Seniors gather with coaching staff Friday night after a dominant win over Cascade. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
By KACY KINCAID
Sports Writer
CHAPEL HILL — The Forrest Rockets (6-2, 2-1) powered past the Cascade Champions (3-4, 0-3) 50–20 on Friday night, highlighted by a milestone performance from sophomore running back Quincy Mitchell, who etched his name into school history, while also celebrating their dedicated seniors.
“It was a great night for our team and especially our seniors,” said Forrest head coach Justin Palmer.
“Our underclassmen get a lot of the attention on this team and deservedly so because they are super talented, but this senior group keeps us all together. They are resilient and just a great group of young men.”
Mitchell broke the Forrest High School regular season rushing record, surpassing the 1,948-yard mark set by Zach McClendon.
With another standout performance, Mitchell now sits at 1,963 yards, rewriting the program’s record books while leading the Rockets to another decisive victory.
Forrest set the tone early, using a steady mix of Mitchell carries and quarterback keepers from Micah Morgan to open the scoring.
Morgan capped the opening drive with a four-yard touchdown run, putting the Rockets ahead 7–0 late in the first quarter.
The Rockets’ defense consistently disrupted Cascade’s offense and forced key stops.
Early in the secon
Quincy Mitchell receives the game ball from former record holder Zach McClendon. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
d quarter, Forrest took advantage of a short field when Mitchell broke through for a 25-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14–0.
Moments later, Chandler Schnapp intercepted a Cascade pass, setting up another scoring opportunity.
Mitchell added his second touchdown of the night from eight yards out, and Isaac Cruse connected with Colton Matlock to convert the two-point try for a 22–0 lead.
Cascade briefly cut into the margin with a touchdown pass, but Mitchell responded instantly, this time breaking loose for another 68-yard scoring run.
The Rockets’ offense continued to roll as Morgan connected with Mitchell for a touchdown reception late in the half, giving Forrest a commanding 35–13 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Rockets didn’t slow down.
Mitchell punched in another score early in the third quarter, his fourth rushing touchdown, and Morgan added another quarterback keeper for a touchdown, widening the gap to 50–13.
Cascade managed a late touchdown in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets’ dominant effort had already secured the win.
Mitchell finished the evening with 331 yards.
“What a way to put the finishing touches on the night with Quincy Mitchell breaking the school single season rushing record,” said Palmer. “He has had a tremendous season and is just a special player. It’s awesome to see good kids who work hard achieve things like that.”
The Rockets will have a bye week before returning to action on October 24, when they travel to Giles County for a region matchup. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m.
Forrest 7 28 15 0 — 50
Cascade 0 13 0 7 — 20
First Quarter
F — Micah Morgan 4 run (Isai Garcia kick), 3:13.
Second Quarter
F — Quincy Mitchell 25 run (Garcia kick), 11:16.
F — Mitchell 8 run (Colton Matlock pass from Isaac Cruse), 7:52.
C — Corey Gooch 72 pass from Bradley (run failed), 7:33.
F — Mitchell 68 run (Garcia kick), 7:07.
C — Delante Clay 27 pass from Bradley (Gabe Perez-Rubio kick), 5:05.
F — Mitchell 34 pass from Morgan (kick blocked), 1:27.
Third Quarter
F — Mitchell 8 run (Braiden Bourne pass from Morgan), 10:54.
F — Morgan 9 run (Garcia kick), 0:16.
Fourth Quarter
C — Josh Cunningham 1 run (Perez-Rubio kick), 3:11.