Wake Forest-Rolesville’s 77-19 victory on Friday night over East Wake was very different from last year’s game, which East Wake won in overtime.

Wake Forest led 42-6 just three minutes into the second quarter and 56-6 at the half. The game was pretty much over after the first quarter.

Senior running back Chris Love rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown, and added an 81 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the fourth quarter.

“Everybody was a little mad about what happened last year,” said Love. “We didn’t mean to run up the score; we just executed very well.”

Love’s brother, Bryce, a sophomore, pitched in two touchdowns and 22 yards rushing of his own, while receiver Taylor Bagley made his first two touchdown catches of the year in the first quarter. Tailback Petey Williams ran for 114 yards and two touchdowns on only four carries – all in the first half.

“We just tried to come back and prove to everybody else that we can win in this rivalry,” said Williams.

Cougars coach Reggie Lucas was careful in how he spoke about his team’s victory.

“When you see a score like that, it’s easy to take notice,” said Lucas. “I really have a lot of respect for Coach Poulnott his coaches.”

With regards to his own team, Lucas was pleased but acknowledged there is plenty of room for the Cougars to improve.

“I still think there’s a great deal of things we need to work on,” said Lucas, “We need to learn how to cover kickoffs better and reduce penalties.”

“As a coach you accept the win, but you have to move on,” he said. “I think today was great, but we need to take it and build on it. We still have a couple more non-conference games that we have to get ready to play.”

For East Wake, receiver Alex Cowan contributed with 8 receptions for 88 yards, and a 90 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

“I think they just came prepared, and executed every play,” said Cowan. “We had our fair share of mishaps, but they just came more prepared.”

Damontay Rhem added 72 yards rushing and a touchdown on 15 carries and also had a reception for 22 yards for the Warriors.

“Next Friday we’ll come out more prepared and learn from this game that you have to push no matter what,” said Rhem. “That you just have to keep churning.”

Kudialis (919) 829-8985