Clayton Comets Advance in Playoffs; Local Teams Post Mixed Results

The Clayton Comets high school football team defeated Southeast Raleigh 35-21 to secure a spot in the 7A East title game. Aiden Smalls rushed for 201 yards and scored two touchdowns in the victory.

Football Playoff Path

The Comets reached the 7A Eastern Finals after beating top-seeded Cardinal Gibbons 35-32. Smalls scored four touchdowns on the ground and threw the game-winning pass with 33 seconds remaining. These results mark the latest on-field action for the Clayton program.

Softball Section Play

In Section 3 Class C softball, Thousand Islands from Clayton won its first-round game 7-0 against Beaver River. Melanie Wiley pitched a no-hitter and recorded 14 strikeouts. Thousand Islands also defeated South Lewis 2-0 in a Frontier League crossover contest, with Wiley again throwing a no-hitter and striking out 14 batters.

Soccer Season End

Clayton's 7A boys soccer team finished its playoff run after a 5-3 loss to Chapel Hill. The squad ended the year at 18-4-1, with Tavalis Parker scoring two goals in the final match. The outcome closed out the season for the local side.

These results reflect recent field performances across Clayton high school sports. The football team now prepares for its next scheduled contest in the 7A East title game, while softball and soccer programs review their completed outings.