North Brunswick takes down Topsail in defensive battle, 14-10

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — North Brunswick held off a late comeback attempt from Topsail to earn a 14-10 conference win Friday night.

Topsail moved into the red zone on each of its first two possessions but came away with just three points, making its first field goal attempt and missing its second.

North Brunswick’s first points of the game came one play after the missed field goal, with junior quarterback Eli Talley finding senior wide receiver Marley Hertz for a long touchdown.

In the second quarter, Topsail appeared to avoid a turnover when senior running back Luca Van der Lee was ruled down after a play that nearly resulted in a fumble. Junior defensive back M.J. Smith tried to rip the ball loose but was unsuccessful. It was a close call.

On the following possession, North Brunswick senior lineman Cam Lewis recovered a fumble and returned it for a long touchdown.

Topsail answered quickly, with Van der Lee finding the end zone to cut into North Brunswick’s lead.

North Brunswick led 14-10 with about two minutes remaining when the Scorpions reached the Topsail 2-yard line on fourth down. Talley was stopped short, giving Topsail one final opportunity.

With about 20 seconds remaining and no timeouts, Topsail quarterback Tyler Vickers threw a deep pass to sophomore wide receiver Tyler Salcido. On the following play, North Brunswick junior cornerback M.J. Smith came up with a turnover to secure the win for the Scorpions.

North Brunswick plays West Brunswick next week in a major Carolina Coast Conference matchup.