Football Game Preview: Hickory Hawks vs. Nansemond River Warriors + How To Watch

Hickory hasn't had much luck against Nansemond River recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Hawks will be playing at home against the Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Hickory will be strutting in after a win while Nansemond River will be coming in after a loss.

Hickory is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They breezed past Lakeland to the tune of 56-0 on Friday. The Hawks haven't had any issues with the Cavaliers recently, as the game was their seventh consecutive victory against them.

Brady Mathews

Rushing Yards

10/10/25 @ Lakeland	63
09/26/25 @ Great Bridge	0
09/12/25 vs Western Branch	32
11/08/24 vs King's Fork	27
10/25/24 @ Lakeland	48
+ 6 more games

Brady Mathews had an outrageously good game as he rushed for 63 yards and one touchdown on only five carries, and also picked up 50 receiving yards and one score. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in September of 2024.

Hickory's run defense was locked in: Lakeland could only muster 1.3 yards per carry. The Hawks didn't have any issues in that department, having averaged six.

Hickory didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Jimmy Meeks.

Meanwhile, while it was all tied up 13-13 at halftime, Nansemond River was not quite Indian River's equal in the second half on Friday. They fell 31-25 to the Braves. The defensive woes were uncharacteristic for the Warriors, who until this game were averaging 12 points allowed.

Hickory will have to contain Tyrell Grant Jr as he made an impact in Nansemond River's last game. He threw for 283 yards and a pair of TDs while picking up 11.3 yards per attempt, and also punched in a pair of touchdowns on the ground. A healthy portion of Grant Jr's aerial production (104 yards to be exact) went to Taivon 'Philly' Douglas.

Having lost for the first time this season, Nansemond River fell to 5-1. As for Hickory, the win got them back to even at 3-3.

Hickory was dealt a bruising 59-26 defeat at the hands of Nansemond River in their previous meeting back in October of 2024. Will the Hawks have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.