Rosewood Rolls Past Pamlico County 36-16 to Advance to Second Round of 2A State Playoffs
Written by Chris Radford
GOLDSBORO - The Rosewood Eagles are moving on.
Rosewood put together an impressive second-half performance Thursday night, defeating Pamlico County 36-16 in the first round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 2A state football playoffs.
After falling behind 8-0 early, the Eagles rallied to score 36 points and secure a 20-point victory. Rosewood advances to the second round and will travel to face Tarboro next Friday.
Pamlico County strikes first
The Hurricanes opened the contest with the football and quickly reached the scoreboard, putting together a 62-yard drive for a touchdown and a successful conversion to take an 8-0 lead.
Rosewood answered on its first possession with a 32-yard run by Elijah Parker, but quarterback Connor Smith threw an interception, returning possession to Pamlico County.
The Eagles’ defense responded. Myles Smith recorded a sack and another tackle for loss to help force a turnover on downs.
Rosewood took over at the Pamlico County 12-yard line. Parker carried the ball 10 yards before fumbling in the end zone, where Joseph Reece recovered the loose ball for an Eagles touchdown. The extra point was good, cutting the Hurricanes’ lead to 8-7.
Eagles take control before halftime
Rosewood’s defense continued to make plays, with Myles Smith, Michael Vaughn and Emmanuel Pineda contributing tackles for loss and sacks.
Following another defensive stop, the Eagles took possession in Pamlico County territory. Zamarrian Richardson gained 10 yards on the ground, followed by a 5-yard run from Parker.
Rosewood then took the lead when Connor Smith connected with Parker for a 35-yard touchdown pass. The Eagles carried a 15-8 advantage into halftime after their defense forced another three-and-out late in the half.
Smith and Parker connect again
Rosewood opened the second half with the football at its own 48-yard line. Smith connected with Pineda for a 16-yard gain before the Eagles continued working downfield.
The big play came when Smith found Parker for a 42-yard touchdown pass. The extra point extended Rosewood’s lead to 22-8.
Pamlico County threatened to answer with a 50-yard run to the Rosewood 1-yard line, but the Hurricanes fumbled on the next play. The Eagles recovered at their own 2, and Parker helped them out of trouble with runs of 9 and 12 yards.
Rosewood then delivered another explosive play. Smith connected with Jaylin Cooper for an 84-yard touchdown pass, and the successful extra point pushed the lead to 29-8 with 6:59 remaining in the third quarter.
The Hurricanes later moved into Rosewood territory but could not capitalize. Pineda recorded a key sack to help force another turnover on downs.
Richardson delivers another big play
Rosewood continued its offensive production in the fourth quarter.
After the Eagles’ defense forced another turnover on downs, Richardson broke loose for a 63-yard touchdown run. The extra point made it 36-8 with 8:25 remaining.
Pamlico County added a safety and a late touchdown with 53 seconds remaining. The extra-point attempt following the touchdown was unsuccessful, and Rosewood closed out the 36-16 victory.
Smith accounts for three touchdown passes
Connor Smith finished with three touchdown passes: a 35-yard score and a 42-yard score to Parker, plus an 84-yard strike to Cooper.
The three touchdown passes give Smith seven over his last two games. Parker contributed as both a runner and receiver, while Richardson provided another major spark with his 63-yard scoring run.
Rosewood’s defense also played a significant role, recording sacks, tackles for loss, pass breakups and multiple fourth-down stops.
Next stop: Tarboro
With the victory, Rosewood advances to the second round of the NCHSAA 2A state playoffs. The Eagles will travel to Tarboro next Friday as they look to continue their postseason run.
Final score: Rosewood 36, Pamlico County 16.