John A. Holmes football team advances to Round 3 of NCHSAA playoffs

EDENTON — After a shaky first half that saw them trailing at halftime, the John A. Holmes Aces (7-4 overall, 5-0 conference) exploded for 40 unanswered second-half points to defeat the Perquimans Pirates (5-6 overall, 2-3 conference), 55-16, in the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs Friday, Nov. 14 in Edenton.

On paper, this game was supposed to be an easy win for the Aces, as they defeated the Pirates during the regular season in a 59-21 rout on Oct. 24.

But the Pirates jumped to an early 8-0 lead on their opening drive, capped by a 39-yard touchdown reception to NyQuan Riddick, and held a slim 16-15 advantage at halftime.

No one can deny that the Pirates’ players have skills, talent and drive.

Whatever adjustments the Aces made in the locker room proved transformative, as they completely dominated the second half while shutting out Perquimans after the break.

Theory — Coach Hoggard or Mattera must have given one of those inspiring halftime speeches like you see in the movies.

Second-Half Surge

The turning point came immediately after halftime when the Aces took control from their opening possession. Junior quarterback Mason Byrum connected on a 43-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Jamarion Basnight early in the third quarter, giving the Aces their first comfortable lead of the night at 23-16. From there, the floodgates opened.

BOOM — Juniors Caden Jernigan and Kazzure Downing scored several touchdowns in the second half, repeatedly finding large running lanes as the Aces’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage. Downing finished with three touchdowns on the night, while Jernigan added a 62-yard touchdown run in the first half and another score late in the game.

Byrum also contributed a 27-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter that triggered the running clock, effectively sealing the victory at 55-16.

Defensive Dominance

The Aces’ defense, which struggled in the first half allowing 16 points to Perquimans senior quarterback Benjamin Brown and the Pirates’ offense, completely shut down their conference rival after intermission. Senior Myles Cobb recorded a crucial third-quarter interception, while Jamarion Basnight added another pick in the fourth quarter, returning it to the Perquimans 28-yard line.

The defensive line consistently pressured Brown throughout the second half, forcing multiple negative plays and disrupting the Perquimans offense that had moved the ball effectively in the opening two quarters.

First-Half Struggles

The game began ominously for the home team. After Perquimans took an 8-0 lead, the Aces responded with an 8-8 tie on Jernigan’s 62-yard touchdown run. Downing added the two-point conversion to knot the score.

The first half featured multiple lead changes and was marred by penalties on both sides. Many of the penalties occurred while teams attempted to make field goals, forcing the ball to move and another attempt to score extra points.

The Aces fumbled twice in the first half, contributing to their offensive struggles.

Perquimans’ two-point conversions following both their first-half touchdowns proved crucial in giving them the halftime lead. Senior running back Ataviyon White and the Pirates’ offensive line created consistent gains throughout the first half.

Pirates kicker Trevor Rountree (84) attempted the extra points, but flags brought the offense back onto the field both times. Penalties forced the Pirates to successfully go for two each time.

For the Aces, senior Kaden Parker handled punting duties and also contributed points.

With the victory, John A. Holmes advances to the third round of the 2A playoffs, where they will travel to face North Duplin High School next week. The Aces will look to carry their dominant second-half performance into what promises to be a challenging road matchup.

The game will kick-off at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at North Dublin, 1388 NC-403, Mt Olive, NC 28365. Ticket will cost $14 at the gate.

Other Teams

1A football playoffs

Bear Grass Charter defeated North Edgecombe, 49-14. They will play against Northside-Pinetown.

2a football playoffs

• Gates County lost to East Carteret, 61-18. East Carteret will face Warren County next week.
• Manteo defeated Northampton, 36-8. They will travel to East Bladen next week.
• Camden lost to Tarboro, 52-0. Tarboro will host Hobbton next week.

3A football playoffs

• Martin County defeated Wake Prep Academy, 28-20. The Gators will host Farmville on Nov. 21.
• Pasquotank defeated Princeton, 54-41. They will host Kinston on Nov. 21
• Northeastern defeated South Columbus, 56-21. The Eagles will travel to face Pender on Nov. 21.

5A football playoffs

Currituck lost to Havelock, 35-14.

2025 NCHSAA Football Championships 2025 2A Football Bracket