EDENTON – Under the bright stadium lights on Friday night (Aug. 29), John A. Holmes High School marked a historic milestone as the football program celebrated its 100th anniversary before taking on North Johnston in their first home game of the season.
The evening began with a special ceremony at midfield, where Mayor Hackney High joined school and athletic officials to honor the century-long legacy of Aces football. Participating in the commemoration were head football coach Paul Hoggard, athletic director Wes Mattera, superintendent Tammi Ward, principal Sonya Rinehart, and Aces football historian Win Dale.
During the ceremony, Mayor High read a town proclamation recognizing the significant milestone.
“The Town of Edenton congratulates John A. Holmes High School Aces football upon the occasion of its 100th season of football,” High stated on Saturday. “Friday night lights at Aces Stadium is one of the many things which makes our town special.”
High went on to emphasize the program’s lasting impact on the community: “The Town of Edenton is proud to honor the John A. Holmes High School Aces football program for its century long legacy of athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication.”
The historic celebration provided a poignant backdrop for what proved to be a hard-fought contest between the Aces and visiting North Johnston. In a game that lived up to the excitement of the milestone occasion, the teams battled in a high-scoring affair that came down to the final moments. Despite a valiant effort from the home team, North Johnston emerged with a narrow 35-34 victory.
While the Aces fell just short on the scoreboard, the evening represented something much larger than a single game result. The 100th anniversary celebration highlighted the deep roots football has established in Edenton and the generations of players, coaches, and fans who have made Friday night lights at Aces Stadium a cherished community tradition.
The presence of school leadership, from Superintendent Tammi Ward to Principal Sonya Rinehart, alongside longtime football historian Win Dale, demonstrated the institutional support and historical significance that Aces football holds within both the school and the broader Edenton community.
As John A. Holmes High School embarks on its second century of football, the program carries forward a legacy built on athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication – values that have remained constant throughout the past 100 years and will continue to guide future generations of Aces players and coaches.