South Point ends three-game losing streak with 38-27 win over Ashbrook
Red Raiders snap skid in Big South 5A/6A opener, improving to 5-0 while Ashbrook falls to 2-3.
South Point football has ended a three-game losing streak against Ashbrook, securing a 38-27 victory in their Big South 5A/6A conference opener. The match, held at Lineberger Stadium in Belmont, marked a significant turnaround for the Red Raiders, who improved their season record to 5-0. Conversely, the Ashbrook Green Wave dropped to 2-3, a result that complicates their standing in the conference.
The game featured a high-scoring first half, with both teams exchanging touchdowns. Ashbrook struck first, moving 68 yards in 10 plays to set up a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback A.J. McClain to Braylon Smith. South Point responded with a 17-point run, including a 40-yard field goal by Wilson London, a 14-yard rushing touchdown by Kaveaun Pless, and a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jent Miller.
Despite the early momentum, Ashbrook finished the first half with a flurry of scoring. McClain connected with Smith on two long passes of 76 and 75 yards, sandwiching a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Pless. The sequence left South Point with a narrow 24-20 lead at halftime, setting the stage for a decisive second half.
South Point seized control early in the second half, driving 65 yards in nine plays to extend their lead. The drive concluded with a 21-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Cayden Rumph to Gray Gathings, giving the Red Raiders a 31-20 advantage. This score proved pivotal in shifting the momentum firmly in South Point’s favour.
Ashbrook attempted to rally, with freshman running back Messiah Patterson scoring on a four-yard run after a 72-yard drive. However, South Point’s defensive pressure on the Ashbrook quarterback proved decisive. McClain, who had not thrown an interception earlier in the season, surrendered three picks against South Point, two of which resulted in direct scores for the Red Raiders.
Kaveaun Pless capped the performance with his third touchdown of the game, scoring on a 71-yard, 13-play drive. The final score of 38-27 reflected South Point’s ability to capitalise on Ashbrook’s errors. Next week, South Point will travel to Gastonia to face Hunter Huss, while Ashbrook hosts winless North Gaston.
