Two Fridays ago, Nansemond River spoiled King’s Fork’s Homecoming Game. This past Friday, the Warriors were on the receiving end, as Oscar Smith charged past them for a 42-0 victory.

Things looked bright for the Warriors early, as Jamar Jarrell returned the opening kickoff 37 yards to the Smith 45. River couldn’t get a first down, but managed to shut down Smith and get the ball back at their own eight. Alton Donovan boomed a punt to midfield, but the Warrior defense wasn’t as effective as before, and Smith scored with 3:38 left in the quarter.

River missed out on another break with 9:40 left in the half, as Jonathan Simpson fell on a Smith fumble at the Smith 43. But the Tiger defense broke through to sack Justin Topping on two of the next three plays, forcing another punt.

Still, the Warriors got the ball at their own 33 with less than two minutes left, and it appeared they’d get to halftime behind by only a touchdown. But a Topping interception was returned for a touchdown at the 1:40 mark.

Things got worse for the Warriors in the second half, as they managed just 27 yards of offense through the first 20 minutes. Topping, who led the team with 54 rushing yards, led River on a 52-yard drive to the Smith 26 with less than a minute left, but a Donovan field goal missed on River’s last play.

River will try to regroup at Great Bridge next Friday. Lakeland, which fell to Hickory Friday, hosts Indian River.

jason.norman@suffolknewsherald.com