Staff report

A.L. Brown’s return to the 3A South Piedmont Confence ranks was successful, but the Wonders got a fight from Central Cabarrus.

A.L. Brown piled up 562 yards of offense and  finally pulled away for a 38-15 victory.

The Wonders scored first when Antonio Knight roared 74 yards on a jet sweep for a 7-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Evan McGee’s TD pass to Jeremiah Taylor could’ve gotten the Vikings even, but Malik Keller blocked the PAT try.

Jalen Nixon caught a pass from Jordan Medley and hauled it 80 tackle-breaking yards for a 14-6 lead.

Brian Gutierrez added a field goal in the closing seconds of the half, and the Wonders (6-1) took a 17-6 lead to the break.

A tipped pass and an interception by Central’s Justin Underwood put the Vikings at the Wonders’ 4-yard line, but the defense held, and the Vikings had to settle for a David Collins field goal.

A long run by Medley set up an 8-yard scoring run by Nick Lyerly for a 24-9 lead in the opening seconds of the fourth quarter.

Jalen Neal’s rushing TD pushed the lead to 31-9, before McGee threw a TD pass to Chandler Rivers to get the Vikings within 31-15.

Terry Anderson sealed victory for the Wonders by plowing 47 yards for a score with 5:10 remaining.

Jaran Young’s pass interception ended any remaining hopes for the Vikings (3-4, 0-1).

Medley passed for 244 yards and rushed for 87.

McGee threw on almost every snap and had 243 passing yards for the Vikings.

Zaquon Clyburn had an early interception for the Wonders.

The Wonders finished the opening night of league play in a first-place tie with Robinson, which hammered Northwest Cabarrus with surprising ease, and Cox Mill, which knocked off Concord.