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ROCKINGHAM — After forging a tie with Richmond County at halftime, Northwest Guilford couldn’t manage any offense in the second half and lost 45-21 to the Raiders in the second round of the Midwest 4-AA playoffs.

The Vikings used big plays and took advantage of some key penalties against the Raiders to stay even at 21 with Richmond County at the break.

But a strong second half by the Raiders defense and elusive running by Walter Ellerbe helped Richmond County pull away with a 21-point fourth quarter outburst.

“We didn’t match their intensity,” said Northwest Guilford running back Dalton Dillon. “I hate to say it, but I don’t think they played up to their ability in the first half. They came out in the second half and played to their ability. We played well at times, but not enough.”

The Vikings end the season with a 9-4 record and the seniors go out as one of the most successful classes at the school. But coach Joe Woodruff knows there is more to be done.

“We’ll get there,” Woodruff said. “We scored three offensive touchdowns against one of the best teams in the state. They hadn’t given up that many points this season. These kids had heart and they were disciplined. I’m as proud of them as I have been of any team I’ve coached.”

The Raiders took the lead on a field goal in the third quarter and then Ellerbe turned it on in the fourth quarter. He weaved and banged his way through the Vikings’ defense on play after play and eventually scored three touchdowns late to put the game out of reach.

“We knew who he was and what he could do,” Woodruff said. “We didn’t tackle very well. He didn’t surprise us. He’s just a very good football player and he runs hard.”

The Raiders started the scoring by taking advantage of a Northwest Guilford fumble.

After Vonnie Dawkins recovered for Richmond County, the Raiders needed only three plays to score. Quarterback Laron Ellerbe faked a pitch and took off straight up the field for a 11 yard touchdown and a 7-0 lead.

R – Laron Ellerbee 12 run (Chandler Conner kick)

N – Dalton Dillon 1 run (Garrett Stuart kick)

R – Greg Galbreath 23 run (Conner kick)

N – Reid Baxter 3 run (Stuart kick)

R – Walter Ellerbee 40 run (Conner kick)

N – Matt Pawlowski 1 run (Stuart kick)

R – Conner 23 field goal

R – Walter Ellerbee 6 run (Conner kick)

R – Walter Ellerbee 8 run (Conner kick)

R – Walter Ellerbee 32 run (Conner kick)