Vipers outlast Warren County in County Line classic

Aug. 22—WARRENTON — For the second year in a row, Vance County opened up the season with a victory over Warren County, defeating the Eagles 20-16 in the County Line Clash.

Aaron Elliott was making his debut as the Vance County head coach on Friday night, but he already knew his offense was capable of executing a successful two-minute drill to earn the come-from-behind win.

"I told them I believed in them," Elliott said. " 'I believe in you and I believe there are a bunch of playmakers on the field. I'll make the play calls, but you guys will make the plays.' "

Senior quarterback Nazir Garrett guided the Vipers 68 yards down the field with 1:22 remaining, reclaiming the lead and continuing his strong play against the Eagles defense.

Wideout Sean Alston emerged as the top target on the game-winning drive, hauling in two passes, including a 25-yard reception to bring the Vipers into Eagles territory.

With 10 seconds left, Garrett scrambled to his right, finding receiver Antrel Gibson in the corner of the end zone for the 20-yard touchdown, lifting the Vipers over Warren County.

The Eagles defense changed its approach prior to the final drive, something head coach V.J. Hunt wishes he could take back.

"We went to prevent defense [on the final drive]," said Hunt. "In hindsight, I don't think it was our best move. We should have stuck with what we were doing. We won't make that mistake again."

Following a Vance County mistake on special teams, Warren County seemed to seize the momentum, starting its drive on the Viper 5-yard line with just over 2 minutes to go.

After the Viper defense held strong for three plays, the Eagles punched it in from 1 yard out on fourth and goal, converting the two-point attempt and taking a 16-14 lead with 1:27 remaining.

With the Eagles seeking their first victory in the five-year rivalry, Vance County stepped up in the waning moments to give Elliott the victory in his debut.

"It feels good, it really does," said Elliott. "We made it a hard-fought fight. We played until the end, that was the most important part."

In a game that came down to the wire, the Vipers had their backs against the wall and the momentum on the Eagles' side.

"We faced adversity almost the whole night and we were able to rebound and take it," said Elliott. "They hear me say all the time, 'Next play, next play, next play.' "

Garrett was the venom that proved fatal to the Warren County defense, biting the Eagles secondary in all four quarters. The Viper signal-caller threw for 308 yards and three touchdowns in 36 passing attempts.

Although the Viper offense marched down the field to secure the victory, the Vance County defense shined in the season-opener.

A Garrett pick-six, thrown in his own end zone following an errant snap, and a 5-yard touchdown drive contributed to the only scoring drives for the Eagles, leaving the defense with a near-flawless performance.

Trailing 8-6 in the late moments of the first half, the Viper defense came up with what would be its biggest stop of the game.

After a Warren County touchdown was called back due to a personal-foul penalty, senior Isman Alston shut down the Eagle offense, recording a strip-sack that kept it a one-score game at the half.

In the final two quarters, the Vipers defense continued its success, forcing three three-and-outs and four punts, stifling the Eagles offense.

Six sacks and a Gibson interception in the second quarter highlighted their impressive showing in Warrenton.

The rivalry resembled a heavyweight boxing bout, neither team able to extend the margin of a lead past one score. Each time Vance County seemed to deliver the knockout punch, the Eagles got up off the mat and countered the Viper attack.

Warren County took a late lead in the second quarter, when a bad snap forced Garrett to make a dangerous attempt to salvage the play. The Eagle defense was all over the throw, intercepting the pass attempt and returning it for a touchdown.

Sophomore running back Jontavious Nile would later give the Vipers a 14-8 lead with 4:20 to go in the third quarter, finding the end zone from 3 yards out.

Ultimately, Vance County put together a complete performance in the comeback win, improving to 4-0 in the County Line Clash.

"We've been working on it since Aug. 1, how can we manage and play together for four quarters," said Elliott. "To see them do that for the first time, I was excited for them."

On the opposing sideline, Hunt understood that they let one slip away, but was proud of the effort the 1A Eagles displayed against the 3A Vipers.

"It was a hell of a football game and it always is when we play Vance County," said Hunt. "I'm proud of our guys' fight and grit. They never gave up."

Just 10 seconds away from their first ever win in the County Line Clash, there are no moral victories for the Eagles, but they will use it as a learning experience.

"I'm not big on moral victories. I play to win," said Hunt. "I'm at a loss for words right now, but we will bounce back."

Warren County will look to rebound when they welcome J.F. Webb on Friday in another installment of the rivalry between the Eagles and Warriors.

In Henderson, Vance County will play host to Roanoke Rapids, seeking their first 2-0 start since 2019.