Corinth Holders scored 21 points in the second half to clinch a second round win in the flag football playoffs.

The Pirates defeated East Wake 28-8 in the second round at Willow Spring High School on Thursday night. Both teams earned first round byes in the playoffs.

Corinth Holders never trailed in the game. After turning East Wake over on downs on the opening drive, Eli McKenzie connected with Mackenzie Murray for a big gain down to the 5-yard line. That led to a McKenzie to Ava Marks touchdown pass to put the Pirates up 7-0.

East Wake answered on its next possession. Devyn Soles broke a run down to the 8-yard line, setting up a 3-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Evans to Charlese Davis. The extra-point attempt failed though, and East Wake trailed 7-6 at halftime.

The second half started with Corinth Holders in possession of the ball. McKenzie threw her second touchdown pass on the opening drive of the half, finding Gracie Giron from the 4-yard line to put the Pirates up 13-6.

A couple of mistakes led to the next points. Corinth Holders snapped the ball over the head of the quarter, leading to a safety and pulling East Wake within 13-8. But on the Warriors’ next offensive play, they did the same thing. A safety extended Corinth Holders’ lead to 15-8 with 13:15 left in the game.

Corinth Holders built itself some cushion on its next drive. Mackenzie Murray broke a long run for another touchdown and the Pirates led 21-8 after a failed extra-point attempt. Then the defense stepped up for Corinth Holders as Sydney Lusk intercepted an East Wake pass, which led to another touchdown as Jordanna Moskauski completed a six-yard pass to Marks for a score.

The Moskauski to Marks touchdown was the last score of the game as Corinth Holders claimed a 28-8 win.

Corinth Holders will advance ot the third round of the flag football playoffs where it will face Ashley on Dec. 4. Ashley defeated Hoggard 27-14 in the second round on Wednesday night.

The location for the third and fourth round games has not yet been announced.