Vipers set for showdown with Southern Durham

Oct. 19—HENDERSON — Vance County cruised to another shutout victory on Friday, this time a 46-0 win over Granville Central. In Warrenton, the Warren County Eagles outlasted Southeast Halifax, using a two-point conversion to defeat the Spartans 44-42 in overtime.

Now with just two weeks remaining in the regular season, playoff pictures are beginning to take shape and conference championships are up for grabs.

As Warren County and J.F. Webb close out their home schedules, Vance County will hit the road one last time, making the trip to Durham County.

Vance County (6-2) at Southern Durham (4-4), Friday, 7 p.m.Southern Durham has won all three matchups in the series against Vance County, leaving Henderson victorious in 2021 with a 48-0 shutout over the Vipers.

As each team is still in contention for the Northern Lakes Athletic Conference title, Friday's regular season tilt is a pivotal matchup, as Southern Durham hopes to keep its hopes alive.

Vance County secured its fourth consecutive victory and second shutout in three games on Friday, when Granville Central exited Viper Stadium with their seventh loss of the season.

Quarterback Naz Garrett threw for 212 yards and three touchdowns, connecting on 16 of 21 passes. His quarterback rating of 147.2 was a career-high, as he has recorded over 300 passing yards and a touchdown in four straight games.

Senior running back Shamar Foster paced the Viper backfield, rushing for a season-high 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Continuing his strong connection with Garrett was wideout Sean Alston Jr., who caught six passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns.

The Vance County defense, a key in Friday night's upcoming contest, dominated the Panther offense, tallying four interceptions in the runaway victory.

In Oxford, Southern Durham also cruised to a conference win, defeating J.F. Webb 53-6 to move to .500 on the season.

The Spartan defense silenced the Warriors, recording 18 tackles-for-loss and two sacks in the victory.

A key matchup in Friday night's matchup will be the potent Viper offense against the shutdown Southern Durham defense.

North Edgecombe (5-3) at Warren County (6-3), Friday, 7 p.m.

Warren County will look to return the favor against North Edgecombe on Friday, as the Eagles dropped last season's contest 28-22 in Tarboro.

A win for the Eagles would secure seven wins for the first time since 2017 and a chance to secure a share of a conference title.

A Najah Williams touchdown in overtime and a successful two-point conversion attempt gave Warren County a 44-42 victory over Southeast Halifax on Saturday.

Five scores from the Eagle offense aided their winning effort, including four rushing touchdowns. Williams recorded two scores on the ground and one through the air to Demontay Hawkins, who found the end zone through the air and with his legs.

For the fifth time this season, head coach V.J. Hunt's squad tallied 30 or more points, as they've outscored their opponents 296-210.

After losing its first three games of the season, North Edgecombe extended its winning streak to five games last Friday, defeating Weldon 36-16.

The rushing attack for North Edgecombe was the difference in the conference matchup, as the Warriors tallied 437 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Four different ball carriers recorded double-digit rushing yards, including junior Jaheim Knight, who rushed for 267 yards and a touchdown on just four carries.

Quarterback Ahkee Lyons accumulated 103 passing yards and a touchdown in 12 passing attempts.

Linebacker Michael Dickens commanded the Warrior defense with a game-high 15 tackles. Tackle Do'Marius Parker added in 11 tackles, as North Edgecombe held the Chargers scoreless in the second and fourth quarters.

At 5-1 in league play, the Warriors sit a half a game ahead of Warren County (5-2) entering Friday night's heavyweight bout.

A win for North Edgecombe would extend their chances at a Tar Roanoke 1A Conference championship, while a loss for Northampton County in the season's final two weeks and a win for Warren County would give the Eagles a share of the league title.

South Granville (3-5) at J.F. Webb (1-7), Friday, 7 p.m.

J.F. Webb will attempt to snap a five-game losing streak against South Granville on Friday, as the Warriors compete in their last home game of the season.

A 53-6 defeat at the hands of Southern Durham on Friday moved the Warriors to 1-2 in conference play.

The Spartans forced four fumbles and recorded 18 tackles-for-loss to stifle the J.F. Webb offense.

South Granville earned its second victory in three games on Friday with a 28-3 victory over Carrboro.

A dominant performance from the Vikings' rushing attack led to the multi-score victory, accumulating 347 yards on the ground.

Sophomore Jamar Hicks powered the offense, running for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries, while Sha'king Allah added in 95 rushing yards.

Although both teams are on the outside looking in when it comes to conference championship hopes, a victory in Oxford would further advance playoff hopes and seeding for both teams.