It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting North Carolina State Capitol in Raleigh, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Raleigh, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Pullen Park in Raleigh, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Death and Taxes or visit North Carolina Executive Mansion, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Raleigh, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Raleigh, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Raleigh, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – For the first time in 16 years, the Navy wrestling team (1-1) will take on No. 15 NC State (0-0) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in James T. Valvano Arena in Raleigh, N.C. The dual will be broadcast on ACCNX with Andrew Sanders and Nick Gwiazdowski on the call.Navy's Projected Starters (Regular Season / Dual Records) 125: Nick Treaster (1-5 / 1-1) 133: Sean Garretson (3-1 / 1-1) 141: No. 14 Caedyn Ricciardi (5-0 / 2-0) 149...
ANNAPOLIS, Md. – For the first time in 16 years, the Navy wrestling team (1-1) will take on No. 15 NC State (0-0) on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in James T. Valvano Arena in Raleigh, N.C. The dual will be broadcast on ACCNX with Andrew Sanders and Nick Gwiazdowski on the call.
Navy's Projected Starters (Regular Season / Dual Records) 125: Nick Treaster (1-5 / 1-1) 133: Sean Garretson (3-1 / 1-1) 141: No. 14 Caedyn Ricciardi (5-0 / 2-0) 149: Coltyn Reedy (2-3 / 1-1) 157: No. 28 Jonathan Ley (3-2 / 1-1) 165: Dylan Elmore (3-5 / 1-1) 174: No. 4 Danny Wask (5-0 / 2-0) 184: No. 33 Daniel Williams (2-3 / 1-1) 197: Zyan Hall (3-2 / 2-0) 285: No. 10 Spencer Lanosga (4-1 / 2-0)
Mids in the Rankings (InterMat) 141: Caedyn Ricciardi (14) 157: Jonathan Ley (28) 174: Danny Wask (4) 184: Daniel Williams (33) 285: Spencer Lanosga (10)
Last Time Out: Journeymen Weekend The Mids opened their dual-meet slate with a split at the Journeymen WrangleMania, cruising to a 43-0 shutout over Duke before falling to No. 19 Rutgers, 24-12.
The following day at the individual-format Journeymen Collegiate Classic, four Midshipmen finished the tournament with perfect 3-0 records to sweep their respective round-robin pools.
Freshman Oliver Phillips (165) delivered a standout collegiate debut, rolling through his bracket with two pins and a major decision. Collier Hartman, Cole Householder and Nicholas Vafiadis also went undefeated during round-robin action to highlight the opening weekend.
Early Season Tests Navy will face a top-25 opponent in the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) poll for the second straight week to begin dual play.
Navy Notes
NC State Projected Lineup 125: Dom Deputy (6-1) or Lander Bosh (5-2) 133: Sean Willcox (7-0) or Liam Hickey (0-0) 141: No. 25 Zach Redding (2-1) 149: No. 8 Koy Buesgens (3-0) 175: No. 8 Jackson Arrington (3-0) 165: No. 6 Will Denny (3-0) 174: Jason Kwaak (6-1) 184: No. 17 Jake Dailey (1-2) 197: Patrick Brophy (1-2) 285: Kai Calcutt (5-2) or Bennett Tabor (1-2)
Scouting NC State
Navy vs. NC State
This weekend, the Triangle area is buzzing with events perfect for families, holiday enthusiasts, and sports fans alike. From vintage markets to festive celebrations and thrilling hockey matches, there’s something for everyone.Vintage Market Days – RaleighKicking off the weekend, Vintage Market Days will take place Friday through Sunday, November 13-15, at the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. Over 130 curated vendors will be showcasing vintage finds, home décor, boutique shopp...
This weekend, the Triangle area is buzzing with events perfect for families, holiday enthusiasts, and sports fans alike. From vintage markets to festive celebrations and thrilling hockey matches, there’s something for everyone.
Vintage Market Days – Raleigh
Kicking off the weekend, Vintage Market Days will take place Friday through Sunday, November 13-15, at the Jim Graham Building at the NC State Fairgrounds. Over 130 curated vendors will be showcasing vintage finds, home décor, boutique shopping, gifts, and handmade treasures. With the holiday season fast approaching, this event is ideal for those looking to get a jump on their Christmas shopping.
Lafayette Village Christmas Tree Lighting – Raleigh
On Saturday, November 14, Lafayette Village in North Raleigh will light up for the holidays with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony starting at 6 PM. Attendees can enjoy live music, entertainment, carriage rides, and the twinkling lights of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, making it a perfect evening to embrace the festive spirit.
