Greene Central Makes History with 19-12 Homecoming Victory Over West Craven
SNOW HILL — On a brisk Homecoming night at Greene Central, the Rams made history, defeating West Craven for the first time ever in their eight-game series with a hard-fought 19-12 victory. With temperatures dipping into the low 50s, the packed stands were buzzing, and the Rams gave the community plenty to cheer about.
“We’ve been battling,” said Rams head coach Jay Wilson, whose passion was evident as he pumped up the crowd after the game. “Being down four games in a row, when things weren’t going our way, I told them two weeks ago how the next three weeks were going to happen, and we are two weeks in.”
The Rams, trailing 6-0 at halftime after West Craven’s Exavier Cuthbertson broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown, responded with a second-half surge. Cuthbertson finished with 80 yards on six carries, but Greene Central’s defense clamped down when it mattered most.
Late in the third quarter, after Donovan Hall’s pivotal fumble recovery near the red zone, Greene Central's offense orchestrated a methodical 70-yard drive that chewed up nearly seven minutes of the clock. The drive was capped off when quarterback Josh Cetner found 6-foot-4, 215-pound tight end Jason “Deuce” Wilson in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown strike, putting the Rams ahead 19-12. Cetner’s poise under pressure helped seal the win, and the Rams’ defense held on to secure the victory.
"That drive was huge," Wilson said. "We needed to take control of the game, and the guys did just that. We wore them down, and Deuce made a great play when we needed it."
The Rams’ defense continued to shine in the closing moments, stopping West Craven’s offense and ensuring Greene Central’s first-ever victory over the Eagles.
"We had guys like Mike [Suggs] and Tyler [Williams] stepping up on both sides of the ball," said Wilson. "Big Dre [Garrett] came back from his knee injury, and everyone contributed at the right moment. It was a team effort all the way around."
Offensively, Greene Central amassed 281 total yards, with 219 coming on the ground. Running back Mike Suggs Jr. was the workhorse, rushing 19 times for 166 yards and a touchdown. Reggie Sutton added 36 yards on eight carries, while Garrett chipped in with 19 yards and a touchdown on four carries.
“It feels great,” Suggs said. “To come out and get this win, it’s a perfect feeling. I really give props to my O-line; they gave me the holes, and I was just hitting 'em.”
Quarterback Josh Cetner was efficient, completing 8-of-14 passes for 62 yards, including the game-changing touchdown to Wilson. Despite West Craven's defense forcing him to scramble at times, Cetner stayed composed, adding to his solid performance.
After a scoreless first quarter, West Craven took the lead just before halftime with Cuthbertson’s 55-yard run. However, Greene Central regrouped in the second half, with Suggs and Garrett each finding the end zone to keep the Rams in the game. West Craven added a late touchdown to narrow the gap to 19-12, but the Rams' defense held strong.
Tyler Williams was a force on defense, registering two sacks, while Hall’s fumble recovery in the third quarter was pivotal to Greene Central's comeback.
“This means so much to me,” Wilson said of the win. “It put us back where we want to be. It puts the guys in great position for a playoff run, and for them to be a part of the first team to take down West Craven — they’re a part of history.”
West Craven, which had spoiled Greene Central’s hopes in previous seasons, looked poised to do the same again, but the Rams were not to be denied. Wilson, with a smile on his face and fire in his eyes, acknowledged how the victory was not just a win in the standings but a monumental moment for the program.
Greene Central now turns its attention to next week’s crucial conference showdown against long-time rival Farmville Central.
“I don’t even have to say the name,” Wilson said, referring to their upcoming opponent. “It speaks for itself. We’re on a two-game win streak, and they’re coming off a bye. They’re going to bring all their weapons and try to use us to get back on track for their playoff run, but we just have to keep doing what we’re doing.”
With their backs against the wall, the Rams have responded, and as they head into the final stretch of the season, the belief in Snow Hill is palpable.
"We’ve got to go 3-0 in these last games and put ourselves in great position,” Wilson said.
For Greene Central, it was a night to remember, not just for Homecoming, but for history. And in the cold night air, the Rams left no doubt that they’re ready for the challenges ahead.
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