by Anne Pittman

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C.
Southampton Academy Raiders’ offense racked up nine touchdowns while its defense pitched a near shutout for a 64-12 victory over host Rocky Mount Academy on Friday evening. The game promised to be competitive as both teams were undefeated (7-0) in the NCISAA 8-Man Football Conference.

The Raiders controlled the ball for 601 total yards while holding the Eagles to just 115 total yards with just 1 yard rushing for 16 attempts.

SA opened the scoring in the first quarter when junior quarter back Sam Rose connected with senior receiver Brooks Holland for 75 yards. Ian Mizelle then followed with the two-point conversion from Rose. Rose then ran in a 37-yard touchdown with no extra point conversion.

Sam Rose and Jalen Myrick grabbed three of the touchdowns and two of four attempted conversions in the second quarter while Rocky Mount’s Isaiah Thomas threw to Christopher Rabil for a 22-yard touchdown. That put the Southampton Academy lead at 36-6 at halftime.

The Raiders scored three touchdowns in the third quarter, including a 75-yard run for Myrick, an 84-yard run by Rose, and a 6-yard run by junior Caleb Kidd, which he then followed with a two-point conversion.

The clock continued to run during the fourth quarter but RMA added six points when Paul King pulled down a pass from Thomas for a 45-yard touchdown. Southampton Academy scored the final points with a 16-yard run by senior Roy Hill and a Rose two-point conversion.

Rose rushed for three touchdowns and a total of 150 yards and three two-point conversions. His passing was 9 for 11 with 219 yards and three more touchdowns. Jalen Myrick scampered for 147 yards, receiving two touchdown passes, rushing for one and a two-point conversion. Brooks Holland forced an interception in the second quarter and Ian Mizelle had four receptions and gaining 65 yards.

Southampton Academy is scheduled to go against Cary Christian on Friday at that school’s field.