Quarterback Micah Morgan readies his offense in Friday night’s game against Mt. Pleasant. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
By KACY KINCAID
Sports Writer
CHAPEL HILL — The Forrest Rockets (3-0) hosted the Mt. Pleasant Tigers (2-1) on Friday night at The Rock, the clash living up to the hype — even if it took two days to finish.
With storms and multiple lightning delays f
The Rocket defense made sure there was no gain for the Tigers on Saturday in the last 4:14. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
orcing the final 4:14 to be resumed on Saturday, Forrest held firm to secure a 24-21 victory in their home opener.
Forrest wasted no time setting the tone, marching 74 yards in just two plays to open the game.
Quincy Mitchell punched in the early touchdown at the 11:09 mark for a 7-0 lead, while Mt. Pleasant responded on its next drive, tying the game 7-7 with a one-yard run from Kaden McCrory.
In the second frame, as we’ve seen already this season, Micah Morgan’s poise at quarterback shone, while Mitchell unselfishly acted as a decoy to open up lanes.
Together, they engineered a drive that leaned on misdirection and tough carries before a Morgan touchdown dip from the two-yard line with 7:10 left in the half.
After a 94-yard kickoff return by McCrory pulled the Tigers even again, the Rockets answered with patience and focus.
Morgan, Mitchell, and the Rocket line pieced together a deliberate drive that ended with Mitchell’s short touchdown run, giving Forrest a 21-14 edge at halftime.
“They just focus on playing for each other,” said Forrest head coach Justin Palmer.
“Our team chemistry is really good right now, and that makes such a difference during tough times.”
The Tigers struck quickly after the break with a 60-yard dash from J.P. Easterling, knotting the score at 21-21.
But Forrest stayed composed.
A long drive ended with an Isai Garcia 26-yard field goal to retake the lead 24-21 late in the third.
Both defenses dug in during the fourth quarter as rain clouds loomed.
With 4:14 left, lightning brought a final stoppage.
The two teams returned Saturday evening to settle things.
The Tigers faced a 3rd-and-4 on the Rocket 46 when play resumed, but Forrest’s defense came up with the two big stops, Mt. Pleasant ultimately turning the ball over on downs, never picking up a gain.
Forrest found itself at midfield on third down.
In strategic fashion, the Rockets banked an offsides penalty from the defense, picking up the first down.
From there, the Rocket offense chewed up the clock before Morgan sealed the win with three kneel-downs.
“That was definitely a unique experience this weekend,” said Palmer. “I told the players it would be a story they tell the rest of their lives, so make sure they get to finish the story with ‘and after all that, we won the game.’ I am just so proud of how we were ready to go on Saturday. We had a great stop on defense and then our offense was able to ice the game. We had tremendous leadership and energy Saturday, and that was the difference.”
Forrest will look to go 4-0 on the season as they host East Hickman this Thursday.
Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Mt. Pleasant 7 7 7 0 -—21
Forrest 7 14 3 0 — 24
First Quarter
F — Quincy Mitchell 74 run (Isai Garcia kick), 11:09.
MP — Kaden McCrory 1 run (Case kick), 7:20.
Second Quarter
F— Micah Morgan 2 run (Garcia kick). 7:10.
MP — McCrory 94 kickoff return (Case kick), 6:50.
F — Mitchell 4 run (Garcia kick), 0:26.
Third Quarter
MP — J.P. Easterling 67 pass from Scott (Case kick), 11:39.
F — Garcia 26 field goal, 1:14.