THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 30, 1994 TAG: 9410270203
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 31 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
THE FINAL MINUTES of play were crucial this week to several Albemarle area high school football teams. Some dodged bullets, while others were shot down.
Perhaps the biggest shocker of all was Manteo High School's 27-20 upset win over Southeast Halifax, a team that many observers felt would cruise to the Northeastern Conference title.
The Redskins' Jake Twiford was the hero for the second straight week for Manteo. Leading 21-20 late in the fourth quarter, Manteo turned over the ball on Twiford's punt which was downed at the Southeast Halifax 2. On the next play, Twiford secured the win when he recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.
The Redskins had led by as much as 21-6 in the third quarter.
On the same night as Manteo's upset, North Carolina's so-called ``game of the year'' was played between No. 2 ranked Wilson Hunt and No. 3 ranked Hertford County. Hunt quarterback Teyon Pender hit tight end Joey Lopez in the end zone with a two-yard pass with seven seconds to play to lift Wilson to a 21-15 win.
Both teams were undefeated coming into the game and were atop the Big Eight Conference standings.
Camden County's playoff chances have apparently fallen short after a last-minute loss to Northampton East. With Camden leading the entire game, Northampton kicker Terayll Majette booted a 30-yard field goal with 1:11 to play to lift the Rams to a 12-10 win.
The Bruins, who were not expected to have a chance at the playoffs at all at the beginning of the season, hung tough all year with some of the best squads in the conference.
Northeastern's playoff chances were also erased last weekend with a tough-luck 27-21 loss to Northern Nash. A turnover by Northeastern on the Northern Nash 5 allowed the Knights to tie the game when running back Ahmad Leonard rushed 95 yards for a touchdown. Later in the game Northern Nash lineman Troy Brake picked up an intentional fumble and ran 53 yards for the game-winning touchdown.
Northeastern missed the 4A playoffs for the first time since 1990.
Williamston, also in contention for the Albemarle Conference championship, had another close contest. The Tigers, who seem to play just well enough to win every week, outlasted Weldon 20-12. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
Manteo wingback Danny Davis, right, and Southeast Halifax defensive
back Shawn Wright battle for a pass during an Oct. 21 game.
by CNB