CARY, N.C. — Garner looks ready to take the next step under Deron Donald. The Trojans defeated Holly Springs by a score of 48-31.

Last year, Donald’s first leading the program, Garner shifted from a 1-9 team to a 6-5 playoff team.

The Trojans used three rushing touchdowns from senior running back Devyn Grant and defensive return touchdowns by Tayden McPhatter and A.J. Randle to bring a 32-7 lead into the half.

Grant was named the MVP of the game.

When Garner led 18-7 in the second quarter, Holly Springs had an opportunity to make it a four-point game. However, the Golden Hawks turned it over on downs on the Garner 8-yard line.

Holly Springs didn’t go away quietly. An interception return by Maddox Moore and touchdown pass from Kaleb Williams to Nigel Spate sent the Golden Hawks on a 14-0 run in the first five minutes of the third quarter.

Garner didn’t give in. The Trojans’ offense was able to respond with scores of its own multiple times to keep a safe distance on the scoreboard.

Scoring

First Quarter

• 6:02 – Devyn Grant 16-yard rush. PAT blocked. Garner 6, Holly Springs 0
• 4:29 – Kaleb Williams 60-yard pass to Christian Davison. Holly Springs 7, Garner 6
• 0:20 – Devyn Grant 13-yard rush. Garner 12, Holly Springs 7

Second Quarter

• 6:53 – Devyn Grant 3-yard rush. Garner 18, Holly Springs 7
• 4:12 – Tayden McPhatter 96-yard interception return. 2-pt. try good. Garner 26, Holly Springs 7
• 2:46 – A.J. Randle 55-yard fumble return. Garner 32, Holly Springs 7

Third Quarter

• 10:44 – Maddox Moore 30-yard interception return. Garner 32, Holly Springs 14
• 7:41 – Kaleb Williams 19-yard pass to Nigel Spate. Garner 32, Holly Springs 21
• 6:32 – Braden Selvage 44-yard pass to Cameron Quillett. Garner 40, Holly Springs 21
• 2:10 – Kaleb Williams 2-yard pass to Tracy Harrington Jr. Garner 40, Holly Springs 28
• 0:34 – Jabari Lovick 27-yard rush. Garner 48, Holly Springs 28

Fourth Quarter

• 10:39 – Matt Hannegan 34-yard field goal. Garner 48, Holly Springs 31

Source: highschoolot.com