Football Recap: Gavin Hernandez Leads a Balanced Attack to Beat South Stokes

North Stokes hadn't done well against South Stokes recently (they were 1-8 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Friday. The Vikings had just enough and edged out the Sauras 14-12. This was payback for the Vikings, who suffered a 22-21 loss the last time these two teams met.

Gavin Hernandez

Receiving Yards (Career)

10/31/25 vs South Stokes	166
10/24/25 vs College Prep & Leadership Academy	67
10/03/25 vs Bishop McGuinness	47
09/25/25 @ Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy	44
09/19/25 @ Chatham Central	14

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead North Stokes to victory, but perhaps none more so than Gavin Hernandez, who picked up 166 receiving yards. Those 166 receiving yards gave Hernandez a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Jackson Bodenhamer, who picked up 43 receiving yards and two scores.

North Stokes didn't let much get past them through the air: they limited South Stokes to a completion percentage of just 50%. The Vikings weren't nearly as limited: they posted one of 77.8%.

North Stokes didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. Aiden Bennett was the real danger to the passing game, picking up three interceptions all by himself.

The victory made it two in a row for North Stokes and bumps their season record up to 4-6. They've had to fight for that success though, as they only beat their opponents by an average of 1.5 points across that stretch. As for South Stokes, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-6.

North Stokes and South Stokes are set to take part in some playoff action in their next matches. After each having a week off, the Vikings and East Columbus will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another on the 14th. North Stokes is facing the Gators at the right time seeing as the Gators are stuck on a four-game losing streak. As for South Stokes, they will challenge Cherryville at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Sauras will be up against the Ironmen's rather soft defense (which has allowed 30 points per contest), so fans could be in store for a big offensive performance.