Cohen Grissom carries for the touchdown in the third quarter. Grissom had 81 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the night. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
Eli Bell carries in the fourth quarter for the Rockets. Bell had 64 receiving yards in the game. (Post Photo by Kacy Kincaid)
By Kacy Kincaid
Sports Writer
CHAPEL HILL —Leaving much to be proud of, the Forrest Rockets’ (6-6, 3-1) resilient season came to a close Friday night at The Rock as they hosted the Monterey Wildcats (9-3, 3-2) in the first round of the 2A playoffs.
Monterey struck early, completing a 13-play drive with a 9-yard touchdown run by Luke Blaylock.
Darinel Hernandez added the extra point, putting the Wildcats up 7-0.
Both teams battled through the rest of the first half but struggled to break through, leaving the score at 7-0 heading into halftime.
The Wildcats came out strong in the second half, with Collin Fowler capping off another drive with a seven-yard touchdown run.
Hernandez’s kick extended Monterey’s lead to 14-0.
Forrest found momentum midway through the third quarter when quarterback Aiden Cantrell connected with Eli Bell on a 38-yard pass, moving the Rockets into Wildcat territory.
Cantrell followed with a keeper to move the chains, setting up Cohen Grissom’s 13-yard touchdown run, putting the Rockets on the board.
The Wildcats responded on their next possession, as Gavin Bowman powered through for a 10-yard touchdown.
Hernandez’s kick made it 21-7 in favor of Monterey.
As the third quarter ended, Grissom led the Rockets back into Wildcat territory.
Working in tandem with Bell over a series of plays, Grissom finally drove into the end zone for another six points.
With Isai Garcia’s extra point, Forrest narrowed the deficit to 21-14, with 9:50 left on the clock.
Monterey maintained their offensive pressure, and with 4:43 remaining, Fowler scored again.
Although Noah Helmick managed to block the extra point, the Rockets couldn’t capitalize on their final drive, ultimately falling 27-14.
Monterey 7 0 14 6 — 27
Forrest 0 0 7 7 — 14
First Quarter
M — Luke Blaylock 9 run (Darinel Hernandez kick), 5:29.
Third Quarter
M — Collin Fowler 7 run (Hernandez kick), 8:46.
F — Cohen Grissom 13 run (Isai Garcia kick), 5:14.
M — Gavin Bowman 10 run (Hernandez kick), 1:52.
F — Grissom 13 run (Garcia kick), 9:50.
M — Fowler 3 run (kick failed), 4:43.
