Clayton linebacker Imari Givens (34) reacts after the turnover on downs by Southeast Raleigh during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025.
Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh’s defense gave Clayton fits the last time the teams met, with the Bulldogs holding the Comets’ high-flying offense in check in a three-point win.
That’s still the only loss Clayton has on its record this season against 7A competition after the Comets completed their own mini revenge tour with a 35-21 win over Southeast Raleigh on Friday in the teams’ NCHSAA 7A East region semifinal.
The Comets’ run in this year’s playoffs actually started with a momentous win on the last day of the regular season, when they overcame perennial conference power Cleveland to earn a share of the conference title.
Then, Southeast Raleigh took Cleveland out of the playoffs a week ago to set up this rematch, in which Clayton QB Aiden Smalls was just too much to handle for the Bulldogs. Smalls ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more in leading the Comets (11-2) to the East region final, where they will face perennial state title contender and top seed Cardinal Gibbons.
Clayton quarterback Aiden Smalls (2) sprints for the touchdown against Southeast Raleigh during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, North Carolina, on Nov. 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh actually controlled the clock much of the third quarter, and drove deep into Clayton territory before an injury to QB Tydreke Powell stalled the Bulldogs’ momentum at the Clayton 10-yard line, where Southeast Raleigh turned it over on downs.
But on the next sequence of plays, the Bulldogs got the ball back on an interception, and an ensuing 29-yard run pulled Southeast Raleigh even with Clayton at 21-21.
Smalls, who’d passed and thrown for a touchdown in the first half, took over from there, doubling his totals in the third quarter alone to help Clayton pull away.
Parker Ferguson caught both of Smalls’ TD passes, the first from 47 yards out, and the second from 23. Nate Lunger was good on all five of his PATs, and Noah Smith had the other Clayton score.
Clayton running back Noah Smith (1) is tackled by Southeast Raleigh defensive lineman Grayson Williams (79) and linebacker Cyrus Gunther during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on Nov. 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
First-half recap
Clayton’s defense started the game with a strong stand, forcing a punt from deep in the Southeast Raleigh end. Taking over from near midfield, it took only a handful of plays for the Comets to get on the board first when Aiden Smalls escaped for a 44-yard touchdown run. The ensuing extra point made it 7-0 for the home team.
Noah Smith added another rushing TD — this from a yard out — late in the first quarter to push the Comets’ lead to 14-0, and it looked for a while like Clayton was going to cruise.
Clayton defensive lineman Kaden Blackwell (27) sacks Southeast Raleigh quarterback Tydreke Powell Jr. (6) during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
On the ensuing drive, though, Powell fired a 43-yard touchdown pass to cut the Comets’ lead in half.
After a pair of stalled drives, Clayton DB Charles Smith came up with an interception inside his own 10-yard line. Aiden Smalls ran the Comets out of trouble and lugged the ball to midfield, and a few plays later found Ferguson for a passing touchdown, re-establishing Clayton’s two-touchdown advantage.
But the Bulldogs would not go quietly. With less than a minute to play in the half, another Powell passing TD from 18 yards out and the extra point again cut the deficit to seven, at 21-14.
Elsewhere in the NCHSAA playoffs
What could have been the upset of the playoff season turned into Exhibit A for why high school kickers deserve as much attention as anyone else on offense or defense.
Cardinal Gibbons kicker Evan Windley nailed his second field goal of the game as time expired Friday to lift the Crusaders to a 16-14 win over Garner in the NCHSAA 7A East region semifinal round.
No. 4 Garner (9-4) had top-seeded Cardinal Gibbons (12-1) on the ropes in the fourth quarter, but one final drive deep into the Trojans’ end allowed Windley to line up and make his winning kick from 23 yards out.
The Crusaders scored first, on Windley’s first field goal late in the second quarter, and that’s where the score stood through halftime.
Garner scored a pair of touchdowns on long runs. The second, from Amir Wallace, gave the Trojans a 14-13 lead, which nearly stood up.
