Southwestern Randolph, Randleman make history

By MIKE DUPREZ

Randolp Hub

The 2022 high school football season opened Friday, with Southwestern Randolph and Randleman making history. Let's take a look at what happened.

Southwestern Randolph 62, Jordan-Matthews 13

The Cougars set school records for points and touchdowns (9) as they picked up from where they left off following their successful 2021 season. They did so even while having to replace an all-conference quarterback.

Adam Cole ran for 116 yards and two touchdowns and caught a scoring pass from new quarterback Easton Clapp. Previously a running back, Clapp was 8-of-14 for 124 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

Eli Gravely caught Clapp’s other touchdown pass, Carson Norris returned a fumble 18 yards for a touchdown, Asher Perkins ran 40 yards for a touchdown and Colton Law had a rushing touchdown. Perkins made eight extra point kicks.

The Cougars scored on every possession except for a series of kneel-downs at the very end.

Randleman 24, Asheboro 0

In what they hope will be a bounce back season from a rare down year, the Tigers record their first-ever shutout of Asheboro.

Randleman won the battle in the trenches by rushing for 191 yards. Christian Long, Amarion Morton and Micah Thurston each ran for a touchdown and Christian McCloud kicked a 25-yard field goal.

The host Blue Comets lost their 10th consecutive game.

Trinity 52, Chatham Central 0

Junior quarterback Dominic Payne threw for three touchdowns and ran for another as the Bulldogs opened the season with a rout. Payne had 91 yards rushing and was 4-of-8 for 115 yards through the air.

The Bulldogs had 368 yards total offense.

Bo Gibson ran for 82 yards and a touchdown while Dylan Hodges had 69 yards rushing, had a rushing touchdown and caught a scoring pass. Chance Grogan ran for a touchdown and was 6-of-6 on extra point kicks. Brandon Campbell and Xavier Horton caught a touchdown pass.

Providence Grove 31, East Davidson 14

Providence Grove is also having to replace an all-conference quarterback and week one went fine for the Patriots.

New quarterback Andrew Cantor was 9-of-14 for 165 yards and two touchdowns as the Patriots had 302 yards total offense. Zander Cheek caught 4 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 62 yards and a touchdown. 

Zane Cheek ran for 63 yards and a touchdown. He also had an interception on defense. Chase Whitaker and Karson Bowman each made 12 tackles. Tucker Batten kicked a 31-yard field goal.

West Davidson 27, Wheatmore 21

Jon Kelly ran for 135 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 16 carries in the Warriors’ season-opening loss. Danny Craig Jr. caught a touchdown pass from Riley Strickland, who was intercepted three times.

Ethan Roberts had 7 tackles and snagged an interception. Andrew Morris led the Warriors with eight tackles. Ashtin Bennett also had seven tackles.

Eastern Alamance 42, Eastern Randolph 28

The Wildcats were even with their powerful 3-A opponent in the first quarter but couldn't keep the pace.

Quarterback Stratton Barwick was 17-of-27 for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Nicah Taylor caught 6 of those passes for 136 yards and both touchdowns. DJ Thomas had 4 catches for 76 yards.