Apex Friendship Shuts Out Holly Springs, 31–0, in Rivalry Matchup
Apex Friendship improved to 4–0 with a dominant shutout of Holly Springs (2-2), as Ethan McGarrigan led the offense and the Patriots’ defense kept the Hawks scoreless in their home matchup
Holly Springs, NC, Sep. 13, 2025 — Under Friday night football lights, the Apex Friendship Patriots controlled the game from the opening kickoff, defeating the Holly Springs Golden Hawks 31–0 in a dominant non-conference performance.
First Half: Patriots Set the Tone
The Golden Hawks opened the game at their own 20-yard line but failed to sustain an early drive. Apex Friendship’s defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Patriots quickly capitalized, led by quarterback Ethan McGarrigan (#3) and running back Jayden Butler (#7). Butler scored the game’s opening touchdown on a 7-yard run midway through the first quarter. Shortly after, McGarrigan connected with wide receiver Cameron Fields (#10) for a 25-yard touchdown strike, extending the Patriots’ lead to 14–0 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter brought more challenges for the Hawks, whose offense stalled despite flashes of promise from running back Lamar Daniels (#3) and tailback Tamaury Scott (#4). Friendship pressed its advantage with another McGarrigan touchdown pass, this time to wideout Shondell Smith (#11), pushing the halftime score to 21–0.
Halftime Notes
Halftime brought a showcase of school spirit for the Holly Springs community. The Golden Hawks dance team opened the break with a high-energy routine that drew loud applause. The performance set the stage for the award-winning Golden Hawks marching band, which delivered its 2025 field production, Humanity Lost.
The halftime performance served as a reminder that Friday nights in Holly Springs celebrate not only football, but the broader talent and commitment of the school’s student body.
Second Half: Defense and Control
Coming out of halftime, Holly Springs attempted to rally behind quarterback Cole Pare (#7), who connected with receivers Michael Bland (#6) and James Cuomo (#10) on a few key plays. However, penalties and a strong Patriots defense consistently killed momentum.
Friendship tacked on a 30-yard field goal by Ronan McCarthy (#85) in the third quarter to make it 24–0. The Golden Hawks’ best chance to score came in the fourth quarter after a strong scramble by Pare and a completion to Will Dant (#11), but a holding penalty and a subsequent interception by Sam Clodfelter (#2) ended the drive.
Late in the fourth, Friendship sealed the game with a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Clodfelter, bringing the final score to 31–0.
Next Up: Holly Springs (2–2) will look to regroup at home next Friday against Heritage, while Apex Friendship (4–0) travels to Green Hope seeking to stay unbeaten.
Note: More game photos can be found below.
