WJG Football Roundup: Week One
5 min readWeek one is officially in the books for the 2025 season. I correctly guessed the outcome of 13 of the 14 contests this week. Let’s take a look at how the area fared in week one.
WJG SPORTS GAME OF THE WEEK
A 7-A vs 1-A matchup that looked how most would think it would go. Clayton’s senior quarterback and NC State commit Aiden Smalls dominated the Tigers as he went 8-for-12 through the air with 196 yards and four touchdowns plus 5 rushes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Clemson commit Keyshawn Stancil led the Comets in tackles for loss with three, while Power 4 recruit Akedran Crumel secured a pick. Wilson Prep was not put in the best light, but are still the favorite in the 1-A classification.
WJG VS WJG
Eastern Wayne 54, Goldsboro 0
Eastern Wayne opened with a resounding thump to crosstown rival Goldsboro. It was the Warriors’ fifth straight win in the rivalry known as the “Wayne County Classic”. Senior quarterback Izeiah Oates led the charge with 246 total yards and five total touchdowns. No stats for the Cougars at the time of publication.
C.B. Aycock 48, Rosewood 7
“The Little River Rivalry” was an unexpected blow out as Aycock won their fourth straight versus their rivals. Senior quarterback Sidney Lancaster started off the campaign with 132 yards total with two touchdowns to lead the Golden Falcons to the win. Sophomore linebacker Jakarri Johnson tallied six tackles, while seniors Ant Jackson and Janeson Steele each grabbed a interception. No stats available for the Eagles at the time of publication.
South Johnston 7, Smithfield-Selma 2
A good-ole defensive clash to open it up for these Johnston County rivals. South Johnston managed to come out on top behind junior quarterback’s Tyler Williams’ 74 yards total and one rushing touchdown. Senior linebacker Mason Weaver notched eight tackles. The Trojans intercepted three passes — two coming from senior corner Keason Outen and one from junior linebacker Isaac Barefoot. No stats available for the Spartans at time of publication.
WJG VS NON-WJG
Cleveland 60, Pinecrest 19
The Cleveland Rams are in fact still the Cleveland Rams. Junior quarterback for the Rams, answered all the questions with a 14-for-17 performance with 166 yards and 3 touchdowns to go along with 25 rushing yards and touchdown.
Princeton 40, Ayden-Grifton 35
Not your typical Princeton game, as they had TWO passing touchdowns! Okay, it was pretty typical other than that. Sophomore star Teo McPhatter threw those two touchdowns plus had 119 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, 6 tackles and an interception. Senior running back and linebacker Austin Lewallen caught two of McPhatter’s three completions, had 150 yards total, scored three total touchdowns and had 7 tackles,
Greene Central 55, North Lenoir 0
Dominance for Greene Central to start the campaign. Junior quarterback Josh Cetnar had four passing touchdowns, three to senior Sam Avent. Sophomore Kaz Farrior started off the year with 11 tackles, seven for loss, plus three forced fumbles.
North Johnston 40, Beddingfield 0
North Johnston blew out Beddingfield in the season opening contest. Senior quarterback Kaleb Pone had over 100 yards passing and running and totaled three touchdowns.
South Garner 20, West Johnston 0
Tough start for West Johnston. Sophomore linebacker Gavin Bullock was the lone bright spot for the Wildcats with 18 tackles.
Corinth Holders 35, North Brunswick 27
Corinth Holders takes a long bus ride for a win. No stats available for the Pirates at time of publication.
American Leadership Academy-Johnston 42, Lejeune 0
The Fireworks popped for American Leadership Academy-Johnston. Junior quarterback Ian Wands had it working for ALAJ as he completed 68 percent of his 22 passes for 245 yards and three touchdowns. Senior running back Anthony Jimenez also got it cracking for the Patriots with 178 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Junior defensive end Symir Ray led the defense with three sacks and eight tackles.
Bear Grass Charter 19, Wayne Christian 12
Wayne Christian couldn’t survive a third quarter furry from Bear Grass Charter. Junior quarterback DJ Deal had two passing touchdowns for the Eagles.
James Kenan 56, Southern Wayne 3
Southern Wayne took a beating against 3-A contender James Kenan. No stats available for the Saints at time of publication.
Union 38, Spring Creek 0
Weather postponement to Monday doesn’t help the Gators as they fall in season opener. No stats available for Spring Creek at time of publication.
Here’s the full slate for next week’s games:
Thu, Aug 28 — Rosewood vs North Duplin, 7:00 pm.
Thu, Aug 28 — South Johnston vs Fike, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Cleveland vs Corinth Holders, 7:30 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Clayton vs Southern Nash, 7:30 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Eastern Wayne vs C.B. Aycock, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Goldsboro vs Greene Central, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Princeton @ East Duplin, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — North Johnston @ John A. Holmes (Edenton), 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — West Johnston vs Smithfield-Selma, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Spring Creek vs Southern Wayne, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — Wayne Christian @ Harrells Christian Academy, 7:00 pm.
Fri, Aug 29 — American Leadership Academy–Johnston @ Bartlett Yancey, 7:00 pm.
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