It’s understandable that North Davie’s football team was a little excited after beating Ellis 14-6 in the season opener for both teams on Sept. 12 at North.

The Jaguars went 6-1 in 2016 and 7-1 last year. They annihilated North 70-6 over 2016-17, including 44-6 in 2017.

North finished 1-7 in ‘16 and ‘17. This never-trailed victory was a feel-good development for the Wildcats, who knocked off Ellis for the first time since a 12-7 decision in 2015. Maybe they’ll use this as a springboard to a big season.

Mason Caudle’s 10-yard run and Davin Whitaker’s 50-yard pass to Logan Yokely accounted for North’s two touchdowns, both coming in the first half. Mason Shermer added a two-point run as North led 14-0 at the half.

William Pervis of Ellis made things interesting in the second half by scoring on a long run.

North coach George Newman said Whitaker (quarterback), Shermer (tight end/offensive lineman/fullback), Yokely and Caudle were impressive offensive contributors.

“Whitaker managed the offense and had great decision-making,” he said. “Shermer stood out for his play at three different positions on offense. Yokely had a good afternoon running and catching the ball. Caudle provided speed on the edge from his wingback position.”

North’s outstanding defensive effort was courtesy of guys like Yokely, Adam Moreno, Caudle, Austin Lemus, Gavin Taylor and Alex Ramey. Moreno and Caudle had one interception each.

“Defensive backs Yokely and Moreno were very effective open-field tacklers,” Newman said “Caudle’s (INT) stopped Ellis’ final drive in the waning moments. Hats off to the defensive line play of Lemus and Taylor, who both recorded tackles for loss on Ellis’ last drive to force fourth-and-long. Late in the fourth, defensive linemen Ramey and Lemus were able to dig in and provide the push to slow their run game.”

As if Shermer’s three-offensive-positions performance wasn’t enough, he also was a factor in the kicking game.

“Great job by Mason punting and kicking off as he didn’t allow any return yards,” Newman said. “And his final punt was a directional punt that kept the ball away from a dangerous return man.”

Ellis assistant coach Mike Morgan characterized it as a hard-fought battle that was a joy for coaches and fans.

“It was a great game,” he said. “I think the effort on both sides was excellent. It was a fun game to be apart of. In my 12 years at Ellis, it was the best game played between both teams.”

Morgan praised defensive lineman Pete Wilson, fullback/tight end Justin Hayes, running back/linebacker Brody Smith and tight end/d-lineman Jacob Terpening.

“Pete had several tackles for loss,” he said. “Justin had excellent blocking. Brody had an excellent all-around effort on offense and defense. Jacob played a good all-around game on offense and defense.”

Ellis leads the all-time series 7-5.

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South Davie, which has finished with one or zero losses each year since 2015, started 2-0 for the seventh consecutive year by blanking host Summit 14-0 on Sept. 12. No other details were available.