For Northside, it's run, run, run

 Northside's opening possession against Whiteville in the first round of the NCHSAA 2-A playoffs was in true Monarchs' fashion.

Well, actually, so was the entire game.

When second-seeded Northside needed just nine plays to score, it set the tone as the East Central 2-A Conference champion Monarchs (12-0) rolled up 560 yards of total offense en route to a 49-6 victory over the No. 15 Wolfpack (4-7).

Northside marched 73 yards in 3:39, ending the possession when senior Brad Simmons took a pitch around the left side and scored on a 19-yard sprint. Simmons finished with 108 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries while senior Tim Gardner carried 14 times for 145 yards and a couple of scores, including a 9-yard run that provided Northside a 14-0 edge.

Junior Adrian Scott would run eight times for 82 yards, including a 27-yard touchdown, while junior B.J. White added a 63-yard touchdown run for the Monarchs, who scored on four of the first five possessions.

That's exactly what one would expect from a highly-seeded club like Northside, which is seeking a fourth consecutive East Regional final appearance - and more.

"To take the opening kickoff and score was big," coach Bob Eason said. "Our offensive line did a good job getting off blocks and our backs ran hard."

On the opening drive, Northside had the ball at its own 44-yard line when Simmons ran for 20 yards inside Whiteville territory. Senior David Stanley then ran for five yards to the 28 on third-and-2 before Simmons scored moments later.

The Monarchs' second possession was equally typical for Northside, driving 71 yards on six plays in 2:16. Scott begun the drive with a 40-yard run to the Wolfpack 29, and Gardner rushed for 12 yards to the 13 before scoring  from nine yards out on third-and-1.

Senior Donte Moss, who also had two sacks, gave the Monarchs a 21-0 cushion on a 1-yard run that capped off a 56-yard drive that took 2:07. The big play on the drive was Gardner's 18-yard run to the Whiteville 1.

"Everything was working, and I give it to the offensive line," Gardner said. "The team worked as one, and if we do that than nothing can stop us."

One play that was key all night was the pitch to the left side. In addition to Simmons' initial score, Scott took advantage of the play on a 40-yard run and his 27-yard touchdown sprint that gave Northside a 28-0 advantage.

"Our ends sealed and the guard pulled around and got up field," Eason said. "That was fun to watch."

The Monarchs' ground attack wasn't the only part of the offense on its game. So was the passing attack behind junior Raul Delarosa, who completed four of five passes for 93 yards. The first three passes helped key Northside finding the end zone.

Delarosa hit junior Isaac Watkins for a 19-yard gain on third down on the first drive. Watkins then reeled in a 13-yard pass on the second possession before junior Austin Baggett caught a pass for 15 yards to the Wolfpack 28 on the next play. Delarosa also found White for a 46-yard gain in the second quarter.

"We can throw when we need to," Eason said.

But its no secret the Monarchs would rather pound the ball, and they will need to Friday if they are to get by North Brunswick for the second time this season.  Northside, which defeated the Scorpions 48-6 in September, hosts No. 10 North Brunswick in the second round.

"We have one night to celebrate," Eason said.

Chris Miller can be contacted via e-mail at cmiller@freedomenc.com or by calling 353-1171, ext. 8472. Visit our Web site dedicated to prep sports at www.jdnvarsity.com