The NC varsity football team (11-0) remains at the peak of their abilities; following an undefeated season sprinkled in with a region title, they prepare to face off against Camden County High School (7-3). Camden County arrived intending to reach the promised land —a shot at the Georgia High School Athletics (GHSA) State Championship. NC spoiled their dreams with a powerful 28-7 win to secure the advance to round two against Douglas County High School (9-2).
“It feels great getting a win like this at home. Last year we were knocked out early when we knew we were not supposed to, it hurt. To finally put the pieces together and carry an 11-0 season, then getting a win like this really means a lot to me and everyone on the team,” senior outside linebacker Cooper Negron (54) said.
Camden County arrived with an away crowd and a fire in their eyes for victory. Ranked as the third-best offense in the state, Camden County posed a danger on both ends of the field. Their standout player, five-star University of Georgia commit tight end Elyiss Williams (0), is prepared to continue his impactful season. It remained obvious the game would prove to take willpower over skill to win the match.
NC headed into the first round defending Region 6A Champions and holding an undefeated 10-0 winning season, ready to keep the hot streak in motion. The first quarter began back and forth, with neither team managing to break past the defensive lines. As the game carried on, with pressure mounting, it remained obvious one team would finally score.
In the second quarter, NC started to heat up, constantly pushing past the lines of scrimmage, gaining first down after first down — wearing out Camden County’s defense. The tension finally burst when senior quarterback Nick Grimstead (15) handed the ball off to freshman running back Zach Belyeu (20) for a rushing touchdown. Junior kicker Michael Hill (12) extended the lead to 7-0 and kicked off for the team following the field goal.
“I feel like I did good because of the environment. I have to thank the enthusiasm from the crowd and the marching band. If I or any of us did not have the enthusiasm from everybody we would not be like this. The first half was rough but they picked us up and got us through for the second half,” Belyeu said.
Continuing through the second quarter, junior running back Arquevious Echols (34) scored a touchdown off of a handoff, breaking through defense and scoring while Hill pushed the lead 14-0 heading into halftime. The NC marching band (NCMB) and color guard put on a show through halftime, entertaining the fans and preparing the football team for another challenging half. The NCMB worked as a main support throughout the match, firing up the crowd and helping the football team bear through the brunt and succeed.
“We started out slow but the team came along and believed in what they can do as well as how the coaches can help. We’ve got a great community in those stands, the marching band is still playing even after the game. I hope this place is packed out for our next match against Douglas County,” head coach Shane Queen said.
Starting the third quarter, NC came in ready to put the game to bed. Belyeu scored his second touchdown of the night and Hill kicked a field goal to advance the game 28-0, following a fumble by Camden County due to an offensive lapse. NC’s defense constantly pressed the Camden County offense, threatening the quarterback over and over, forcing multiple punts and a missed field goal. Senior defensive back Dylon Womack (6), second in interceptions in Georgia, picked off a pass to secure his eighth interception of the season.
“It was just about staying locked in defensively all week. We made a priority to respect Camden County and any team we go against during this playoffs [sic] run. Camden County is a South Georgia team and any of those teams could beat each other so we knew they were pretty good. It felt great to get a pick against a guy with that many stars, I feel like I’m pretty underrated” Womack said.
Heading into the fourth quarter, NC kept their foot on the pedal. The NC offense remained hungry for another touchdown, but could not push the ball past the end zone. The NC defense continued pestering Camden County into incomplete passes multiple times. Late into the quarter, Camden County kept the shutout from occurring, with junior quarterback Parks Rindeau (10) throwing a pass to sophomore receiver Sean Green (3), scoring their only touchdown of the game. Senior kicker Noah McCullars (94) scored a field goal to set the game 28-7. Unfortunately for Camden County, the efforts would prove too late. As the clock struck zero the NC football team flooded the field, ecstatic at their first shot at heading to the quarterfinals round of the playoffs since 2016.
