Grayson McCall’s big night lifts Porter Ridge past West Meck
Porter Ridge senior quarterback Grayson McCall rushed for 156 yards and five touchdowns on 16 carries Friday to lead the Pirates to a 42-20 win over West Mecklenburg in the third round of the 4A West playoffs.
Porter Ridge (10-4) rolled up 442 yards rushing and 512 yards of total offense to advance to the 4A West Regional final next Friday where they will take East Forsyth on the road.
McCall led the Pirates’ rushing attack after both starting senior running backs Jaylen Coleman (46 yards on seven carries) and Malcolm Hines (84 yards on 14 carries) left the game with injuries.
McCall scored the first touchdowns of the game and Porter Ridge jumped to a 35-20 advantage late in the third quarter and they never looked back.
The Pirates’ reserve running backs stepped up their game with sophomore Brandon Perry, who played junior varsity for most of the year, had 100 yards rushing and a touchdown on 12 carries, while Kirkland Harris also had 59 yards rushing on four carries.
West Mecklenburg was led by senior wide receiver Montez Willis, who had 10 catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
Hawks’ senior quarterback Preston Brown went 19-for-43 passing for 352 yards and three touchdowns.
Records: Porter Ridge 10-4; West Mecklenburg 9-3.
Three who mattered
Grayson McCall, Porter Ridge: The Pirates’ senior quarterback rushed for 156 yards and five touchdowns, including scoring runs of 18, 6, 20, 6 and two yards.
Brandon Perry, Porter Ridge: The Pirates sophomore running back spent most of this season as the starting running back on the Porter Ridge junior varsity. After both starting running backs went down with injuries, Perry rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in the second half.
Montez Willis, West Mecklenburg: The Hawks’ senior wide receiver had 10 catches for 223 yards and two touchdowns, including an 84-yard touchdown catch to tie the score at 14 in the 2nd quarter.
What’s next
Porter Ridge travels to East Forsyth next Friday night to play in the 4A West Regional championship game; West Mecklenburg season ends with the loss.