Written by CULLEN SCHULTEIS
While fans questioned if the game would continue during weather issues late in the first quarter, Chapel Hill High Football was getting “hype” in the locker room. When asked how he was motivated after a slow start to the game, standout running back Dominic Miller said, “When we went into the locker room we were hype. Coach was hyping us up, and that gets us far.” The Tigers, down 7-0 during weather delay, saw the opportunity to motivate themselves rather than wallow in their anxiety. This spurred the team’s takeover later in the game, finishing off in a 49-25 blowout to mark the first win of the season.
This matchup was highly anticipated all week for the inter-conference rivalry between Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Students packed the bleachers before the game had even commenced, and didn’t attempt to hide their antagonism toward the opponent. The beginning of the game was sloppy, as the Tigers gave up a fumble on just the third play of the game. Chapel Hill’s mistake soon turned into the opening score for Carrboro made by receiver Zachary Baumler, to make the score 7-0. From that point on, both teams appeared tense, with multiple blunders on both sides including a dropped kick-off return, fumbles, holding calls, and false starts. Chapel Hill’s offense seemed incapable of making a string of positive yard gains; their passing game was inconsistent. By the end of the first quarter both sides still struggled to find a rhythm. Starting the second, the weather demanded a stoppage in play, sending teams to locker rooms and fans out of the stands until further notice.
Coming back from the break, the players were visibly more energized. Chapel Hill went on a spree of quality runs by running back Christian Brooks-McMillan, whose offense was the only thing working for Chapel Hill. Near the end zone, the Tigers recovered their own fumble to score their first touchdown. Ignited, Chapel Hill started the defensive position with several stops, but Carrboro managed to secure a first down. Despite multiple flags called against the Jaguars, Carrboro was able to break out with a screen play for receiver Tristan McGowan. McGowan broke away from the defense with some astonishing jukes, and took the ball in for a touchdown to reclaim the lead for Carrboro. Carrboro’s amusement was cut short after a quick response from the Tigers; Brooks-McMillan made a stunning long, outside run for a touchdown, taking the lead, 14-13 several minutes before halftime. Carrboro, after a handful of missed passes, was unable to respond going into the break.
An eventful first half brought the crowd to its feet. Carrboro fans stuck with the team in spite of the weather delay, filling out the bleachers, and causing chaos. Hyped from the first half, rowdy students were warned through the speakers that anyone who “threw a bottle” would be evicted from the stadium.
The Tigers started the third quarter looking to extend their minuscule lead, blocking any gain in yardage for the Jaguars. Chapel Hill returned to their running plays, as they had been the only reliable source of offense throughout the game, leading to another score. Carrboro appeared to be more baffled as the lead grew, dropping a wide open deep pass and conceding a series of flags resulting in their second consecutive punt. Within just a few plays, the Tigers gained yet another brisk, running touchdown that pushed the lead to 28-13. Carrboro was desperate to obtain some form of momentum. In response, McGowan caught a missile for a 60 yard touchdown, tightening the score margin. But to the team’s dismay, the Jaguar defense continued to have trouble stopping Chapel Hill’s powerhouse running backs, with Miller scoring his third consecutive touchdown on a 30+ yard run.
By the end of the third, Chapel Hill had outscored Carrboro 28-6 through abusing their running ability, as Carrboro began to slow down. The Jaguars seemed to be losing hope on the sidelines after what was a close game in the first half. The fourth quarter didn’t show much difference from the third, but it was clear that both teams had begun to dwindle in energy. Chapel Hill and Carrboro were able to sneak in one touchdown each, making the final score 49-25.
Nearing the end of the game, Chapel Hill demonstrated immense enthusiasm for each play made, as they knew their first win was approaching. As the clock declined, Tiger players barely contained their excitement, readily gathering to shake hands, spring down the field, and hold a team huddle.
Chapel Hill High School’s football team gathers in a post-game huddle after their 49-25 win over Carrboro High on Friday. (Photo by Cullen Schulteis/Chapel Hill Media Group.)
Miller said, “It feels great! I love the feeling of winning,” once the score went final. After a tough first two games, Chapel Hill was hungry for this win and ecstatic to get it. When asked how Chapel Hill would use this game in the future Miller said, “Blocking in general we need to work on, but past that: run hard, run fast and get stuff done.” Chapel Hill is surely satisfied with the win, but still know that there is more to work on, and plenty of games left to play. Chapel Hill will try and keep the energy alive, playing again on September 11 at Apex (1-2). As for Carrboro, they will still chase their first win, taking knowledge from this game with their defense being overwhelmed in the second half. Carrboro will test themselves again by returning to the field in another rivalry game also on September 11 at East Chapel Hill (1-1).
Cullen Schulteis is a Chapel Hill High School student, who is contributing writer to Chapelboro. Find this piece, and more of Cullen’s work, on his Substack.
Featured image via Cullen Schulteis/Chapel Hill Media Group.
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