Cardinal Gibbons will host No. 3 Clayton on Friday, Dec. 5, in the East region final.
In the 8A East regional final, unbeaten No. 2 Millbrook went on the road and upended unbeaten No. 1 Hoggard, 14-7, to reach the inaugural NCHSAA 8A state final, which will be played in two weeks.
The Wildcats (13-0) will face unbeaten West top seed Hough (13-0), which dominated West Charlotte on Friday, 24-0.
In a 6A East region semifinal, Middle Creek of Apex continued its run with a 31-24 win over Northern Nash. The No. 3 Mustangs (10-2) will face unbeaten top seed Jacksonville in the East region final on Friday, Dec. 5.
Clayton running back Noah Smith (1) celebrates his touchdown run against Southeast Raleigh with Cory Robinson (75) and DeAngelo Ruffin (9) during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton linebacker Imari Givens (34) reacts after the turnover on downs by Southeast Raleigh during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton tight end River Fiore (14) celebrates with Parker Ferguson (17) after their defeat of Southeast Raleigh in the fourth round of the 7A playoffs. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh defensive back Mykale Tinsley (10) walks towards the end zone after his team’s loss to Clayton in thew NCHSAA 7A fourth round. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh’s Jahkerion Price (21), Trevor Howard (69), and Jonathan Williams (99) react to their team’s loss to Clayton in the NCHSAA7A playoff game. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton tight end River Fiore (14) looks to the sideline during the pre-game drills before taking on Southeast Raleigh in the 7A fourth round of playoffs. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh quarterback Tydreke Powell Jr. (6) launches the pass downfield against Clayton during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton defensive back Malachi Burt (20) defends the pass to Southeast Raleigh wide receiver Tyrus Whyte (7) during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh linebacker Josiah Heath (20) grapples Clayton strong safety Charles Smith (10) during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton quarterback Aiden Smalls (2) looks to pass downfield against Southeast Raleigh during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton defensive lineman Kaden Blackwell (27) sacks Southeast Raleigh quarterback Tydreke Powell Jr. (6) during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh running back James Adams IV (27) is tackled by the Clayton defense during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh wide receiver Cam Bullock (14) attempts to catch the pass against Clayton’s Akedran Crumel (13) during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh wide receiver Cam Bullock (14) makes the catch against Clayton’s Akedran Crumel (13) during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Southeast Raleigh quarterback James McCullers (9) scrambles for yardage ahead of the Clayton defense during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton running back Noah Smith (1) is tackled by Southeast Raleigh defensive lineman Grayson Williams (79) and linebacker Cyrus Gunther during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on Nov. 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton quarterback Aiden Smalls (2) sprints for the touchdown against Southeast Raleigh during the first half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, North Carolina, on Nov. 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton running back Terris Hobbs (5) runs for yardage against Southeast Raleigh during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
Clayton running back Parker Ferguson (17) celebrates after making his touchdown against Southeast Raleigh defensive back Mike Rowland (24) during the second half. The Clayton Comets and the Southeast Raleigh Bulldogs met in the fourth round of the NCHSAA 7A Playoffs in Clayton, N.C. on November 28, 2025. Steven Worthy
This story was originally published November 28, 2025 at 10:24 PM.
Middle Creek’s Derrick Morton (5) attempts the interception against Cary’s Jaylin Spivey (7) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025
Steven Worthy
Something happened to previously unbeaten Cary High School football on its way to a final-week showdown with Cardinal Gibbons for a shot at a conference title.
That “something”? Middle Creek.
The Mustangs’ rushing attack was too strong for the Imps’ defense as visiting Middle Creek dominated the line of scrimmage in a 42-0 road win over Cary Friday night.
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) rushes for the first down against Cary’s Michael McDonald (15) and James Melvin (22) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek will go on the road to winless Holly Springs next week with an outside chance at a Triangle Six 6A/7A conference crown. Cary will look to regroup against Cardinal Gibbons, though the Imps would much rather have been squaring off with the Crusaders as fellow conference unbeatens.
