Rosewood runs past North Johnston for first victory
GAME REPORTED BY CHRIS RADFORD
KENLY — Rosewood earned its first win of the football season and strengthened its recent series edge Friday, beating North Johnston 34-18 in Kenly.
The Eagles improved to 1-2 with the win and moved to 3-2 against the Panthers over the last five matchups. North Johnston fell to 1-2.
Rosewood took control early, building a 20-0 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 27-0 by halftime. North Johnston got on the scoreboard in the third quarter to make it 27-6, then added points in the fourth, but Rosewood maintained the advantage through the finish.
The Eagles finished with 310 rushing yards and 77 passing yards while spreading the scoring among five players. Dino Previl led Rosewood with 175 rushing yards and a touchdown, and Elijah Parker added 75 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Connor Smith had 23 rushing yards and a touchdown and threw for 77 yards and two scores. Malcolm Sowell had 23 yards and a touchdown, and Zamarrion Richardson had 42 yards and a touchdown.
Rosewood’s defense held North Johnston to 241 total yards and forced three turnovers. Emmanuel Pineda had an interception and a fumble recovery, while Cooper Smith added an interception. Parker led the Eagles with 10 tackles, Previl had nine and Elijah Sellers finished with seven.
The game was played in hot, humid conditions, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees at kickoff and multiple players cramping throughout the night.
Rosewood hosts Hobbton on Sept. 11. North Johnston travels to Princeton on Sept. 11.
