Ashley dominates Pine Forest 48-7 to advance to second round of state playoffs

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Ashley Screaming Eagles are moving on to the second round of the North Carolina high school football state playoffs after a dominant 48-7 victory over Pine Forest on Friday night.

Playing in front of a fired-up home crowd, Ashley wasted no time taking control of its first-round matchup against the Trojans from Fayetteville. Quarterback Raleigh Sutton opened the scoring with a deep touchdown pass to Josiah Isom, who made the catch despite tight coverage from a Pine Forest defender, giving Ashley an early 7-0 lead.

The Screaming Eagles quickly doubled their advantage when Sutton handed the ball off to Michael Miller Jr., who broke free for another touchdown to make it 14-0.

Ashley’s defense also delivered several big plays throughout the night. Defensive back RJ Tindall intercepted a Pine Forest pass, while My’Kel Hall recovered a Trojans fumble to give the Screaming Eagles another possession.

Ashley continued to build its lead through the air as quarterback Karter Krowl connected with a wide-open Julian Morrison, who raced down the sideline for a touchdown. Sutton later found Isom again for another score. Isom broke through multiple tackle attempts before reaching the end zone, extending Ashley’s lead to 28-0.

Morrison also made an impressive leaping catch later in the half, although the play was called back. Ashley added a field goal before halftime, taking a commanding 31-0 lead into the locker room.

The Screaming Eagles maintained their momentum in the second half, cruising to a 48-7 victory and keeping their postseason hopes alive. With the win, Ashley advances to the second round of the state playoffs to play New Bern.