High school football in the Roanoke-Chowan area enters the last week of September with some interesting match-ups as teams begin to jockey for position in conference action.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars of Northampton County High School have an open date on their schedule this week.

Hertford County at Edenton

These two teams are part of a tie for the Northeastern Coastal Conference lead, both at 1-0 in league play.

In a contest delayed by last week’s heavy rain, Hertford County (3-3 overall) defeated Currituck in a Saturday night game in Ahoskie. Meanwhile, Edenton (5-1) defeated Pasquotank County in its conference opener.

“We got in a groove offensively which sparked our defense,” said HCHS head coach Terrance Saxby referencing last week’s win vs. Currituck. “We played well and it was a good way to start the conference.”

Saxby knows his team will face a stern test this week in a showdown between these two long-time rivals.

“Edenton is a very good team. They run an option offense. They are strong, athletic and well coached,” Saxby said of the Aces.

The Bears will have to keep their passing game in high gear vs. Edenton. That “air raid” offense is led by junior quarterback Lance Hunter who has passed for 1,591 yards and 18 touchdowns to date. Five of those TD passes came last Saturday vs. Currituck.

“Offensively we need to control the clock and stay ahead of the chains. Defensively we need to stick to our assignments and tackle well,” Saxby stressed.

Edenton is ranked in the state’s top-10. Their only defeat thus far was a close loss vs. Rocky Mount.

Perquimans at Gates County

Both teams stand at 2-0 in conference action as Gates County is coming off a forfeit win vs. Creswell while Perquimans beat Manteo two weeks ago (the Pirates were idle this past Friday night).

“Perquimans has good size up front. They are athletic and have good team speed,” said Red Barons head coach Matt Biggy of the Pirates (2-3 overall).

“They also have a good quarterback that throws the ball very well and they mix that with a good running game,” Biggy added.

The GCHS coach stressed a need for his defense to step up their game.

“We need to be sound in our defensive assignments,” Biggy said. “We also need to tackle well and not give up any big plays.

“Offensively we need to establish a running game and execute well,” he added.

For the Red Barons, Friday’s contest will mark their quest for a fourth consecutive win, but more importantly an opportunity to get to 3-0 in conference play.

Riverside at Bertie

Two teams heading in opposite directions will meet in this contest between non-conference rivals.

Bertie, after winning its season opener back on Aug. 26 for new head coach Grantley Mizelle, has lost four straight. That streak includes a home loss vs. Northeastern this past Monday night in the conference opener, a game delayed due to last week’s weather that flooded sections of Bertie County.

Williamston Riverside comes into Friday’s game sporting an unblemished record (5-0). They defeated Jones Senior High School last week.

“Riverside is a good passing team,” said Mizelle. “They have speed and can score points quickly. We have our work cut out for us against an undefeated team.”

Obviously, Bertie’s best offense will be their defense…keeping Riverside’s high-octane scoring machine off the field as much as possible.

“We have to defend the pass well and tackle well,” Mizelle stressed. “Offensively we need to take care of the football and execute our plays.”

Halifax Acad. at Lawrence Acad.

Lawrence Academy is hungry for a win and this week that opportunity presents itself as Halifax Academy.

The Warriors (0-5) are at home vs. the Vikings (4-2). Lawrence lost against Bethel Christian last week while Halifax beat their rivals, Northeast Academy.

“We scrimmaged Halifax in the pre-season. They are a strong running team with a big offensive line. And they’re well coached,” said Lawrence head coach Lee Hoffman.

Hoffman said the keys to Lawrence’s first win of the season are two fold.

“”We need to do a good job tackling on defense and on offense we need to protect our quarterback to give him the time to throw,” Hoffman stressed. “We just need to execute our offense and eliminate turnovers.”

Community Christian at Northeast Acad.

The Eagles (0-5) are also looking for win number one for 2016 following a loss vs. rival Halifax Academy while Community Christian (1-4) comes into this game riding high after beating Wayne Christian for their first victory of the season