South Lenoir Falls in Heartbreaking Overtime Battle Against Southwest Onslow, 14-8
South Lenoir Falls in Heartbreaking Overtime Battle Against Southwest Onslow, 14-8
In a thrilling East Central 3A/4A showdown, the South Lenoir Blue Devils (3-6) pushed the Southwest Onslow (2-7) Stallions to the brink, falling 14-8 in overtime on October 24, 2025. Despite the loss, South Lenoir showcased resilience, heart, and a fierce defensive effort that kept them in contention until the final moments. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance as they head into their final regular-season game, the Blue Devils proved they’re far from finished.
A Game of Grit and Determination
The game was a defensive slugfest from the opening whistle, with South Lenoir’s defense, led by senior free safety Isaiah Howard and linebacker Michael Jones, setting the tone. The Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, forcing multiple fourth-down stops, including a critical stand at the 3-yard line early in the game. “We preach angles, angles, angles, especially from the free safety position,” said head coach Brandon Proctor. “The way [Howard] came up is 100 percent how you’re supposed to play. In a game where we needed sure tackling, especially on the edge, it’s great to have kids like this to put on the field.”
Southwest Onslow (SWO) leaned heavily on their ground game, amassing 211 rushing yards as a team. Senior Jabri Williams led the Stallions with 28 yards on six carries, while junior quarterback Ton Bolden added 150 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries. Bolden also contributed through the air, completing two passes for 18 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown to senior Isaiah Greene.
South Lenoir’s offense struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, reaching the red zone four times but scoring only once. Senior running back Nuk Graham was a standout, carrying the ball 14 times for 75 yards, including a crucial 4-yard touchdown run with just a minute remaining in regulation to tie the game at 8-8 and force overtime. “I thought he was going to break that one at the end,” Coach Proctor said of Graham’s performance. “I think he had about 56 people he was carrying on his back. It’s his passion, his heart, his dedication in the weight room. It came down to a senior playing his heart out for his team.”
Sophomore quarterback Christian Wooten also played a pivotal role, rushing 11 times for 87 yards, including a 45-yard scamper that set up Graham’s touchdown. Wooten sealed the drive with a gutsy two-point conversion to knot the score. “I just tried to push myself and keep on fighting,” Graham said post-game, reflecting the team’s never-say-die attitude.
Clutch Plays and Heartbreaking Moments
The turning point came late in regulation when Isaiah Howard delivered a game-changing interception in the red zone with just 20 seconds remaining, thwarting a Southwest Onslow scoring threat and sending the game into overtime. “At the end of the day, we gotta do more,” Howard said, acknowledging the team’s effort but emphasizing their hunger for improvement.
In overtime, South Lenoir’s defense held firm, forcing Southwest Onslow to a fourth-and-3. However, the Stallions converted, with Bolden punching in the go-ahead touchdown to take a 14-8 lead. On South Lenoir’s ensuing possession, a fumble ended their hopes, sealing the 14-8 victory for Southwest Onslow.
Southwest Onslow’s defense was equally stout, recording 58 total tackles, including six for loss and one sack by senior Trenton Scribner. Senior Josh Holder added an interception, while senior Landon Marshburn contributed a pass deflection. The Stallions’ balanced attack and defensive discipline proved just enough to outlast the Blue Devils.
A Team with Heart, Eyeing the Playoffs
Despite the loss, Coach Proctor remains optimistic about his team’s resolve. “It’s not a surprise to me; it’s what this team has played like since day one,” he said. “This team has been 100 percent from the start. Tomorrow, the sunrise is gonna happen, mama’s gonna make ’em breakfast again, and this team is not done. We’ve got another game next week to prepare for.”
South Lenoir’s season has been a rollercoaster, with notable victories over Jones (46-6), Lejeune (28-14), and Spring Creek (46-6), but tough losses in conference play against Heide Trask (30-6), Clinton (42-14), Pender (44-12), and now Southwest Onslow. At 3-6, the Blue Devils are on the playoff bubble as they prepare for their final regular-season matchup against East Duplin on October 31 at 7:00 PM.
Standout Performances
Nuk Graham (Sr., RB): 14 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD (4-yard run to force overtime).
Christian Wooten (So., QB): 11 carries, 87 yards; 2-point conversion to tie the game.
Isaiah Howard (Sr., FS): Game-changing red zone interception with 20 seconds left in regulation.
Michael Jones (LB) and (CB) Jayden Mason: Anchored a defense that made multiple fourth-down stops, including one at the 3-yard line.
For Southwest Onslow, T. “Ton” Bolden’s dual-threat performance (150 rushing yards, 18 passing yards, 2 TDs) and Isaiah Greene’s 11-yard touchdown reception were critical in securing the win.
Looking Ahead
As South Lenoir prepares for East Duplin, Coach Proctor’s message is clear: this team’s story is far from over. With their playoff hopes on the line, the Blue Devils will rely on the heart and leadership of players like Graham, Wooten, Howard, and Jones to keep their season alive. Win or lose, this team’s fight and unity have already left a mark.
“Tomorrow’s another day,” Proctor said. “We’ll get back to work, and we’ll be ready.”
