Written By: JMF
Both the East Carter Raiders and the Russell Red Devils were on 4-game winning streaks. Both were undefeated in district play and the winner would prevail as the Class 3A, District 6 champions. The Raiders first win at Russell’s Henry R. Evans Stadium would come in dramatic fashion. Landon Yoak would put the Raiders on his back and would carry them to a 28-21 victory.
Neither team would score in the 1st quarter. Russell would strike first on a 1-yard Ethan Pack touchdown run. After Ben Totten would kick through the extra point, the Red Devils had the early 7-0 lead.
East Carter would then drive the ball. At the 9:33 mark, Landon Yoak would get the 1st of his 3 rushing touchdowns. Yoak would punch it in from 16 yards out and after Ryan Carter kicked in the extra point, the score was tied at 7.
Russell would find the end zone once again in the 2nd quarter. This time Pack would once again run in a 1-yard touchdown run. After the successful PAT, the Red Devils would lead 14-7.
East Carter would strike in the 3rd quarter. Once again, they would hand the ball to Yoak. This time he would punch it in from 1 yard out and after the successful PAT, the game was tied at 14.
Russell would reclaim the lead on a 16-yard touchdown run by Pack. After Totten successfully kicked the PAT, the Red Devils jumped back in front 21-14. With 1:27 remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Raiders would tie the game at 21. Ryland Pfau would break free for a 75-yard touchdown run.
With the game tied 21-21, East Carter would find a way to win. The Raiders were facing a 4th and 13 on the Red Devils’ 31-yard line. With just a little over 1 minute remaining, the Raiders placed the ball in their QB, Quentin Johnson’s hands. He would connect with Michael Hall for a 21-yard pass and a 1st down.
Landon Yoak would once again go to work for the Raiders. With just 21 seconds remaining, Yoak, with all of East Carter on his back, would cross over the goal line for a 1-yard winning touchdown. The sophomore would will and lead his team to the win and the district championship.
The Red Devils were led by QB, Ethan Pack. Pack completed 6 of 15 passes for 168 yards. Pack also ran the ball 21 times for 126 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Caden Pennington had 3 receptions for 116 yards in the loss.
The Raiders ran 48 plays of offense. They only attempted 8 passes and completed 4 of those. They ran the ball 44 times for 316 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns.
Landon Yoak would have 36 of those carries for 206 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. Ryland Pfau had 4 carries for 87 yards and 1 touchdown.
Russell (6-4) has a bye week and turns their attention to the playoffs.
East Carter (7-2) will host Martin County this coming Friday, Oct. 27th. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
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