By Mike London
mike.london@salisburypost.com

SPENCER — If you can’t stop the run, it’s going to be a long Friday night, and Anson’s Bearcats stampeded North Rowan 44-22.

“Not a lot of positives,” North head coach Josh Sophia said. “Our offensive line played pretty well. Our new kicker (Salim Shamman) did well and kicked two extra points.”

Anson posted a mind-blowing 472 rushing yards in steamrolling the Cavaliers. Jazear Griffin had 20 carries for 240 yards and three touchdowns, while running mate Kendrick Maye had 19 carries for 187 yards and four scores.

That dynamic duo did the damage. Anson didn’t have to throw it much.

North was favored at home by most in the non-conference game because the Cavaliers had won at Anson in 2023 and because Anson had started this season 0-2.

But Anson was hungry. Now both teams are 1-2.

Anson led 25-15 at halftime, so North was still within striking distance, but the Bearcats shut out North in the third quarter and pulled away.

Anson held the Cavaliers to 88 rushing yards, with Jo Jo Tarver getting 54 on 13 carries. Anson’s defense shut down Jeremiah Alford’s runs, something not many teams have been able to do. Alford had minus rushing.

Alford did have success through the air, throwing for 202 yards. He fired the 62nd, 63rd and 64th touchdown passes of his career to account for all of North’s TDs. He also ran for a 2-point conversion in the second quarter.

Emari Russell led North receivers with seven catches for 75 yards.

On the receiving end of the touchdown passes were Dyzarious Carpenter, Khi Walker and Mike Alford. Alford is Jeremiah’s younger brother.

Carter Williams, Yasir Wactor and Tarver made six tackles each for North.

Tavon Lark had a sack.

North’s non-schedule. Next for the Cavaliers is a trip to High Point to play TW Andrews, a 21-20 winner over Thomasville on Friday. The Red Raiders are 3-0.