Marvin Ridge beat Porter Ridge 27-26 on Friday, Oct. 9, in Indian Trail to improve to 6-1 on the season.
The Mavericks trailed entering the fourth quarter before mounting a comeback that ended with a fumble recovery in the end zone in the final two minutes, according to the Enquirer Journal, which first reported details of the finish. Elijah King made the recovery with 1:12 left. Connor Simpson, a junior, sealed the win with an interception on Porter Ridge's final drive.
The one-point road win snapped what had been a rough stretch for Marvin Ridge. The Mavericks' only loss this season came Oct. 2, when Weddington won 42-3.
Head coach David Johnson told the Enquirer Journal his team was limited by injuries but kept fighting. He credited Porter Ridge head coach Michael Hertz and the Pirates, who fell to 3-5, for a strong effort.
Quarterback Levi Kerr, a Class of 2028 prospect, finished 29-of-37 for 317 yards and a touchdown, per the Enquirer Journal's account.
SCC standings tighten
Marvin Ridge sits at 2-1 in South Charlotte Conference (SCC) play, third in the standings according to MaxPreps. Charlotte Catholic entered the week at 4-3 overall and 2-1 in conference, second in the SCC. The Cougars beat Sun Valley 29-22 on Oct. 9, per MaxPreps.
Both teams carry identical 2-1 conference records heading into their meeting.
Friday's matchup
The Mavericks host Charlotte Catholic on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. in Waxhaw. It will be Marvin Ridge's first home game since Sept. 18.
A win would move the Mavericks to 3-1 in conference play and strengthen their position in the SCC race. A loss would drop them to 2-2 with the second half of the schedule ahead.
Around the area
Weddington rolled past Cuthbertson 56-0 on Oct. 9, extending the Warriors' dominance in the rivalry. The result underscores Weddington's standing as the team to beat in the SCC after its 42-3 win over Marvin Ridge a week earlier.
