Harlem shut out Cross Creek 48-0 on Friday, Oct. 1, at the Bulldogs’ home stadium.
It was 71 degrees and clear skies at Harlem’s Homecoming night.
The Bulldogs drove downfield on their first drive and scored on a short pass from quarterback Ryan Newman to wide receiver Holden Rippe for a touchdown. Kicker Brett Sterner added the extra point to make the score 7-0 with 8:32 remaining in the first quarter.
After Cross Creek went three and out on their second drive, Harlem got all the way to the Razorbacks 22-yard line but came up short on 4th and 1, turning the ball over.
Late in the first quarter, the Bulldogs converted on an opportunity to score with a 2-yard touchdown run by running back Jason Williams. Sterner made the extra point to put the Bulldogs ahead 14-0 after one quarter.
Harlem continued to roll in the second quarter with another touchdown pass by Newman to wide receiver Jordan Bowers for the 23-yard score.
The Razorbacks’ first play on their next offensive drive would end in an interception by defensive back Trevon Toon for a 19-yard touchdown for the Bulldogs. Sterner added the extra point to make the score 28-0 with 7:47 remaining in the second quarter.
Cross Creek struggled in the second quarter with turnovers and bad special teams play, consistently giving Harlem good field position.
Running back Jacorious Boyd ran for his first touchdown of the game with a 26-yard score. Williams also added his second touchdown of the game on a 4-yard run with 3:15 remaining in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs scored a total of four touchdowns in the second quarter and led at halftime 42-0.
Due to the lopsided score, officials at the stadium decided to let the clock continue to run throughout the second half. Harlem added another touchdown on the final of play game on a run by Jordan Davis, ending the game 48-0.
Cross Creek was held scoreless, only getting in the red zone one time in the game.
Harlem’s (4-2) next game is on the road at Burke County (3-1) next Friday, Oct. 8. Cross Creek (1-5) will be at home next Friday against Thomson (5-0).
Chris Rickerson is a Sports Contributor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at CRICKERSON@augusta.edu.
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