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By: Donnamy Steele

The Pleasant Home School varsity football team secured their first win of the season against Kinston on Friday, 7-0.

Coach Richard Mercer said he knew it would be a close scoring game.

“It was 0-0 at halftime and we knew it was going to be a four-quarter game with Kinston, especially with what they do on offense and what we do on offense,” Mercer said. “It was a struggle at first, nobody could get down to a scoring range. I told my guys whoever wins this half wins the game and my guys took the kickoff and it was a huge first down.”

Although there was a tough stretch at the beginning of the game, the Eagles came out victorious. Mercer noted a few key players who stepped up during the game.

“Ethan Curry made a couple of big catches during the game and Josh Hawkins, our second-string quarterback, he stepped up and had a tremendous game,” Mercer said. “Our only touchdown was LaDarious Purifoy. We had them 7 to nothing then held them back and ran some more clock and was able to seal the deal. Nick Short had a big catch, Ethan Curry was our lead receiver and LaDarious Purifoy was our lead rusher. Hawkins made some key runs and throws and it got to working, and we were making first downs and running clock and held down for a much-needed win.”

The win is a big deal for Mercer and his team, showing the hard work they have put in this season. Mercer said he hopes to add another win to the books this season as Pleasant Home takes on Red Level next week.

“We had a tough stretch in the beginning. It was hard to get a win and that was big,” Mercer said. “We have some games coming up that should be just as exciting as this one was. Next week we have Red Level and it is going to be a competitive game, so we hope to make a second win.”

Nick Short had a big catch, Ethan Curry was lead receiver and Purifoy was the lead rusher.