Garner’s Isaiah Dawson etched his own place in Trojans and town gridiron lore in Garner’s 14-6 win at South Garner. The outcome improved the Trojans to 3-1 overall, and reversed last season’s landmark win for South Garner, which opened in 2018.

Dawson scored all points for the victors, beginning with a 10-yard touchdown reception (from quarterback Christian Ormandy) in the first quarter. Dawson’s subsequent 10-yard touchdown run before a two-point conversion provided all the offense the Trojans needed.

The Titans’ lone score came in the third quarter on a short James Johnson, Jr. touchdown pass to Zyier Hines. The extra point attempt was blocked.

Garner scored 14 points, too, in last year’s 20-14 loss to South Garner. This time, the teams combined for just 20 points.

Wake Forest survives Leesville Road

Wake Forest got two rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown in regulation time from quarterback Kavon Simmons. A second overtime deflection closed the Cougars’ 34-28 win over Leesville Road.

Byrd surpasses 1,000 yards

Cleveland junior quarterback Jackson Byrd passed for 232 yards and three touchdowns in the undefeated Rams’ 51-0 win over Corinth-Holders. Byrd has thrown for 1,065 yards through four games, with a 72.2 percent completion rate.

Montague lifts Clayton

Clayton quarterback Johnathan Montague had touchdown runs of 38 and 15 yards to help the Comets past visiting Fuquay-Varina, 39-14.

Howard springs Willow Spring

Cameron Howard’s two-point conversion was the difference in Willow Spring’s 32-31 win over visiting Southeast Raleigh. The Storm, with an inaugural (Greater Neuse River) conference win in tow, will visit Corinth Holders next Friday.

New Bern tops Havelock -- on field

Reigning N.C. 4A state champion New Bern topped intra-county and conference rival Havelock 15-14 in Havelock. These perennial state championship contenders, certainly, were happy for the focus to be on the field after an unprecedented off-season including beyond field news headlines.

New Bern (5-0) experienced administrative and guidance suspensions related to an academics investigation and controversies over some students’ (including student-athletes’) graduation status. The Bears had a coaching change, as Terrance Saxby assumed the reins in the summer.

Havelock (3-1) thought it would have a new head coach in alumnus Caleb King, who coached the Rams previously. King’s hire was blocked by the Craven County Board of Education, and sparked throngs of Havelock supporters to rally.

Hough’s Hauser sets national record

Hough kicker Nolan Houser (a Clemson commit) booted a 48-yard field goal in the Huskies’ 52-7 win at North Mecklenburg Thursday. Hauser’s 57 career field goals are a new national high school record.