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A defensive stop on a late two point conversion propeled the Spiders to a 27-26 win over West Charlotte Friday night.

Concord took the opening kickoff and scored just a few plays later. B.J. Beecher passed to Xavier Bell, who also happens to be the Spider's backup quarterback, Bell paused for a second and launched a pass to a streaking Bravone Howard who outran two West Charlotte defenders. The drive also featured two long Denzel Phillips rushes. 

The Lions wasted little time and tied the score on their first possesion on a short T.J. Mixson touchdown run.

Concord took the lead again on the next drive as Beecher found Terrance Knox on an 8 yard touchdown pass.

West Charlotte answered again with a long drive to begin the second quarter. Mixson struck again with an 8 yard touchdown run. The Lions extra point attempt was blocked by Spider defensive back Xavier Thompson.

Concord's Desmond Shamsid-Dean setup the Spiders next drive with a nifty 30 kickoff return. After a couple of Phillips runs Beecher connected with sophomore tight end Jerry Burk for a 30 yard touchdown to put the Spiders up 20-13. Thw Spiders carried that lead into halftime.

Most of the third quarter was controlled by the defenses. However West Charlotte did tie the game on an 18 yard Mixson touchdown pass.

The defensive pattern continued into the 4th quarter. A string of penalties and turnovers kept both offenses bottled up for most of the quarter.

Beecher appeared to hit Alex Asbury on a potential go ahead score, but the pass bouced off Asbury's fingertips. However a few plays later Beecher came back to Asbury for a 37 yard touchdown.

Spider fans rejoiced but the Lions were not finished yet. Lion Marcus Holmes returned the kickoff 50 yards advancing deep into Spider territory. Two plays later the Lions were only one point behind after another Hixson touchdown pass.

The Lions were within an extra point of tying but decided to go for the win. Hixson ran around right end and backpeddled and was tackled by several Spider defenders. The Lions did attempt an onside kick but the Spiders recovered.

It was the first ever meeting between the schools. Thanks to David Stancil for series information.

Lots of photos to come from Dale Barbee. 

Stats courtesy Scott Dyer and Billy Lyerly.

Former Concord Head Coach Ick Alley, who passed away this week at 81, was honored before the game with a moment of silence.