With the storm that struck the region last weekend, some teams had a long week to work on things while one team has just three days to prepare for their next opponent. Only Gates County was a winner last week, so plenty of teams are looking to get back in the win column.

 

HERTFORD COUNTY at SOUTHERN VANCE

Playing through the rain, Hertford County lost at Rocky Mount last Thursday while Southern Vance dropped a game to Northern Vance.

“Rocky Mount is a very good team,” said Hertford County head coach Terrance Saxby. “We lost but I was proud of the way we played and we had a good effort.”

This Friday Hertford County (1-2) remains on the road and looks to break a two-game slide as they travel to Southern Vance (0-3).

“Southern Vance is a very athletic team,” Saxby continued. “They have good speed and they have talented players especially at tight end. The Raiders are also hungry for their first win.”

The Bears are led by junior quarterback Lance Hunter who, so far, has passed for 600 yards and six touchdowns for Hertford County this year.

“For us to be successful Friday night we have to find a way to get into the end zone,” concluded Saxby. “We have to sustain drives and score some points. Defensively, we have to stay aggressive and tackle well.”

 

BERTIE at ROANOKE RAPIDS

There were also showers at Roy Bond Jr. Stadium in Windsor last Thursday as Bertie lost to Gates County on a last-second field goal as time expired.

This Friday Bertie (1-1) must shake off that disappointing home loss and head out on the road to Roanoke Rapids (2-0) in another non-conference game.

“Roanoke Rapids is a well-coached team,” said Falcon head coach Grantley Mizelle. “They have good running backs, a solid offensive line, and on defense they tackle well. We are playing a real good team on the road.”

“For us to be successful on Friday night we have to hold onto the football, eliminate penalties, and not make mistakes,” closed Mizelle. “On defense we have to tackle well.”

 

WELDON at NORTHAMPTON

Just two days ago – Tuesday – and Northampton County dropped a home game to 2A Warren County while Weldon re-scheduled their game with Roanoke Rapids to both teams’ open date on Sept. 30 due to the weather.

This Friday Weldon (0-1) will travel to Northampton County (0-3) where the Jaguars are desperately in need of a win.

“Weldon has good running backs, and it’s always a tough game for us,” said Northampton head coach George Privott. “It’s a rivalry game as well.”

“For us to be successful Friday night we need to play good defense and offensively we need to eliminate turnovers,” concluded Privott.

 

NORTHEAST at SOUTHAMPTON

Another team playing on a short week is the Northeast Academy Eagles in Colonial Conference 8-Man football action. The Eagles played Monday in Raleigh and fell to Grace Christian.

This Friday, Northeast (0-2) is back on the road as they cross the state line to play Southampton Academy (3-0). The Raiders last met Northeast in the 2015 NCISAA 1A football championship game in Kinston.

“Southampton is a very good team,” said the Northeast coaches. “This season they have also moved up to the 2A ranks.”

 

LAWRENCE ACAD. at ROCKY MOUNT ACAD.

Coming off a bye week, Lawrence Academy (0-3) will get an extra week of preparation. After losing to Cary Christian two weeks ago, the Warriors had to forfeit this game, as it goes up as a ‘W’ for Rocky Mount Academy (3-0).

“We only had 8-9 healthy players,” said LAW coach Lee Hoffman. “I hated to forfeit because the kids really wanted to play, but it came down to a question of numbers.”

After what would have been three straight weekends on the road, Lawrence now returns to Merry Hill for their home opener next Friday night (Sept. 16) versus Hobgood.