North Brunswick 23 Croatan 12
LELAND — The Scorpions made an early statement inside the East Central Conference with a 23-12 victory over Croatan in the division opener for both teams in Leland on Thursday night.
North Brunswick used contributions from offense, defense and special teams in the win, improving to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in conference.
Dakota Desfonds put the home team in front 24-6 late in the fourth quarter before Croatan scored in the waning seconds to make it a two touchdown game.
Jc Smith continued his strong play with nearly 100 yards rushing in the first half and help set up the game’s first score as quarterback Jathan Deberry punched in a one-yard sneak to give North Brunswick a 7-0 lead after 12 minutes of action.
Croatan pulled to within one at the half, but Michael Rivers hit a 23-yard field goal to cap the opening possession of the third quarter to give the Scorpions a 10-6 advantage. Shaquan Graham gave North Brunswick a little breathing room with a 24 yard touchdown late in the period and Brisson Hibbert stepped up on the defensive side of the ball during the second half ot help preserve the result.
