News Summary
In a nail-biting high school football match, Southeast Raleigh High School triumphed over Clayton with a score of 22-19. The game, filled with dramatic moments and key plays, showcased the skills of standout players. Southeast Raleigh improved their season record to 5-2, as Clayton faced a close defeat, now tied in the conference. Key interceptions and a strong offensive performance contributed to Southeast Raleigh’s success, while N.C. State head coach was present to scout talent.
Southeast Raleigh, North Carolina
In a thrilling high school football contest held on Friday night, Southeast Raleigh High School edged out Clayton with a final score of 22-19 in a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last play. The game was part of the Greater Neuse River 7A conference and showcased the talents of some of the top offensive players in North Carolina high school football.
Key Highlights and Final Moments
The victory marked Southeast Raleigh’s second win in conference play, bringing their overall season record to 5-2 and improving their conference standing to 2-1. Conversely, Clayton faced its second loss of the season, with the team now tied with Southeast Raleigh in the standings after a narrow defeat.
The game was notable for its dramatic endgame defensive stand, which cemented Southeast Raleigh’s victory. In the final moments of the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs’ defense intercepted Clayton quarterback Aiden Smalls for the second time in the game. The interception was made by Cyrus Gunther, who returned it to Southeast Raleigh’s 15-yard line, setting up the decisive drive.
Game Timeline and Key Plays
The game kicked off with Clayton making the first score of the night, with quarterback Aiden Smalls connecting with DeAngelo Ruffin for a 62-yard touchdown late in the first quarter. Southeast Raleigh responded swiftly, with a 67-yard pass play that narrowed the score gap; however, their attempt at a two-point conversion was unsuccessful.
Clayton extended their lead after turning over the ball on downs. Daniel Lovelace-Davis intercepted a Southeast Raleigh pass and returned it deep into Bulldogs territory, leading to a touchdown pass from Smalls to TJ Campbell, which put Clayton ahead 13-6.
Just before halftime, Southeast Raleigh responded with a 20-yard field goal, cutting Clayton’s lead to 13-9. The game remained intense through the third quarter, where Southeast Raleigh took their first lead of the game. A key interception by Keysaun Eleazer set up a touchdown drive, and an ensuing two-point conversion gave Southeast Raleigh a 15-13 advantage.
Midway through the third quarter, standout running back Christian Freeman contributed significantly, with a run that set up another touchdown. Following a successful PAT, Southeast Raleigh’s lead grew to 22-13. In the fourth quarter, Clayton fought back, with Smalls scoring on a nine-yard rush to bring the score to 22-19.
Coaching and Recruitment Observations
During the game, N.C. State head coach Dave Doeren was present, primarily to evaluate offensive recruits in the viewing stands. His presence underscored the level of talent on display, especially from players committed to NC State, including Southeast Raleigh’s Christian Freeman and Clayton’s Aiden Smalls.
Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, Southeast Raleigh is scheduled to play an away game against Smithfield-Selma, while Clayton will return home to face South Garner. Both teams will be seeking improvements and possible critical wins as the regular season continues.
Additional Coverage
For fans interested in a broader scope of the game and other regional matchups, livestream options are available for those outside local viewing areas, providing comprehensive coverage of Football Friday and other local sports events.
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Additional Resources
- HighSchoolOT: Football Fridays Game Coverage
- Google Search: Southeast Raleigh High School football
- News Observer: Southeast Raleigh High School Football
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southeast Raleigh
- WRAL: Southeast Raleigh Defeats Clayton
- Google News: Southeast Raleigh football news
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
