Yet another return to the regional championship for Southside ended in yet another five-point loss to Plymouth. The Vikings’ defense held the Seahawks to just 120 yards of total offense on Friday en route to a 7-2 win.

With that, the Vikings will travel to Chapel Hill next weekend to defend their 1-A state championship. Southside was sent home, thanking its seniors and looking forward to next year.

Thus marks the end of Beaufort County’s 2016 football season. Basketball has been underway for a few weeks now. Northside and Washington revisited their rivalry again as the Pam Pack hosted the backend of the home-and-home series between the two on Friday night.

Washington did well to defend its home court. The Lady Pack put on another dominating performance to sweep the Lady Panthers, while the boys narrowly edged Northside to even up the series at 1-1.

Here’s a look at this week’s top athletes in the county.

 

HUNTER SPARKS

In what was his final game in a Seahawks uniform, Southside captain Hunter Sparks led a staunch defensive performance that kept his side in the game. The middle linebacker led the team with nine tackles (six solo).

His efforts helped Southside hold a potent Plymouth offense to just 152 yards on 49 plays (3.1 yards per play). The game-winning score and lone touchdown conceded by his defensive corps was when the Vikings had a short field after a punt attempt went awry.

 

SHARWAN STATON

Sharwan Staton helped Washington finish off what was a long week with a win over local foe Northside. The Pam Pack guard knocked down a trio of 3-pointers in the first half in a 56-50 win. He led the team with 17 points.

The win snapped a three-game slump for the Pam Pack. The boys had lost to Greene Central on Tuesday and Fike on Wednesday — both impressive squads. Staton’s shooting abilities will be key against Ayden-Grifton on Tuesday.

 

DARIA JONES

Daria Jones was at the forefront of a 3-0 week for the Lady Pack. She was, once again, dominant in the paint as Washington coasted past Northside, 56-26. Her work down low helped her team complete a sweep against Greene Central on Tuesday, too.

Washington’s only loss in nine games this season came in its second outing against Fike. Jones helped the Lady Pack avenge the home loss with a narrow 49-47 win at Fike on Wednesday.

 

JOE MYERS

Like Sparks, Joe Myers had a big role in Southside’s impressive defensive performance in the regional championship. The Seahawk defensive back had seven tackles (five solo), which was second best to Sparks.

He made some plays that shifted momentum Southside’s way, too. He laid a thunderous hit to respond to Plymouth’s touchdown earlier in the second quarter, and also had an interception before halftime. It was an exceptional showing for one of 11 seniors playing his last game.