Defense wins championships is a mantra found throughout sports. One Stanly high school has lived it so far this football season.
The West Stanly Colts made it back-to-back defensive shutouts for the first time since 2004 with a 48-0 win at Central Academy Friday night.
West Stanly (2-0, 2-0 RRC) rushed for 300 yards, including Braden Hartsell who led with 116 yards on eight carries with two touchdowns. Gavin Hudson scored two rushing touchdowns as well, while Logan Little and Blake Helms both added rushing TDs.
Through the air, quarterback Jordan Manshack was 2-for-3 for 48 yards with a touchdown pass to Austin Stoker. Stoker had both catches for the Colts.
The Colts last posted shutouts in back-to-back games in 2004 beating Sun Valley (20-0) and South Stanly (53-0). West also has two shutouts in a season for the first time since 2016.
West is now 9-3 lifetime versus the Cougars, having won the last four matchups.
The Colts will return home Friday to host Montgomery Central (1-2, 0-2). The Timberwolves lost at Forest Hills Friday night 20-12.
About Charles Curcio
Charles Curcio was the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press from 1999-2001 and has currently served in the same capacity since 2008. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also been honored twice by the North Carolina Press Association.
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