JACKSONVILLE, N.C. – Despite not playing their season opener due to inclement weather, the Northside Monarchs were ready for the challenge against county rival Jacksonville.

Thanks to a pair of Rahlai Anderson rushing touchdowns and stout defensive play, the Monarchs defeated the Cardinals, 14-6, on Thursday for their first win in the series since 2019.

After forcing a three-and-out to start the evening, the Monarchs wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Anderson converted a crucial fourth-and-one to keep their first possession going and then scored a 16-yard rushing touchdown to break the ice.

The second drive from Jacksonville was more promising than the first, but a fumble ended proceedings despite them reaching plus territory. However, Judah Bloomfield came up with a sack on third-and-long to end Northside’s proceeding drive.

Daniel Wisnewski answered with a sack of his own for the Monarchs as he got to Jacksonville quarterback Isaiah Hillary to end the first. Gavyn Davis had a big punt return called back for a holding, but the visitors still had a golden chance to add to their lead.

Davis and Anderson continued to pace the attack for Northside in the early stages of the contest. A first-down carry by the latter along with a personal foul penalty set the Monarchs up in the red zone.

However, they were unable to extend their lead as a 35-yard field goal by Sam Summers missed wide to the right. Their next drive was also thwarted by a Domonic Williams pass breakup. 

The junior defensive back is one of the top prospects in the state for his class with several Division One offers from the nation’s top programs. Meanwhile, the Cardinals’ offense continued to struggle early on as their run game remained stagnant.

After a muffed punt nearly cost Jacksonville possession in the final seconds of the half, Hilary tried the air, but it wasn’t meant to be. Matthew Smoot came up with an interception to give the Monarchs one last chance to score before halftime.

However, two delay of game penalties and three completions later, the Cardinal defense held firm to conclude the first 24 minutes of action. 

Reginald Gray III got in on the act to begin the second half, finding Evan Wanga for a key third-down conversion to keep the possession going. Then, Zion Jones added a big run on another third-down situation to put Northside in the red zone.

Anderson would keep his big night going with a five-yard rushing touchdown to double the Monarchs’ advantage. This came one play after a quarterback sneak by Gray on fourth-and-one put them in position to strike.

They nearly added to their lead at the end of the third quarter, but a goal line stand kept the Cardinal deficit at two possessions. Then, the hosts went on a 99-yard scoring drive aided by a couple of crucial penalties by the Monarchs. 

Hilary found SaRonn Thompson for a 31-yard score to cut the Northside lead to eight with 8:16 remaining. Jacksonville tried to onside kick twice, but an offside and an attempt that didn’t go 10 yards gave the Monarchs possession in plus territory.

After marching down to the 11-yard line, a Summers field goal attempt was blocked by Demari June to keep the home team alive. With a chance to tie the contest, Hilary started their next tote with a big run into Monarch territory.

However, they’d turn the ball over on downs after a pass by o Amari Pearson was a couple of yards short of the line to gain. Then, after it reached third-and-short,  Gray gained five yards on another sneak to burn more time off the clock.

Jacksonville would force a punt after an incomplete pass on another third down in the final seconds. However, another turnover forced by the Monarchs sealed the victory as a deep throw by Hilary was picked off by Eric Patrick to start the road team’s celebration.

Jacksonville (1-1) looks to rebound following a bye week as they visit Topsail on Friday, September 11th. Meanwhile, Northside (1-0) has their home opener next Friday against those same Pirates.

Box Score

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Scoring Plays

First quarter 

5:39 Northside: Rahlai Anderson 16 run (Sam Summers PAT) 7-0 Monarchs

Third quarter 

6:33 NHS: Anderson five-yard run (Summers PAT) 14-0

Fourth quarter 

8:16 Jacksonville: Isaiah Hilary to SaRonn Thompson 31 pass (PAT failed) 14-6