Carolina Gridiron Game of the Week - Postgame Wrap-Up

Lincolnton, NC
December 3, 2010

It was a cold night at Lincolnton's Von Ray Harris Field. The Lincolnton Wolves were hosting the Carver Yellow Jackets in the 2A Western Regional Final. A capacity crowd was on hand to witness a great game between two teams with different styles. Lincolnton's ball control pounding offense taking on Carver's lighning fast attack.

Both teams trades shots throughout the game with each team answering each other with scores and big defensive stops. Only a botched PAT kept Lincolnton from tying the game before the half. Carver began the 3rd quarter with a 14-13 lead and the ball. After a Lincolnton stop, Carver was able to take advantage of a Wolves turnover and returned an interception for a touchdown. The teams entered the final quarter with a 21-13 Carver advantage. Lincolnton was able to maintain a drive on Carver, converting twice on 4th down to score another TD, but holding was called on the 2 point conversion and the Wolves were forced to kick the PAT. Carver returned the favor and drove down for another score. A personal foul on Carver moved the PAT try back 15 yards and the kick was blocked resulting in a 27-20 Carver lead. Lincolnton then answered the Carver score with one of their own tying the game at 27 all. Not wanting to be left out, Carver converted on their own 4th down play in a drive to take a 34-27 lead. On the ensuing position, a Lincolnton fumble gave the Yellow Jackets excellent field position. Carver took advantage of the turnover and scored on the next play resulting in the final score of Carver 41 Lincolnton 27.

Carolina Gridiron was able to speak with both of the coaches after the game. Yellow Jacket coach Melvin Palmer stated that "our kids stayed focused and made some outstanding plays." On what he felt was the turning point of the second half, "our offense was able to finally break free on a few plays." Palmer went on to say his team was excited for his team to be playing for a state championship in their hometown at BB&T Field.

"We couldn't make a stop when we needed to," Lincolnton coach Scott Cloninger commented after the game. "They were just the better team tonight...our kids have nothing to hang their heads about. If you had told me we would win 14 straight games this season a few months ago I would have taken it."

This is the second straight week Carver has has surprised Carolina Gridiron with winning in the Game of the Week. The Yellow Jackets face the undefeated Tarboro Vikings in next week's 2A state championship game in Winston-Salem. After viewing Carver last night, this team definitely has a really good chance to win next week and celebrate their 3rd title in 13 years.