HCA took on rival Davidson Day Patriots Friday night at home, coming off an unusual loss the previous week.

After a 2 hour, 20 minute weather delay at Red Springs High School, head coach Mike Brill told officials he was not going to put his players at risk, therefore having to forfeit the game. HCA’s luck wasn’t any better Friday, as Davidson Day ran away with game 53-0.

HCA’s offense was completely shut down by Davidson Day, and their defense was no match for the Patriots’ passing game. Davidson Day has won three NCISAA 2A state titles in four years, and are once again excellent this season. As for the Crusaders, emotions ran high throughout the night as they played in honor of former student athlete Will Johnson, who died on the field 15 years ago last week.

Davidson Day received the kickoff and immediately drove down the field, but HCA’s defense was able to hold the Patriots to just a field goal. Costly penalties in the red zone cost Davidson Day two touchdowns in the first, but they were able to get one to make the score 10-0 by the time the quarter ended. HCA had a small drive going as the second quarter began, but were unable to make anything of it, giving the ball back to the Patriots. Unfortunately for the Crusaders, Davidson Day’s explosive offense found its rhythm by scoring off a 32-yard touchdown pass with 7:17 left in the half.

Overall, the Patriots scored 15 points in the second quarter, giving them a 25-0 lead at halftime.

After a lengthy delay due to lightning, the second half finally got underway. In between multiple disappointing drives for HCA, the Patriots increased their lead to 32-0, scoring touchdowns at the 6:04 minute and 49 second marks in the third quarter. The Patriots later tacked on another touchdown with 10:06 left in the game, following that up a few minutes later with another score, ultimately running away with a 53-0 blowout.

HCA was shutout for the second time this season, and only had 51 total yards on offense.

Marcus Scarborough was the Crusaders’ leading rusher with 27 yards. Scarborough’s brother Tyshii had the longest reception of the night, catching a 13-yard pass from quarterback Gray Fussell. Davidson Day had an outstanding 288 yards through the air Friday night. Despite the Patriots’ 398 yards of total offense, HCA’s Nathan Casteen and Marcellos Allison both had solid games defensively, combining for seven tackles.

The Crusaders are now 1-3 on the season, and will close out non-conference play against South Robeson at home next week.

By Connor Holland

Sports Writer

Davidson Day gets a few yards on the ground against rivals Harrells Christian during Friday night’s game in Harrells, a lopsided 53-0 victory for the visiting Patriots. Most of the damage was done with the passing game, though, as Davidson Day amassed 288 of their 398 total yards through the air.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_HCA.jpgDavidson Day gets a few yards on the ground against rivals Harrells Christian during Friday night’s game in Harrells, a lopsided 53-0 victory for the visiting Patriots. Most of the damage was done with the passing game, though, as Davidson Day amassed 288 of their 398 total yards through the air.