Sunday, December 14, 2025

			
				                                Southern Wayne’s Coach Brian West coaching up his player on a quick timeout. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Southern Wayne Saints vs. Goldsboro Cougars: Experience prevails in a high-energy matchup

The Southern Wayne Saints opened the game with intensity, matching basket for basket against the Goldsboro Cougars in the opening minutes. With the score sitting at 4–3 in favor of Goldsboro, both teams showed early signs of determination. The Cougars soon found their rhythm, however, stretching the lead to 10–5.


			
				                                Southern Wayne’s No. 20, Mylasia Bradshaw, prepares for a free throw, where she went 1-for-1 at the line. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Cougars command the court: Goldsboro downs Southern Wayne in rivalry matchup

Two rivals Southern Wayne Lady Saints and the Goldsboro Lady Cougars matched up for a spirited varsity showdown. Still, Goldsboro’s experience and offensive sharpness proved too much as they secured a decisive victory.


			
				                                James Kenan’s No. 0 Taulil Pearsall, powers through the Farmville Central defense on his way to a 137-yard performance. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Tigers power past Jaguars in a playoff shootout

In a game filled with fireworks and an electrifying fourth-round playoff atmosphere, the James Kenan Tigers squared off with the Farmville Central Jaguars in a matchup that lived up to every expectation. Both teams brought intensity, explosive plays, and physical defensive efforts, making for a thrilling night of football.

Spring Creek outlasts Fike; North Johnston overpowers Southern Wayne

Two intense matchups unfolded on the mats as Spring Creek Gators battled Fike Golden Demons, followed by Southern Wayne Saints taking on North Johnston Panthers. Both meets delivered memorable performances, dramatic comebacks, and standout individual efforts.


			
				                                The intensity builds as the North Duplin Rebels and Edenton Holmes Aces line up for the first drive of the half. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

A double-overtime thriller ends in heartbreak for the Rebels

The North Duplin Rebels and the Edenton Holmes Aces battled in a dramatic matchup that stretched into double overtime, delivering momentum swings, big defensive stops, and explosive plays on both sides. In the end, the Aces survived the showdown, advancing to the fourth round with a 34–28 victory.


			
				                                North Duplin’s Carell Phillips explodes downfield with a huge run slicing through the Seahawks’ defense. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

North Duplin Rebels dominate Southside Seahawks in second round of 2A Playoffs

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.


			
				                                James Kenan’s No. 12 Gustavo Escobar takes a shot on goal following a foul. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Bulldogs edge out Tigers 1–0 in second-round playoff battle

PRINCETON — In the second round of the playoffs, the James Kenan Tigers faced off against a familiar conference rival the Princeton Bulldogs. Expectations were high for a competitive matchup, and both teams delivered an intense contest from start to finish.


			
				                                No. 25 Otoniel Aguilon shows control downfield, navigating through multiple Red Wolves defenders. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Southern Wayne Saints advance to Round 2 after 3–1 victory over Cedar Ridge

DUDLEY — The opening round of the playoffs featured an exciting matchup between the Southern Wayne Saints and the Cedar Ridge Red Wolves. With both teams entering the game boasting similar records, this contest promised to be highly competitive and it certainly delivered.


			
				                                Quarterback No. 30, Jayden Moore rolls out of the pocket, fighting to spark the Saints’ offense and make something happen. (Kareem Brown|mountolivetribune.com)

Golden Falcons soar past Saints in dominant victory, 49–8

PIKEVILLE — The C.B. Aycock Golden Falcons opened the game at their own 35-yard line, starting strong with a series of determined runs. The Southern Wayne Saints’ defense held firm early with several key stops, but the Falcons eventually broke through. At the 6:22 mark, C.B. Aycock got on the board first with a running back sweep, taking a 7–0 lead.