From staff reports
Another week and another running-clock victory for an A.L. Brown football team that is fueled by a ferocious defense.
After leading 7-0 at Memorial Stadium after a quarter, on Monday the Wonders broke the game open in the second quarter, took a 34-0 halftime lead and cruised, 48-0.
A.L. Brown won its 33rd in a row vs. the Trojans.
“A shutout speaks for itself, and I don’t care who you play — that’s always an accomplishment,” A.L. Brown head coach Mike Newsome said. “Our defense is very fast and very physical, and they’re playing with purpose. They’re not just fast, they’re getting the job done once they get there.”
Newsome wasn’t thrilled that the Wonders (3-0) had several long runs called back by penalties.
“I think we had three touchdowns called back, and we were really battling against some holding calls early,” Newsome said.
Newsome said the offensive standout for the Wonders was QB Zach Williamson, who stepped in to the linup on opening night when Cordarius Butler went down with an injury.
“Williamson threw some really nice balls, and our running backs got it done by committee even when we didn’t block things exactly right,” Newsome said. “Our offense isn’t pretty right now, but it’s like Coach (Herman) Boone said in “Remember the Titans” — “it’s like novocaine, just give it time, it always works.”
The jayvees played before the varsity in an unusual Monday doubleheader caused by last week’s weather. The Wonder jayvees whipped the Trojans, 40-0, to stay undefeated.
“The crowd was starting to come in during the jayvee game, and it was great that the jayvee kids got to play in front of a lot of people,” Newsome said.
The Wonders will have short preparation time for a road game on Friday, but Mooresville, their next opponent, is in the same boat.
Mooresville also played Monday and flattened Hopewell, 44-0, for its first win.

Intimidators
SALISBURY, Md. — Alex Murphy hit a walk-off single with two outs in the 10th inning, as the Delmarva Shorebirds topped the Kannapolis Intimidators 4-3 on Monday.
It was the final game of the season for the Intimidators. They finished 34-36 in the second half.

NFL
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Javon Hargrave (North Rowan) is listed as the starting nose tackle for his first NFL contest.
A rookie starter is a rarity for the Steelers’ defense.
Hargrave tweaked a knee in practice Monday. There was some concern from Pittsburgh media although a family member told the Post, “He’s good.”
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San Francisco safety L.J. McCray (Catawba) was a victim of roster additions on Monday and was waived by the San Francisco 49ers.

College golf
UNC Pembroke’s Alexandria Bare (South Rowan) shot 78 in the first round of the Cutter Creek Invitational and is tied for sixth.

College soccer
Flagler rallied from two goals down to grab a 3-2 overtime win over visiting Catawba in women’s soccer action on Monday.
afternoon at Saints Field. It marked the opener for both teams.