CALYPSO — North Duplin built an early two-score advantage and then survived a furious fourth-quarter rally Friday night, holding off Rosewood, 13-12, in a tightly contested battle.
The Rebels established their identity early, relying heavily on their rushing attack to move the football. No. 5 Jayden Pope helped North Duplin move the chains on the opening possession before No. 44 Noa Quintanilla broke loose for a big gain of approximately 20 yards.
Just a few plays later, No. 44 Noa Quintanilla found the end zone with 9:52 remaining in the first quarter. No. 7 Rimi Villalon added the extra point to give the Rebels a 7-0 lead.
Rosewood attempted to answer immediately behind No. 7 Aldinio Previl, but the Rebels’ defense eventually forced a turnover. North Duplin capitalized on the mistake, again turning to No. 5 Jayden Pope on the ground. After a 15-yard penalty against the Eagles extended the drive, No. 5 Jayden Pope broke through for a touchdown with 45 seconds left in the opening quarter.
The extra point was unsuccessful, but the Rebels had established a 13-0 advantage.
Rosewood Defense Keeps Eagles Within Striking Distance
Rosewood’s offense struggled to find consistency during the first half as North Duplin’s defense repeatedly forced the Eagles into difficult situations.
The Eagles finally found an answer in the second quarter behind quarterback No. 3 Connor Smith. After a potential touchdown connection between No. 3 Connor Smith and No. 5 Zamarrian Richardson was wiped away by a penalty, Rosewood continued its drive and eventually earned a first-and-goal opportunity following a North Duplin penalty.
No. 3 Connor Smith finished the drive himself, scoring on a quarterback keeper to bring the Eagles within 13-6.
North Duplin attempted to extend its lead before halftime, with No. 5 Jayden Pope continuing to provide production on the ground. The Rebels eventually punted with less than a minute remaining, and Rosewood ran out the clock to send the game into halftime with North Duplin holding a 13-6 lead.
Turnovers Become the Story in the Second Half
The third quarter quickly became a defensive battle, with both teams trading momentum-changing turnovers.
Rosewood fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, giving North Duplin another opportunity. The Rebels moved the ball into Rosewood territory, but a fumble eventually gave possession back to the Eagles.
Rosewood responded with a big run from No. 7 Aldinio Previl down the sideline, but North Duplin’s defense continued to make timely plays. No. 26 Damarion Smith delivered a big hit on No. 7 Aldinio Previl before the Rebels forced another Rosewood fumble, which No. 26 Damarion Smith recovered.
North Duplin capitalized on the turnover as No. 2 Cole Grady broke loose for a big first down, but the Rebels were unable to add to their lead before the end of the third quarter.
With only one score separating the teams, the game headed into the final quarter with everything still up for grabs.
Eagles Rally Late, Rebels Make Final Stand
North Duplin opened the fourth quarter deep in Rosewood territory after a big run by No. 4 Messiah Cooper. No. 44 Noa Quintanilla then carried the Rebels down to the goal line, but a penalty pushed North Duplin backward.
The Rebels attempted to finish the drive through the air but the pass fell short of the end zone. Rosewood took over on downs with an opportunity to complete the comeback.
The Eagles wasted little time.
Quarterback No. 3 Connor Smith connected with No. 5 Zamarrian Richardson on a 36-yard touchdown pass, cutting North Duplin’s lead to 13-12 with the biggest play of the night for Rosewood. The Eagles went for two and the lead, but the conversion attempt failed.
North Duplin regained possession with 2:56 remaining and turned to its ground game to close out the contest.
No. 5 Jayden Pope came up with a five-yard run before the Rebels were pushed backward on the next play. With the game hanging in the balance, No. 5 Jayden Pope delivered again, picking up a crucial first down with 1:40 remaining and allowing North Duplin to continue working the clock.
The Rebels ultimately held on, escaping Rosewood with a dramatic 13-12 victory.