A Wake County clash is set for Friday night as the Willow Spring Storm (1-1) travel to take on the Cary Imps (2-0) in a non-conference showdown on September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Willow Spring has shown flashes of offensive firepower but fell hard against Middle Creek, while Cary has started strong, winning both games on the road behind a punishing run game and stingy defense.
Game Details
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Matchup: Willow Spring (NC) vs. Cary (NC)
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Date & Time: 9/5/2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: Cary High School, Cary, NC
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
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Willow Spring Storm (1-1)
The Storm enter at .500 after a tough loss to Middle Creek but boast one of the area’s top passing games. QB Ethan Dykes is averaging over 250 passing yards per game, connecting often with WR JT Longmire-Snelling, who is already at 113 receiving yards per game. However, the rushing attack has been limited, and the defense has struggled to contain strong opponents. For Willow Spring to pull off the road upset, they’ll need to find more balance offensively and get key stops.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #7,634
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State Rank (NC): #232
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Key to Win: Slow down Cary’s rushing game and force the Imps to pass, while continuing to lean on Dykes’ arm.
Main Squad:
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#16 Ethan Dykes – QB
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#14 Javel Smith – RB
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#2 JT Longmire-Snelling – WR
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#12 Marcus Green – WR
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#55 Corey Matthews – OL
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#63 Jacob Allen – OL
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#3 Mason Pomanek – LB
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#42 Thurman Thomas – DL
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#11 Chris Owens – DB
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#6 Tyler Foster – DB
Cary Imps (2-0)
The Imps are off to a strong 2-0 start, defeating Apex and another strong non-conference foe with a mix of power running and aggressive defense. RB/QB hybrid Nick Grena has been unstoppable, averaging 131 rushing yards and 221.5 total yards per game. On defense, LB Clyde Higdon leads the unit with 9 tackles per game, while DE Anthony Atunku has provided pressure with 2 sacks through two weeks. If Cary can control possession and keep Willow Spring’s passing game off the field, they’ll have a great shot at staying unbeaten.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #8,234
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State Rank (NC): #251
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Key to Win: Dominate in the trenches with their run game and defense to wear down the Storm.
Main Squad:
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#3 Nick Grena – QB/RB
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#6 Elias Corn – WR
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#2 Tony Stephens – WR
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#71 Marcus Bell – OL
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#65 Jordan White – OL
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#11 Clyde Higdon – LB
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#10 Anthony Atunku – DL
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#9 Malik Harris – LB
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#4 Jordan Thompson – DB
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#5 Adrian Green – DB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank (NC) | Overall Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willow Spring | #7,634 | #232 | 1-1 |
| Cary | #8,234 | #251 | 2-0 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
