By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

MONROE— South Rowan senior quarterback Brooks Overcash had one of those nights in Friday’s opener — four interceptions — but he didn’t let that discourage him.

Overcash threw a deep strike to Marshal Faw for an 80-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that provided an exciting 21-17 South victory. The Raiders had to come back twice, but they prevailed on the road against Union Academy Charter.

“Too close for comfort, but our boys were awesome,” South head coach Chris Walsh said.

Union Academy QB Parker Frashier, who completed 20 passes for 220 yards, sparked the Cardinals to a 10-0 lead at halftime.

The game changed when South’s offensive line got freshman running back Jayden Arthur rolling in the second half. Arthur made a spectacular debut with 16 carries for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Arthur broke two scoring runs in the third quarter, as South charged to a 14-10 lead, but Frashier’s second TD pass of the night put Union Academy back in front 17-14.

Overcash’s long connection with Faw, a fast Catawba baseball commit, came with 10 minutes left and put the Raiders ahead to stay. It was the 26th touchdown pass for Overcash, a three-year starter.

South’s defense, led by 12 tackles apiece by linebacker Owen Smith and end Ashton Frampton, finished the job. Smith and Frampton were both credited with two tackles for loss.

South clinched the tense victory when Gavin Bisco forced a fumble in the final minute at the South 25 that was recovered by James Ritchie.

Frampton and Bryan Velasquez also had forced fumbles. Zach Barham had a fumble recovery. Velasquez and Brayden Mahaley had sacks.

Overcash was 7-for-13 for 161 passing yards, with about half of that coming on the big one to Faw.

Faw had three catches for 97 yards.

Jadon Moore had three catches for 55 yards. He also handled kickoffs and punts and kicked three PATs.

South Rowan is home against South Stanly this Friday.

South Stanly is coming off a 16-10 win against West Stanly, its first success in 10 years against the Colts.