RALEIGH, NC (WNCN) – Cardinal Gibbons hits the field Friday night to play the second round of the high school football playoffs with one of the state’s biggest wins. The Crusaders blew up Pine Forest (49-7) last week for a formidable and one-sided victory.

“Boring efficient was something I was pleasantly satisfied with,” said Cardinal Gibbons head coach Steven Wright after Thursday night’s practice. “It was fun to see us come out and we’re talking about getting off to a quick start and seeing our guys get out there and do exactly what every head coach likes to see, but especially in a playoff game against the quality opponent. “

The Crusaders kicked off the field to take the lead and never looked back. They met early, often, and in every possible way. The line-up of 49 is a remarkable feat considering the Pine Forest teams average a little more than one touchdown per game. In terms of numbers, the Trojans dropped 101 points in seven games that spring season, and 49 went to Cardinal Gibbons.

The more impressive number or lack of it is seven. Teams tend to slack off by such a large margin. Gibbons kept his playoff focus and saved up to a touchdown in the second quarter. Otherwise, the defense kept the Trojans out of the end zone.

“We don’t necessarily have one guy who stands out, but we have 11 who play as one and get as many heads as possible to the ball and do their jobs,” said Wright. “You know, we spend a lot of time here talking about what you’re responsible for. Just do your job and I know this is some kind of Bill Belichick, but at the end of the day there is so much truth in there. We preach this year round and our children love it. “

Usually teams are tested in the postseason, but the crusaders clearly are not. The concern is that they can take the next opponent easily. It creates the ultimate trap game situation. Win the first big game, get big-headed, slack off in practice, and before you know it, you’ve lost two points and it’s too late. Seniors had no choice but to shake hands and pack for college, and for the underclassmen, return to the weight room with a “Wanna ‘Canna’ Wanna” story.

Not this bunch.

“It’s easy to keep the guys on the ground. You know Richmond, County is always super talented. They always have a range of college prospects, especially in the skill positions, but they also have a pair on the offensive and defensive lines, ”Wright said. “Just thinking about knowing that at this time you are in a season where you win and go on or lose and hand in your gear on Monday.

“There is certainly a lot of motivation I think regardless of the opponent, but especially this week when Richmond comes to town.”

Cardinal Gibbons comes into play with a perfect 7-0. The Crusaders defeated the opponents with a 6: 1 clip. They considered five of their opponents to be a touchdown or less, with the smallest profit margin being a 13-point win over Leesville Road in Week 1.

Richmond County is the closest thing to a test Crusaders will see so far this year. So what do they have to do to defeat the raiders? In a word, the basics.

“I think take care of the football offense and be boring efficient again with the opportunities we get,” Wright said. “Try to make some defense sales and hopefully by the end of the day we’ll end up on the right side of the scoreboard.”

The starting shot will be given on Friday at 7 p.m. at Cardinal Gibbons.

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