Football: Golden Hawks Battle Hard, But Cary Escapes With 36–31 Win
Cary stayed unbeaten as Holly Springs put up a solid Homecoming fight, with big plays on the ground. Special teams proved decisive in a clash that showcased both teams’ grit and talent
Holly Springs, NC, Oct. 4, 2025 — Holly Springs High School celebrated Homecoming during last night’s football game, but came up short on the field against the highly ranked Cary Imps, falling 36-31. Visiting Cary rode a blend of quarterback power, special teams fireworks, and timely defense, spoiling the Hawks’ upset bid that keeps the Imps unbeaten at 6–0.
Despite the loss, Holly Springs fans had plenty to cheer: Lamar Daniels (#3) had a strong rushing game with two touchdowns, while Tamaury Scott (#4) also added plenty to the scoring mix. The Hawks matched Cary nearly all night but couldn’t overcome two backbreaking special teams touchdowns in the second half.
First Quarter: A Fast Start
Early in the first quarter, Daniels powered into the end zone for the first score of the game, with Mason Graf (#34) tacking on the extra point for a 7–0 Holly Springs lead.
But Cary quarterback Nick Grena showed why he’s been the centerpiece of the Imps’ resurgence. With less than a minute left in the opening quarter, he kept the ball on a short run to tie the score 7–7 after John Kern’s PAT.
Second Quarter: Hawks Surge, Imps Answer
The Hawks’ Daniels wasn’t finished. Early in the second quarter, he broke through the line and raced 35 yards for his second touchdown, putting Holly Springs back ahead 14–7.
Cary responded with a rushing score of its own to knot the game at 14–14, but the Hawks kept punching back. Scott muscled across from close range for a touchdown, and Graff’s kick made it 21–14.
The Imps struck just before halftime. Grena hit Michael Wallace on a touchdown pass, then ran in the two-point conversion himself. That quick swing gave Cary its first lead of the night, 22–21, at the half.
Third Quarter: Special Teams Change the Game
The turning point came in the third quarter. Cary broke through the Hawks’ line and blocked a punt. James Melvin scooped up the loose ball and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. Grena added another two-point run, and suddenly the Imps were up 30–21. Holly Springs steadied itself when Graff drilled a 27-yard field goal, cutting the margin to 30–24.
Fourth Quarter: Rally Falls Just Short
The biggest blow to the Hawks came on the kickoff following Graff’s field goal. Cary’s Skylan Joyner fielded the ball and raced nearly the length of the field for a 90-yard touchdown return. The extra point failed, but the Imps’ lead stretched to 36–24.
The Hawks weren’t done, though. With about five minutes left to play, Scott plunged in for his second touchdown of the night, closing the gap to 36-31 after Graff’s PAT.
A solid defensive stance then forced a Cary punt, giving quarterback Cole Paré one last shot at a win. He connected with Michael Bland (#6) and Will Dant (#11) to move the chains, but the rally ended when Cary’s Clyde Higdon intercepted a tipped pass, sealing the win for the Imps.
Final Score: Cary 36, Holly Springs 31
Holly Springs (3-3) next faces Cardinal Gibbons on October 10th at 7:00 PM (schedule).
