WARRENTON – The John A. Holmes High School Aces’ football season came to an end Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, as Warren County pulled away for a 40-14 victory in the NCHSAA 2A fourth-round playoffs.
The No. 6-ranked Aces (8-5, 5-0 conference) trailed by just two points at halftime before No. 2-ranked Warren County took control in the second half, scoring 24 unanswered points to advance to the Division 2A East Region finals against top-ranked Tarboro on Dec. 5.
For more scores from the foruth round of the 2A and 3A playoffs, which featured Northeastern, click here.
First Half Fireworks
The game started with promise for coach Paul Hoggard’s Aces, who were riding high after their dramatic double-overtime victory over North Duplin the previous week. Kazzure Downing opened the scoring with a 46-yard touchdown run, giving the Aces an early 7-0 lead.
Warren County answered on a fourth-and-goal from the five-yard line when senior running back Graham Hosch cut back and powered into the end zone. The Eagles went for two and converted when sophomore quarterback Zynir Douglas ran a quarterback sneak, taking an 8-7 lead.
The Aces responded. Downing exploded for a 75-yard touchdown run up the middle. Senior kicker Kaden Parker’s extra point gave Holmes a 14-8 advantage.
But Warren County’s physical ground game continued to grind. Hosch scored again on a 22-yard run, and Douglas added another two-point conversion on a quarterback sneak to give the Eagles a 16-14 halftime lead.
Eagles’ Second Half Surge
Whatever adjustments Warren County made at halftime proved decisive. The Eagles received the second-half kickoff and immediately imposed their will with their T-formation power running attack.
Hosch capped the opening drive with another touchdown run, this time from 22 yards out. Douglas converted yet another two-point attempt, extending the lead to 24-14.
The Eagles scored another touchdown during the third quarter and the two-point conversion was good. Warren County extended its lead, 32-14.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Aces tried to mount a comeback but turned the ball over on downs at their own 30-yard line. Any hope of a miracle finish – like the one they’d pulled off seven days earlier – evaporated as Warren County’s defense stiffened and the offense continued to control the clock.
Warren County added a final score late in the game to reach the 40-point mark, cementing their dominance.
Key Performers
For Warren County, Hosch led the charge with three rushing touchdowns. Douglas showed his dual-threat ability by not only running the Eagles’ T-formation offense efficiently but also converting all four two-point attempts on the ground. Townsend added a touchdown run in the third quarter.
The Eagles’ defensive line, featuring junior Mekhi Chavis (6-0, 241) and junior Devin Hines, overwhelmed the Aces’ offensive front in the second half.
For the Aces, Downing finished with 169 yards on just six carries, including the 75-yard touchdown. Caden Jernigan added 76 total yards and a touchdown. Junior quarterback Mason Byrum managed the offense, but faced constant pressure from Warren County’s aggressive defense.
The Aces’ senior class concluded their high school careers as football players with the loss. The seniors — Jamarion Basnight, Myles Cobb, Parker, Amari Bond, Jonte Langley, Clay Tritt, and Steven Ferebee — helped lead the program through its 100th year of football and a remarkable season.
Season in Perspective
After starting 0-4, Hoggard’s team won eight consecutive games, including the thrilling double-overtime victory over North Duplin in the third round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association football playoffs.
The eight season wins brought Hoggard’s career record at John A. Holmes to within a victory or two (we’re double-checking our stats) of the program’s all-time wins record. Legendary Coach Swicegood has 100 wins as the Aces head coach. That milestone will have to wait for another season.
The Aces went undefeated in conference play (5-0), winning the Albemarle Athletic Conference championship. They also advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs. In the program’s centennial season, this group of players gave the community plenty to celebrate.
With most of the roster returning next season, including Byrum, Downing, Jernigan, and DJ Sutton, the future looks bright for Aces football. The experience gained during this playoff run – including the adversity faced in Warrenton – should serve as valuable lessons for the players who will return in 2026.
Warren County (11-3) will travel to face Tarboro (13-0) on Dec. 5 in the East Region finals. The Eagles will make their first-ever appearance in the regional finals after defeating Rosewood 36-6 and East Carteret 44-23 in earlier playoff rounds.