Photo by Max Gallagher

Nov. 22. By Ryan Moxon. The top-seeded Hough Huskies survived a slow start Friday night to defeat West Forsyth 28-10 and head to a regional final matchup against West Charlotte.

Hough led only 14-3 at halftime but opened the third quarter with a score on its first possession, a 30-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Ethan Royal to freshman wide receiver Mason Pearsall-Brown. Royal added another touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jayden White later in the quarter.

West Forsyth cut the lead to 28-10 in the fourth quarter and recovered the ensuing onside kick with nine minutes remaining, but a turnover ended its comeback hopes.

In the other west regional semifinal, second-seeded West Charlotte defeated Myers Park 34-21 and will travel to Hough next Friday night to determine which team advances to the 8A state championship.

Top-ranked Hoggard takes on second-seed Millbrook in the east regional semifinal.