Written by JEREMIAH ARTACHO
Carrboro High School won 39-14 against East Chapel Hill High School on the road during Friday night’s football game. After two drives in the first quarter, the Jaguars held a 16-0 advantage, securing two-point conversions at the end of each drive.
Both touchdowns were the result of Carrboro’s run game — one that was effective all night long against the Wildcats.
The first one was achieved by junior running back Isaiah MacFalling. The next by senior running back Mike Charway. This duo was tough to contain for Coach Larry Stroud’s defense.
“I mean, they couldn’t tackle me so I think I did pretty good,” MacFalling said.
MacFalling’s teammate in the backfield, Charway, was proud of his performance as well.
“I feel like I did good, still always room to improve — we got a win and that’s all that matters,” Charway said. “Onto the next week.”
Coach Ken Lathan elected to use a fake PAT to secure an extra two points — achieved by senior linebacker Stuart Williams the first time around. That was followed by a botched snap turned into a pass from junior quarterback Tyler Pease, on what originally looked like a field attempt.
East Chapel Hill reached the opposing end zone for the first time during the second quarter — sophomore quarterback Jaden Nichols ran the ball from Carrboro’s 7-yard line. However, the following PAT was incomplete leaving the score at 16-6.
Coach Stroud used a total of three different East Chapel Hill quarterbacks to combat Coach Lathan’s one through the first two quarters of the game. Senior Jackson Weinstein, Jaden Nichols and freshman Leo George all took snaps underneath the center. It was not until the end of the third quarter that the Jaguars replaced Pease, giving him rest.
After the Wildcat’s first score of the game, Carrboro took another to their end zone — Charway scored from East’s 11-yard line on fourth down, making it 22-6. Yet again, a two-point conversion was tried but stopped in the backfield by East Chapel Hill’s junior wide receiver Elliot Forbes.
Not too long after, Carrboro’s junior linebacker Tre Watlington forced a fumble and brought it all the way to the house from East’s 31-yard line. With 2:58 left on the scoreboard of the second quarter, the Jaguars were up 28-6. Pease sent the ball in between the goal post to finish the drive at a score of 29-6.
Pease serves as not just the quarterback but the kicker, too. A two-way player on the offensive end for Carrboro High School.
The Wildcats were able to get a sneaky score before halftime with George passing to fellow freshman Raheem Smith in the end zone as time expired. George carried the ball successfully on the two-point conversion, making it 29-14.
To begin the third quarter, MacFalling secured his second rushing touchdown of the night from East’s 3-yard line. Pease completed another extra point kick up the middle and placed the scoreboard at 36-14.
Pease talked about his ability to be the team’s quarterback and kicker following their victory.
“It’s awesome that I can help the team in more ways than just one,” Pease said. “[It can] lead the guys, bring us together and help us win games.”
The final points of this game came from Carrboro senior kicker Eric Sheaves during the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 39-14 with 3:28 remaining left in regulation.
Coach Lathan was pleased with his team’s performance, gaining their second win of the 2024 season.
“The kids have been working hard all summer, it’s always good to get a win — it’s a very difficult thing to do,” Lathan said. “It’s not easy to win, so we don’t take it for granted.”
As both schools stand about 13 miles apart from each other, Carrboro’s head coach spoke about East Chapel Hill’s Coach Stroud.
“Any time you get a chance to win against a cross-rival and a good friend of mine, Coach Stroud — it’s always a good thing but it’s kind of bittersweet,” Lathan added.
Coach Lathan also discussed what it’s like having the upperclassmen leaders of Pease, Charway and MacFalling on his roster.
“Those kids have come through the program and grown up, been through some hard times,” Lathan said. “We had some difficult times last year and those guys grew up and made the commitment during the offseason to come out and just really put forth a great effort.”
East Chapel Hill High School will host John Paul II Catholic next week on Friday, September 13 at 7:00 p.m. The Wildcats look to break out of their losing streak and achieve another win.
Carrboro High School is now 2-1 on the season and looking to extend their winning streak to three games as they will host Chapel Hill High School on Friday at 7:00 p.m.
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