Battle of the Blues Top Performers: Offense

The annual Battle of the Blues between Terry Sanford and Cape Fear once again lived up to its reputation. While the final score may suggest otherwise, this matchup was competitive from start to finish, with both teams trading big plays and momentum throughout. Both sidelines featured standout offensive talent that made key contributions all night long. Here are the Top Offensive Performers from this year's Battle of the Blues.    There was no question who owned the spotlight on Friday night. Junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='1675598' first='Tai' last='Phillips'] turned in one of the most dominant performances of the entire season — not just in the region, but statewide. Phillips exploded for over 300 rushing yards and six touchdowns, attacking the Terry Sanford defense from start to finish. His ability to change direction, accelerate through contact, and maintain balance after the first hit was special to watch. He displayed tremendous vision in the zone game, showing patience behind his offensive line before bursting through creases with elite top-end speed. Beyond the stat sheet, Phillips set the tone physically and emotionally for his team. His performance was the definition of a BigFish outing — a complete takeover that cemented his status as one of the premier junior running backs in North Carolina.     While Phillips did the heavy lifting between the tackles, Landon Underwood gave Cape Fear's offense its necessary versatility. Serving as the “jet” motion player, Underwood kept the Terry Sanford defense guessing all night. His lateral quickness and burst out of pre-snap motion constantly stretched the edges, forcing defenders to hesitate and respect the perimeter threat. That hesitation opened lanes for Phillips and the rest of the rushing attack. Underwood also made several timely touches of his own, showing toughness and awareness when operating in space. His ability to draw defensive attention without always touching the ball speaks to his football IQ and his value within the system. A two-way athlete with growing confidence, Underwood continues to evolve into one of Cape Fear's most dependable offensive weapons.     Veteran quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1453983' first='Geronimo' last='Sanchez'] provided the steady leadership that every championship-caliber offense needs. While Cape Fear's game plan centered on the run, Sanchez added another layer of threat by keeping the ball on designed reads and scrambles. His decision-making in the option game was sharp — knowing exactly when to pull it and when to hand it off. When he did decide to run, he showed toughness and awareness, slipping tackles and gaining valuable yards after contact. Late in the game, Sanchez punched in the final touchdown to seal the win for the Colts, a fitting moment for the senior who has guided this team with composure all season. His ability to manage tempo, maintain poise, and complement the ground attack with timely runs was crucial to Cape Fear's rhythm. Sanchez continues to prove why he's one of the most respected field generals in the region.     Even in defeat, [player_tooltip player_id='1749317' first='Sebastian' last='O'Keefe'] reminded everyone why he's one of the most explosive playmakers in eastern North Carolina. The sophomore tailback was electric from his first touch — displaying elite acceleration, vision, and the ability to make defenders miss in open space. O'Keefe scored two long touchdowns on breakaway runs that energized the Bulldog sideline and the crowd. What stood out most was his balance and body control through traffic; defenders rarely got a clean hit on him. O'Keefe also showed improved patience as a runner, letting blocks develop before attacking the hole with conviction. Beyond the box score, his field awareness and home-run ability make him a legitimate collegiate prospect. He's the kind of back who can turn a routine handoff into a game-changing play at any moment.     Junior quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1851677' first='Jacob' last='Moore'] continues to put together an impressive season as one of the most dynamic dual-threat QBs in the 910. Against a physical Cape Fear defense, Moore accounted for three total touchdowns — two passing and one rushing — showing his ability to make plays both from the pocket and on the move. His field vision and anticipation allowed him to find open receivers despite heavy pressure, while his mobility kept drives alive. What truly sets Moore apart is his poise under duress. He never forces throws and has a natural feel for when to tuck and run. His rushing touchdown showcased his toughness, lowering his shoulder near the goal line, while his two passing scores displayed his timing and touch on deep balls. Moore is developing into a complete quarterback and a true leader for the Bulldogs offense — the kind of player who elevates everyone around him.     Senior athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1671906' first='Gaven' last='Kraut'] gave the Bulldogs a strong vertical presence all night. Early in the game, he made several critical receptions to sustain drives, using his frame and hands to win contested catches. Then, in the second half, Kraut delivered one of the game's biggest moments — hauling in an 80-yard touchdown pass that ignited the Terry Sanford sideline. His long stride and separation speed made him a constant downfield threat. Kraut's performance was a reminder of his versatility; whether lined up outside, in the slot, or even as a motion player, he forced Cape Fear's secondary to stay alert on every snap. His athleticism and competitive nature make him a valuable weapon who can change the game in an instant.

The annual Battle of the Blues between Terry Sanford and Cape Fear once again lived up to its reputation. While the final score may suggest otherwise, this matchup was competitive from start to finish, with both teams trading big plays and momentum throughout. Both sidelines featured standout offensive talent that made key contributions all night long. Here are the Top Offensive Performers from this year's Battle of the Blues.