A.L. Brown vs. Ashbrook

A.L. Brown christened its new field turf playing surface with a 28-6 victory over Gastonia Ashbrook, here Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

The game was the season opener for both teams and it showed. The scoreless first quarter was filled with penalties and missed opportunities.

Brown’s Dezmond Adams blocked an Ashbrook punt in the opening quarter, in Greenwave territory, but the Wonders’ offense could not take advantage of the field position.

Brown quarterback Isaiah Black threw two first-half interceptions and the Greenwave cashed one in for a second-quarter touchdown and a 6-0 lead. The extra point snap was mishandled and the try failed.

In the final minute of the half, with Ashbrook threatening to extend its lead, Brown defensive lineman Xavier Jordan scooped up a fumble near midfield and rambled all the way to the Ashbrook 7-yard line. On the very next play, running back Jakhiry Bennett found the end zone, nearly untouched. The extra point was good and the Wonders led at halftime, 7-6.

In the second half, Brown took a 14-6 lead on Bennett’s second touchdown, and then, put the contest away with a 14-point fourth quarter.

Ashbrook had three more fumbles in the second half.

Bennett rushed 18 times for 175 yards.

Ashbrook accumulated 212 rushing yards.

The Wonders beat the Greenwave for the first time. Ashbrook had beaten Brown twice in playoff matchups.

Ashbrook returns home next week against East Lincoln (1-0), while A.L. Brown will take on Mooresville (1-1) on Sept. 13.