EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — The high school football season is approaching its halfway point, with Week 5 bringing the start of conference play for several teams and some notable nonconference matchups across Eastern North Carolina.

Among them is an undefeated East Duplin team hosting Jacksonville Friday night.

The Panthers are coming off a 21-14 rivalry victory over James Kenan. East Duplin pulled out the win in the fourth quarter despite dealing with injuries to several players.

Now the Panthers prepare to face a larger Jacksonville program that enters the matchup at 2-1.

The Cardinals won last year’s meeting 35-24.

Another Friday matchup features undefeated Pungo Christian hosting 2-1 Columbia.

Northside improves to 4-0

Northside-Jacksonville will have Friday night off after picking up its fourth victory of the season during an unusual Tuesday night game.

The Monarchs traveled to Wilmington for the second time in five days to face Laney. The game was added to Northside’s schedule to make up for its canceled season opener.

After falling behind 7-0, Northside scored 28 unanswered points to win 28-7.

Reginald Gray III scored a touchdown and later connected with Jamian Johnson for another score. Rahlai Anderson also found the end zone during the comeback.

N.C. State heads to Vanderbilt

N.C. State will hit the road this weekend for a matchup against SEC opponent Vanderbilt in Nashville.

The Wolfpack are coming off a 73-0 victory over Richmond.

N.C. State’s scoring barrage included touchdown runs from Davion Gause, Jayden Scott, CJ Bailey, Will Wilson and Dylan McCoy. Bailey also connected with Preston Douglas for a touchdown.

N.C. State and Vanderbilt last met in the 2016 Independence Bowl.

Kickoff is scheduled for 12:45 p.m.

Elsewhere in college football, undefeated Wake Forest will host Miami Friday night.

Panthers make roster move

The Carolina Panthers have released wide receiver and kick returner Jimmy Horn Jr. following a difficult season debut that included a muffed punt and issues in the kickoff return game.

Carolina now prepares for a road matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Panthers’ run defense will face Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, while New Bern native Mike Hughes will be on the other sideline for Atlanta.

Kickoff is Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX Eastern Carolina.

Other NFL matchups include the Detroit Lions at the Buffalo Bills Thursday, Pittsburgh at New England and Washington at Dallas Sunday. Indianapolis faces Kansas City on Sunday Night Football, while the New York Giants visit the Los Angeles Rams Monday night.

Ingram officially a Clipper

With NBA training camps approaching, Brandon Ingram’s move to the Los Angeles Clippers is now official.

The trade involving the Kinston native was finalized Monday after initially being announced earlier in the summer.