Firebirds run over CBA 35-0

On Friday night, September 26, Southern Nash defeated C.B. Aycock 35-0 in their inaugural 5-A/6-A Big East Conference varsity football rivalry game, showcasing their effective double-wing offensive strategy at C.B. Aycock's Hardy Talton Stadium.

Southern Nash's offense dominated with 460 rushing yards, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. Sophomore D.J. Baker led the charge with a career-high 202 yards, while junior Cam Lyons contributed 157 yards and scored three touchdowns, highlighting the team's ground-game prowess.

With this victory, Southern Nash improved to 5-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play, ranking No. 8 in the NCHSAA 5-A RPI standings, while C.B. Aycock fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference. Defensively, Southern Nash intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble without committing any turnovers, despite some rainy conditions during the game.

Head coach Brian Batchelor praised the team's defensive adjustments and effort but noted offensive inefficiencies due to penalties. He mentioned challenges such as playing on the road, adverse weather, and injuries to starters, emphasizing the importance of the win under these circumstances.

Scoring details included a 32-yard touchdown run by Lyons in the first quarter, a 42-yard TD by Lyons in the second quarter, and two 5-yard touchdowns by senior fullback Luke Faulkner, who also became the school's all-time leading tackler. Lyons added a 13-yard TD in the fourth quarter, and Faulkner sealed the scoring late in the game.

Baker, who typically starts as a linebacker, excelled on offense in place of the injured Jaden Hartsfield, Southern Nash's top rusher. Looking ahead, Southern Nash will host Fike next and then face undefeated conference teams, with Coach Batchelor expressing confidence that their tough nonconference schedule has prepared them for the challenging stretch.