Isaac Cruse carries for the Rockets. Cruse had one touchdown reception in the second half. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
By KACY KINCAID
Sports Writer
CHAPEL HILL — Just two years ago, the Cascade Champions (1-5, 0-1) dominated the Forrest Rockets (5-1, 2-0) with a 49-0 shutout.
But on a soggy Friday night at “The Rock,” the Rockets flipped the script in this Region 4-2A matchup, cruising to a 48-0 win over the Champions.
The first half was largely uneventful, with Cascade struggling to even cross into Rocket territory.
It took nearly 10 minutes for the deadlock to break, when Quincy Mitchell sprinted for a 38-yard touchdown to put Forrest on the board.
Although the PAT was missed, the Rockets carried a 6-0 lead into the second quarter.
Mitchell struck again five minutes before halftime, powering through from the 2-yard line for another touchdown. Despite a failed 2-point conversion, Forrest entered the break with a 12-0 advantage.
Then, the third quarter saw Forrest unleash.
Starting from their own 43, Aiden Cantrell connected with Branham Haynes for a 27-yard gain.
Mitchell followed with a pair of 15-yard runs, capping off the drive with another touchdown just 10 seconds into the quarter.
With Isai Garcia’s successful kick, Forrest extended their lead to 19-0.
Cascade couldn’t respond, and Forrest capitalized on the Champions’ 40-yard line.
Mitchell once again led the charge, setting up a 27-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Hill to Isaac Cruse.
Garcia’s extra point mad
Aiden Cantrell hands off to Quincy Mitchell. Mitchell carried for 205 yards on the evening. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
e it 26-0.
Cascade finally found its way into Rocket territory on their next drive, reaching the Forrest 33.
However, an interception by Mitchell ended their hopes.
Forrest made the most of the turnover, with Mitchell driving the ball deep into Cascade territory.
Cantrell then finished the job, scoring from 15 yards out with just over two minutes left in the third quarter, extending the lead to 33-0.
The bad luck continued for Cascade in the fourth quarter.
Pinned deep in their own territory, they were forced to concede a safety, pushing the score to 35-0.
On the ensuing drive, Cohen Grissom led the Rockets into Cascade’s half, with Jason Patrick finishing the march with a 25-yard touchdown.
Garcia’s kick made it 42-0.
Cascade couldn’t muster a response on their final possession, and Forrest wasn’t done yet.
A fumbled punt by Cascade set the Rockets up at their own 22-yard line.
On the very next play, Micah Morgan went on a 78-yard touchdown trek as time expired, sealing a commanding 48-0 win for Forrest.
The Rockets now turn their attention to Homecoming as they host the Gordonsville Tigers this Friday, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
Forrest 6 6 21 15 — 48
Cascade 0 0 0 0 — 0
First Quarter
F — Quincy Mitchell 38 run (kick failed), 2:50.
Second Quarter
F — Mitchell 2 run (run failed), 5:00.
Third Quarter
F — Mitchell 15 run (Isai Garcia kick), 10:38.
F — Isaac Cruse 27 pass from Ryan Hill (Garcia kick), 6:28.
F — Aiden Cantrell 15 run (Garcia kick), 2:12.
Fourth Quarter
F — Safety, 11:30
F — Jason Patrick 25 run (Garcia kick), 7:36.
F — Micah Morgan 78 run, 0:00.
