HobbsDailyReport.com
LENOIR – Taye Dula ran for two first-half touchdowns as West Caldwell High nipped visiting West Iredell 28-21 in varsity football on Thursday night.
WEST CALDWELL 28
WEST IREDELL 21
Dula ran 19 yards for a TD that wiped out an early West Iredell (1-2) lead, and West Caldwell (2-1) gained its first lead when Colt Greer recovered a block punt in the end zone.
After a score by McKymron Ashley made it 21-7, Dula broke a run for 28 yards with about four minutes left in the opening half to push West Caldwell’s lead to 28-7.
West Iredell rallied for two second-half TDs to make the game close.
When Dillan Davis hit Bernie Briley for an 84-yard TD pass, West Iredell pulled within 28-13.
Driving 99 yards, West Iredell capped that with a 1-yard run by Kaleb Simpson to pull within a score.
West Caldwell’s season continues next Friday with a home game against Ashe County. The Warriors then have a bye week before their return to class 3A football when they debut in the Northwestern 3A-4A with a home game against Alexander Central.
West Iredell, coached by former Hibriten assistant Monte Simmons, stays on the road for its next game – next Friday at Statesville – and then plays North Iredell at home. The Warriors’ Northwestern Foothills 2A opener is Sept. 22 at home against Draughn.