Freshman D.J. Brown runs for Central after a first-half catch.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Harnett Central played its first home game of the 2022 varsity football season and absorbed a 50-19 loss to Sanderson on Friday night.

After trailing 30-0 at halftime, the Trojans got on the board with a 25-yard scoring pass from Quan Dixon to freshman D. J. Brown with 1:51 left in the third quarter.

Central kicker Isaiah Pearson recovered an onside kick and the Trojans closed within 37-13 with six seconds to go in the third quarter on a 4-yard run by Tay’Shawn Moore.

Dixon scored on a 4-yard keeper with 7:34 remaining to close the scoring for the hosts.

“The biggest thing we take away is that we competed in the second half,” said HC coach Cory Barnes. “We shot ourselves in the first half with penalties and turnovers.”

The Trojans made some adjustments from a 28-13 season-opening loss at West Johnston that bolstered the running game. HC led 13-7 late in the first half of that contest.

Central (0-2) visits Apex (2-0) on Thursday night.

“Hopefully, we can put two halves together,” Barnes said.

Tay’Shawn Moore looks for running room for the host Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Quan Dixon sets to throw a touchdown pass for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jaequan Plummer returns a kickoff for Central on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)