By Brian Pitts

The Davie County Enterprise-Record

In what has become a theme for Davie County in the Central Piedmont Conference, the War Eagles waited too long to get going. After digging a 25-point halftime hole Friday at West Forsyth, they rallied furiously – only to run out of time and lose 35-25 to the unbeaten Titans.

A 28-3 halftime deficit could be traced to fumbles. After Jonn Young’s 38-yard field goal cut West Forsyth’s lead to 7-3, Davie lost three fumbles in its next four possessions, and West Forsyth (9-0, 4-0 CPC) parlayed the giveaways into 14 points.

The first-half stats made it appear Davie was in for a long night. Davie (4-4, 0-3 CPC) was outgained 186-16, West Forsyth had four sacks and Titans QB Darion Slade combined for 132 rushing and passing yards.

“In the first half, we were our own worst enemy,” coach Devore Holman said. “We put our defense in bad spots.”

The second half was a reversal. Davie rolled up 15 first downs to West Forsyth’s three, Carney rushed for 117 yards and Davie outgained West 278-104.

Davie’s 67- and 70-yard drives chopped the margin to 28-18 with 5:26 to go.

“We came out hard (in the second half),” Holman said. “We played one play at a time. Once we took care (of the turnovers), we moved the ball. Our defense played good. The big plays were minimized.”

While Carney ran for a season-high 129 yards despite a turf-toe injury, receiver Ben Ellis (six catches for 111 yards) produced his fifth 100-yard game. Also, Davie’s defense made considerable progress during the bye week, limiting West Forsyth to 2-for-11 on third downs and forcing six punts.

Davie made it interesting, and it had a chance to steal a victory if it weren’t for what transpired on the Titans third-and-12 play from the West Forsyth 18. Cornerback Tre Redmond slipped on one-on-one coverage against Jordan Terry. Terry caught the deep ball around midfield and eased his way for an 82-yard TD that all but settled the issue at 35-18 with 4:06 left.

“I think it was offensive pass interference,” Holman said. “It really bothered me. But hey, that’s the call.”

Davie QB Parker Correll suffered an ankle injury in the third and never returned, ending his streak of throwing a TD in 14 straight games. Sophomore Chris Reynolds capitalized on his opportunity, throwing for 109 yards and directing scoring drives of 13, 11 and eight plays.

“I’ve got nothing but upbeat stuff to say about our team,” Holman said. “We just ran out of time. If we don’t turn it over, we’ve got an opportunity to do some good things.”