Charlotte Catholic remains undefeated in 20-13 playoffs win

Charlotte Catholic’s incredible defense delivered again to keep the Cougars undefeated.

Jaret Anderson plunged over the goal line with 21.2 seconds left to propel Charlotte Catholic to a 20-13 victory Friday against Seventy-First High School in the second round of the N.C. 4A playoffs.

Seventy-First’s tailback Paul Underwood entered the game with 2,145 rushing yards this season and has more than 5,500 in his career. He finished with 48 yards on 19 carries. The Cougars held the Falcons to 60 yards of total offense and sacked freshman quarterback Kyler Davis six times.

Charlotte Catholic, the No. 3 seed in the West, struggled to move the ball for much of the game, but special teams plays set up both touchdowns. Greyson Krone blocked a punt inside the Falcons’ 20-yard line the second quarter. After a punt pinned Seventy-First at its 1-yard line, Charlotte Catholic’s Matt White returned a punt to the Falcons’ 15 with 3:14 remaining in the fourth.

Anderson, who finished with 131 yards on 28 attempts, carried six straight times before scoring.

Seventy-First, the No. 11 seed, had a chance after Leon Rodgers returned the kickoff to midfield with eight seconds left, but Davis’ desperation heave was intercepted.

Quote

“He’s a man,” Charlotte Catholic coach Mike Brodowicz said of Anderson. “When it’s time to get the ball, No. 2 is going to get us in the end zone. He’s just pure willpower.”

Records

Charlotte Catholic is now 12-0. Seventy-First finishes it season at 10-3.

Worth noting

▪ Seventy-First went 10-0 this season when Underwood rushed for more than 100 yards and 0-3 when he did not.

▪ Charlotte Catholic missed two field goals in the first quarter, but kicker Jack Fonda made two and punter Connor Demaine averaged 47 yards on three attempts.

“That’s our formula,” Brodowicz said. “The formula is great defense, unbelievable special teams and opportunistic offense when we needed it.”

Up next

Charlotte Catholic will play No. 7 North Davidson in the N.C. 4A quarterfinals.

This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 11:04 PM with the headline "Charlotte Catholic remains undefeated in 20-13 playoffs win."