East Duplin 24 North Brunswick 14
Moving into Friday night’s regular season finale, North Brunswick had a chance to improve its playoff chances and gain a share of the East Central Conference crown, but a big second half by East Duplin handed the Scorpions a 24-14 setback.
With a 17-14 lead at the break, the Panthers pounded the rock through much of the final 24 minutes of regular season to wear out the North Brunswick defense. East Duplin improved to 5-0 in the division and 10-1 overall.
The Panthers got off to a fast start and led 10-0 with less than six minutes to play in the first half when North Brunswick rallied. A 14-yard touchdown pass from Jathan Deberry to Derrick Blanks put the Scorpions on the board.
East Duplin responded with a score to go ahead 17-7, but Shaquan Graham used his electric speed to take the ensuing kickoff 98 yards for the touchdown to make it a three-point deficit at the half.
The Scorpions struggled to get the offense going for much of the night, finishing the year 3-2 in conference and 7-4 overall.
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