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)
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.
First Half: Rebels Control Early
The game opened with the Rebels taking possession at their own 35-yard line after the Aces’ kickoff sailed deep. A flag against Edenton immediately gifted North Duplin extra yardage. On the first play from scrimmage, No. 21 Carell Phillips took a handoff from No. 10 Keiz Brock for a short gain, followed by another run that moved the chains. The Rebels’ run-heavy approach continued as No. 22 Quan Stevens pushed forward for additional yardage.
At the 9:31 mark, No. 21 Carell Phillips broke free for a 48-yard touchdown, giving North Duplin an early 7–0 lead.
The Aces attempted to respond, but penalties and a strong Rebel defense, including a backfield stop by No. 44 Noa Quintanilla, forced a quick punt. North Duplin regained possession at the 20-yard line but stalled, turning the ball over on downs with just over two minutes left in the first quarter.
Edenton Holmes found a spark with a big run for a first down; however, consecutive penalties pushed them backward. Another hard tackle from No. 44 Noa Quintanilla led to a turnover on downs, giving the Rebels the ball deep inside their own territory.
Early in the second quarter, North Duplin punted, and the Aces recovered at their own 36-yard line. A fumble halted a promising drive though the Aces recovered and a loss on third down forced another punt.
The Rebels continued to chip away on the ground. After a short run by No. 21 Carell Phillips, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against the Aces added 15 yards and extended the drive. With the clock winding down in the half, North Duplin advanced inside the 10-yard line. With 17.5 seconds remaining, No. 10 Keiz Brock connected with No. 21 Carell Phillips for a touchdown, and No. 40 Ethan Turnage punched in the two-point conversion.
A fumbled kickoff by the Aces recovered by the Rebels closed out the first half with North Duplin leading 14–0.
Second Half: Aces Come Alive
Receiving the second-half kickoff, the Aces wasted no time getting back into the game. At the 11:13 mark, they scored their first touchdown and converted the extra point, cutting the lead to 14–7.
North Duplin began their next drive at the 35-yard line, assisted again by an Aces penalty. Big runs from No. 40 Ethan Turnage and No. 21 Carell Phillips kept the momentum alive, but the drive eventually stalled. The Aces took over and, despite strong Rebel defensive pressure including another big hit on the quarterback Edenton punched in a touchdown at 3:46 to tie the game 14–14.
A big punt return from No. 2 Garris Warren was wiped out by an unsportsmanlike penalty, slowing the Rebels’ push. After a quick four-and-out, the Aces regained possession and gained additional yardage on a penalty. A huge hit by No. 21 Carell Phillips slowed their progress, and a fumble recovered by the Rebels at the 32-yard line shifted momentum once again.
North Duplin drove the ball with another strong run from No. 21 Carell Phillips but ultimately turned the ball over on downs. The Aces responded with a big pass play for a first down only for disaster to strike. A fumble was recovered by No. 3 Ben Kelly, who took it in for a Rebels touchdown at the 7:28 mark. A successful kick by No. 31 Rimi Villalon put North Duplin back on top 21–14.
Edenton quickly answered. A touchdown at 6:41 tied the game once more at 21–21. In the final minutes of regulation, both defenses stepped up. The Rebels forced a fumble again recovered by No. 3 Ben Kelly with 1:11 remaining, but time expired before either team could score again.
At the end of regulation, the score remained North Duplin Rebels 21, Edenton Holmes Aces 21.
Overtime: Trading Blows
First Overtime
The Aces opened overtime with a run, but a holding penalty pushed them back. Despite the setback, they scored a touchdown and took a 28–21 lead.
The Rebels’ first overtime possession started slowly, but a big run from No. 21 Carell Phillips pushed them forward. Moments later, No. 21 Carell Phillips barreled into the end zone for the tying score, knotting the game at 28–28.
Second Overtime
North Duplin opened the second overtime but struggled to move the ball. A run by No. 21 Carell Phillips was stopped for no gain, and No. 40 Ethan Turnage was halted at the 11-yard line. On the next play, the Aces intercepted a pass, seizing the momentum.
Taking over with a chance to win, Edenton capitalized. They pushed the ball across the goal line, sealing a 34–28 victory and punching their ticket to the fourth round.
Final Score Edenton Holmes Aces 34, North Duplin Rebels 28 (2OT)
