CREEKSVILLE – Last year Northampton County High was 11-3 and went all the way to the third round of the NCHSAA 1A playoffs before they succumbed to Southwest Onslow, the eventual state champions. They also won the Tar-Roanoke Conference championship, their final year in the league.

This year the Jags will open the season on August 23 at home against Roanoke Rapids. They follow that up with a second home date on August 30 against Northwest Halifax, and then go with a third home date on the first Friday of next month (September 6) against Granville Central.

Northampton won’t play its first road game until they travel to Weldon on Saturday, September 14.

In the line-up, the Jaguars return Keion Crossen, who is a pre-season All-State pick at quarterback. They will also be returning Christian Boone at running back.

“We have experience at the skill positions on offense,” said second-year head coach George Privott. “What concerns me is our whole offensive line graduated from last year.”

“Leading the defense will be Jalen Williams and Jaquan Turner, both of whom are linebackers,” said Privott.

Northampton will look across the field at a familiar face on September 20 when they host Southeast Halifax. Former Northampton-East coach Greg Watford is now an assistant with the Trojans. The Jags will finish non-conference games on September 27 at home against Bunn.

After an open date on October 4 the Jaguars will open play in their brand-new conference, the Two-Rivers, at home against Riverside of Williamston on October 11. On October 18 the Jags are in MartinCounty when they square off against South Creek High School of Robersonville. October 25 has their second straight road game in a trip to North Edgecombe.

Northampton opens the eleventh month of the year with a November 1 date at 2012 state finalist, Tarboro. The regular-season will end November 8 at home against Rocky Mount Prep.

“In our new conference Tarboro will be the team to beat,” said Privott. The Vikings won four straight state championships before losing out on their ‘Drive for Five’ with a loss last December against East Lincoln.

“We’re going to battle for the conference championship,” Privott added. “Riverside, South Creek, and North Edgecombe will also be tough.”

The 1A state playoffs will begin on November 15.