North Carolina Football Association (NCFA)

It wasn't a pretty win, but it was the kind of game that Gastonia seemed to consistently lose last season and so the Pirates and their fans are happy.  Darrell Sparks continued to play good ball going 21/36 for 182yds and 1Int, but the passing game was kept under wraps the entire day.  James Carter also had a solid game 87yds on 27 carries, but again he was never able to break the game open.  In the end the key to the Gastonia offense was their defense and kicking game.  Marco Quinlinn would end the game 4/5 on field goals, the other 2 points would come from a safety.  The defense, especially the defensive backs played a great game.  Kokotan was under pressure, but the coverage was fantastic only breaking down on the one scoring drive late in the game.  Robert Blackwell was the big standout of the game with 3 tackles, 1 knockdown, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble.  If the Pirates continue to play well balanced ball like this they may find themselves back in the playoffs.

Robert Walker will have some thinking to do after such a weak start.  Last week Greensboro just seemed to give the game away, especially as they had to watch time run out at the end of the game sitting on the Twins 3yd line.  This week their defense played a very good game, but their offense was incredibly bad, especially Bradford Kokotan 14/31 for 141yds 1TD 2Ints.  Turnovers and penalties added to the poor passing game and the Patriots defense had to watch as the offense struggled to do anything right.  The defense on the other hand played a great game, forcing turnovers and keeping the score down so that the game was never out of reach.  Bob Hard and Matt Galbreath lead the team.  Hard had 7 tackles and 4 knockdowns, Galbreath had 7 tackles, 1 knockdown, and 1 interception.  He also had a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown, but the play was called back and Gastonia retained posession on a personal foul penalty called on Galbreath.  It was one of those game for the Patriots. 

Gastonia hosts Charlotte next week, while Greensboro has to travel to Kinston.

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