Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
The Northern Guilford Nighthawks swooped down for their conference clash against the Southeast Guilford Falcons. From the opening kickoff, the Falcons’ offense, led by quarterback Phoenix Fleming, sputtered repeatedly. Every attempted run by J. Williams-Hatten and Travis Motley met a wall of Nighthawk defenders. Linebackers like Hunter Crum (who racked up 16 total tackles) and Noah Smith (15 tackles, 2.0 TFL) were relentless, reading the Falcons’ plays before they even developed. The Nighthawks’ defense held the Falcons to a devastating zero points.
The second quarter saw the Nighthawks finally break the deadlock, establishing a 14-0 lead they would never relinquish. While quarterback Jaxson Kemp provided stability with an efficient passing game (5-for-9, 63 yards), it was the relentless rushing attack that broke the Falcons’ will.
Senior running back Amare Akers was the star of the night, slicing through the defense for 110 yards on 13 carries and finding the end zone twice. His second-quarter touchdown run, an impressive 37-yard burst, was a moment of true breakaway speed that signaled the shift in momentum. Junior Christian Leach added another rushing score, powering in a touchdown to help cement the lead.
The third quarter was the Nighthawks’ most explosive, scoring another 14 points. With the ground game chewing up yards, the aerial attack found its rhythm. Tight end C. Morrison Jr. secured a touchdown reception, a critical score that stretched the lead to an insurmountable margin.
Meanwhile, the Falcons could not muster an answer. They totaled a meager 39 yards passing and, despite 137 yards rushing, their drives stalled out time and again. Key plays, like a drive-ending interception by Ronald Barclay in the third quarter, snuffed out any glimmer of hope for the home team.
A final seven points in the fourth quarter, capped by a late touchdown, brought the final score to 35-0. The silence from the home stands was palpable as the Falcons had been thoroughly grounded. The Nighthawks showcased a complete team effort: an offense that capitalized on its chances and a defense that simply refused to bend.
