Friday night in Wilmington features a clash of unbeatens as the Hoggard Vikings (Wilmington, NC) welcome the Clayton Comets (Clayton, NC) for a non-conference showdown on September 5, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Both teams are 2-0, boasting strong starts to the season, and this matchup promises to be one of the premier games of the week in North Carolina.
Game Details
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Matchup: Clayton (NC) @ Hoggard (NC)
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Date & Time: 9/5/2025 – 7:00 PM
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Location: Hoggard High School, Wilmington, 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
Clayton Comets
The Comets enter at 2-0, outscoring opponents 101-26 behind an offense averaging more than 50 points per game. Dual-threat QB Aiden Smalls has been the difference maker, piling up both rushing and passing yards to give Clayton flexibility on offense. Ranked #33 in North Carolina, Clayton will look to continue their scoring explosion against Hoggard’s physical defense.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #1,403
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State Rank (NC): #33
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Class Rank: #11
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Key to Win: Ride Smalls’ dual-threat ability, establish an early rhythm offensively, and match Hoggard’s physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Main Squad:
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Aiden Smalls – QB/RB
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Parker Ferguson – WR
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Marcus Johnson – RB
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Caleb Thomas – OL
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Jordan Ellis – WR/DB
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Isaiah Brooks – LB
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Devin Harris – DB
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Jalen Wright – WR
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Elijah Moore – LB
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Chris Taylor – DL
Hoggard Vikings
The Vikings are also 2-0, powered by QB Matthew Boring and WR Desyn Durand, who have been lighting up defenses with one of the state’s most dangerous passing attacks. Averaging 241 passing yards per game, Hoggard has proven they can move the ball through the air while their defense looks to tighten up after giving up 61 points in two games. Ranked #13 in NC and #639 nationally, the Vikings face a true test against a high-scoring Clayton squad.
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2025 Record: 2-0
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National Rank: #639
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State Rank (NC): #13
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Class Rank: #5
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Key to Win: Keep Boring comfortable in the pocket, take advantage of Durand’s big-play ability, and limit Clayton’s explosive drives.
Main Squad:
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Matthew Boring – QB
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Desyn Durand – WR
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David Hunter – RB
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Marcus Hill – WR
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Jaylen Carter – LB
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Ethan Thomas – DB
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Caleb Rogers – OL
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Elijah Smith – DL
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Jordan Perez – DB
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Cameron White – LB
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class | Overall | Home | Away | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | #1,403 | #33 | #11 | 2-0 | 2-0 | 0-0 | 101 | 26 |
| Hoggard | #639 | #13 | #5 | 2-0 | 1-0 | 1-0 | 72 | 61 |
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.
