A.L. Brown defeats Ashbrook in home opener, 28-6
Published 12:35 am Saturday, August 31, 2019
Dennis Davidson/Salisbury Post ... A.L. Brown linebacker Sam Calleja (51) breaks through the line to stop Ashbrook's Kendall Massey (42), during Friday night's high school football game in Kannapolis. A.L. Brown won, 28-6. August 30, 2019.
Dennis Davidson/Salisbury Post ... A.L. Brown linebacker Jaden Johnson (25) brings down an Ashbrook runner, during Friday night's high school football game in Kannapolis. A.L. Brown won, 28-6. August 30, 2019.
Dennis Davidson/Salisbury Post ... A.L. Brown defensive lineman Jatarius Mason (79) brings down an Ashbrook runner for loss, during Friday night's high school football game in Kannapolis. A.L. Brown won, 28-6. August 30, 2019.
Dennis Davidson/Salisbury Post ... A.L. Brown running back Todd Kennedy Jr. (28) runs through a big hole in the line, behind the blocking of Jatarius Mason (79) and Luke Stone (60) during Friday night's high school football game against Ashbrook, in Kannapolis. A.L. Brown won, 28-6. August 30, 2019.
Dennis Davidson/Salisbury Post ... A.L. Brown High School's cheerleading squad warms up on the newly installed field turf in Memorial Stadium, prior to Friday night's season opener against Ashbrook High School. August 30, 2019.
Staff report
KANNAPOLIS — A.L. Brown christened its new field turf playing surface with a 28-6 victory over Gastonia Ashbrook, here Friday night at Memorial Stadium.
The game was the season opener for both teams and it showed. The scoreless first quarter was filled with penalties and missed opportunities.
Brown’s Dezmond Adams blocked an Ashbrook punt in the opening quarter, in Greenwave territory, but the Wonders’ offense could not take advantage of the field position.
Brown quarterback Isaiah Black threw two first-half interceptions and the Greenwave cashed one in for a second-quarter touchdown and a 6-0 lead. The extra point snap was mishandled and the try failed.
In the final minute of the half, with Ashbrook threatening to extend its lead, Brown defensive lineman Xavier Jordan scooped up a fumble near midfield and rambled all the way to the Ashbrook 7-yard line. On the very next play, running back Jakhiry Bennett found the end zone, nearly untouched. The extra point was good and the Wonders led at halftime, 7-6.
In the second half, Brown took a 14-6 lead on Bennett’s second touchdown, and then, put the contest away with a 14-point fourth quarter.
Ashbrook had three more fumbles in the second half.
Bennett rushed 18 times for 175 yards.
Ashbrook accumulated 212 rushing yards.
The Wonders beat the Greenwave for the first time. Ashbrook had beaten Brown twice in playoff matchups.
Ashbrook returns home next week against East Lincoln (1-0), while A.L. Brown will take on Mooresville (1-1) on Sept. 13.
Gastonia Ashbrook 0 6 0 0 — 6
A.L. Brown 0 7 7 14 — 28
