Durham football fans will be treated to a local showdown as the Mount Zion Christian Academy Mighty Warriors (0-1) face the Northern Durham Knights (1-1) on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Both teams are searching for consistency after opening the season with very different offensive identities — MZCA with an explosive air attack and Northern leaning on its ground game.
Game Details
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Matchup: Mount Zion Christian Academy (Durham, NC) @ Northern Durham (Durham, NC)
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Date & Time: Friday, September 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: Northern Durham High School, Durham, NC
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Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can purchase digital tickets through GoFan or stream the game live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).Watch here: Start your free trial today
Mount Zion Christian Academy Mighty Warriors
Mount Zion opened the season with a 39-26 road loss but showcased an explosive offense led by QB Sherrad Bennard III, who accounted for nearly 369 total yards per game in the opener. WR Rashon Ashford has emerged as a top target with 124 receiving yards per game, while RB Bennard also drives the run game at 130 rushing yards per game. Defensively, Lawrence Muldrow Jr. leads with 13 tackles and 4 sacks, anchoring an aggressive front.
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2025 Record: 0-1
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National Rank: #12,625
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State Rank (NC): #384
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Key to Win: Keep Bennard in rhythm, protect the football, and use defensive pressure to slow Northern Durham’s run game.
Main Squad:
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#5 Sherrad Bennard III – QB/RB (130.0 Rushing YPG, 239.0 Passing YPG, 369.0 Total YPG)
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#10 Rashon Ashford – WR (124.0 Receiving YPG, 18.0 PPG)
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#7 Lawrence Muldrow Jr. – LB/DL (13.0 Tackles, 4.0 Sacks per game)
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#50 Johnathan Hunt – OL (3 Pancake Blocks, line anchor)
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#2 Chris Walker – WR/DB (Versatile two-way)
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#8 Elijah Brooks – RB/FS (Secondary runner & safety)
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#21 Marcus Reed – LB (Defensive contributor)
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#11 Jordan Tate – DB/KR (Special teams spark)
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#52 Malik Green – OL/DL
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#12 Isaiah James – WR/CB
Northern Durham Knights
The Knights sit at 1-1, bouncing back from a tough opening loss with a home win. Their offense relies heavily on the running game, averaging 167.5 rushing yards per game, led by RB Kamaree Moore with 110 YPG. QB Amir Liles has been limited in the passing game, but the defense is bolstered by Sterling Edwards Jr., who contributes both as a tackler and a pass rusher.
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2025 Record: 1-1
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National Rank: #11,721
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State Rank (NC): #361
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Class Rank: #54
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Key to Win: Control tempo with the ground game, avoid third-and-long situations, and tighten up secondary coverage against Bennard’s passing.
Main Squad:
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#4 Kamaree Moore – RB (110.0 Rushing YPG, Offensive Leader)
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#1 Amir Liles – QB (15.0 Passing YPG, 26.0 Receiving Yards shared role)
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#0 Malcolm Bridges – WR (Receiving Leader, 15.0 YPG)
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#5 Sterling Edwards Jr. – LB/DL (5.0 Tackles, 1 Sack per game)
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#12 Carter Long – WR/DB
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#52 Justin Perry – OL/DL (Line anchor)
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#11 Xavier King – DB/KR (Defensive backfield)
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#7 Caleb Johnson – RB/DB (Change-of-pace back)
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#68 Jordan White – OL/DL
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#20 Brandon Scott – LB/TE
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | 2025 Record |
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| Mount Zion Christian Acad. | #12,625 | #384 | – | 0-1 |
| Northern Durham | #11,721 | #361 | #54 | 1-1 |
Abu Sayem is a sports enthusiast and writer who enjoys sharing stories about high school athletics. He is passionate about celebrating the teamwork, dedication, and spirit of young athletes.