Looking for more positive news in your day? Check out The Bright Side ??
NC Comicon – Durham
For comic book enthusiasts and pop culture fans, the NC Comicon at the Durham Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday, November 14-15, offers a vibrant experience filled with cosplay, gaming, animation, and art. This weekend promises fun, engaging activities, making it a treat for families and superhero aficionados.
Rolesville Fall Funfest – Rolesville
Families looking for more outdoor fun can head to Rolesville’s Fall Funfest on Saturday, November 14, from 11 AM to 4 PM at Redford Park Place. This family-friendly celebration will feature inflatables, yard games, music, and photo opportunities with a fire truck. It’s a perfect day out for kids to enjoy the fall season.
Fayetteville Marksmen Hockey Weekend
Sports fans will not want to miss the Fayetteville Marksmen as they host three home games this weekend at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen will face off against the Birmingham Bulls on Friday, November 13, at 7 PM and Saturday, November 14, at 6 PM, before taking on the Athens Rock Lobsters on Sunday, November 15, at 3 PM. This high-energy event supports Special Olympics North Carolina and the Green Beret Foundation, making it not only entertaining but also a great way to give back to the community. Tickets start at just $17, with special promotions for early attendees.
Raleigh Water employees showed up, showed off their skills, and brought home some serious hardware at the 2026 NC One Water Annual Conference in Raleigh!The conference brought together water professionals from across North Carolina to learn, connect, and compete. Raleigh Water made the most of it, earning three podium finishes and a second-place award in the statewide water tasting competition.Raleigh team advances to national competitionRaleigh Water's women's Hydrant Hysteria team, Wild Cards, took first place!Meriam...
Raleigh Water employees showed up, showed off their skills, and brought home some serious hardware at the 2026 NC One Water Annual Conference in Raleigh!
The conference brought together water professionals from across North Carolina to learn, connect, and compete. Raleigh Water made the most of it, earning three podium finishes and a second-place award in the statewide water tasting competition.
Raleigh Water's women's Hydrant Hysteria team, Wild Cards, took first place!Meriam Manuel, Jennifer Anderson, and Sarah Calverley came out on top, earning the opportunity to represent Raleigh at the American Water Works Association's ACE national competition in San Diego later this year.
That's right — they're taking their skills to the national stage! We'll be cheering them on all the way to California.
Raleigh Water employees also earned second place in two other competitions:
Men's Hydrant Hysteria – Second PlaceCapital Pressure:• Josh Bennett• Jeff Tennant• Jason Talton
Men's Pipe Tapping – Second PlaceRaleigh Tapping:• Jeremy Isgrigg• Kyle Bates• Carlos Hernandez• Cesar Berrio-Ruiz
These competitions put real-world water utility skills to the test. It takes teamwork, precision, and plenty of practice to get the job done!
The E. M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant took second place in the statewide Best Tasting Water Competition!
That means Raleigh's drinking water was among the best in the state. It's a great way to recognize the employees who work behind the scenes every day to make sure our community has safe, high-quality drinking water.
From competing in industry events to treating drinking water, maintaining the system, and helping customers, Raleigh Water employees play an important role in our everyday lives.
Congratulations to everyone who represented Raleigh Water at this year’s conference. Together, we protect every drop.
All flights in and out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport were grounded for several hours Friday amid a nationwide ground stop across all U.S. airports.The Federal Aviation Administration said there had been a “temporary telecommunications outage” and that all flights were halted “out of an abundance of caution.” The FAA reopened the airspace at about 8:15 p.m., according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, but it wasn’t clear when flights would resume.At a press conference, Duffy sai...
All flights in and out of Raleigh-Durham International Airport were grounded for several hours Friday amid a nationwide ground stop across all U.S. airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration said there had been a “temporary telecommunications outage” and that all flights were halted “out of an abundance of caution.” The FAA reopened the airspace at about 8:15 p.m., according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, but it wasn’t clear when flights would resume.
At a press conference, Duffy said “instability” in the FAA’s aging computer hardware caused communication problems at the Air Route Traffic Control Centers. There are 22 such centers in the United States responsible for all flights above 18,000 feet. He said the problem was detected at 3:36 p.m.
Standing next to Duffy, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin sought to assure the public that the problems were not a terrorist attack and that Americans were not in danger.
“All your loved ones are safe,” Mullin said. “We are working to resolve the issue, and we hope to have operations up and going normal at some point.”
