Northwestern wins again: No. 2 Trojans trounce Rock Hill in SC high school rivalry

Northwestern football played on a different level.

The Trojans’ offense was relentless early in its 55-7 shellacking of Rock Hill, forcing a running clock during the first half on Friday night at District 3 Stadium.

Senior quarterback Finley Polk scored three rushing touchdowns and threw for several more, leading the charge for Northwestern (9-0, 5-0 Region 3 5A) once again. The Trojans found the end zone twice during the rivalry game’s opening stages, after which they successfully pulled off an onside kick — and their offense just kept pushing.

Northwestern took its commanding lead during the second quarter, when the offense totaled five touchdowns and forced a handful of turnovers from the Bearcats (5-4, 4-1 Region 3 5A).

“It’s always good for them to see the fruits of their labor and the hard work they put in,” Trojans head coach Page Wofford said. “We have a pretty complete program at Northwestern High School. We try to do the little things right, we try to give everybody a chance, and if you come in and do what you’re supposed to do, you’re gonna have a chance on Friday night to play and win football games.”

Notable

▪ Northwestern maintained its dominance in this cross-town rivalry. The Trojans have now won 17 of their past 20 meetings, including 13 of the past 15.

▪ Rock Hill, which entered Friday night’s showdown unbeaten in Region 3 5A competition this season, snapped a four-game win streak.

▪ Northwestern is one of the best teams in the area, currently ranked No. 2 in the Charlotte Observer’s latest Sweet 16 football poll and No. 3 in the Top 25 in the Carolinas .

They said it

“It’s a lot of fun seeing these guys grow up. Seeing what it’s gonna be like next year after I’m gone — I’ve gotta come back. I have to come back and see them ball out, see them play. We all work hard in practice, and they make us better.

“Backups who may not think they’re very important are very important to our game. It’s good to see them get in the game, score points and help us out.” — Northwestern quarterback Finley Polk

Up next?

Northwestern will be off next week, before returning on Nov. 1 to face Indian Land at 7:30 p.m. on the road. Rock Hill will be back at home next weekend to play host to Catawba Ridge at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.

Scoring summary

Rock Hill 0 0 7 0 — 7

Northwestern 14 34 0 7 — 55

FIRST QUARTER

NHS: Junior Nigel Smith capped a strong opening drive with a short rushing touchdown to put Northwestern up, 7-0.

NHS: Polk rushed it in himself from 2 yards out to make it 14-0 Trojans after Rock Hill’s opening series stalled on downs.

SECOND QUARTER

NHS: Following a successful onside kick by Northwestern, Polk rushed it in from a yard out to give his team a 21-0 advantage early in the second quarter.

NHS: Junior defensive back Jayden Baxter recorded an interception, and then Polk found senior Clifford Broughton Jr. for a long gain that brought Northwestern inside the 1-yard line. A short touchdown reception from senior receiver Tadarrian Knox gave the Trojans a 27-0 advantage.

NHS: Polk passed the ball in the backfield to junior Evan Harrison, who pulled off the flea flicker. Harrison made a nice pass and connected with senior receiver Daniel Caldwell, giving the Trojans a 34-0 lead.

NHS: Following a big sack by senior defensive end Mason Grier on third down, Northwestern’s quarterback found six more points on the ground once again. Polk rushed it in from 7 yards out, making it a 41-0 game.

NHS: Polk connected with Broughton for a 32-yard touchdown pass. It gave the Trojans a 48-0 advantage, forcing a running clock for the remainder of the game.

THIRD QUARTER

RHHS: Junior quarterback Kason Canupp tossed a 30-yard touchdown pass to make it 48-7 and get the Bearcats on the board.

FOURTH QUARTER

NHS: Junior McCrea Knight found junior David Flood for an 18-yard touchdown that gave Northwestern a 55-7 lead during the final five minutes.