The Nansemond River High School Warriors kept host Hickory High School at bay on Friday night with a lot of yardage from senior running back Latrell “Vegas” Sandifer and some strong defense at the end.

The Hawks came within five points in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors left Chesapeake with a 25-14 victory.

“Pleased with the kids’ effort, pleased with their fight,” Nansemond River head coach Tracey Parker said.

Sandifer was the first to alter the scoreboard on the night, scoring off an 18-yard run, but the extra point was missed.

This left the door open for the Hawks, who took the lead with a successful point after, exiting the first quarter with a 7-6 advantage.

The Warriors did not let them enjoy it for long, as Sandifer found the end zone for runs of 46- and 2-yards to give Nansemond River a 19-7 lead at halftime.

Neither team scored in the third, but the Hawks made it a one-possession game when they hit the Warriors defense through the air for a touchdown pass, making it 19-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Warriors offense needed to respond, and it did with a drive capped by junior quarterback Jermaal Wells’ 4-yard scoring run. Even though Nansemond River again missed the extra point for the third time in the contest, Hickory would still need two possessions to win.

Nevertheless, with 2:15 remaining on the clock, the possibility was there. Parker instructed his defense to hold.

The Hawks moved the ball to about the Nansemond River 30-yard line, but ultimately turned it over on downs.

Parker highlighted his defense’s performance on that final Hickory drive and said they “did a good job at the end.”

Sandifer carried the ball 19 times for 150 yards and three touchdowns. Wells had 10 completions for 76 yards and one rushing touchdown.

Nansemond River (3-5, 3-4) will visit Western Branch High School next Friday for the middle game of the Bruins’ Suffolk trilogy.