West Charlotte routs Hopewell on homecoming, wins second straight game

The West Charlotte Lions picked up their fourth win of the season Friday night, defeating the Hopewell Titans 47-0 in front of a raucous homecoming crowd.

“First of all, I just want to give a shoutout to the greatest school there is, and that’s West Charlotte,” Lions head coach Sam Greiner said after the game. “We’re packing the stands every night, and it’s easy to play in front of something like that.”

West Charlotte certainly gave its fans something to get fired up about early, forcing a quick three and out following the opening kick. A mishandled punt put the Lions in prime field position, which they quickly capitalized on by a 15-yard touchdown run from senior running back Aiden Turner.

The rest of the first quarter turned into a defensive battle, with both squads exchanging punts. An interception by sophomore Davion Jones at the beginning of the second quarter gave the Lions positive field position, and two plays later junior running back KD Cotton hauled in quarterback Jamouri Nichols’ first touchdown pass of the evening.

With momentum firmly on its side, West Charlotte hit throttle and never looked back. The remainder of the half would see the Lions put three more touchdowns on the board, including a 61-yard dash by Nichols as time expired.

Following the homecoming festivities at halftime, the Lions quarterback stayed hot, tossing two more long touchdowns in the third quarter, along with punching in a short one on the ground. This would cap off the scoring for the game, but the damage was done as West Charlotte secured a dominant victory.

“I thought I played good,” said Nichols, who accounted for five touchdowns. “We had a game Monday, so we had to get through that first. Then we just took it one day at a time.”

Nichols also touched on his ability to beat defenses with his feet, and what that ability brings to the table.

“It just builds confidence,” Nichols said. “Having a running quarterback that can do both it’s hard for a defense to guard that. So when you put the work in, and your teammates can look at you and see the confidence, then that’s what brings the confidence up for everybody.”

Greiner also has a great deal of confidence in his quarterback, and the growth he’s shown this season

“I knew from a young age that that kid’s a leader,” Greiner said. “We gave him the reins a little bit last year, he was 9-1 as starter, but I just think that each week he’s progressing.”

Three Who Made a Difference

Jamouri Nichols, West Charlotte – Nichols shredded the Hopewell defense with his arm and his feet en route to a five-touchdown performance.

Aiden Turner, West Charlotte – West Charlotte’s bell cow back racked up two touchdowns, including a 15-yard tear to open the scoring for the Lions.

Michael Griffin Jr., West Charlotte – The Lions’ top playmaker on defense, Griffin racked up two sacks.

What’s Next

West Charlotte hosts Hough at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Hopewell hosts J.C. Chambers at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Game Summary

West Charlotte – 7 19 21 0 – 47

Hopewell – 0 0 0 0 – 0

First Quarter

(WC) - Aiden Turner 15-yard run (Jose Gonzalez kick good)

Second Quarter

(WC) - KD Cotton 23-yard pass from Jamouri Nichols (Kick no good)

(WC) - Aiden Turner 6-yard run (Kick blocked)

(WC) - Jamouri Nichols 61-yard run (Kick good)

Third Quarter

(WC) - Rakim Finch 33-yard pass from Nichols (Kick good).

(WC) - Nichols three-yard run (Kick good)

(WC) - Donte Nicholson 70-yard pass from Nichols (Kick good)