EASON’S CROSSROADS – Behind the running of juniors Brandall Riddick and Isaiah Eure and a stiff defense, the Gates County Red Barons defeated the Weldon Chargers here last night (Friday) night by a 38-14 score.

Scoring on their first four possessions, the Barons took the opening kickoff and marched 72 yards in nine plays for the opening score.

Riddick carried the ball for eight times for 55 yards culminating with a 13-yard touchdown run.  With the PAT by Latron Norfleet, the Barons led 7-0.

The ensuing kickoff was fumbled by the Chargers and recovered by the Barons’ Rashawn Wilkins at the Gates 36-yard line. Behind a strong offensive line, the Barons drove the 64 yards for a second touchdown. Riddick again scored from five yards out giving the Barons a 13-0 lead as the PAT was blocked.

Following a three-and-out and punt by the Chargers, the Red Barons took over their third possession of the quarter and marched 72 yards again for their third touchdown of the first period.

This time Eure scampered around left end for the 30 yard score.  The PAT was again blocked, but the Barons had a 19-0 lead as the first quarter came to a close.

The Chargers were again forced to punt.

Gates took over at the Weldon 42-yard line and scored on the third play from scrimmage.  The score came on a 25-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Wiggins to senior Brandon Stifflemire.  This time Norfleet’s kick was true and the Barons held a 26-0 lead.

Neither team was able to mount a threat for the remainder of the half as fumbles and penalties stopped any sort of drive. The third quarter was scoreless as fumbles and penalties again shut down the scoring opportunities.

On their first drive of the fourth quarter, the Barons mounted an eight-play drive that ended with a one yard touchdown plunge by senior River Hicks at the 9:29 mark of the quarter. The PAT failed and the Barons held a 32-0 lead.

On their next possession, Weldon got on the board with a nine-play, 51-yard drive.  The score came on a 14 yard touchdown pass from Malik Arrington to Travon Shearin.  The try for two on the PAT failed as the Red Barons led 32-6 with 6:43 to play.

The Barons took the kickoff and scored quickly on a five-play, 55 yard drive.  The score came on a five-yard scamper by Eure at the 4:55 mark.  The big play on the drive was a 37-yard run by Riddick.

Weldon closed out the scoring with an 18-yard run by Arrington with 1:14 left to play. The two point conversion was good giving the final 38-14.

Riddick finished the night with 25 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns while his running mate Eure rushed for 111 yards on 18 carries and a pair of scores.  Even though the Baron defense gave up 14 points, it kept the Chargers at bay most of the evening holding the Chargers offense to a minus 23 yards in the first half.

Following their first Tar River Conference win of the year, Gates County travels to Creeksville to take on the Jaguars of Northampton County next week.  Weldon will be at home next week seeking their first conference win against KIPP Pride.