BENSON — Clayton has made a business of running up rushing yardage all season long.

And in a must-win game at county rival West Johnston, the Comets kept the beat going.

Ced Harris led the way with 175 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries as the Comets rolled over the Wildcats 48-21 in Greater Neuse River 4A play Friday.

Clayton threw just one pass – for a 56-yard touchdown – as the Comets finished with 316 yards rushing.

Clayton (6-3, 5-1) moved into position to finish second in the conference with a win over Knightdale next week. West (3-6, 2-4) would have to win at East Wake in the finale next week to have a chance at making it into the playoffs.

Harris wasn’t alone with a big night on the ground, as Tam Barbour carried 11 times for 86 yards and a touchdown and Jace Brown chipped in 68 yards and a pair of scores on 13 carries.

“I’ll tell you what, the (running back) combination we’ve got right now is not bad for a little old high school football team,” Clayton coach Gary Fowler said. “Tam and Ced give you that outside speed we haven’t had very much and can take it to the house, and Jace is a pounder. And our offensive line has come in and gotten better each week, and we’re reaping the benefits.”

Justin Carroll completed 13 of 24 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown for West.

“We’re so young on defense,” West coach Randy Ragland said. “We’re starting seven sophomores and a freshman. We’re so young, it’s hard to overcome a physical team like that.

“You’ve got to love it as a football coach to see a team that can line up and be as physical as Clayton is. It’s old-school football, and that’s what Gary Fowler is.”