Defense, playoffs and a ‘backyard brawl’: The weekend that was in Triangle HS football

Suffice to say the Cardinal Gibbons defense performed just like its coordinator “Drew” up the game plan. The Crusaders’ defense — under the direction of Nick Drew — showcased its prowess, yet again, in Friday’s 13-3 win over visiting Leesville Road.

Cardinal Gibbons (5-2, 2-0) matched its season best with 12 tackles for loss. Leading the way were Donovan Dozier (three tackles for loss), Joshua Stoneking (three), Carter Scearce (two and a half), and Ethan Grace (two).

The Crusaders’ total defensive effort included 44 solo tackles, a fall 2021 best.

Defense was king for Cardinal Gibbons’ homecoming king, Will Mason. Mason’s late first-quarter tackle on Pride running back D.J. Scott saved an almost certain touchdown.

Millbrook strengthens position

Millbrook’s 41-34 win over visiting Rolesville on Friday set up the Wildcats favorably for the final third of the regular season. The Northern Athletic 4A Conference is guaranteed two state playoffs berths.

Millbrook (6-1, 2-1), with one conference loss to Heritage (7-0, 2-0), is undefeated at home. The Wildcats’ next two games are at Wakefield and Knightdale, both with two league losses.

Millbrook will host Wake Forest in the October 29 regular-season finale. Millbrook, with its head-to-head tiebreaker over Rolesville (4-3, 1-1), would hold playoff seeding priority over a one- or two-loss Rolesville team with an equal conference record.

Apex wins ‘Backyard brawl’

Apex defeated in-town rival Apex Friendship 48-24 on Friday. The outcome marked the Cougars’ first win over the Patriots since 2016 — Apex Friendship’s first varsity season.

Apex (4-3, 2-2) has its first overall winning record since 2015. Those Cougars — who included football and basketball superstar Ian Boyd — were 3-2 before finishing 4-6.