Staff report

LEXINGTON — North Rowan’s defense was outstanding on Friday, but the Cavaliers lost 14-8 to Lexington in a non-conference game played at Philpott Stadium.

How outstanding was North’s defense ? Lexington didn’t make a first down in the second half.

Still, North (0-3) saw its six-game winning streak against Lexington (1-1) come to an end.

Lexington, now led by long-time Davie coach Devore Holman, beat the Cavaliers for the first time since 2010.

That 2010 season, when North opened with losses to East Rowan, Carson and Lexington, was the last time North football struggled to an 0-3 start. That 2010 team was able to turn things around enough to make the state playoffs and finished 6-6.

Lexington scored first through the air and tacked on a 2-point conversion for an 8-0 lead.

North put up its first offensive touchdown of the season late in the first quarter on a 58-yard scoring pass by Kaleb Burleyson to James Gladden, but the 2-point conversion try failed.

Ty’Rek McNeair threw two first-half touchdown passes for the Yellow Jackets. The second one provided a 14-6 halftime lead.

The only points of the second half came when North’s defense registered a safety with 7:51 left to play. North had the ball numerous times in Lexington territory in the second half, but couldn’t cash in.

Rahmel Ewart had two interceptions for Lexington.

North back Malcolm Wilson rushed 21 times for 63 yards and caught four passes for 46 yards. He passed for 20 yards and accumulated 52 return yards.

North managed only 59 net rushing yards.

Burleyson passed for 128 yards.  Gladden, Denerio Robinson and Chase Shoaf had two receptions each.

Jaharion Graham punted well for the Cavaliers, averaging 41.2 yards on five boots.

North hosts Carson (1-2) next week, while Lexington plays a Central Carolina Conference game at Central Davidson (2-0).