Southside edges North Edgecombe for Coach Quinerly’s first win
Southside edges North Edgecombe for Coach Quinerly’s first win
CHOCOWINITY — It was more than just a Week 2 victory for Southside on Friday night. The Seahawks defeated North Edgecombe 27-20 to give first-year head coach Andrea Quinerly his first win at the helm — a milestone in a coaching career that has stretched across four decades.
The win was also Southside’s first at home since Oct. 23, 2023, and it came in dramatic fashion as the Seahawks leaned on timely defense, balanced offense, and special teams play.
“We’ve been talking about finishing since the day I got here,” Quinerly said. “And tonight these kids showed what it means to fight to the end. I’m proud of the effort, but more proud of the heart they showed.”
Southside (1-1) jumped out to a 14-0 lead behind a five-yard touchdown run from senior TJ Minor and a 15-yard score by senior JaVonn McCall. Senior kicker Jonathan Salas added the extra points to give the Seahawks momentum early.
North Edgecombe (0-2) refused to go away, responding with a 75-yard kickoff return touchdown and later a 40-yard punt return score to close the gap. By the fourth quarter, the Warriors had tied the game at 20-20.
That’s when Southside’s playmakers stepped up. Junior quarterback Ryan Lewis connected with senior wideout Isiah Knight on a 67-yard touchdown pass, and Minor iced the game with a late two-yard rushing touchdown, his second of the night.
“Ryan gave us exactly what we needed — leadership,” Quinerly said. “That throw to Isiah was a big-time play, and Isiah made a great catch and finish. And then TJ? He’s a senior who wants the ball in his hands, and he delivered when it counted.”
Lewis finished 8-of-15 for 128 yards and one touchdown, while Knight hauled in three catches for 90 yards and a score. Minor carried the ball 16 times for 38 yards and two touchdowns, and McCall added 27 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.
Southside’s defense held North Edgecombe to just 25 rushing yards and no passing yards, while forcing four turnovers. Sophomore linebacker Tamari Moore led the way with 4.5 tackles, while junior lineman Caleb Lewis tallied 3.5 tackles and a sack.
“Defense won us that game,” Quinerly said. “They kept us in it even when momentum started to swing. Caleb was huge up front, Tamari made some big tackles — those young guys are growing up fast, and that’s what we need.”
The victory was also personal for Quinerly, who has been coaching for over 25 years but is now leading a program for the first time.
“I’ve been blessed to coach a long time, but there’s nothing like that first win as a head coach,” Quinerly said. “This one’s special because of how hard these boys worked for it. They earned every bit of it.”
The Seahawks (1-1) return home next Friday to host Washington County (0-2), while North Edgecombe will look to regroup after back-to-back losses.
Game Leaders — Southside
- Ryan Lewis (QB): 8-15, 128 yards, 1 TD; 17 rushes, 37 yards
- Isiah Knight (WR): 3 catches, 90 yards, 1 TD
- TJ Minor (RB): 16 carries, 38 yards, 2 TDs; 3.5 tackles on defense
- JaVonn McCall (RB): 9 carries, 27 yards, 1 TD
- Caleb Lewis (DL): 3.5 tackles, 1 sack
- Tamari Moore (LB): 4.5 tackles
- Jonathan Salas (K): 3-for-4 PATs