Albemarle picked up its first win of the season Friday, ending a six-game losing streak that dated back to last season.
The Bulldogs (1-4) beat previously unbeaten Southwestern Randolph (3-1) 32-6 on the road to get back in the win column.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Cougars got on the board first when they returned a fumble recovery for a touchdown with just 11 seconds left in the opening half. The Bulldogs, however, responded when senior running back Malik Watkins returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to make it 6-6 at the half.
The momentum from Albemarle’s late-half touchdown carried over into the second half when the Bulldogs scored 26 unanswered points.
Kaine McClendon, who rushed 15 times for 71 yards, was responsible for two of those scores, while wide receivers Ja’Zyion Geiger and Jaylen Pinkney each had touchdown receptions from quarterback Ander Artis. Artis completed 19 of 26 passes for a season-high 341 yards.
The Bulldogs will look for a second straight win when they host Lake Norman Charter (3-1) on Friday.
Mount Pleasant 28, West Stanly 20
West Stanly dropped its second straight game after opening the season with three straight wins.
Mount Pleasant (3-2) knocked off the Colts (3-2) 28-20 in Oakboro in a battle of former conference rivals. West Stanly made it a one-possession game in the fourth quarter with a touchdown but was unable to rally past the Tigers.
Colts quarterback Jett Thomas and junior wide receiver Gavyn Efird connected twice for touchdowns, while senior running back Rene Salazar had 182 yards and a touchdown on 33 carries.
West is off this week before starting Rocky River Conference play at home against Piedmont (1-4) on Sept. 29.
South Stanly 18, Wheatmore 12
South Stanly topped Wheatmore 18-12 on Friday night, giving the Rebel Bulls wins in three of their last four games after having a 12-game losing streak.
First-year coach Terry Shankle’s Bulls (3-2) were tied 6-6 with the Warriors (2-3) at halftime and down 12-6 heading into the fourth quarter before Jasiah Holt returned a punt 40 yards for a touchdown.
South got the go-ahead score when quarterback Kaleb Richardson connected with wide receiver Tristen Patterson with two minutes left in the game.
South has a bye week before it travels to Mount Pleasant on Sept. 29 for its first Yadkin Valley Conference game of the season.
North Stanly — bye
The 3-1 Comets were off last week but will host unbeaten Forest Hills (4-0) on Friday.