The explosive Carrboro Jaguars defeated the East Chapel Wildcats 48-6 in front of an enthusiastic Wildcat crowd as varsity football returned to East Chapel Hill Friday night. The Jaguars used one big play after another to light up the scoreboard and add points often in an instant. The Wildcats displayed great effort and a swarming defense at times. However, they were simply out manned when the size and athleticism of the Jaguars got into the open field. Jaguar senior linebacker Janai Alston (6’7 225 lbs) was a one man college recruiting highlight film. Alston ended the evening unofficially with 8 tackles, 2 for loss, and an interception for a touch down.
In 2016 the Jaguars were on the verge of not having a varsity program due to lack of participation. Newly hired Coach Ken Lathan gathered a group of mostly freshman and stumbled their way through a varsity schedule gathering bumps and bruises along the way. The Jaguars lived and believed in Coach Lathan’s program which included consistent weight training. The Jaguars now display size, experience, and pure athleticism that could prove to be a force to be reckoned with in the Mid-State 2A Conference. The big play Jaguars had touchdowns on the opening kickoff, a punt return, an interception, a loose fumble and a 55 yard touchdown strike from junior quarterback TK Paisant. Once in the open field, the athletic Jaguars are difficult to bring down.
The final game results were not as the Wildcat faithful would have hoped. However, little dampened the spirits of the great crowd as varsity football returned to their campus. Parents and faculty funded a pregame block party with food trucks, face painting, and assorted fun. Hundreds of fans participated and the student section was jammed full of fans that never sat down during the entire contest. Fans were so anxious to enter the stadium that many had to be chased out and forced back through the ticket office once it opened. Every positive play from their Wildcats was met with enthusiastic support. The Wildcat offense rewarded their faithful on the final play of the game when tailback #5 Kyree Singleton took a hand off from quarterback Anton Enoch in from 5 yards for a touchdown. The game was also the first game as a varsity head coach for the newly hired Coach Brian Nunn. Regardless of the final score the Wildcats have hit a home run with the hiring of Coach Nunn. Although on opposing sidelines, he and Carrboro Coach Ken Lathan share many of the same qualities. Given some time and patience the Wildcats could easily be looking at the same results as his cross town rival in two years.
The 97.9 The Hill broadcast crew was on hand to share in the festive occasion. Next week 97.9 The Hill will travel to County Stadium where the Northern Knights will host the Jordan Falcons. You can listen locally on 97.9 The Hill or stream from anywhere in the world on chapelboro.com.
Click the “Listen to the Broadcast” link below to hear the entire broadcast of the Carrboro Jaguars vs The East Chapel Hill Wildcats.
NC Sports Photography was not allowed field access to the game so the typical 100 photos or more was not possible. However, please enjoy a few from the great crowd at Wildcat Stadium last evening.
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