Saturday April 20th
The Carolina Cobras faced off against the Massachusetts Pirates to complete the home and home series with their home opener going Carolina’s way 50-22, almost mirroring the week before in Worcester when the Cobras won 54-22.
The Cobras raised their 2018 championship banner pregame and upon the opening kickoff, the Pirates Tyler Rausa nailed a deuce kick to give the Pirates their first and only two points of the entire first half. The Cobras opening play saw wide receiver Phillip Barnett tear off a 40 yard reception that lead to a Jordan Jolly touchdown from quarterback Charles McCullum. Greensboro native James Summers got his first touchdown as a Cobra as he hauled a pass in from McCullum to extend Carolinas lead.
Throughout the first half Carolina’s defense gave opposing quarterback Sean Brackett and the Massachusetts offense more than they could handle with defensive back Michael Green making a fumble recovery to set up a second Jolly touchdown as well as two interceptions. Jolly continued to burn the Mass defense for a third touchdown connection before defensive lineman Se’von Pittman made a fumble recovery to set up a field goal attempt late in the second quarter that was ultimately missed by Carolinas Nick Belcher.
After the intermission the Pirates looked to show signs for life when LaVon Pearson made the first touchdown of the night for his team, a short lived victory as Carolina responded with a one-play drive to find Jolly 30 yards away in the end zone. Jolly’s next trip to the end zone tied a Cobras franchise record with his fifth touchdown reception of the night. Belcher was positive on the following kickoff for a deuce to tack two more on to the Cobras lead at 43-15. The Pirates were able to capture six more points before the end of the third quarter with a 4 yard slant pass that sent receiver Mardy Gilyard and his defender Michael Green over the wall.
Notable kick returner for Carolina Cedric Poole came out of the end zone to make a 45 yard return that helped lay down the groundwork for a quarterback sneak that gave McCullum his first rushing touchdown of the season with just 33 seconds of game time left. Leaving nothing undone defensive backs Ken Walton was able to tip a pass to his teammate Tyree Robinson for an interception. Looking to chew time off the regulation time McCullum accidently garnered himself a unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and in frustration collected a second unsportsmanlike which disqualified him from the game. Summers took the final snap and let the clock hit zeros with a final score of 50-22.
The win moves the Carolina Cobras to 2-0 on the season and ends the regular season series with Massachusetts at a 104-44. The Cobras will have an early season bye week before taking on a tough New York Streets team at home on May 4th. The theme will be Star Wars night and include a special game worn jersey auction. Tickets are available at the coliseum box office in person or by phone at 336.455.7232 or by visiting Carcobras.com
