Northwestern unleashed an early-game offensive barrage, fueled by big plays and defensive takeaways, to defeat Catawba Ridge 56-20 Friday night on a rainy, wet field.
Northwestern built a 21-6 lead by the end of the first quarter, started by a 70-yard rushing touchdown from Nigel Smith. Just minutes later, defensive back Kamerin McFadden returned an interception 30 yards for a pick-six, putting the Trojans up 14-0.
Catawba Ridge briefly answered the momentum swing when Josh Dobson took the ensuing kickoff back for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 14-6. However, Northwestern quarterback Xavier Means extended the lead with a passing touchdown to Jonathan Spurgeon before the quarter ended.
The Trojans continued their dominance in the second quarter, scoring 28 unanswered points, including a punt return touchdown by Spurgeon and a rushing score from Means just before halftime.
Catawba Ridge scored once more in the second half, but the deficit proved too large to overcome, as the Trojans coasted to the 56-20 final victory.
Nearby, Indian Land opened its 5A-Region 3 schedule with a decisive 33-9 home victory over Rock Hill. The win pushes the Warriors’ overall record to a perfect 5-0 and 1-0 in conference play. For Rock Hill, the loss dropped them to 3-3 overall and 1-1 in conference action.
