Jacksonville pulls away from Topsail, 47-20

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — Topsail welcomed Jacksonville Friday night looking for its first-ever win against the Cardinals.

The game got off to a delayed start because of lightning, but Jacksonville quickly made an impact once play began.

The Cardinals struck first on special teams when Domonic Williams returned a Topsail punt for a touchdown, making a defender miss on his way to the end zone to give Jacksonville a 7-0 lead.

Topsail answered on its next drive. Luca Van Der Lee took the handoff and found the end zone, tying the game at 7.

Jacksonville regained the lead late in the first half. With nine seconds left in the second quarter, Josiah Benton connected with Sarron Thompson for a touchdown, sending the Cardinals into halftime with a 14-7 advantage.

Jacksonville pulled away in the second half, defeating Topsail 47-20.

The Pirates fall to 1-3 on the season and will begin conference play next week against Ashley.