North Duplin’s Carell Phillips explodes downfield with a huge run slicing through the Seahawks’ defense. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)
The second round of the 2A Playoffs featured a highly anticipated matchup between the North Duplin High School Rebels and the Southside High School Seahawks. From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, the Rebels delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive 42–0 victory.
First Quarter: Rebels Strike Early and Often
Southside opened the game with possession, but the Seahawks were forced into a quick four-and-out. North Duplin immediately took advantage. After a strong run, No. 22 Quan Stevens broke free around the 20-yard line for the first touchdown of the night. The extra point was good, giving the Rebels a 7–0 lead.
Southside attempted to respond on the ground, but a fumble recovered by No. 44 Noa Quintanilla set the Rebels up again at the Seahawks’ 46-yard line. North Duplin continued to pound the ball with No. 21 Carell Phillips though a flag pushed them back to a first-and-20, and they ultimately punted.
The Seahawks went four-and-out on the next possession, and the Rebels wasted no time attacking again. Although a penalty erased one big gain, No. 21 Carell Phillips powered ahead repeatedly, moving the chains. A long run by the Rebels set up another touchdown, this time by No. 21 Carell Phillips, who muscled his way into the end zone.
A crushing hit by No. 99 Trashawn Ruffin stalled Southside’s next drive, and a fumble by the Seahawks’ quarterback was recovered by No. 40 Ethan Turnage. North Duplin capitalized once again, with No. 22 Quan Stevens pushing his way across the goal line. The extra point made it 21–0 Rebels.
After another stalled drive by Southside, the Rebels struck again. With just seven seconds left in the second quarter, No. 21 Carell Phillips broke loose for another touchdown. No. 31 Rimi Villalon’s successful kick sent North Duplin into halftime up 28–0.
Halftime Score: North Duplin 28, Southside 0
Second Half: Rebels Keep the Pressure On
The Rebels received the ball to open the second half and immediately resumed their ground-game dominance. A first down at the 44-yard line followed by a strong run from No. 5 Jayden Pope set the tone early. No. 21 Carell Phillips continued to wear down the Seahawks’ defense with a series of punishing carries.
At the 4:28 mark, No. 22 Quan Stevens punched in another touchdown, followed by a successful PAT to extend the lead.
Moments later, with 3:09 remaining in the quarter, No. 22 Quan Stevens made his presence felt again this time on defense with a key interception. A big run by No. 23 Camdyn Summerlin brought the Rebels to the goal line, and No. 26 Cole Grady finished the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run at the 8:56 mark.
Southside tried to regroup but was halted by a strong tackle from No. 84 Jackson Lee on a quarterback run. A fumble at the 4:38 mark gave the ball back to North Duplin deep in Seahawks territory. A strong run by No. 25 Messiah Cooper moved the Rebels closer, and although they fumbled, a facemask penalty against Southside allowed the Rebels to keep possession. From there, North Duplin controlled the clock until the game’s end.
Final Score: North Duplin Rebels 42, Southside Seahawks 0
The Rebels delivered a complete performance dominant on offense, stifling on defense, and opportunistic on turnovers. With this emphatic shutout victory, North Duplin advances confidently into the next round of the playoffs.
