The NC Warrior varsity football team (3-0) continued their winning streak while playing against the Campbell Spartans (0-3) on Friday, September 6 at Emory Sewell stadium. Before the game, former student-athlete alumni and coaches received induction into the 2019 NC Athletic Hall of Fame, including, Della Clark (class of 2003), Tim Hollingshed (Class of 1975), Diemer Family/Days Chevrolet, and the 2014 GHSA (Georgia High School Association) State Championship volleyball team. These new Hall of Fame inductees then turned their attention to the NC Warrior football team, ending the night with a 44-7 blowout over the Campbell Spartans, complete with impressive performances from the Warrior offense and defense. 

“Our kids are just hungry. Last year we missed the playoffs for the first time in eight years,”  NC Head Coach Shane Queen said. 

Despite a blowout, the NC defense started out slow. After NC won the coin toss and chose to kick, the Spartans drove 65 yards down the field and gained a quick 7-0 lead over the Warriors. The Spartans’ junior Emon Padgett scored on a 42-yard touchdown, along with an extra point from senior Leathan Posey. 

After trailing 7-0 for the first time this year, the Warrior offense led by junior quarterback Trevor Lovett prepared to take control of the game, but senior wide receiver and cornerback Langdon Parker thought otherwise. After a rough bounce and bobbled catch, Parker recovered and took the initial Warrior kickoff 78 yards for a touchdown, bringing the score to 7-7, belittling the Spartan’s first strike. Special teams continued to haunt the Spartans, after the center’s snap sailed over the punters head, leading to a safety, pushing the score to 9-7. 

The Warrior offense and defense settled into their normal rhythm, putting on a high yardage array of plays and big hits. Lovett finished the night with 231 yards on 14-17 passing and multiple touchdowns. Junior running back Cam Cunningham led the rushing game with 103 yards on 13 carries, contributing to the 225 total rushing yards by the Warriors. Parker also hauled in 76 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. 

The defensive unit showed great might and power, only allowing 7 total points on the night. Senior middle linebacker Gadge Moore recovered a fumble late in the second quarter, leading to Lovett scoring a passing touchdown. In spite of a shaky defensive start, the Warrior line truly showcased their preparation for this season. 

The NC Warrior football team hopes to continue their hot streak and keeps building on their current momentum. With great attendance and energy from the Warrior fans, community, Hall of Fame members, and Henry Chandler, owner of Henry’s Louisiana Grill, the Warrior football team capped off a great night with an even better win. Next week, the Warriors will take their yearly bye, and rest up before continuing their season. Come out and catch the Warriors go up against the East Coweta Indians Friday, September 20 at Emory Sewell Stadium.