Football Recap: Cleveland Starts off Right with Win over Pinecrest

Cleveland had to travel to play their first game of the season, but the final result was worth the trip. They took their contest on Friday with ease, bagging a 60-19 win over the Pinecrest Patriots.

A big part of Cleveland's victory came down to the chemistry between Owen Hulbert and his top target Krisjon Clark. Hulbert threw for 166 yards and three touchdowns while completing 82.4% of his passes while Clark picked up 115 receiving yards and three TDs. Those 166 passing yards gave Hulbert a new career-high. Kaleb Ferrell handled things on the ground, rushing for 92 yards and a rushing touchdown.

Cleveland didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited Pinecrest to a completion percentage of just 26.7%. That dominant aerial defense primarily came from two players: Jaylen King and Porter Bennett, who each logged two passes deflected. Cleveland wasn't nearly as limited: they posted one of 73.9%.

Pinecrest's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Chris Najm, who rushed for 66 yards and one score. Najm was no stranger to the big play, turning on the jets for a run that went for 65 yards.

Cleveland and Pinecrest should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps North Carolina Rankings. The Rams (ranked 14th) will meet Corinth Holders (ranked 186th) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Pinecrest will challenge Union Pines at 7:30 p.m. on Friday with a big rank advantage (52 vs. 244).