SouthLake Christian’s 35-21 first-round playoff victory against Forsyth Country Day on Nov. 4 swung on two electrifying plays within seconds of each other.
The Eagles were leading, 21-14, in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic -Association Division II game when -Forsyth Country Day began a third-quarter drive on its 45-yard line.
SouthLake’s defense proceeded to jump offside on a fourth-down-and-1 situation, allowed Forysth Country Day to convert a fourth-and-7 pass for a first down, commit a facemask penalty and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
There were concerned looks among Eagles coaches and fans.
Then, SouthLake Christian cornerback Andre Diouf made a sliding interception at the 1-yard line to prevent a potential tying touchdown.
SouthLake, on the next play, scored on Randy Schroeder’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Demitri Allison. Allison, facing man-to-man coverage, out-jumped the defender at the SouthLake 35 and raced untouched to the end zone.
Suddenly, a game that appeared to be headed toward a tie had turned into a 28-14 lead for SouthLake Christian.
“We took advantage with some calls when they had eight or nine (defensive players) in the box,” SouthLake -Christian coach Rich Landis said. “Demitri and Andre made some big plays. That play is a credit to (offensive coordinator Bub) O’Donnell. A lot of coaches there will try to run the ball to get away from the goal line. First play, what a great time to go for it. Credit (O’Donnell) and the kids for doing it. They practice it a lot, and to pull it off was great.”
Allison had a 48-yard touchdown run, and scoring catches of 21 and 99 yards. Diouf made three interceptions, and caught a 67-yard scoring pass from Schroeder.
SouthLake Christian (10-1) will host Asheville School (9-2) in the semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 11. It’s a rematch of the Sept. 30 regular-season game, which SouthLake Christian won, 27-14.
Lake Norman Charter ends 2011 season with playoff loss
Lake Norman Charter concluded its best season in school history with a 35-20 loss at South Stokes in the Class 1A state playoffs on Nov. 4.
The Knights finished with a 5-6 record and were competitive in their first season in the Southern Piedmont 1A/2A conference. In 2010, Lake Norman Charter was 1-10.
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