Southside defeats Northside to take Anchor Bowl

PINETOWN — The Seahawks are taking the anchor trophy across the Pamlico River and back to Chocowinity after a conclusive 37-6 win over cross-county rival Northside on Friday night.

Riding its trio of junior running backs, Southside recorded over 300 yards of total offense in the Coastal Plains Conference opener.

With starting quarterback Johnny Sullivan on the sidelines, just days removed from surgery to repair a fractured arm, Marshall Medlock picked up right where his counterpart left off, successfully and consistently navigating his team down field for four quarters. Southside’s sophomore quarterback caused havoc at the line of scrimmage, forcing a handful of critical off sides penalties against the Panthers by mixing up snap counts. On both sides of the ball, the Seahawks committed just two penalties (both coming on the same two-point conversion series) in 48 minutes of football. It was a statistic that initiated a rare postgame smile from head coach Jeff Carrow.

“That’s really, really good for us,” he said. “Marshall has a lot to learn, he’s still a sophomore, but he worked his butt off this summer. It’s paying off big time right now. He moved the ball when we were starting to stagger and got them to jump off sides. Our offensive line did a great job in picking that up.”

While it was a big day for the offense, Carrow credits his defense with containing a gritty and, at times, unpredictable Northside running game, which was held to under 150-yards rushing. And in the fourth quarter, it was an offensive weapon that came through with the defensive play of the game for Southside, as Matt Baxter scooped up a James Barrow fumble and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown for the final score of the game.

But in a run-heavy contest that last just two hours, it was Dylan Lewis who proved to be the difference maker. The junior tailback notched 123 yards of total offense, including a booming 17-yard touchdown run that put the game virtually out of reach for Northside.

“Dylan had an outstanding game, not just offensively, but defensive as well,” Carrow said. “He rang the bell and answered the call with his physicality. He was our engine tonight. Each week it’s a different back who steps up and tonight was Dylan’s night.”

Senior Donshae Miller and junior Lawrence Brown each converted two early fourth downs and notched over 60-yards rushing apiece.

Southside minimized mistakes, capitalized on Northside’s and picked up its third-straight win.

As for head coach Keith Boyd’s Panthers, the lack of production on both sides of the ball continued Friday, the defense giving up 35-plus points for the fifth-straight game. And while quarterback Noel Howson limited the mistakes that beleaguered the team last week, the offense wasn’t able to move the ball with much consistency.

Senior tailback Rockne Butler finished with 57-yards rushing on 11 carries, while senior scatback Kermani Slade went for 31 yards on five carries.

“I’m proud for my seniors and proud of my team. Tough, tough ballgame — a real physical ballgame for four quarters,” Carrow said. “Hats off to Northside. They had a great game plan and slowed the clock down. I’m proud of how my guys overcame adversity and finished four quarters of ball.”

Next week, Southside will look to continue its winning ways when it hosts East Carteret, while Northside has what is likely its toughest conference road test in Bayboro against Pamlico County.