Cleveland Gets Big Win in New Bern

WRITTEN BY: Joe Myers

NEW BERN — In a matchup of two teams ranked in the top 15 in the state, Cleveland extended its regular-season win streak to 56 games with a 46-6 victory over New Bern on Friday night.

The Bears opened with energy, forcing a quick three-and-out and then moving inside the Cleveland 10-yard line after a 55-yard pass from Terrance McCormick to Ozell Brimmer. But the Rams’ defense held firm, stopping New Bern on fourth-and-goal.

After another red-zone stop, Cleveland’s offense found its rhythm. Running back Kaleb Ferrell fueled a 15-play drive that ended with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Owen Hulbert to Jalen Tibbs for a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Two plays later, the Rams intercepted McCormick and turned it into points. Hulbert again connected with Tibbs, this time from 16 yards, and Cleveland pushed the lead to 15-0 after a two-point conversion.

Tibbs struck again in the second quarter with a 33-yard touchdown run to make it 22-0 at halftime.

Cleveland kept the pressure on after the break, adding a field goal and a 44-yard rushing touchdown for a 32-0 lead. New Bern’s lone highlight came on Kaishawn Taylor’s 90-yard kickoff return, cutting it to 32-6. The Rams added two more touchdowns to close out the win.

Hulbert finished with 112 yards passing and three touchdowns. Ferrell carried 16 times for 81 yards, and Tibbs totaled three touchdowns — two receiving and one rushing.

For New Bern, McCormick threw for 88 yards and rushed for 67. Brimmer had three catches for 84 yards.