Cedar Ridge gets road win over East Chapel Hill
Cedar Ridge used a strange version of a “bend-but-don’t break defense” as the Red Wolves defeated East Chapel Hill 29-6 Thursday night in prep football.
Two times in the first half East Chapel Hill quarterback Brater Gerber completed long passes into Cedar Ridge territory, but both times the Wildcats fumbled the ball and Red Wolves defensive backs recovered.
Cedar Ridge’s Milton Purcell recovered at the Red Wolves 31-yard line after a 33-yard completion in the first quarter. Sean Scott recovered at the Cedar Ridge 23 after a 55-yard pass in the second period.
The turnovers were crucial, preserving Cedar Ridge’s 13-6 halftime lead.
The Red Wolves (2-1) balanced their total offense of 338 total yards with 44 carries for 189 yards rushing and 11 of 20 passing by quarterback Peyton Pappas for 149 yards and a TD.
Turning point
Cedar Ridge’s Marquez Hunter picked up a bouncing short kickoff to start the second half and returned it 64 yards up the middle of the field to the Wildcats’ 6-yard line. One play later Shemar Miles punched over a 6-yard run for sudden 20-6 lead just 29 seconds into the second half.
They said it
Cedar Ridge defensive lineman Montae Kee, who combined with Shaun Hill to record a safety in the third quarter for a 22-6 lead, on the fumble recoveries: “I was shocked to get the ball back on those long passes. That was great hustle. Everybody worked hard and did their job.”
Three who mattered
Amier Alston, East Chapel Hill: The 5-7, 153-pound sophomore skipped through two arm tackles and turned up field for a 67-yard TD run and 6-0 first-quarter lead. He finished the night with five carries for 76 yards.
Miles: The junior running back was a workhorse, carrying 30 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns on runs of 4 and 6 yards.
Demetrius Lyles, Cedar Ridge: The junior caught six balls for 81 yards and one TD on a 5-yard reception.
By the numbers
6: Turnovers in the first half, three by each team. East (1-2) finished the night committing four turnovers.
4 of 5: Touchbacks for Cedar Ridge kicker Trenton Gill. For only the second time this year, he had kick returned. The Red Wolves covered the lone returned kick of the night at the 18-yard line. Gill also had a 39-yard punt downed at the 5-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
137: Yards receiving by East’s Will Schmidt on three catches.
This story was originally published September 3, 2015 at 10:29 PM with the headline "Cedar Ridge gets road win over East Chapel Hill."