Under the FAA ground stop, planes were forbidden to take off. But most of the more than 3,500 still in the air were able to continue to their destination.
As of 9 p.m., 136 flights had been delayed at RDU and another 108 canceled, some of those before the nationwide ground stop, according to FlightAware.
The FAA appeared to be making exceptions for some international departures, including many from the Northeast to Europe. The Air France flight to Paris was able to leave RDU shortly before 8 p.m., according to FlightAware, followed a short time later by Icelandair’s flight to Reykjavik.
At 5:50 p.m., most flights had landed at RDU, with two transcontinental flights — Alaska Airlines from San Diego and Delta Air Lines from Los Angeles — approaching the airport. Icelandair’s flight from Reykjavik, Jet Blue from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Aer Lingus from Dublin, Ireland, also arrived Friday evening.
Perhaps the last plane to arrive Friday was a United Airlines flight from the Dominican Republic that was en route to Newark, New Jersey, before being diverted to RDU. It landed about 7:15 p.m., according to FlightAware.
Duffy cautioned travelers that it would take a while for air travel to get back to normal. The nationwide outage will have ripple effects, with some flights delayed or canceled because aircraft are not where they’re scheduled to be.
“It’s going to take us some time to unwind what’s happened this afternoon,” he said.
RDU advises travelers to stay updated on the airport’s travel information through its website, or by confirming their flight status with their airline.
The sudden grounding of air travel caused frustration and confusion for passengers.
At RDU, travelers crowded around flight information boards while dozens of others stood in line at airline service desks to try to change their travel plans.
Some headed toward their gates in hopes of catching the next available flight. Others, like Atlanta resident Katie Beech, had given up any hope of getting on a plane Friday.
“We need to find hotels, but we’re hearing Ubers are $200,” said Beech, in Raleigh for a business trip. “So I’m just trying to figure out where to go.”
Molly Stein-Seroussi was aboard an American Airlines flight from Curaçao to Miami, Florida, en route to RDU when the pilot announced the ground stop.
“People on board seem anxious and confused,” Stein-Seroussi said by text. “A lot of people are asking me questions because they can’t connect to the WiFi and didn’t understand the announcement.”
This is the second time since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that the FAA has ordered a nationwide ground stop, reported ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.
“The last time was in 2023, when the FAA NOTAM system went down and pilots could not get their pre-departure paperwork,” ABC11 reported.
In the second round of the NCHSAA 7A football state playoffs, Southeast Raleigh traveled crosstown to Cardinal Gibbons for a rematch of a regular season bout won by the Crusaders.RALEIGH, N.C. — When Cardinal Gibbons football led 21-0 in the first half against Southeast Raleigh, it felt like deja vu.In the first meeting between the 919 foes on Sept. 10, a then No. 5 Cardinal Gibbons established a 20-0 lead early before the Bulldogs stormed back to seize a 21-20 advantage in the fourth quarter. A 45-yard field goal ...
In the second round of the NCHSAA 7A football state playoffs, Southeast Raleigh traveled crosstown to Cardinal Gibbons for a rematch of a regular season bout won by the Crusaders.
RALEIGH, N.C. — When Cardinal Gibbons football led 21-0 in the first half against Southeast Raleigh, it felt like deja vu.
In the first meeting between the 919 foes on Sept. 10, a then No. 5 Cardinal Gibbons established a 20-0 lead early before the Bulldogs stormed back to seize a 21-20 advantage in the fourth quarter. A 45-yard field goal by Crusader kicker Tucker Toland was the go-ahead play to give CGHS its ultimate 23-20 lead.
On Friday, the game started with an eerie similarity. Only this time, Southeast Raleigh wasn’t able to close the gap.
Each time the Crusaders scored, everyone on the sideline yelled out "0-0" to note that the game was far from over. That sense of urgency reverberated throughout the game and led to a dominant performance by the home team.
Ultimately, (7) Cardinal Gibbons (8-3, 4-1 Triangle Six) held strong at home to defeat (10) Southeast Raleigh (8-4, 4-2 Greater Neuse River), 37-6, in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 7A football state playoffs. It was by far the most lopsided defeat of the season for Southeast.
With the victory, Cardinal Gibbons advances to play the winner another GNRC opponent in (2) Garner, which defeated (18) North Brunswick 49-0 on Friday. Garner will host Gibbons in the third round of the 7A playoffs next Friday, Nov. 20.
