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Last season, the North Stanly varsity football team had one shutout, coming in the seventh week of the season against Union Academy.

This year, North’s defense posted a shutout in Monday’s game as the Comets won 42-0 in a rescheduled non-conference game with the East Rowan Mustangs.

Jaden Little had a big night for the Comets (2-0) on the ground. The sophomore running back had 135 yards on 15 carries with three rushing touchdowns. North had 219 yards on 27 carries, including Elijah Bryant’s 43 yards on just four carries.

Through the air, Charlie Shaver was 6-for-16 for 131 yards and one touchdown, a 25-yard strike to Nathan Helms. Gavin Helms led North with 73 receiving yards on three catches, while Jaylon McKoy had three catches for 33 yards.

Along with the four offensive touchdowns, Noah Carter added a 42-yard field goal for North.

Defensively, the Comets added two interceptions returned for touchdowns by sophomore Nathan Helms, who combined for 85 yards on both pick sixes.

Gavin Helms had a sack and Aden Alsbrook led the defense with 14 tackles and an interception, while Juice Lilly added eight tackles. Solomon Hudson had seven tackles and a pass deflection, one of four in the game for North.

“I am proud of the shutout and our offense finding its rhythm,” North head coach Chad Little said. “The unity among our coaching staff is undeniable, supported by a team of unselfish, resilient players who only strive for victory.”

The Comets led 19-0 after one quarter and 32-0 at halftime. By adding 10 second-half points, a running clock began in the fourth quarter.

North’s season home opener will be Friday when the Comets host Western Alamance. The Warriors (1-1) bounced back from a Week 1 loss versus Reidsville, 28-3, to win last week at Cummings 28-21.

“Western Alamance poses a significant challenge, but North Stanly’s program shows promising growth in the right direction,” Little said.

The coach said he told his team, “Success is bred from hard work, dedication and a common goal. Let’s keep pushing forward together towards greatness.”