Alexnder Central 39
McDowell 7
Alexander Central dominated McDowell Friday night in a game played in Marion. The Cougars Held the Titans to only 90 yards while piling up 410 when the pigskin was in their possession.
McDowell took the opening kick and marched inside the Alexander Central 15 yard line before the drive stalled forcing a field goal attempt that missed forcing a change of possession. That’s when McDowell stated having problems. The Blue and Gold went 80 yards in 12 plays capped by quarterback Lance Justice scoring from 7 yards, the kick failed and AC led 6-0.
The Cougars added another score before the opening period was over when Justice found Peyton Payne streaking to the end zone from 47 yards, the kick was good by Daniel Specht and it was 13-0.
Running back Andrew Bumgarner completed a 69 yard-13 play drive when he found the end zone from 7 yards making the score 20-0 with 4:29 remaining in the first half.
McDowell was able to avoid the shutout when Riley Moore blocked a Josh Abernathey punt and recovered it in the end zone with 27 seconds before the halftime intermission.
The third period was scoreless but the Cougars flexed their muscles in the closing quarter scoring three times. Lance Justice scored from 4 yards, Andrew Bumgarner from 4, and Dayente Calhoun closed the scoring with 2:53 remaining from 3 yards.
AC rushed for 363 yards led by Cameron Lackey with 76. Dalton Beck led the testy Cougar defense with 5 tackles, Blake Martin collected 4 stops including 2.5 tackles for loss. Ryheem Craig and Josh Stubbs also were credited with 4 tackles each.
The victory might be the last in the long series between the schools from Taylorsville and Marion. McDowell will leave the Northwestern Conference during league realignment this fall. With the win, AC ties the all-time series with 17 wins including the 9th straight in the series previously dominated by McDowell.
Alexander Central looks to be recovering from their stumbling, COVID influenced, 0-2 start. They are now 2-2 and 2-1 in league play. McDowell drops to 2-2.
The Cougars will travel to St Stephens next Friday.
Other area scores
Watauga 49 St Stephens 13
South Caldwell vrs Freedom…ppd…Freedom in COVID quarantine
Statesville 40 North Iredell 10
West Rowan 20 South Iredell 14
Lake Norman 33 Mooresville 6
Easts Lincoln 24 Bandys 20
West Caldwell 13 Foard 0
Hibriten 50 Draughn 6
Ashe County 42 Wilkes Central 6
West Wilkes 10 Starmount 7
East Wilkes 35 Alleghany 0
Shelby 20 Burns 18
Kings Mountain 41 Ashbrook 0
Games scheduled for today
Hickory at Forestview
East Burke at Bunker Hill
West Lincoln at Lincolnton
North Lincoln at Maiden
West Iredell at Patton