By Tommy Bryant

Sports Writer

LASKER – Northeast Academy used a late drive to knock off third-ranked Cary Christian 40-33 here Friday night.

Cary came out with a fast-paced passing attack and quick hand-offs in the running game, but the Eagles countered with the quick feet of Benton Barrett and Adam Creech.

The temp of the game changed when Northeast first-year skipper Stevie Flythe decided it was “Bo Time” and the Eagles feasted on a steady diet of Bo Daniel pounding the football.

Trailing 33-32 with just 2:46 remaining in the game after a Cary Christian touchdown and extra point, the Eagles set up shop at their own 32-yard line.

The comeback effort looked like it may not last long as the first three plays saw Northeast come up empty. Eagles’ quarterback Brad Johnson connected with Clay Robbins on a 17-yard pickup to move the chains.

Daniel then picked up 11 yards on two carries to move the chains again and put the ball in Cary Christian territory. Johnson then picked up five yards followed by Daniel carrying for another five.

Eventually, the Eagles got the ball to the three-yard line and Johnson punched it in with just 15 ticks left on the clock. Daniel added the two-point conversion and Northeast rallied to a 40-33 victory.

The ending was just like most of the night with both teams taking the lead only to see the other one rally past.

Cary struck paydirt first, scoring on their second possession of the night to take a 7-0 lead.

Northeast struck back quickly however when Michael Cooper returned the kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown. Johnson added the two-point conversion to give Northeast an 8-7 lead.

Cary came right back, however, as they scored on their next possession. The PAT was blocked and the Knights held on to a 13-8 advantage.

That score remained through halftime, but the Eagles made quick work of their opening drive of the second half. Daniel capped a 58-yard drive with a one-yard plunge into the endzone. Johnson added the conversion and Northeast led 16-13 with 9:59 to go in the third period.

Cary, however, came back and scored again. The conversion failed and the Knights clung to a 19-16 lead. The visiting team expanded their advantage by scoring again on their next possession. This time the conversion was good and Cary led 26-16.

That score held until the end of the third quarter.

Northeast scored with 6:34 to play in the game to cut into the lead. Johnson scored on a four-yard run and Daniel added the conversion to close the gap to 26-24.

The Eagles then took the lead when, after a Cary punt, they drove 79 yards on eight plays. The drive was capped by a Daniel one-yard run. Johnson added the conversion to make it 32-26.

Cary, however, scored on their second play from scrimmage and added the PAT to take the 33-32 lead with 2:46 to play setting up the late Northeast run.

Northeast improved to 4-4 overall with the victory. They will travel to St. David’s next week.