While fans of middle school football in the region have grown accustomed to high-scoring shootouts and explosive offensive plays, Week 1 of the 2025 SEMSAC season flipped the script.
Defense stole the spotlight across all three matchups, with two games decided by defensive stands and turnovers, and a third blown open by special teams and defensive heroics.
Sandy Grove 12, Carver 0
The defending SEMSAC champion Carver Middle Eagles struggled to find their rhythm in the red zone, coming up empty on three first-half trips inside the 10-yard line. Two turnovers and a fourth-down stop by the Sandy Grove Panthers kept the Eagles off the scoreboard and gave Sandy Grove a 6-0 halftime lead.
Both defenses held strong in the second half, but a late turnover by Carver with 2:35 remaining sealed their fate. Sandy Grove added a final touchdown on the last play of the game while running out the clock, securing a 12-0 shutout victory.
Rockingham 30, Spring Hill 12
Rockingham Middle opened its season with a statement win on the road at Spring Hill, powered by a relentless defense and explosive special teams. After Demari McRae recovered a fumble early in the first quarter, running back Christian Smith capitalized with a 20-yard touchdown run, giving Rockingham an 8-0 lead.
Spring Hill responded with a scoring drive to cut the lead to 8-6, but the Rockets answered with a five-play, 46-yard drive capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass from Mason Smith to Dontae Pettigrew. Moments later, McRae blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown, giving Rockingham a commanding 24-6 halftime lead.
Pettigrew was everywhere—scoring on offense, returning a kickoff for a touchdown and recording two interceptions and a fumble recovery. His kickoff return accounted for the Rockets’ only second-half points to help Rockingham close out the win.
Hamlet 12, West Hoke 6
In Raeford, the Hamlet Middle Red Rams did something they hadn’t done since 2019—defeat West Hoke Middle—and they did it without scoring a single offensive point.
Defensive standout Kharic Dimery was the difference-maker, scoring both of Hamlet’s touchdowns. In the first half, Dimery intercepted a pitch and returned it 55 yards for a score. Later, he forced a fumble, scooped it up, and ran 42 yards to the end zone.
Dimery also recorded five tackles and three sacks, while teammates Karien Swinney (7 tackles, 2 sacks) and TJ Quick (2 forced fumbles, 2 recoveries, 2 sacks) contributed to a dominant defensive performance.
On offense, Xavier Short rushed for 75 yards on 4 carries, and Prince Cook added 35 yards on 5 carries.
Looking Ahead – Wednesday, September 24
