GATESVILLE-Pasquotank posted only 11 more yards than Gates County, but made the most of it as the visitors cruised to a 39-8 victory Thursday night.

The contest between the home-standing Red Barons and visiting Pasquotank County was moved due to the threat of Tropical Storm Hanna.

The Panthers tallied 329 yards on offense, including 151 in the air. Gates concentrated their attack on the ground, gaining 211 rushing yards.

The Red Barons were led by junior Damien Gatling with 97 yards on 19 carries.

After Gates turned the ball over on downs it took Pasquotank only two plays and 35 seconds to find the endzone. Following a five-yard gain quarterback Bryson Barnes connected with Eric Darden, who sprinted 78 yards up the left side for the score. Devonte Cummings’ extra point attempt sailed through the uprights, giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.

Marcus Costen fielded the kickoff, returning it 14 yards to the Gates 34-yardline. An illegal procedure penalty backed the Red Barons up five yards, but it didn’t slow down the home team.

Gatling carried the ball three times for 25 yards. Sophomore Jerick Garret handled the ball twice, gaining 19 yards, before an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Pasquotank moved the ball 15 yards to the Panthers 10-yardline. Garret carried the ball eight yards then Jamal Dixon went up the middle for the final two yards to paydirt. Dixon carried in the conversion, giving Gates an 8-7 advantage with 2:03 remaining in the first.

Pasquotank came right back, taking only four plays to cover 57 yards for the score. On the extra point attempt the Panthers faked the kick and Barnes, the holder, ran untouched into the endzone, giving the visitors a 15-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Panthers found the endzone again with 7:03 remaining in the second quarter. The conversion run was good as Pasquotank extended their lead, 23-9.

A touchback on the kickoff brought the ball out to the Gates 20-yardline.

On the next play, the ball was fumbled on the snap and Pasquotank recovered it. They took advantage of the Gates miscue, scoring two plays later on a 24-yard pass from Barnes to Andre Dasheill. Barnes’ conversion run gave the Panthers a 31-8 advantage.

Pasquotank scored once more before the half and another fake kick sent the Red Barons into the locker room trailing 39-8.

The Gates defense stepped up in the second half, making several big plays as they held the Panthers scoreless. Junior Taylor Munday made three consecutive tackles for a loss, forcing Pasquotank to punt on their second possession of the quarter. On the Panthers next possession Munday recovered a fumble.

Gates was unable to take advantage of the defensive play, punting the ball away on three-and-out. Pasquotank was whistled for roughing the kicker, giving the Red Barons possession of the ball but Gates fumbled on the next play.

Neither team would reach the endzone again, although Gates had a chance as they drove to the five yard line before time expired. Pasquotank took the nonconference win, 39-8.