In an early showdown of top teams in North Carolina, the Hough Huskies defeated defending NC school-team champions Marvin Ridge 31-14.

"We were really locked in and when chances arose we were clinical so all credit to the boys," said Man of the Match Zach Colson.

Both teams will have two players attending the USA U18 winter ID campslater this month—Finlay Mitchell and Jake Schumacher from Marvin Ridge and Colby Marr and Zach Colson from Hough. Both teams have numerous NC All Stars players too so the pace, accuracy, and physicality was top drawer.

Marvin Ridge dominated possession and territory for much of the first half but were unable to put points up due to determined Hough defense. Hough's Colby Marr opened the scoring from a rolling mall after a superb 50-22 from Colson, with other tries coming from Kaden Craddock, Beyond Bembry, and Colson, who also nudged over a penalty.

Marvin Ridge Captain Finlay Mitchell scored both Marvin Ridge tries and was mature in defeat. 

"No doubt that Hough were the better team tonight," Mitchell said. "They moved the ball faster than us, were more clinical at the breakdown and Porter Kubler is always a threat for them at scrum half. We learned some valuable lessons tonight and are always seeking to improve."

Daveon Neibauer joined Colson as a difficult attacking threat for Hough, and in the forwards Jacob Eroh was also tough with ball in hand. Kai Campbell and Colby Marr led a huge defensive effort up front.

"We played a smart game, kicking when necessary and putting pressure in the right areas," said Hough Head Coach Bruce Colson. "It's still early days in the cpmpetition but [the result is] a nice confidence-booster for us.

Both teams have grown this season and are fielding Tier 2 teams which also play for a state championship. Marvin Ridge won the Tier 2 battle 46-10, with some dominant carries from center partnership of Jake Robbins and Cole Hawkins.

Also this week South Meck put Myers Park to the sword in a game in which Myers Park, so said Coach Francois van Heerden, "were outplayed in every aspect of the game."