Anson prepares a play during its 10-3 victory over the Crest Chargers on Friday, Nov. 21, at home. The second-round playoff victory pits the Bearcats against No. 1-ranked Northern Guilford this Friday, Nov. 27.
The team rallied in the second half to overcome an early deficit.
On Anson's first drive of the game, a fumble set Crest up for the first score. Crest had great field position, beginning their drive on Anson's 27-yard line. With 1:36 left in the first quarter, Crest kicked a field goal and went up 3-0.
A sack by Anson on Crest's third down helped turn the game around. When Anson received the punt, they began a lengthy drive, utilizing short passes and a strong rushing game.
With 1:13 left in the first half, Anson attempted its own field goal from 30 yards out, but failed. At halftime, the score was still 3-0, Crest.
Anson received the opening kickoff and made another drive using rushing and short passes. This time, the 23-yard field goal attempt was good, tying the game.
After forcing a quick punt by Crest, Anson began a slow march, grinding down the field, spearheaded by Brandon Ellerbe. Ellerbe capped the effort with a touchdown with 8:36 left in the fourth quarter.
From this point, the Bearcats attempted to keep possession of the ball and run out the clock. In the final two minutes, just yards away from Crest's end zone, quarterback Jordan Hildreth twice knelt to protect the lead and eat the final seconds.
Anson, ranked No. 12 in the playoffs, will face top-seed Northern Guilford High School Nov. 27 at Northern Guilford. Anson improved to 9-4. Northern Guilford is 12-1 this season.
The winner will face the victor of the match between No. 3 A.L. Brown High School and No. 7 South Point High School.
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