RUTHERFORDTON � Shelby�s 48-12 win Friday night at Hilltopper Stadium should do a few things in the confidence department for the Golden Lions.
Beside collecting their fourth straight win and moving to 5-4 on the season (3-1 South Mountain Athletic Conference), Shelby displayed a consistent effort in several phases of the game against R-S Central (1-8).
The Golden Lions mixed the run and pass effectively, piling up more than 500 yards of total offense on the night.
In addition, Shelby was able to slow down the Hilltopper running game. Only a big play � an 81-yard scoring pass late in the third quarter � plus a fumble R-S recovered in the end zone in the final period allowed the opposition to score.
Shelby was able to build a 21-0 lead by halftime with Spencer Clark running for a score, Raekwon Washington broke free on a 73-yard touchdown romp, then Clark hooked up with Cedric Cannon for a 21-yard scoring pass in the final 30 seconds of the half.
Shelby continued its assault in the second half with Clark throwing for one score to Dontavis Pressley and running for another, with Markise Walton and Antwan Wright finding the end zone as well.
Ware liked the way Washington (165 yards) and Jaquavis Brooks (115) ran hard.
R-S Central had a screen pass from Elric Ruff to Devante Austin break for an 81-yard scoring play to get on the board. Tyler Lowery recovered a fumble in the end zone for the Hilltoppers� other score.
Shelby will return home to face East Rutherford next Friday. The Golden Lions will be trying to nail down a No. 1 seed in the SMAC for the playoffs.
Doubling up � Shelby had its offense clicking on all cylinders Friday night, especially with the running game.
Raekwon Washington picked up 165 yards on the night, with only one carry in the second half. Jaquavis Brooks came on and also topped the 100-yard barrier, finishing with 115 yards.
Spreading the wealth � Spencer Clark threw for 178 yards on the night for Shelby with three receivers � Dontavius Presley, Cedric Cannon and Kylon Ross with multiple catches led by Ross with five catches on the night.
Defensive menace -- Golden Lion senior defensive end Kris Evans made himself a nuisance to the R-S Central offense in his time on the field. In the first half alone he was in on two sacks, forced two hurried throws, and had another tackle for loss. He added a fumble recovery early in the third period that led to a Shelby score.