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The Northside football schedule for this fall looks a lot like the one from last fall, except the venues are reversed. The Panthers also hope that COVID-19 has settled down enough not to cause disruptions.

Northside hits the road for three of its first four non-conference games, beginning with a trip to Camden County Aug. 19.

The home opener is the following Friday against North Duplin, with short hops to Riverside and South Creek to follow.

Rosewood visits Sept. 16 to wrap up non-conference play, then the Panthers take the week off to prepare for Coastal Plains Conference games.

“We are in the second year of deals with our non-conference opponents, so we have a good idea of what they run,” coach Keith Boyd said. “Camden is a solid 2A program, so it will be a good opener and Riverside will be athletic and much improved. Rosewood is always good, so there aren’t any cupcakes.”

After the early road stretch, Northside is home for three of the last four games, including the Anchor Bowl against Southside Oct. 7, homecoming vs. Jones Senior Oct. 14 and senior night against Pamlico County Oct. 28.

“I like that our open date is in the middle because it gives us a week to scout and prepare before conference games start. If we have injuries, it gives them a chance to heal a little.” Boyd said. “I also like finishing at home, although it’s sometimes hard to focus on the game during homecoming and senior night. Overall, we’re excited about our schedule and will be ready to go.”

Northside went 11-2 in 2021 with a trip to the third round of the 1A playoffs.