Both team's look different than they did two months ago. Southeast Raleigh was without its current starting quarterback Jamel Perry, a Knightdale transfer, for the first meeting. Perry debuted on Sept. 25 for the Bulldogs and proceeded to log 948 passing yards on 61.5% completion and 476 rushing yards in six games.
Perry has helped Southeast find consistency on offense in the midst of a difficult schedule. Though, the senior struggled to get the Bulldog offense going against a determined CGHS defense on Friday.
Southeast has played in its fair share of close games this season with 5-of-10 regular season contests decided by five points or fewer. The Bulldogs lost three of those games: 23-21 to CGHS, 21-16 to Clayton, and most recently, 38-25 to Cleveland on Oct. 16.
Southeast has picked up some heartbreaking losses, and the Bulldogs fell short of their goal of winning the Greater Neuse River Conference (one of the best leagues in the state). However, Southeast has been ultra-competitive in every game it has played — even against some of the best teams in the state.
As for Cardinal Gibbons, the Crusaders have suffered injuries throughout the season and are without both starting tackles for the playoffs, including Campbell commit Malek Griffin. That has been one of the major storylines following CGHS throughout the closing weeks of the season.
It's odd to see two teams of this caliber meeting this early in the postseason. However, the close losses added up for Southeast, and a late slip in a 27-21 loss to Middle Creek on Oct. 16 likely cost Gibbons a higher slot in the playoffs. That's what brought the two juggernauts together on Friday.
In this matchup, attention turned to junior CGHS quarterback Mason Karras and sophomore running back Truth Ceasar, who were depended on to prop up a short-handed Crusaders team. Likewise, Southeast freshman defensive end Noah Powell was a player of interest for the Bulldogs as one of the key defenders tasked with slowing down this talented Crusader offense.
This game had no shortage of talent, featuring Cardinal Gibbons' 4-star Notre Dame cornerback commit Xavier Hasan, 4-star South Carolina linebacker commit Skylar Alston, and 3-star NC State pledge at tight end Griffin Cockerham — just to name a few. Southeast also has its fair share of big names, like 3-star NC State running back commit Christian Freeman and uncommitted 4-star lineman Grayson Williams.
With all that talent pouring on to the field, the game had to deliver.
And Cardinal Gibbons did just that.
It didn’t take Cardinal Gibbons long to strike on offense. One play after securing a first down in the opening drive, Southeast fumbled. Gibbons’ Bennett Morris swiftly scooped the ball and returned it for a 26-yard score. The PAT from Toland made it 7-0 less than two minutes into the contest.
The Crusader defense continued its hot start on the second drive as senior linebacker Joey Turek sacked Perry to bring up 3rd-and-30, and eventually, a Bulldog punt.
Late in the first quarter, a poor punt by Southeast handed Gibbons the ball on the SR-42. It only took one play for Karras to make them pay with a 42-yard TD connection with Alex Padilla that helped extend the lead to 14-0.
Meanwhile, Toland’s punting was A+ on the first kick of the second quarter, he left Southeast on the 1-yard line.
The Crusader defense blew up Freeman multiple times on the resulting drive. Southeast was stalled at the 15 and forced to punt. Once again, CGHS had it inside Southeast territory.
Caesar actually rolled on top of a Southeast player’s back to pick up a first down. From there, Karras dealt a 25-yard TD pass to Hasan. Toland’s kick made it 21-0.
After stalling Southeast’s most promising drive of the half at the 29, Gibbons drove down the field with speed and confidence.
However, Karras was intercepted by SRHS freshman Carter Jaime at the 2-yard line with 1:09 left in the half. The Bulldogs weren’t able to seize that opportunity and had to punt out of their own end zone.
But another special teams error cost Southeast. The snap went over the head of the punter and hit the goal post for a safety to make it 23-0 with 47 seconds on the clock.
The dominance continued in the third quarter as Karras threw over Hasan, who ran left, doubled back, and around the Bulldog defense all the way to the end zone for a 40-yard score. The PAT made it 30-0 early in the period.
Southeast’s offensive silence finally broke its silence during the first minute of the fourth quarter as Perry brought in a 1-yard keeper. The conversion failed to leave the ‘Dogs with just six.
With 7:09, Caesar provided the answer with a 2-yard chipper. The PAT was true and CGHS once again had a 30-point cushion, ahead 37-6.
The icing on the cake made the beginning of the story look just like the end. Morris, who ran in the fumble recovery two minutes into the game, picked off Perry with 6:32 to allow Gibbons to burn time with the outcome all but decided.
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