Quarterback No. 30, Jayden Moore rolls out of the pocket, fighting to spark the Saints’ offense and make something happen. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
A big hit by the Saints on the Golden Falcons’ running back, delivered by a host of Saints defenders. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
PIKEVILLE — The C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons opened the game at their own 35-yard line, starting strong with a series of determined runs. The Southern Wayne Saints’ defense held firm early with several key stops, but the Falcons eventually broke through. At the 6:22 mark, C.B. Aycock got on the board first with a running back sweep, taking a 7–0 lead.
The Saints took over at their own 19-yard line after a solid return by No. 7 Cameron McKinney. Quarterback No. 30 Jayden Moore led the drive with a pair of strong runs, one of which earned a first down after a six-yard gain. However, the momentum was short-lived as a fumble gave the ball back to the Golden Falcons.
C.B. Aycock capitalized quickly, scoring again at the 1:14 mark to go up 14–0. The Saints attempted another QB run, but a flag stalled the drive. The first quarter ended with the Golden Falcons leading 14–0.
Second Quarter: Falcons Extend Their Lead
The Saints started the second quarter with renewed energy as QB No. 30 Jayden Moore broke loose for a strong run. A late hit out of bounds on the play added extra yardage, moving the Saints into Falcon territory. Running back No. 3 Monte Kornegay kept the chains moving with a big gain on fourth down, but penalties continued to hinder Southern Wayne’s progress.
Just as the Saints began finding rhythm, a costly interception gave possession back to the Golden Falcons. C.B. Aycock wasted no time, adding another touchdown at the 4:53 mark. The extra point was good, extending their lead to 21–0.
Both teams traded punts late in the quarter, with strong defensive efforts on both sides. The half ended with the Golden Falcons firmly in control, 21–0.
Halftime Score: Golden Falcons 21, Saints 0
Third Quarter: Falcons Keep Rolling
Southern Wayne opened the second half with the ball but immediately fumbled, setting up the Golden Falcons with great field position. C.B. Aycock’s ground game continued to dominate, capped off by a powerful quarterback keeper for another touchdown at the 7:26 mark. The Falcons extended their lead to 28–0.
The Saints tried to respond with a big return by No. 16 Jameer Kornegay and a few solid runs, aided by a penalty against the Falcons. However, they were forced to punt after failing to convert on fourth down.
C.B. Aycock continued to roll, breaking free for another long touchdown run at the 3:38 mark to make it 34–0. Moments later, the Falcons added a punt return touchdown to push the score to 42–0 late in the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Saints Find the End Zone
The Saints refused to quit. After another big return by No. 16 Jameer Kornegay, QB No. 30 Jayden Moore connected with No. 7 Cameron McKinney on a handoff to ignite the offense. Moments later, No. 30 Jayden Moore broke loose for a huge run down to the 10-yard line. A flag on the Falcons moved the Saints even closer, and No. 30 Jayden Moore capped the drive with a QB touchdown run at the 6:33 mark. No. 15 Logan Denning converted the two-point attempt, putting the Saints on the board, 42–8.
Southern Wayne attempted an onside kick, but C.B. Aycock recovered and quickly marched downfield again. At the 1:56 mark, the Falcons scored their final touchdown of the night, sealing a 49–8 victory.
Final Score: C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons 49, Southern Wayne Saints 8
Post Game Interview
After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with Head Coach Stephen Allard about his first season with the Southern Wayne Saints. Coach Allard reflected on the year, calling it a success despite the ups and downs.
“This year was successful no matter the losses and wins,” Coach Allard said. “We’re building this team brick by brick, and we’ve grown so much from where we were at the beginning of the season to where we are now.” He also expressed gratitude to the fans for their continued support throughout the season. “I want to thank our fans for sticking with us through the highs and lows,” he shared.
Looking ahead, Coach Allard said the focus will be on hard work and development during the offseason. “We plan to spend a lot of time in the gym and have plenty of offseason practices,” he added.
Off the field, Coach Allard has another exciting challenge ahead fatherhood as he prepares to welcome his first child. Congratulations to Coach Allard on both a strong first season and this exciting new chapter in his life. We wish him and the Southern Wayne Saints continued success as they keep building toward their goals.
