PITTSBORO – On a special opening-season night when Northwood’s football program paid homage to the military, the Chargers were also strong.

Certainly too strong for visiting East Chapel Hill, which Northwood thumped in a 39-14 victory Friday in Pittsboro.

Northwood was ready from the opening-whistle, putting up a 14-0 first quarter lead on the strength of a Jalen Smith touchdown catch and Kadarus Rone three-yard scoring romp.

East Chapel Hill got back into the contest with Connor Stough’s scoring strike to Colby Owens to make it 14-7.

From there it was all Chargers, however, as they tacked on a 23-yard field goal from Anthony Castro just before intermission and three straight touchdowns in the second half.

Montel Goods was in the mix with a three-yard touchdown run and quarterback Ti Pinnix hit wideout Tyler Whitaker on a scoring strike.

ECH had a few big plays, but they were few and far between as the Wildcats committed four turnovers in the opening half and didn’t find their footing for most of the tilt.

ECH coach Jon Sherman credited Northwood for the win, rather than knock his team’s effort.

“Northwood’s defense closed alot of windows I thought might be open,” the first-year coach said. “Their offense also did a great job,”

Northwood coach Bill Hall was understandably pleased with his team’s showing.

“We got off to a good start and we’ve got a few weapons,” Hall said. “We also did a good job of playing for four quarters.”