No. 6 Holmes Faces No. 2 Warren County on Friday, Nov. 28
EDENTON – Fresh off their dramatic 34-28 double overtime victory over North Duplin, the John A. Holmes High School football team (8-4, 5-0 conference) will travel to Warrenton on Friday, November 28, to face second-ranked Warren County High School in the NCHSAA 2A fourth-round playoffs.
The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. at Warren County High School (149 Campus Drive, Warrenton, NC 27589), pits two teams riding high on historic playoff runs. Tickets are $14 at the gate.
It will be a big night for area football fans, as Northeastern High School will also host Kinston in a 3A fourth-round matchup at 7 p.m. in Elizabeth City. The Eagles advanced with a 52-34 victory over Pender in the third round.
Community Sendoff Planned
The Aces Football Moms Club is organizing a community sendoff for the team’s journey to Warrenton. A charter bus will depart from the Roses parking lot at 4 p.m. on game day, giving fans an opportunity to travel together and show their support.
“Our boys have worked hard to make it to Round #4,” the Football Moms Club announced. “The boys would love to have all the support behind them.”
Charter bus seats are available for $25 per person and must be paid by Thursday, Nov. 26. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Nicole Danielle and Travis Jernigan at 252-231-3102.
For those who plan to show their support for the Aces while they leave Edenton a sendoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday. Buses will leave from the school by taking a right onto Broad Street, turn left onto Virginia Road at Walgreens, and then turn left onto Highway 17 to leave Chowan County.
Aces Riding Momentum
Coach Paul Hoggard’s Aces are celebrating their 100th year of football with one of the most memorable seasons in program history. After starting 0-4, the team has reeled off eight consecutive victories, including their thrilling comeback win over North Duplin on Nov. 21 in Calypso.
In that game, junior running back DJ Sutton scored three touchdowns, including the game-winner on the first play of the second overtime. The Aces rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit behind explosive plays from Sutton (40 and 56-yard touchdown runs) and junior Caden Jernigan (58-yard touchdown run).
Junior quarterback Mason Byrum connected with senior wide receiver Jamarion Basnight on a 20-yard touchdown pass in the first overtime, while senior kicker Kaden Parker was perfect on extra points, including two crucial kicks in overtime situations that kept the Aces’ season alive.
Warren County
The Eagles are experiencing their own historic run under head coach Victor Hunt Jr. Warren County (10-3) advanced to the fourth round for the first time in school history with a 44-23 victory over East Carteret on Nov. 21, according to the Henderson Dispatch (Note: Website requires subscription to view articles).
“Race, politics, social class doesn’t matter in sports. It’s us rowing the boat,” Hunt said after the victory, according to the Dispatch’s article. “And it makes it easier to bond as a community over that.”
Warren County entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the 2A East bracket and has dominated opponents throughout their run, defeating Rosewood 36-6 in the second round before handling East Carteret.
In the East Carteret game, senior running back Graham Hosch rushed for over 180 yards while underclassman Khalil “Kaylow” Townsend carried the torch for the Eagles with 133 yards and three touchdowns on the ground alongside quarterback Zynir Douglas, who added two touchdowns of his own.
Junior Mekhi Chavis made his mark defensively with two sacks, four tackles for loss and hurried East Carteret quarterback Luke McIntosh nine times.
Keys to the Game
For the sixth-ranked Aces, the formula has been consistent during their winning streak: protect the football, make explosive plays, and play stout defense. In the North Duplin game, despite three turnovers, the Aces found ways to answer every challenge.
Byrum has managed games effectively while showing the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs. The duo of Sutton and Jernigan gives the Aces big-play capability on any down, while the offensive line has steadily improved throughout the season.
Defensively, the Aces held North Duplin’s punishing wing-T offense to just one offensive touchdown in the second half. Amari Bond, Noah Browder, Jayden Lindsey, Jonte Langley and Josiah Soto are among those who have played in a unit that has grown more physical and disciplined as the season progressed.
Warren County enters as the higher-ranked team and will have home-field advantage with a potent running game that has powered their playoff success. The Eagles’ combination of size, power, and a stingy defense has been formidable all season.
However, the Aces’ speed, explosiveness, and recent experience in tight games could prove valuable. Holmes has shown it can win on the road in hostile environments and has the playmakers to strike quickly.
What’s at Stake
The winner advances to the regional finals, moving within two wins of a state championship appearance. For the Aces, another victory would extend their season and keep alive dreams of playing for a title in the program’s centennial year.
For Warren County, a win would continue their unprecedented run and cement this team’s place in school history.
The winner will face the winner of the first-ranked Tarboro vs. fourth-ranked East Bladen game, also being played at 7 p.m. Nov. 28.
Both communities are rallying behind their teams for what promises to be an electric atmosphere in Warrenton. The Aces faithful are encouraged to wear their blue and gold, bring signs, make noise, and show their hometown pride.
“Bring your spirit! Bring your signs! Make lots of noise! Bring your hometown Aces pride!” Aces supporters urged. “Join us at the game at 7 p.m. in Warrenton!”