College Prep & Leadership Academy overwhelmed North Stokes on the ground, handing the Vikings a 58-21 loss in both teams’ regular-season finale. Holden Shelton threw for 289 yards and three touchdowns, but North Stokes finished 0-10 after its offense was limited to 13 rushing yards and battered by nine sacks. The Vikings now face No. 6 South Davidson on Nov. 6 in the first round of the 1A playoffs.

By the Numbers
  • Royals: 330 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns on 55 carries.
  • Braylon Bobbitt: 135 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and 4 two-point conversions.
  • Willie Baker: 100 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 15 carries.
  • Shelton: 19-of-32 passing for 289 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.
  • North Stokes: 9 sacks allowed and 1-of-8 on third down.
Yes, But

Shelton and the Vikings’ receivers produced three long touchdown connections, including a 55-yard score to Zack Tait. North Stokes cut the deficit to 42-21 early in the fourth quarter, but the Royals answered with the game’s final 16 points.

What’s Next

North Stokes travels to No. 6 South Davidson on Nov. 6. South Davidson edged the Vikings 28-22 in conference play two weeks ago. The No. 8 Royals host Bonnie Cone Leadership, with the winner set to face conference champion Chatham Central the following week.

Bottom Line

The playoff challenge is clear: North Stokes must protect Shelton and find a way to sustain its offense against a South Davidson team that already beat it in a close game.