After power issues in the area delayed the start of the game, the Lakewood Leopards hit the field out at James E. Lewis Field to tangle with conference foe North Duplin, kicking off league play. Lakewood completed their non-conference schedule with a 2-2 record and entered the contest coming off a narrow 15-14 victory over Fairmont. Meanwhile, the Rebels came in undefeated at 4-0 overall. Could the Leopards keep things rolling and pick up the conference victory? In dramatic fashion, they did, as Lakewood rallied to defeat the Rebels 26-22.
After the game’s opening kickoff, North Duplin took possession on their own 42-yard line for their first offensive series and crossed into Lakewood territory on the first play from scrimmage out near a first down. The Rebels relied heavily on their running game this first drive, slowly working their way down the field and eating up a whole lot of clock. Each play saw the play clock run just about all the way out as the time quickly passed by. After eating up more than eight minutes in the first quarter, North Duplin converted fourth and goal for the score to draw first blood. After the PAT missed, the score was 6-0 with 3:41 left in the first quarter.
Finally on offense, the Leopards took their first possession on their own 37-yard line. After converting a first down, Donovan Smith burst free through the teeth of the defense and was off to the races for a 50-yard touchdown. The PAT was successful, and with 1:53 left in the quarter, Lakewood led 7-6…