Local teams were playing for pride in Week 2. Multiple cross-county rivalries saw huge performances lead to head-turning results. Here’s a recap of all games from this past week.


Southern Durham 44, Jordan 7

Last year, Jordan established itself as the best team in the Bull City after pulling off a double-digit win in Southern Durham’s house.

This time around, the Spartans returned the favor.

Speedy senior Tyler Williamson returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and with the exception of a rushing score by Jordan senior Ja’Corie Douglas in response, the Spartans carried on that energy for the rest of the night.

Southern Durham improved to 2-0 on the season. Jordan fell to 1-1.


Hillside 22, Panther Creek 12

Hillside made plays in all phases of its win over Panther Creek to start the season 2-0 for the first time since 2022.

On the first drive of the game, junior Kemari Marable ran in a 9-yard touchdown to put the Hornets ahead 6-0. After a fumble recovered by Hillside on the ensuing kickoff, senior Eric Mayo ran in a 2-yard score to give the Hornets an early 12-0 lead.

Panther Creek responded early in the second quarter with a 15-yard touchdown reception by senior Christian Barron. Barron finished the game with two touchdown catches with both coming from quarterback Ethan Carpenter.

Hillside limited the Catamounts’ big gains with crucial pass deflections in the second half, and the Hornets’ offense held most of the possession in the fourth quarter due to multiple solid runs. Panther Creek had less than a minute and nearly a full field to go on its final possession, but a group of Hornets sacked Carpenter at the buzzer to seal the win.


Sanderson 27, Riverside 12

Sanderson pulled away from Riverside in the second half, dropping the Pirates to 0-2 on the season.

Following a 51-yard touchdown pass that put the Spartans ahead 14-0 at the second quarter buzzer, Riverside climbed back with a 65-yard bomb from senior quarterback Taylen Lea to freshman D’Marte McMillan to start the third period.

Sanderson responded with 13 unanswered points from two rushing scores. Junior Riley Griffin ran in a 12-yard touchdown to put the Spartans up 27-6 in the fourth quarter. Later in the period, Lea connected with senior Dakari Monds for an 8-yard score.


Orange 30, Chapel Hill 0

Orange dominated rival Chapel Hill with its rushing attack.

Junior Markus Thomas recorded 210 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, including a 74-yard sprint that put the Panthers ahead 30-0 early in the fourth quarter.

Early in the first quarter, senior Kayden Bradsher set the tone with a 51-yard touchdown run. Thomas followed that with a 32-yard run to the end zone, giving Orange a 16-0 lead in the opening period.

The Panthers also got it done through the air as junior quarterback Jackson Moody found junior Mason Stubbs on a short, 9-yard score before halftime.

Junior Jakai Torian led the Panthers’ defense with 12 tackles, lifting the unit to its first shutout of the season.

Orange moved to 1-1 on the year, and Chapel Hill fell to 0-2.


Green Hope 67, East Chapel Hill 6

Green Hope scored 33 points in the second quarter to rout East Chapel Hill.

Junior receiver AJ Davis caught seven passes for 130 yards and four touchdowns.

East Chapel Hill fell to 1-1 on the season.


Southeast Alamance 48, Seaforth 21

Southeast Alamance outscored Seaforth 27-0 in the first half to earn its fourth straight win over the Hawks.

Junior quarterback Tyler Jackson threw for 355 yards and three touchdowns. He completed three passes of over 50 yards and also ran in a score. Junior receiver Joseph Gibbs caught two scores and ran in a touchdown, while senior Drew Easter (who also hauled in a touchdown) led the pass catchers with 90 receiving yards.

Defensively, the Stallions came away with four interceptions (two for sophomore linebacker Brayden Robbins) and five sacks.

Seaforth fell to 1-1 on the year.


Chatham Central 29, Jordan-Matthews 8

For the first time since 2022, the Bears took down the Jets and are now the apex predators of high school football in West Chatham County.

Chatham Central’s defense led the way as it held Jordan-Matthews scoreless until the fourth quarter. With a 15-0 lead in the final period, the Bears returned a fumble for a touchdown to put the game out of reach.

The 21-point win is Chatham Central’s largest margin of victory since 2016.

Jordan-Matthews fell to 1-1 on the season.


Asheboro 35, Northwood 7

Northwood couldn’t maintain its solid start in a loss to Asheboro.

The Chargers’ defense held the Blue Comets scoreless in the first quarter, and they took a 7-0 lead in the second with a touchdown from senior receiver Raje Torres. Asheboro responded with 35 unanswered points, starting with a 7-yard rushing score from senior Garrison Cheek that tied the game at halftime.

Senior quarterback Dallas Brinton threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 111 yards and a score on 15 carries.

Northwood fell to 0-2 on the season.


Top performances
Tyler Williamson (Southern Durham, wide receiver, kickoff return touchdown vs. Jordan)
Austin Brown (Northern Durham, defensive end, four sacks vs. Carrboro)
Darion Marks (Northern Durham, linebacker, nine tackles and four tackles for loss vs. Carrboro)
Ja’Carreis Jones (Northern Durham, athlete, 165 rushing yards and a touchdown vs. Carrboro)
Aaron Fulcher (Northern Durham, defensive back, two interceptions vs. Carrboro)
Joshua Mainor (Northern Durham, wide receiver, receiving touchdown and an interception vs. Carrboro)
Markus Thomas (Orange, running back, 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries vs. Chapel Hill)
Jakai Torian (Orange, linebacker, 12 tackles vs. Chapel Hill)