran in the ball from the four-yard line, ending a drive that started with a 34-yard punt return by Bannister.

The extra point attempt failed, but North Raleigh held on to take the 48-0 win.

Vinson recorded the only interception on the evening as several defensive players for the Eagles stepped up.

Senior Brian McLean had eight tackles, including a forced Knights’ fumble, and one sack.

Chase Vaughan also recorded a sack.

James Sykes had six tackles and Arch Harrell added four more for the Eagles defense.

North Raleigh posted 474 yards total offense, including a 250-yard effort by Hart.

Northeast travels to Fayetteville Christian for next Friday’s matchup.