North Duplin has gone a perfect 7-0 against Union recently and they'll look to pad the win column further on Friday. The Rebels will venture away from home to face off against the Spartans at 7:00 p.m. North Duplin's defense has only allowed 10.4 points per game this season, so Union's offense will have their work cut out for them.
North Duplin had to skate by with only a one-point margin when they last took the field, which might have inspired the 35-point drubbing they dealt West Columbus on Friday. The Rebels took their matchup with ease, bagging a 49-14 victory over the Vikings. The result was nothing new for the Rebels, who have now won five contests by 20 points or more so far this season.
Carell Phillips
| 10/10/25 vs West Columbus | 258 |
| 10/03/25 vs East Bladen | 87 |
| 09/19/25 @ Lakewood | 237 |
| 09/12/25 @ Jones | 113 |
| 09/05/25 vs Spring Creek | 129 |
| + 5 more games |
It was another big night for Carell Phillips, who rushed for 258 yards and five scores while picking up 14.3 yards per carry. That's the most rushing yards he has posted since back in November of 2024. The team also got some help courtesy of Jayden Pope, who rushed for 60 yards and one touchdown.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: North Duplin was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 367 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.
Meanwhile, Union was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight defeat. They came up short against Lakewood, falling 40-14.
Despite the loss, Union saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Tobias Cromartie rushed for 110 yards and one TD. That high mark didn't come from nowhere: Cromartie posted at least 110 rushing yards in the third games prior.
North Duplin pushed their record up to 6-1 with the win, which was their third straight at home. Those home victories came thanks in part to their defensive effort, having only surrendered 9.3 points on average over those games. As for Union, their defeat dropped their record down to 2-5.
Friday's game will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Phillips and Cromartie. Phillips just won't slow down this season and has run in 15 touchdowns while averaging 150.1 rushing yards per game. Cromartie has been a dominant force too and has run in 10 touchdowns while averaging 146.7 rushing yards per game.
Everything came up roses for North Duplin against Union in their previous meeting back in October of 2024, as the team secured a 49-8 win. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was Cromartie, who rushed for 111 yards and one score. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will the Rebels still be able to contain Cromartie? There's only one way to find out.
