Pirates dominate Washington Co. 46-12 in FRC opener

HERTFORD — The Perquimans Pirates pounded the Washington County Panthers 46-12 on Friday, Oct. 5, in the Four Rivers Conference opener for both teams.

The Pirates, who improved to 5-1 on the season, dominated the home game, racking up 26 points in the first quarter before the Panthers got into the end zone, and more than doubling Washington's total offensive output, 393 yards to 165.

Senior quarterback Braylon Knapp again led the offense, connecting on 14 of 22 his passing attempts for 287 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 14 yards on three attempts, including a two-point conversion.

Senior Maddux Thach also had another big game, hauling in four catches for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Thach also returned a punt 75 yards for a touchdown.

Junior Benjamin Brown also played well, catching four passes for 89 yards and one touchdown. Junior Evan Conway had three catches for 68 yards, including one that went for 48 yards.

Senior D. Morningstar racked up the majority of the Pirates' 100 rushing yards, gaining 71 on four carries and scoring one touchdown. Morningstar also caught three passes for 6 yards, one of which went for a touchdown. He also caught a two-point conversion.

On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore Ke'Shon Foreman had a big night. Besides making two tackles, he intercepted two of Panthers' senior quarterback Z. Simpson's passes, including one he returned for a touchdown.

Sophomore Steven Elliott also had a good game, recording two sacks of Simpson and forced a fumble to go along with his four solo tackles and three assisted tackles.

Sophomore Levi Shepherd had seven solo tackles and four assisted tackles for a total of 11. Senior Jalynn Nelson finished with six solo and two assisted tackles, senior Sean Saunders had five solo and three assisted tackles, and junior Brady Shepherd had three solo and four assisted tackles.

For Washington County, Simpson completed 10 of 21 passes for 37 yards. He also rushed four times and scored one of the Panthers' two touchdowns.

Senior running back Ja Quay Brown gained 86 yards on 23 carries and scored the Panthers' other touchdown.

The Panthers also sacked Knapp five times.

The Pirates, who are averaging 34 points a game and have won three games by 27 or more points, take on the Tarboro Vikings at home Friday night. The Vikings, who are averaging 42 points a game, were also 5-1 and 1-0 in the 2A/3A Four Rivers Conference heading into the game.