CALYPSO — Rivalry matchups always bring an extra level of intensity, but the North Duplin Lady Rebels made sure there was little doubt about who controlled the court earlier this month.
Entering the matchup with a 5-2 overall record and a 2-1 mark in conference play, Head Coach Heather Lawson Best and the Lady Rebels welcomed conference rival Hobbton to their home court. With plenty of energy from both teams and their fans, North Duplin protected its home court with a convincing three-set sweep, defeating the Lady Wildcats 25-17, 25-18 and 25-3.
Lady Rebels Set the Tone Early
Hobbton opened the match with the serve, but North Duplin quickly settled into its rhythm. The Lady Rebels found success early behind key plays from No. 14 Marissa Sanchez and continued to build momentum as No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham stepped up to serve.
North Duplin never surrendered the lead and closed out the first set in commanding fashion, earning a 25-17 victory.
North Duplin Holds Off Hobbton’s Second-Set Push
The Lady Rebels carried their momentum into the second set, opening with three straight points behind the serves of No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham. Hobbton responded with several strong plays from No. 5 Zannah Hairr, and the two teams traded points early.
The Lady Wildcats eventually grabbed the lead behind defensive plays but North Duplin quickly answered to tie the score and regain momentum.
Hobbton refused to go away, cutting the North Duplin lead to 17-13 and eventually pulling within two points behind the serves of No. 5 Zannah Hairr. The Lady Rebels called a timeout to regroup before stopping the Wildcats’ momentum with a point of their own.
With the intensity building and both fan bases energized, North Duplin continued to make timely plays. No. 2 Sophia Davis helped the Lady Rebels earn another point from the service line, while No. 6 Gracie Higginbotham added a key defensive play late in the set.
The Lady Rebels held strong and secured the second set, 25-18, taking a 2-0 lead in the match.
Lady Rebels Finish the Sweep in Dominant Fashion
North Duplin came out firing in the third set, scoring three straight points to open the frame. Hobbton briefly responded with two consecutive points, but the Lady Rebels quickly regained control.
A strong defensive play from No. 18 Abigeal Norris Brown gave North Duplin another point before No. 3 Addison Smith stepped to the service line and continued the Lady Rebels’ dominant run.
A Statement Victory at Home
With the win, the North Duplin Lady Rebels continued to build momentum during the early portion of the season. Coach Heather Lawson Best’s squad showed strength on both offense and defense, controlling the net and responding to every challenge Hobbton presented throughout the match.
The rivalry matchup brought plenty of excitement to the court, but by the end of the night, the Lady Rebels had made a statement on their home floor with a dominant conference victory.
Rebels Run Away Early, Shut Out Jones Senior 45-0
The North Duplin Rebels wasted little time taking control against the Jones Senior Trojans, using a strong offensive attack and a swarming defense to cruise to a 45-0 victory.
The Trojans opened the game with a quick four-and-out before North Duplin took over on offense. On the Rebels’ first play, No. 2 Cole Grady broke loose for a touchdown at the 10:02 mark to give North Duplin an early lead.
The Rebels’ defense kept creating problems for the Trojans. No. 26 Damarion Smith came up with an interception, giving North Duplin another opportunity to extend its advantage. The Rebels moved the ball with a run by No. 2 Cole Grady for a first down before No. 44 Noa Quintanilla powered his way into the end zone at the 7:36 mark.
Jones Senior struggled to find its rhythm offensively as the Rebels’ defense delivered several big hits and forced the Trojans into another punt.
North Duplin then added to its lead in a big way when No. 26 Damarion Smith returned the punt 46 yards for a touchdown.
Rebels’ Big Plays Keep Coming
The Rebels continued to find ways to make big plays as the first half moved along.
After forcing another Jones Senior punt, North Duplin used a trick play that resulted in a 40-yard run by No. 4 Messiah Cooper before he was forced out of bounds. The Rebels followed with another trick play, this time ending with No. 5 Jayden Pope finding the end zone.
North Duplin added another touchdown when No. 24 Bentley Hughes broke free for a 47-yard scoring run, pushing the Rebels further ahead.
The Trojans put together a few positive plays, including a big catch by No. 4 Brady Woolard, but North Duplin’s defense continued to answer. No. 7 Rimi Villalon intercepted another Jones Senior pass to end the drive.
The Rebels threatened again but eventually were forced to punt from inside their own 10-yard line.
Jones Senior attempted to generate some offense before halftime, with No. 10 Logan Murphy connecting with No. 2 Isaiah Meadows for a pair of first downs. However, the Rebels’ defense held strong, breaking up the final pass as time expired.
North Duplin carried a 31-0 lead into halftime.
North Duplin Keeps Its Foot on the Gas
The Rebels opened the third quarter with the ball and quickly went back to work.
After overcoming an early penalty, No. 2 Cole Grady broke through for another touchdown following a handoff from No. 9 Henry Pope at the 10:04 mark. No. 7 Rimi Villalon converted the extra point to make it 38-0.
The Rebels’ defense continued its dominant performance as No. 7 Rimi Villalon came up with another interception, soaring through the air to end another Jones Senior possession.
North Duplin added another score when No. 4 Messiah Cooper found the end zone on a run at the 5:53 mark. The extra point attempt was no good, leaving the score at 44-0.
Jones Senior managed to move the ball late in the third quarter, including a pass to No. 2 Isaiah Meadows near the goal line, but the Trojans entered the fourth quarter still searching for their first points.
Defense Seals the Shutout
The Rebels’ defense continued to control the game in the fourth quarter.
After penalties moved Jones Senior backward, No. 7 Rimi Villalon intercepted another pass to stop the Trojans’ drive.
North Duplin’s offense continued to grind out yards, including a run by quarterback No. 9 Henry Pope, before eventually sending out the punt team.
The Rebels’ defense then returned to the field and continued to swarm the Trojans, stopping runs and breaking up passes. Jones Senior threatened to move the ball but could not finish a drive as North Duplin’s defense kept the shutout intact.
With the final seconds winding down, the Rebels took possession and closed out a dominant 45-0 victory over Jones Senior.
North Duplin’s explosive plays, multiple takeaways, and relentless defense let the Rebels control the game from start to finish.
Final Score North Duplin Rebels 45, Jones Senior 0.
Post Interview
After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with North Duplin’s key player, No. 7 Rimi Villalon, who turned in a breakout performance at defensive back with three interceptions. Villalon said he wanted to show that he could make an impact on the defensive side of the ball as well.
“I wanted to show that I have talent on the defensive side, too. I’m also the kicker for the Rebels, but I’m very versatile on both sides of the ball. My teammates believe in me, and today I stepped up to the challenge.”
Head coach Hugh Martin praised his team’s overall performance and credited the Rebels’ depth and leadership for their success.
“We have a great team with great players,” Martin said. “We have a great set of four running backs who are the workhorses of the team, and we rotate them in many different situations.”