Only one Chatham County high school football team came away with a victory Friday night, but at least the win held some historical significance.
Jordan-Matthews won its third game of the season, securing three victories for the first time since 2015. With small improvements year by year, the Jets have come a long way from their 0-10 season in 2022.
But while Jordan-Matthews enjoyed a memorable end to the year, Northwood and Seaforth suffered heartbreaking endings after tight battles with their respective opponents.
As the high school football season enters its final week, here’s a deeper look into Friday’s football action, a preview of next week for each county team, conference standings and the latest football power rankings:
Jordan-Matthews
Jordan-Matthews (3-7, 2-6) relied on its rushing attack and a strong defensive effort to beat Graham (1-9, 1-7), 20-8, on its senior night Friday
The Jets struck first in the opening quarter with a 10-yard touchdown run from freshman quarterback Nolan Mitchell, and the score remained 6-0 until the start of the fourth quarter.
Sophomore running back Omarion Sanford ran in a five-yard score to put the Jets ahead 14-0. Later in the final quarter, junior running back Jakari Blue, who had been huge for the Jets all night with his strong running, put the finishing touches on the win with a 4-yard touchdown run.
The win completed Jordan-Matthews’ regular season, putting a cap on its most successful campaign in recent memory. As the victory itself was a milestone, it’s fitting that the Jets’ 20 points were also the most they scored in a game all year.
Northwood
A failed fourth-and-1 conversion in overtime handed Northwood (6-5, 6-2) a 26-20 loss to non-conference opponent Hoke County (3-8, 1-5 Sandhills 3A/4A) Friday.
Northwood entered the fourth quarter with a 17-12 lead, but on the first play of the period, Hoke County quarterback Brandon Sanders found a man down field for a 30-yard touchdown pass. The Bucks converted the 2-point attempt and took a 20-17 advantage. Later in the quarter, multiple defensive holding penalties called against Hoke County allowed Northwood to march down the field and tie the game with a 32-yard field goal.
In the overtime period, Hoke County struck first with a three-yard touchdown run from Sanders. Northwood’s response took all four downs, but it went all the way down to the one-yard line following a completed pass from quarterback Grayson Cox. Hoke County’s defensive line gave the Chargers problems all night, and on their final play, the line got enough penetration to keep Northwood out of the endzone and win the game.
Northwood will have a bye Friday before the playoffs begin on Nov. 15.
Seaforth
Seaforth’s (3-6, 3-5) first half comeback effort came up empty at the end of a 27-24 loss to Bartlett Yancey (4-6, 4-4) Friday.
The Hawks started the game down 20-0, but stormed back to take a 24-20 lead at halftime.
Seaforth fell into another scoring drought in the second half, however, and allowed the Buccaneers to hang around. Bartlett Yancey took advantage of the small deficit and scored once again to steal the game back from the Hawks.
For Seaforth, the loss was likely the final nail in the coffin for its playoff hopes. The Hawks’ offense has struggled with production and consistency all season, especially in close games when they need points.
Seaforth will host Southern Lee (3-6, 1-5 Sandhills 2A/4A) for its last regular season game Friday at 7 p.m.
Chatham Central
Against a steadily improving North Moore (5-5, 5-3) team, Chatham Central (1-9, 0-8) got shut out for the third straight time, 49-0. The Bears had freshman quarterback Reed Douglas back taking snaps for the second straight week, but the offense still couldn’t find a way to put points on the board in the loss.
Chatham Central will have one more chance to get its second win of the season at East Columbus (0-10, 0-6 Waccamaw 1A/2A) Friday at 7 p.m. The Gators have taken their fair share of big losses this season, just like the Bears, who have a good chance to end their season on a good note.
Power Rankings
Last week: 1. Northwood: 2. Seaforth; 3. Jordan-Matthews; 4. Chatham Central
This week’s rankings: 1. Northwood: 2. Seaforth; 3. Jordan-Matthews; 4. Chatham Central
Mid-Carolina 1A/2A conference standings: 1. Southeast Alamance (10-0, 8-0); 2. Cummings (8-2, 7-1); 3. Northwood (6-5, 6-2); 4. North Moore (5-5, 5-3); 5. Bartlett Yancey (4-6, 4-4); 6. Seaforth (3-6, 3-5); 7. Jordan-Matthews (3-7, 2-6); 8. Graham (1-9, 1-7)