Patriots bounce back with impressive 49-26 victory

Written by: Ryan Pittman

The Arendell Parrott Academy Patriots took to the field on Friday night against the Northwest Halifax Vikings. Coming off a 47-0 loss to Harrells Christian Academy, it was evident from the start that Head Coach Matt Beamen had his team well-prepared for their non-conference showdown.

The Patriots scored seven touchdowns—two through the air and five on the ground. They were led offensively by No. 5 Jaylen Solomon, who scored four touchdowns, including the first three of the game. Solomon racked up 136 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries, while also recording four catches for 118 yards and two more scores. Coach Beamen had high praise for Solomon and the rest of the team, and Solomon in turn praised his offensive line for their blocking and gap creation.

Beamen emphasized that his team was able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, something they struggled with last week against Harrells. Quarterback No. 9 Caleb Sanderson was steady in the pocket, going 8-for-16 for 139 yards and two touchdowns.

Solomon wasn’t the only Patriot running back to find the end zone. No. 54 Mason Mooring rushed for 62 yards on eight carries, including two touchdowns, and No. 21 Mixon Cade also had eight carries for 60 yards and a score.

This game marked the second of three games in which the Patriots are playing 11-man football instead of their usual eight-man format. They will look to continue improving as they host Wake Christian Academy next week, a team they defeated 44-28 last year.

There’s a lot of football left this season for the Patriots, but many fans and supporters remember last year’s trajectory: a shutout loss to Harrells followed by a state championship win. Will history repeat itself? Only time will tell.