The SouthWest Edgecombe Cougars will face off against the North Johnston Panthers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. SouthWest Edgecombe is coming into the contest on a three-game losing streak.
SouthWest Edgecombe managed to slip by West Craven the last time these teams faced off, but didn't have those same answers this time around. The Cougars came up short against the Eagles on Friday, falling 44-19.
Keanaji Hopkins
| 09/26/25 @ Wilson Prep | 101 |
| 08/29/25 @ Hertford County | 94 |
| 10/24/25 @ West Craven | 82 |
| 09/19/25 @ North Lenoir | 79 |
| 10/03/25 vs Eastern Wayne | 51 |
Even though the team lost, they still had their share of impressive performances. One of the best came from Devion Mayo Jr, who rushed for 33 yards and one touchdown, and also threw for 138 yards and one TD. Keanaji Hopkins helped out on the ground, rushing for 82 yards.
Meanwhile, winning is always nice, but doing so behind a season-high score is even better (just ask North Johnston). They blew past North Lenoir 48-25 on Friday. The matchup was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 32-6.
North Johnston's win came from a few key players SouthWest Edgecombe will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Tyrece Hicks, who rushed for 130 yards and one score on only eight carries. Kaleb Pone was another key player, rushing for 66 yards and a pair of TDs on only eight carries.
They were just one part of a punishing run game: North Johnston was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 308 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 208 rushing yards in four consecutive games.
North Johnston 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 Seth Scott.
North Johnston now has a winning record of 5-4. As for SouthWest Edgecombe, they now have a losing record of 4-5.
Thursday's contest might be decided on the ground. SouthWest Edgecombe has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 175.9 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like North Johnston struggles in that department as they've been averaging 242.4 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Everything came up roses for SouthWest Edgecombe against North Johnston when the teams last played back in April of 2021, as the squad secured a 48-0 win. Do the Cougars have another victory up their sleeve, or will the Panthers turn the tables on them? We'll have the answer soon enough.
