Tigers lose playoff opener in OT

MIKE DUPREZ

Randolph Hub

Providence Grove made history by recording its first-ever state playoff win. Meanwhile, Randleman suffered a heartbreaking loss and Blake Brewer resigned as Asheboro’s coach. Here’s a look at what happened last week.

PROVIDENCE GROVE 48, MCMICHAEL 14

Zane Cheek ran 13 times for 176 yards and 3 touchdowns as the 17th-seeded Patriots scored a resounding win over 16th-seed McMichael.

Zander Cheek equalled his twin brother by running for a pair of touchdowns and catching a touchdown pass from Andrew Canter. The Patriot quarterback was 9-of-11 for 157 yards.

The Patriots had 445 total yards.

Tucker Batten was a perfect 6-of-6 on extra points and made two short-range field goals.

Brady Collins led the defense with 15 tackles. Chase Whitaker made 12 tackles and recorded a sack.

Providence Grove led 31-6 at halftime. The Patriots (8-3) are at No. 1 Reidsville for the second round.

LINCOLNTON 37, RANDLEMAN 36 (OT)

Amarion Moton had 170 yards and 5 touchdowns on 28 carries but it wasn’t quite enough for the Tigers.

Randleman (7-4) had taken a 36-29 lead in overtime but the Wolves scored on a 22-yard touchdown pass and added a two-point conversion run.

Tigers quarterback Christian Long was 11-of-19 for 101 yards with an interception. Long ran 14 times for 87 yards.

Lincolnton (6-5) amassed 355 yards rushing.

BREWER RESIGNS

Blake Brewer resigned as Asheboro’s football coach after going 2-25 in three seasons. The Blue Comets were 1-9 in 2022.

A 2007 graduate of Asheboro and former Blue Comets quarterback, Brewer has been on the faculty and staff since 2013. He became head coach in 2020.

The school has launched a search for a new coach.

EASTERN RANDOLPH IDLE

As the No. 1 seed in the 1-A West, Eastern Randolph had a bye in the first round of the state playoffs. The Wildcats (9-1) will host No. 17 Mountain Heritage (5-6) in the second round in Ramseur Friday night.