Nate Zimmerman plows over a Forrest defender and tight ropes the sideline to stay in bounds, picking up a few extra yards on a pass reception. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
By CHRIS SIERS
csiers@bedfordcountypost.com
CHAPEL HILL — While able to move the ball at times against Region 4-3A opponent Forrest on Friday night, the Cascade Champions just couldn’t match the Rocket ground game’s output, spearheaded by Quincy Mitchell.
Mitchell ran wild to the tune of 332 rushing yards and accounted for five total touchdowns as the Rockets went on to beat Cascade 50-20.
Cascade had its opportunities to hang with the Rockets, but a handful of penalties and missed chances ultimately cost the Champions’ effort in hanging with the high-octane Rocket ground game.
After Cascade took the game’s opening drive and pressed into Forrest territory, a fourth-down conversion by quarterback Sam Bradley was
Noah James Watson weaves through the Forrest defense after hauling in a pass from quarterback Sam Bradley. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
ultimately negated due to a holding penalty, prompting a punt.
Forrest took the following drive 12 plays, twice converting on third down and once on fourth before Micah Morgan put a cap on the drive with a four-yard dive into the end zone.
On the first play of the second, Cascade found itself backed up on the 43 yard line and prompted a fake punt attempt that was stopped one yard short of the conversion.
After Forrest took over, Mitchell needed just two plays to notch his first touchdown of the night, coming on a 25-yard run, bumping the Rocket lead to 14-0.
Forrest came up with an interception on the next Champion possession and Mitchell again capped the drive with an eight-yard score with 7:52 to go in the half, giving Forrest a 22-0 lead, following the successful conversion attempt.
With their backs against the wall, Bradley took the next snap and hit Corey Gooch on a 72-yard pass reception to put Cascade on the board.
Although Cascade scored, the conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 22-6.
The fireworks continued on the next play when Mitchell found a crease and rattled loose for 66 yards with 7:07 left in the half.
Trailing 29-6, Bradley again went to the air and dropped a perfect ball to Delontae Clay in the end zone with 5:05 left in the period.
Having scored two rushing touchdowns in the quarter, Mitchell came through with a 34-yard touchdown reception with 1:27 to go in the half.
After all the fireworks of the second quarter that saw the two teams combine for 41 points, Forrest continued the offensive outpouring, tacking on two more rushing touchdowns in the third quarter.
With a 50-13 lead in hand, Cascade did find a late score from Josh Cunningham with 3:11 left in the game.
Bradley completed 14-of-24 attempts for 188 yards and two touchdowns and two interceptions.
Sam Bradley rolls right and fires the pass to the open man downfield. (Post Photo by Chris Siers)
He added 66 yards on 10 carries as well.
Nate Zimmerman also totaled 60 yards on eight carries.
Cascade will return to the Stable on Friday night and will host Watertown in a key Region 4-3A matchup.
Cascade 0 13 0 7 — 20
Forrest 7 28 15 0 — 50
First Quarter
F — Micah Morgan 4 run, (Isai Garcia kick), 3:13.
Second Quarter
F — Quincy Mitchell 25 run, (Garcia kick), 11:16.
F — Mitchell 8 run, (Colton Matlock 2pt. pass from Morgan), 7:52.
C — Corey Gooch 72 pass from Sam Bradley, (2pt. run failed), 7:33.
F —Mitchell 66 run, (Garcia kick), 7:07.
C — Delontae Clay 27 pass from Bradley, (Gabe Perez kick), 5:05.
F — Mitchell 34 pass from Morgan, (Kick blocked), 1:27.
Third Quarter
F — Mitchell 8 run, (Braiden Bourne 2pt. pass from Morgan), 10:54.
F — Morgan 8 run, (Garcia kick), :16.
Fourth Quarter
C — Josh Cunningham 1 run, (Perez kick), 3:11.