Staff report

KANNAPOLIS — A.L. Brown senior quarterback CJ Gray returned to action after missing the South Rowan game, and A.L. Brown beat Hickory Ridge 31-14 on Friday for a successful start to Greater Metro Conference action.

Hickory Ridge (0-5, 0-1) is winless, but the Bulls played an impossible early schedule, and the Wonders were only 6-point favorites. The Wonders (3-1, 1-0) are off to their best start in a while, but they had lost three straight seasons to the Bulls, so there was plenty for Wonder fans to be concerned about.

It was 7-7 at the half, with the Wonders’ only touchdown coming on a 1-yard plunge by Bryce Morgan.

When A.L.Brown defensive lineman Matai Grier intercepted a tipped pass, it set up a 5-yard TD run by Mekhi Herron for a 14-7 lead, but the Bulls came right back for 14-all.

Brian Rojo’s 41-yard field goal broke the 14-all tie and put the Wonders ahead to stay.

Masiah Bennermon’s 3-yard scoring run gave the Wonders a 17-point third quarter and a 24-14 lead.

Gray sealed the victory with a touchdown pass to Ja’Meer Langley with a little under five minutes remaining.

The Wonders rushed for 222 yards, with Herron carrying 17 times for 110 yards.

Gray was intercepted twice, but he threw for 109 yards and ran for 22.

Rojo kicked three PATs in addition to his key field goal.

Lake Norman on the road is next for the Wonders. The Wildcats (3-1) lost to Statesville but they have some quality wins and they’ll be coming off an open week.

Hickory Ridge is unlikely to right the ship next week, as the Bulls get Mooresville next.