MOUNT HOLLY, N.C. — The second week of the travel 7-on-7 football season saw two of Richmond County’s teams in action at Mountain Island Charter School on Saturday.
Raider Elite’s 13U and 10U teams each played one game, with the older crew earning a win. The 10U team finished the day with a tie.
13U uses “height and athleticism” to beat Mount Holly
A week after splitting its opening week games, coach John Carter’s 13U football team earned a 27-11 win over host Mount Holly.
“We had a really great day,” Carter said. “I think we are really starting to gel as a team. Offensively, our deep ball is a problem for other teams with our height and athleticism on the outside with Travion Smith and Johnny Holmes. Both had a great game.
“Our defensive coaches really taught Cover 2 this week at practice and it paid off,” he added. “It’s everyone’s first time playing 7-on-7 and we are starting to understand the game a lot better.”
Carter said Gabriel Maxwell “played a big factor” on offense and defense, and that quarterback Dillon Veach is “improving every week” and he had several big throws, touchdowns and played safety on defense.
Keonta Pegues and Harlee Williams were responsible for the team’s receiving touchdowns.
Next week, the 13U team will travel to Fayetteville and play the Fayetteville Guard on Saturday. The team has a 2-1 overall record.
10U ties QC Seminoles
Also in action was the 10U squad, which tied the QC Seminoles 15-15. Through three games this season, the team has a 2-0-1 record.
“Our defense had a shutout until the final second of the game,” coach Mike Littles said. “We only allowed one first down and a hail mary that ended the game in a tie. We wanted to go into overtime but our opponent didn’t.
“We were pretty happy with our guys’ performance,” he added. “There was one mental slip up during the end of the game that determined the outcome.”
Quarterback Demarion Allen had two touchdown passes in the game, one each to Josiah Gilbert and Josh Small. Mikyi Littles had three catches and Krishawn Smith added two receptions.
Kerick Hairston Jr. had a “big interception” on defense. The 10U team will also return to action next weekend in Fayetteville.
