Breathe, Warrior Nation.

Against their first opponent ranked outside the top 10, NC varsity football dominated the Monroe Area Purple Hurricanes, 41-7, and earned their first victory of the young season on Friday night. The much-needed win should boost the Warriors confidence as they head into region play.

“Our work and perseverance paid off tonight,” Coach Shane Queen said. “But we’ve got a big one next Friday night to look forward to.”

Junior QB Will Lovett threw first-half touchdown passes to juniors Drew Tejchman and Alon Johnson, and to senior DJ Render to guide the Warriors to a commanding 41-0 lead.

Junior running-back CJ Cole ran for two scores and junior Jai Erwin added one, all in the first half, to lead the Warrior rushing attack.

NC rested their starters in the second half, which Monroe Area took advantage of as they drove down the field and scored on their first third-quarter possession. But a running clock ensured the safety of NC’s lead, as JV played the final quarter. Senior corner Shane Deshotel highlighted the second half with his first interception of the season.

NC travels to Harrison Friday in their first region match-up to take on a Hoya team that is 3-1 overall and undefeated at home.

“It was good to get the first win of the year,” Lovett said. “But now is when it matters, everybody’s 0-0 going into region. We’re going to have to fight every week.”