GARNER, N.C. — Garner jumped out to a big lead, surrendered it, and pulled away when it mattered the most.
The No. 4 Trojans scored a late touchdown with 3:25 left in the game to get some much needed breathing room, and advanced to the third round of the NCHSAA playoffs with a 37-24 win over No. 13 Wake Forest.
“Our guys understand what was at stake,” Trojans head coach Deron Donald said. “Our guys came and fought hard. We knew they would come back and fight, they are a resilient team as well, but our guys found a way to stay together.”
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Garner running back Tayden McPhatter broke for a 34-yard touchdown, his second of the night to extend the Trojans’ lead to 13.
In a second half that was dominated by the Cougars, McPhatter’s score gave the Garner faithful reason to exhale, and advance.
The Trojans (8-3) ended a playoff drought against Wake Forest, who defeated Garner in the postseason in 2015, 2017 and 2023. It almost looked like the Cougars would add 2025 to that checklist after stealing momentum in the second half.
The Trojans led 30-10 at the break, but Wake Forest outscored the home team 14-0 in the third quarter to make it a one score game. The Cougars made their way inside the five yard line, but Garner's defense rose to the occasion. After a personal foul against Wake Forest running back Micah Olu moved the ball back 15 yards, the Garner defense came up with consecutive sacks to make it 3rd and 38. The Cougars punted, and it took just three plays, all from McPhatter, for Garner to pull away.
McPhatter carried the ball for 28, 4 and the final 34 yards to make it 37-24 with 3:25 remaining.
Momentum was wearing white in favor of Wake Forest (7-5) who scored on their opening drive of the third quarter to make it 30-17. After a second drive that ended in a punt, Wake Forest went back on the attack, going on a seven-play drive, ending in a 16-yard run by Landen Perry.
The 20-point lead was suddenly gone, but Garner didn’t flinch, ending a 14-play Wake Forest drive with the consecutive sacks of Perry.
“We practice for situations like that,” Donald said. “Third down is money down and our guys weren’t going to leave here broke. Those guys understood the moment and were able to step up and make the stops when we needed to make the stops.”
After a competitive first quarter, Garner exploded in the second quarter, outscoring Wake Forest 23-3. Garner took a 14-10 lead after a 63-yard run by Wallace, and that opened the flood gates.
The Trojans recovered an onside kick and took advantage of the fortunate bounce. After a holding penalty forced Garner into a 3rd and 20, Christian Ormandy found Eric Chisley for a 55-yard touchdown. Tayden McPhatter scored the conversion run to make it 22-10. After another scoreless Wake Forest drive, Garner went on a backbreaking 14-play drive that took 6:58 minutes off the clock.
The drive only covered 55 yards, but it ended with a 1-yard run by McPhatter. McPhatter showed off his skills on both sides of the ball, intercepting a pass in the endzone to end the second half.
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McPhatter finished with 110 yards on the ground, while Wallace added 118.
Donald referred to Wake Forest as a champion, mentioning that Reggie Lucas is the only coach in the area with three rings. While Wake Forest had owned Garner in the postseason the last 10 years, Friday night might have been the passing of the torch.
“Two years ago they knocked us out in the first round,” Donald said. “So it was personal for our guys. This has been a team that’s been in our way for years, so to be able to get over that hump tonight does a lot for our program and that’s another brick that’s been laid.”
Garner will take on No. 5 Cape Fear next week. The Colts defeated 47-7 Friday night.
Box Score
| 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | F |
|---|
| Wake Forest | 7 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 24 |
|---|
| Garner | 7 | 23 | 0 | 7 | 37 |
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Scoring Summary