Holmes Rallies for 34-28 Victory in 3rd Round Playoff Game
BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
CALYPSO – In a game that will be remembered for years to come, the John A. Holmes High School Aces football team overcame a 14-0 halftime deficit to defeat the North Duplin Rebels 34-28 in a double overtime playoff thriller Friday night, Nov. 21, 2025, at H.G. Grubbs Field at North Duplin High School in Calypso.
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Aces Junior running back DJ Sutton emerged as the offensive hero, scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner on the first play of the second overtime. The victory sends Head Coach Paul Hoggard’s Aces (8-4, 5-0 conference) into the next round of the playoffs and caps a remarkable turnaround for a team that started the season 0-4 before reeling off eight consecutive victories.
The win also ended North Duplin’s impressive season under Head Coach Hugh Martin, as the Rebels finished 10-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play.
Second Half Explosion
The Aces looked overmatched in the first half against North Duplin’s punishing wing-T offense. The Rebels, led by senior running back Carell Phillips and anchored by 6-foot-3, 310-pound tight end Trashawn Ruffin, controlled the line of scrimmage and built their 14-0 advantage.
But everything changed after halftime. On just the second play of the third quarter, Sutton took a handoff up the middle and raced 40 yards for a touchdown. Kaden Parker’s extra point made it 14-7, and suddenly the momentum had shifted.
Five plays later, junior Caden Jernigan exploded through the defense for a 58-yard touchdown run. Parker’s kick tied the game at 14-14.
Trading Blows Down the Stretch
The back-and-forth battle continued into the fourth quarter. After Sutton’s 56-yard kickoff return, the Aces were driving when North Duplin’s Jayden Pope recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Rebels a 21-14 lead with 7:28 remaining.
But the Aces answered with a 56-yard run by Kazure Downing to the end zone, bringing the Aces a total of 20 points to North Duplin’s 21. Parker’s clutch extra point knotted the score once again.
Both defenses stiffened in the closing minutes. The Aces defense forced a crucial fourth-down stop with just over two minutes remaining. However, a fumble on the ensuing possession gave North Duplin one final chance. The Rebels drove into Aces territory but didn’t capitalize, and regulation ended in a 21-21 deadlock.
Overtime Drama
In the first overtime, Aces junior quarterback Mason Byrum connected with senior Jamarion Basnight on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Parker’s extra point gave the Aces a 28-21 advantage.
North Duplin answered. On fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line, Phillips powered into the end zone despite a fumbled exchange with quarterback Keiz Brock. Rimi Villalon’s extra point forced a second overtime at 28-28.
The Final Act
North Duplin had first possession in the second overtime but managed only a loss on first down and an incompletion on second down. On third-and-long, the Aces defense intercepted a pass, giving the offense the ball at the 10-yard line.
On the very first play, Sutton took a handoff up the middle and found daylight. The junior burst through the line and into the end zone for the game-winning touchdown, sending the Aces fans and sideline into a frenzy, securing the 34-28 victory.
As it has during the past few games, The Albemarle Observer ran a Facebook thread with score information. The game kept our staff on the edge of their seats, much like the recent East Carolina-Memphis game which ECU won, 31-27. The winning touchdown was scored within the last 2 minutes of that college football game.
Fans posted comments encouraging the Aces. After the Aces scored in double overtime, a fan posted that they were jumping and yelling on their bed at home, celebrating the win. Fans and alumni of John A. Holmes came from throughout the state, traveled to North Duplin, or listened to Tommy Bass’s commentary on the radio to the thrilling game.
Key Performers
The Aces defense, featuring contributions from Bond, Browder, freshman Jayden Lindsey, and juniors Jonte Langley and Josiah Soto, held North Duplin to just one offensive touchdown after halftime and secured the game-changing interception.
DJ Sutton led the Aces with three touchdowns and over 100 yards from scrimmage, including runs of 40, 56, and 10 yards for scores.
Caden Jernigan added 58 yards and a touchdown on his lone carry.
Mason Byrum managed the game effectively at quarterback, throwing the overtime touchdown to Basnight and making key plays by holding the ball for a run.
Kaden Parker was perfect on extra points, including two crucial kicks in overtime.
For North Duplin, Phillips carried the load with over 100 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Looking Ahead
The victory is especially sweet for the Aces, who are celebrating their 100th year of football. After starting the season 0-4, this team has found its identity through resilient defense and explosive offensive playmaking.
The sixth-ranked Aces will now travel to face second-ranked Warren County High School in the NCHSAA fourth-round playoff game at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28. The game will be played at Warren County High School, 149 Campus Drive, Warrenton, NC 27589. Tickets are $14 each at the gate.
