East Bladen football holds off North Duplin for 40-35 win

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — East Bladen football came out firing before holding on for a 40-35 victory in a back-and-forth battle Friday night against North Duplin.

The Eagles got on the board with a 33-yard rushing touchdown from Riley Collins following the kickoff, giving East Bladen an early 7-0 lead. Junior running back Jaden Lewis added to the advantage on the Eagles’ next possession, breaking free for a 30-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0.

East Bladen’s defense then came up with a big play. Joel Lewis recorded a strip sack, with Braylon Johnson recovering the fumble to put the Eagles in scoring position. Jaden Lewis capitalized with his second touchdown of the night.

Lewis wasn’t finished. He later hauled in an 11-yard touchdown pass from Ryne Priest, helping East Bladen take a 26-21 lead into halftime. The game remained close throughout the second half, with both teams trading scores.

East Bladen’s defense eventually came up with a key late stop to secure the 40-35 victory.