Football Recap: North Rowan Comes Up Short Despite Keese Carpenter's Big Defensive Game

North Rowan lost against Salisbury back in November of 2024, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. The Cavaliers took a 40-36 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Hornets. The Cavaliers were right on the edge of victory: they outscored the Hornets in the fourth quarter 8-0.

Despite the loss, North Rowan still got an impressive performance from Michael Alford, who threw for 215 yards and a pair of TDs, and also rushed for 35 yards and one touchdown. The Cavaliers' leading receiver A'Son Best was Alford's top target yet again, picking up 96 receiving yards and one score.

North Rowan didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Keese Carpenter.

Salisbury found their leader in freshman Xavier Frasier, who rushed for 106 yards and one TD on only 14 carries.

North Rowan's loss dropped their record down to 0-2. As for Salisbury, the win got them back to even at 1-1.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. North Rowan will face off against Lake Norman Charter at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Salisbury, they will square off against Oak Grove at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.