Seahawks grounded in Plymouth

Published 9:47 pm Friday, November 3, 2023

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Southside’s football season ended with a 34-14 loss to Bertie County in the first round of the 1A state playoffs Friday night.

The 22nd seeded Seahawks (4-7) met the 11th seeded Falcons (5-5) at Washington County High School in Plymouth because the Bertie field is being renovated.

Bertie fumbled on their opening drive and Southside senior Tequon (Tater) Moore capped a scoring drive with a six-yard scoring run. Myquan Clark added the two point conversion for an 8-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Bertie scored early in the second quarter, then took the lead for good on a touchdown pass with eight minutes left in the half for a 14-8 lead. Moore returned the ensuing kickoff to the Falcons 35, then Clark carried to the 20, but the drive stalled at the 15 as Bertie took over on downs.

Southside’s Zaykwon Tuten recovered a Falcons fumble at the Bertie 15, but the offense could only manage four yards in four plays.

Bertie struck quickly with a 50-yard touchdown pass for a 20-8 halftime lead, then threw another 50-yard scoring pass on their first possession of the second half for a 26-8 advantage.

Southside’s Nolan Dixon recovered a Bertie fumble at their own two yard line and carried it in to cut the lead to 26-14 late in the third quarter.

The Falcons capped the scoring with an 80-yard touchdown drive for a 34-14 lead late in the fourth quarter.

Bertie will travel to #6 North Moore (9-2) for next week’s second round.

Northside (8-2) drew a first round bye and will host the winner of 13th seeded East Bladen and #20 North Edgecombe next week.