The 2025 North Carolina high school football season continues with a non-conference matchup as the Martin County Gators host the Bertie Falcons on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Known as the Battle for the Paddle, this rivalry adds extra intensity as both teams look to bounce back from season-opening losses. The game will take place at Martin County High School in Williamston, NC.
Game Details
- Matchup: Bertie (Windsor, NC) vs Martin County (Williamston, NC)
- Date & Time: Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 7:00 PM
- Location: Martin County High School, Williamston, NC
- Live Coverage: Follow live scores on MaxPreps
Fans can attend in person by purchasing digital tickets on GoFan or stream the action live on the NFHS Network (subscription: $13.99/month or $79.99/year).
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Bertie Falcons
The Falcons come in ranked #10,861 nationally, #329 in North Carolina, and #28 in their class. After a 49-0 loss in their opener, Bertie is seeking to regroup defensively and establish offensive momentum in this rivalry clash.
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- National Rank: #10,861
- State Rank: #329 (NC)
- Class Rank: #28
- Strengths: Athletic playmakers, rivalry motivation, chance to rebound
- Key to Win: Improve defensive containment and sustain offensive drives
Martin County Gators
The Gators enter ranked #7,529 nationally, #229 in North Carolina, and #24 in their class. After a close 18-14 road loss, Martin County showed resilience but needs sharper execution to secure a win in their home opener.
- 2025 Record: 0-1
- National Rank: #7,529
- State Rank: #229 (NC)
- Class Rank: #24
- Strengths: Home-field advantage, competitive toughness, balanced roster
- Key to Win: Limit mistakes and capitalize on scoring opportunities
Rankings & