Mount Airy ends Wildcats’ state title quest

MIKE DUPREZ

Randolph Hub

RAMSEUR – Eastern Randolph led early but couldn't sustain it as the top-seeded Wildcats fell 35-17 to No. 4 Mount Airy in the fourth round of the 1-A state playoffs on Friday at Burton Cates Stadium.

The Wildcats (11-2) led 10-0 in the second quarter after a 27-yard touchdown run by Devonte Brooks and a 23-yard field goal by Yane Jaimes.

Mount Airy, however, responded with a powerful ground game. The Granite Bears rushed for over 300 yards. Taylor Mason led the way with 194 yards and 3 touchdowns. Caleb Reid had 141 yards and a touchdown.

Reid’s 26-yard touchdown run got Mount Airy on the board. The Granite Bears led 14-10 at halftime when Landon Gallimore threw a touchdown pass to Walker Stroup.

The Wildcats regained the lead in the third quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by Brooks.

Mount Airy went back in front for good on Mason’s 50-yard touchdown run. The Granite Bears extended their lead to 28-17 on Deric Dandy's 67-yard touchdown run. Mason got Mount Airy’s third touchdown of the fourth quarter on an 18-yard run.

Eastern Randolph quarterback Stratton Barwick was held to 89 yards passing, completing 6 of 17 attempts. Brooks finished with 69 yards rushing and caught 2 passes for 42 yards. Ervodd Cassady led Eastern Randolph with 73 yards rushing.

Mount Airy (13-1) will play Draughn for the Western Regional championship Friday.