Cardinal Gibbons has one loss on the season, to Charlotte-area power Mallard Creek. Its average margin of victory over conference teams this fall has been 46.7 points, including a 26-point win over Middle Creek on Oct. 17.
If Cary can rebound and win that matchup, though, and Middle Creek can topple Holly Springs, Middle Creek, Cary and Cardinal Gibbons would have identical 3-1 conference records.
Friday in Cary, it was all Middle Creek. Already leading by 35 at the half, the Mustangs’ defense remained staunch to the end, stuffing the Imps’ opening drive inside the 10-yard line. Middle Creek tacked on another score in the fourth quarter to close the scoring.
Middle Creek wide receiver Tracy Harrington Jr (8) rushes for yards against Cary during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Mustangs roll in first half
Middle Creek got on the board early and often, staking itself to a two-touchdown lead with a heavy dose of the run game, first about four minutes into the game on a short TD run, and then again about four minutes later, also from inside the 5-yard line.
Despite starting at midfield, Cary’s ensuing drive stalled and the Imps had to punt. On its next possession spanning into the second quarter, Middle Creek again marched into Cary territory, Lex Sevilla cross the line from a yard out to push the Mustangs’ advantage to three scores.
Cary thought it had scored and climbed back into the game after a bizarre sequence in the second. After its third touchdown, Middle Creek tried for an onside kick, which it recovered.
The Mustangs then fumbled the ball, and Cary returned it to the end zone for what the Imps thought was their first touchdown of the game. But an illegal block in the back penalty negated the Cary score, and the Imps punted the ball back to Middle Creek four plays later.
The Mustangs inserted the dagger moments later when Tracy Harrington plunged into the end zone from 2 yards out, and they added another TD before halftime to push the margin to 35-0.
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) runs for the first down against Cary’s Ben Hines (28) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) reacts after getting the first down against Cary during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek’s Jabron Wilson (31) face masks Cary Quarterback Nick Grena (3) during the first half and resulting in a first down. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Faraz Chohan (50) reacts to the touchdown by Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary football head coach Coleman Tyrance watches the setup on the field against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary tight end Donald Haley Jr. (45) reflect on the bench after the plays by Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Erich Grena (5) runs for open field position against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek quarterback Lex Sevilla (6) looks to pass downfield against Cary during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) runs for the first down against Middle Creek’s Davis Prichard (7) during the second half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) runs for yardage against Cary’s James Melvin (22) during the second half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Erich Grena (5) kneels on the sidelines in the second half in the final minutes of their game with Middle Creek. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Skylan Joyner (25) looks for running room against Middle Creek’s Jayden Spencer (0) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) runs for the first down ahead of Middle Creek’s Cullen Hunt (9) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) runs for yardage against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary football head coach Coleman Tyrance watches the setup on the field against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) stiff-arms Middle Creek’s Quinn Newman (21) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Steven Worthy
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) gets the first down against the tackle from Cary’s Jaylin Spivey (7) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Skylan Joyner (25) rushes for yards against Middle Creek’s Mark Smith (40) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek running back Jayden Spencer (0) rushes for the first down against Cary’s Michael McDonald (15) and James Melvin (22) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek’s EJ Alvardo (38) celebrates his team’s touchdown against Cary with Kevin Moody during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Middle Creek’s Derrick Morton (5) makes the interception against Cary’s Jaylin Spivey (7) during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) prepares to set the ball for the kicker during pregame drills before taking on Middle Creek. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary quarterback Nick Grena (3) runs for yards against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Erich Grena (5) moves into position to block the defense from Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
Cary’s Nick Grena (3) and Erich Grena (5) look to the sidelines for direction against Middle Creek during the first half. The Cary Imps and the Middle Creek Mustangs met in a conference football game in Cary, N.C. on October 24, 2025 Steven Worthy
