By Mike Goodson/Sports Correspondent
Fyffe appeared poised for a second straight state championship run following the Red Devils’ 56-14 victory over host Gaston in Class 2A, Region 7 action on Friday (Oct. 2).
Fyffe scored on each of its first half possessions on their way to the 42-point win.
‘[Fyffe is] a well-oiled machine,” said Gaston head coach Swane Morris. “They are so strong up front, we couldn’t slow them down.”
The Red Devils moved to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the region as Dilan Kilpatrick ran for three touchdowns and Seth Benefield ran for two and passed for another. The Bulldogs fell to 4-2 and 1-2.
Fyffe wasted little time in scoring the game’s first points, as Benefield connected with Christopher Collins on a 71-yard touchdown pass on the opening play. Andrew Dunston’s kick made it 7-0.
Kilpatrick ran 64 yards for a touchdown with 7:55 remaining in the first quarter. The PAT was no good.
Less than two minutes later, Kilpatrick sprinted 37 yards for a touchdown, and then ran for the two-point conversion to put Fyffe ahead 21-0.
Gaston cut the margin to 21-6 on Jordan Douglas’ 4-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Hollingsworth. The PAT failed.
The Red Devils took a 28-6 lead on Benefield’s 37-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds remaining in the period. Dunston added the extra point.
Fyffe added touchdown drives of 51, 72 and 66 yards to take a commanding 49-6 lead at the half.
Douglas ran two yards for a touchdown with 8:29 to go in the third quarter, and then passed to Cameron Peacock for a two-point conversion to bring Gaston within 49-14.
Payton Anderson’s 8 yard touchdown run and Dunston’s PAT closed out the scoring with 1:26 left in the third period.
Kilpatrick led Fyffe with 183 yards rushing on 13 carries. Seth Benefield carried the ball five times for 124 yards.
Douglas was 14-of-27 in passing for 217 yards.
Gaston travels to West End this week for more region action.