Baker scores four touchdowns as LN rolls past NC, 56-21

Staff Report

Marreon Baker rushed for 143 yards and four touchdowns as Lawrence North used a 35-point second quarter to pull away from NC for a 56-21 victory.

After a scoreless opening quarter, LN built a 35-7 halftime lead. NC cut the deficit to 35-14 entering the fourth, but LN answered with three touchdowns in the final period to secure the win.

Baker carried 27 times to lead an offense that produced 385 total yards, including 247 on the ground. His touchdown runs covered 5, 4, 4 and 10 yards.

Darian Prather added 68 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries while completing 13 of 20 passes for 138 yards and two scores. He connected with Cameron Puntillo on a 2-yard touchdown pass and Ethan Abdulraheem on a 42-yard scoring strike during the second-quarter surge.

Prather scored on an 8-yard run in the fourth quarter, while Baker added his fourth touchdown and Zechariah Knox reached the end zone from 3 yards out. Knox finished with 20 yards on four carries. Keivon Mattox led LN with five receptions for 44 yards.

Anthony Whitfield paced the defense with 10 tackles, five assists, three tackles for loss and a pass breakup. Jaxson Owens also recorded three tackles for loss, while Elijah Hughes contributed six tackles.

LN’s defense collected three takeaways. Damirre Turner intercepted a pass, and Julian Bray and Reggie Williams each recovered a fumble.