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Hunt Races Past Southern Nash 51-34

IMG_3283by: Trey Scott10/11/25TreyScott_NC
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Written by Joe Myers
WILSON— In a game with potential bye week and seeding implications in the 5A East playoffs, Hunt defeated Southern Nash 51-34. As of the latest RPI ratings, Hunt has jumped to the number one seed and would have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Southern Nash would be the number five seed and earn a first-round bye under this scenario as well.

Both teams entered the matchup with run-heavy offensive attacks. Hunt came in averaging 260 rushing yards per game, while Southern Nash averaged a whopping 338. Both teams lived up to their reputations as the game unfolded.

Trailing 18-17 at halftime, Hunt needed only two plays to take the lead when quarterback Mez Harris broke a 66-yard touchdown run to put the Warriors ahead 24-18. The Firebirds answered with a 12-play, 53-yard drive to reclaim the lead at 26-24.

On Hunt’s next possession, Mez Harris connected with Jayson Bell for a 41-yard completion. Three plays later, Harris punched it in from the 2-yard line to give the Warriors a 30-26 advantage. Hunt then stopped Southern Nash on 4th-and-3 at the Firebirds’ 41-yard line. The Warriors capitalized with a five-play drive capped by Dorian Rush’s 3-yard touchdown run to extend the lead to 37-26.

Southern Nash wasn’t done. The Firebirds drove 80 yards in nine plays to cut the deficit to 37-34 with 4:04 remaining. However, after a kickoff return to midfield, Hunt needed just two minutes to find the end zone again and push the lead to 44-34. Down by two scores with two minutes to go, Southern Nash was forced to pass. Two plays later, the Warriors intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to seal the 51-34 victory.

Mez Harris led the Warriors with three touchdowns, throwing for 76 yards and rushing for 79 more. The Firebirds ran the ball an incredible 54 times for 323 yards. The duo of Jaden Hartsfield and Luke Faulkner combined for four touchdowns — Hartsfield rushed for 147 yards, while Faulkner added 126.