Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The Northern Guilford Nighthawks (12-1) delivered an overwhelming performance on their home turf Friday night, dismantling the previously undefeated Ashbrook Greenwave (12-1) with a decisive 39-14 victory in the NCHSAA 6A football playoffs. Northern Guilford secured their spot in the next round by unleashing an offensive blitz that built an insurmountable 39-0 lead by halftime.
The Nighthawks controlled the game from the opening kick, scoring 24 points in the first quarter alone. Quarterback Jaxson Kemp (Sr.) was efficient, connecting on five of seven passes for 134 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was equally dominant, racking up 135 total rushing yards. Kemp himself accounted for two rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.
Northern Guilford’s scoring was spread out and relentless. The scoring barrage was led by Christopher Morrison Jr. (Sr.), who hauled in three receptions for a game-high 93 yards, including the lone passing touchdown. Running backs Christian Leach (Jr.) and Amare Akers (Sr.) each punched in rushing touchdowns, with Akers leading all rushers with 69 yards. The special teams unit, anchored by kicker Kobe Guardado, contributed seven points via kicks, helping build the massive lead.
At the half, the score stood 39-0, signaling a running clock for the remainder of the game. Northern Guilford’s defense also played a critical role in the game, notably picking up an interception from Noah Smith (Sr.).
Despite being down by five touchdowns, the Ashbrook Greenwave refused to yield. Ashbrook won the second half 14-0, refusing to be shut out in the hostile playoff environment.
The Greenwave showed impressive passing power, racking up 231 passing yards as the game wore on, even surpassing Northern Guilford’s total yards (297 to 269). The scoring was led by the receiving corps: Quarterback Timothy Armstrong (Sr.) finished with 190 passing yards and orchestrated both scoring drives. Aj McClain (Jr.), who also saw time at quarterback, was a key target with 58 receiving yards and a touchdown. Cayden Montgomery Ross (Sr.) led the team with 5 receptions for 51 yards and secured the other touchdown.
Ashbrook’s two second-half touchdowns, including an eight-point third quarter (likely a touchdown with a successful two-point conversion), were a matter of pride, but the effort was too late to overcome the Nighthawks’ early scoring spree.
Northern Guilford’s dominant first half proved too great a hurdle for the Greenwave. The Nighthawks advance in the NCHSAA 6A bracket, powered by an explosive performance from Kemp and their diverse attack.
Up next, the Northern Nighthawks (12-1) will head up to Boone, N.C. to face the undefeated Watauga Pioneers (13-0) for the Final Four 6A Regional Title game. Kickoff Friday is at 7:30 p.m.
