Cornerback D.J. Williams’ 96-yard interception return for a touchdown sparked North Mecklenburg’s 13-6 victory at East Mecklenburg on Sept. 6.
With the score tied at 6, Williams stepped in front of a sideline pass and shook off a tackle near midfield for the decisive score.
“I’m a very hard-headed person, but something was telling me to listen to the coaches and stay back like they told me to,” said Williams, a senior. “I broke on the ball and got it. I loved it.”
North Mecklenburg (1-2) had four sacks and withstood a potential tying score when East Meck drove to the Vikings’ 11-yard line on the final play. The exciting last drive included two pass interference penalties against North Meck, including one that nullified Chris Dickerson’s 54-yard interception return for a touchdown.
East Meck’s fourth-down pass with four seconds left was incomplete at the goal line.
The Vikings received solid defensive efforts from tackle Greg Mobley, ends Josh Stepoli and Tahja Watt, and linebacker Xavier Samuels. Joel Brown blocked an extra-point attempt.
“It was such an emotional roller coaster that last series,” North Mecklenburg coach Mike Bradley said. “We got a couple of calls that went against us, but the kids sucked it up and got a stop on fourth down. I’m proud of the way they stood up at the end.”
North Mecklenburg, after falling behind 6-0, tied the game on Jaylin Harvell’s 20-yard touchdown catch from Kelly Hall in the first quarter. Terrence Clyburn had three receptions for 45 yards and ran four times for 24 yards.