Spartans hold off Jaguars

DURHAM -- Last year, Southern Durham rallied late in the game to defeat Athens Drive 8-7.

This time, it was the Spartans' turn to hang on as the Jaguars' late fourth-quarter rally stalled to give Southern Durham a 24-21 win Friday night.

The Spartans will play the winner of the New Hanover-Pinehurst game at a site to be determined.

Southern Durham quarterback Alan Lea had another big game, completing 13 of 24 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown, but it was the Spartans' defense that was needed to keep the team's nine-game win streak alive.

Southern Durham looked to be in control with a 24-14 lead with 7:52 left in the game, but the Jaguars weren't done.

Athens Drive started from its own 12. A fourth-and-8 conversion and a pass interference call on Southern Durham kept the drive alive. Athens Drive quarterback Ben Snotherly found Louis Wilder from 14 yards out to close the gap to 24-21 with 5:12 remaining in the fourth quarter.

After holding the Spartans on downs, the Jaguars got a final possession with 2:33 left to play. Snotherly drove his team to Southern Durham's 25 but could not convert on a fourth-and-12.

Snotherly, who after going 0-for-3 in the first half, finished 12-of-26 for 159 yards, two TDs and one interception. He was also the Jaguars' top rusher with 56 yards.

Athens Drive scored first after Anthony Sumter recovered a fumble at the Southern 28. Three plays later running back Kyree Green was in the end zone from 2 yards out.