NC Cape Fear High School Football Playoffs in Jacksonville 2024

V. Lee Spruill III
| Corresponding

JACKSONVILLE — Thanksgiving weekend football delivered an exciting showdown as the Jacksonville Cardinals (11-1) defeated the Cape Fear Colts (11-2) 28-14 in the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs 3A Friday.

Both teams brought their ground and pound styles of play, but it was Jacksonville’s ability to capitalize that sealed the victory.

The Cardinals won the coin toss and deferred, giving the Colts the first opportunity. Kamari Faison set the tone for Cape Fear with a good return to midfield, but their first drive stopped at the Jacksonville 29-yard line on a failed fourth-and-1 attempt.

Jacksonville immediately drove into Colts territory on its first play from scrimmage, using the powerful offensive option to march to the 15-yard line. However, the Cape Fear defense stiffened, forcing a fumble to end the Cardinals’ promising drive.

The Colts responded with a steady second drive, but were derailed by an interception at the Jacksonville 34-yard line. The Cardinals made them pay soon after. With 11:03 left in the first half, UNC signee Jacksonville Demon running back June scored on a fourth-and-inch play from the 1, giving the Cardinals a 7-0 lead.

Cape Fear responded with determined determination, leaning on quarterback Geronimo Sanchez and running back King Faison. A long pass from Sanchez to Chosen Wynn set up Faison for a 10-yard touchdown run to tie the score at 7-7 with 8:02 left in the half.

The Cardinals’ offense picked up momentum late in the half. Wide receiver Rashawn Echols made key plays, helping Jacksonville get into the red zone. With just over two minutes left, June again rushed in from the 2-yard line for his second touchdown, giving the Cardinals a 14-7 halftime lead.

Cape Fear struck quickly to open the second half. June lost one of his four fumbles (three lost) on Jacksonville’s first play, and the Colts recovered at the Cardinals’ 22-yard line. Two quick passes to Wynn, including a 15-yard touchdown, brought the game tied at 14.

Turnovers continued to play a role. June fumbled again but the Colts couldn’t take advantage, as Sanchez threw a costly interception that was returned to the Cape Fear 10-yard line. June then redeemed himself with a 6-yard touchdown run, giving Jacksonville a 21-14 lead late in the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, the Cardinals fumbled again, but the Cape Fear offense faltered and was forced to punt. Jacksonville’s Eric Griffin delivered the play of the night, breaking free for a 60-yard run to the Cape Fear 20-yard line. Two plays later, quarterback Amare Dorsey ran seven yards for a touchdown, extending the lead to 28-14 with less than five minutes to play.

The Colts fought until the end, with Dy’lan Parker providing a spark on a big kickoff return. However, the Jacksonville defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs on the penultimate drive and sealing the game with an interception with 1:16 remaining.

Both teams struggled to protect the ball, combining for several turnovers caused by tough, physical defenses. Even though Cape Fear’s season ended, it was still a successful campaign for the Colts, who advanced deep into the playoffs and demonstrated their resilience against a powerful opponent. Jacksonville, meanwhile, took advantage of key opportunities and advanced to the fourth round to face top-seeded Havelock.