The Morning After: Middle School Wins Across the County, Bladenboro Wins 22nd Straight Game

BLADEN COUNTY, NC — Tuesday evening was packed with middle school action across the county as soccer and volleyball teams took the field and court.

From streaks being extended to first-time scorers making their mark, the night offered a mix of dominant wins, tough battles, and promising signs for the future.

Tar Heel, Bladenboro, Clarkton, and Emereau all had moments that stood out, giving fans plenty to cheer about and plenty of storylines as the season continues.

Tar Heel vs. Elizabethtown

BLADENBORO, NC — Tar Heel’s boys put on a commanding display Tuesday evening, rolling to a 4-0 win over Elizabethtown.

Edin Hernandez led the way with a pair of goals, while Josue Rojas added one and Joshua Martinez rounded out the scoring to give Tar Heel a comfortable victory.

On the girls’ side, Elizabethtown turned the tables, shutting out Tar Heel 3-0.

Their steady control throughout the match gave them a decisive win and handed Tar Heel’s girls a tough result on the road.

Bladenboro Soccer

BLADENBORO, NC — The Bladenboro boys earned a gritty 2-0 victory over Tabor City, relying on Tyler Thurman’s finishing touch.

Thurman found the back of the net twice, one of those coming from the penalty spot.

Keithan Russ set up one of Thurman’s strikes with a timely assist, and the defense held firm to secure the clean sheet.

The Bladenboro girls extended one of the county’s most impressive streaks, collecting their 22nd straight win dating back to 2022 with a 7-0 rout of Tabor City.

Ady Carroll dominated the attack with four goals, including two on penalty kicks.

Bella Hester added two more, and Eva Dove capped the scoring with a goal of her own.

The performance wasn’t just about the upperclass leaders, multiple sixth- and seventh-graders contributed with key plays on both offense and defense. In goal, Caity McLaurin delivered another shutout to keep the streak alive.

Clarkton Soccer

CLARKTON, NC — Clarkton’s boys impressed their home crowd with a 4-0 win over Nakina.

The scoring was spread across the lineup: Chatham Rigsbee tallied once, Lyric Lawson found the net twice, and Jalin Ballard added another to complete the victory.

The girls faced a tougher test, falling 3-1 despite strong effort.

Isabel Gardner provided Clarkton’s lone goal, showing her ability to create opportunities even in a challenging matchup.

Emereau Soccer

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC — Emereau’s boys made it a week to remember with back-to-back wins on Monday and Tuesday.

On Monday, the Aviators outpaced Midway in a 7-2 victory. Cayden Smith’s hat trick fueled the offense, and he also dished out three assists.

Manuel Esparza scored twice and added an assist, while Luis Ayala chipped in with one goal and two assists.

Noah Ray played a pivotal role with one goal and three assists, while Mason Horn anchored the back line in a steady defensive performance.

Tuesday brought even more fireworks as Emereau blanked Old North Stream 9-0, with seven different players finding the scoresheet.

Noah Ray registered a hat trick, and first-time middle school scorers, Jose DeLa Sancha, Saeed Mcelveen, Conner Carver, and Tony Robinson, each celebrated their debut goals.

Cayden Smith and Able Garcia also netted to complete the tally. Colt Lewis and Luke Avant combined in goal for the shutout, and Felipa Hernandez earned praise for her defensive play.

The wins boosted Emereau’s record to 5-2 on the season.

Emereau Volleyball

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC — Emereau’s volleyball team faced two tough tests to start the week, dropping matches to Midway and Cape Fear Academy.

Against Midway on Monday, the Aviators fell in three sets. Harper Allen scored four points with an ace in the opener, but Emereau dropped the set 7-25.

The second set showed improvement with contributions from Katie Wright, Harper Allen, and Jamison Raynor, who tallied four points and two aces, though the set ended 15-25.

The third was the closest of the night, with Keri Faye Burgess scoring four points alongside Anna White and Quinlyn Bass, but Emereau came up short 17-25.

On Tuesday, Cape Fear Academy claimed a 2-0 win, but Emereau fought hard in the opening set, falling 21-25.

Kaitlynn Wright’s strong serving run produced six points early, while Burgess, Lilly Melvin, Raynor, and Allen each chipped in.

The second set proved more lopsided at 11-25, though Emereau spread out its scoring with Laikyn Rogerson, Delana Phillips, Mae Valentiner, Bass, and Burgess all contributing.

The Aviators now sit at 4-4 on the year, still holding an even record midway through the season.

---

The Morning After: Middle School Wins Across the County, Bladenboro Wins 22nd Straight Game