Nansemond River gave up an early lead Friday night, taking its first loss of the season.

The Warriors were unable to hold on to their lead at home Friday with a loss to Maury High School. The matchup was one of the most anticipated of the weekend, with both teams returning talented players. The theme of the night was lightning, which led to the game starting almost 90 minutes late.

However, the delay didn’t stop the Warriors from swinging out of the gate. Senior Rashaad Williams took the opening kickoff 88 yards to set up the first score of the game, a rush by JaQuelle Harrell. Nansemond River was the only team on the board in the first quarter. In the second quarter, senior Kevin Johnson broke open a big run, leading to Nansemond River’s second score of the night to put them up 15-0. The Warriors defense was suffocating in the first half, keeping Maury under 70 yards.

But Maury came back in the second half with a score and a field goal, in the third cutting the Warriors’ lead down to six. In the fourth quarter, Maury made its way onto the scoreboard again through the air to take a 16-15 lead over the Warriors. Unfortunately for the Warriors, that Commodores lead held.

It was the first game for the Warriors under Coach Justin Conyers, and the Warriors will be heading into next week 0-1. Emotions were high for a Warriors team that looked they were going to run off with a big win after the first half.

Nansemond River will look to get back to .500 on the road next Friday as they take on Hickory High School.