Football Recap: Cleveland Falls Short of Southeast Raleigh in the Playoffs

Despite a phenomenal run in the regular season, Cleveland couldn't carry that success into this playoff game. They fell 49-37 to the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs on Friday. That makes it the first time this season the Rams have let down their home crowd.

Despite the loss, Cleveland still got an impressive performance from Owen Hulbert, who threw for 327 yards and a pair of TDs, and also rushed for 63 yards and two scores. The Rams' leading receiver Wyatt Caldwell was Hulbert's top target yet again, picking up 141 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Southeast Raleigh was led to victory by Tydreke Powell Jr. and Christian Freeman. Powell Jr. threw for 361 yards and five TDs while picking up 12.4 yards per attempt, while Freeman gained 181 total yards and two touchdowns. Those 361 passing yards gave Powell Jr. a new career-high. Coby Walker was Powell Jr.'s top target, picking up 125 receiving yards and one score.

Cleveland's loss dropped their record down to 10-2. As for Southeast Raleigh, they are on a roll lately: they've won six of their last seven games. That's provided a nice bump to their 9-3 record this season.

Cleveland does not have any more games scheduled as of now. As for Southeast Raleigh, they are taking a road trip to face off against Clayton at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Comets' defense has only allowed 12 points per game this season, so the Bulldogs' offense will have their work cut out for them.