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Three of the four high school football teams in Beaufort County were in action a day earlier than normal last week.

With bad weather in the area from then-Hurricane Helene, schools had to move their football games up a day. Washington went to West Craven and picked up a big 44-28 win over West Craven to start Eastern Plains Conference play. Pungo Christian had an easy time with Northeast Academy, winning 57-6. Southside went to Rosewood and dropped a 20-7 decision.

Northside picked up a forfeit as Fairmont, out of Robeson County, couldn’t make the 3-plus hour drive to Yeatesville and had to forfeit.

Below are the top performances from the area for the week.

No. 1: Keondrick Melton, Washington: After rushing for 183 yards and two touchdowns against Pamlico County a week earlier, he followed that with 187 yards and three touchdowns (6, 69, 56 yards) on 23 carries.

No. 2: Carr Eagles, Pungo Christian: Completed 12-of-13 passes for 315 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 56 yards and a touchdown and made a tackle.

No. 3: Parker Byrd, Pungo Christian: Had six catches for 140 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 10 tackles and a sack.

Other top contributors

• Washington’s defense: Held West Craven to -13 yards rushing on 20 carries.
• Gabe Davis, Washington: Had seven tackles, one for a loss
• Celak Smaw, Washington: Had six tackles, one for loss, and a sack. He also recovered a fumble and scored a touchdown on a 12-yard run to start the game.
• Marek Bates, Washington: Had 6.5 tackles, one for a loss, a sack and an interception.
• Josiah Murray, Pungo Christian: Rushed for 70 yards and two touchdowns on four carries and made three tackles.
• Austin Gibbs, Pungo Christian: Had six tackles and a forced fumble on defense. On offense, he had two catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, one for 74 yards.