CREEKSVILLE – Though years different in their experience, veteran Gates County football boss Clark Harrell and rookie Northampton-East skipper H.B. Harris will be looking for the same thing Friday night – win one.

Harrell, in his seventh season leading the Red Barons, will take his team to Creeksville this week after suffering a 27-7 setback at the hands of Manteo last week. Meanwhile, Harris, who is in his first season with the Rams, will literally be looking for his first victory following a 10-0 loss at the hands of Roanoke Rapids.

Gates County got off to a good early start, leading the Redskins 7-0 in the second quarter, before turning the ball over four times enroute to the loss. They were led by the rushing of Fabian Hobbs who had 45 yards on 17 carries.

The Rams gave up two scores to Roanoke Rapids in the first half before their defense pitched the shutout in the second. Although Mark Williams picked up 79 yards on 15 carries, the offense didn’t make it into the endzone.

While the battle marks the first meeting between Harrell and Harris, it will continue the long tradition of gridiron wars between the two teams, who have played each year since 1964.

Both Northampton-East and Gates County were members of the former Albemarle 1-A league. Since that alliance was dissolved, the two have continued to play in non-conference action each year.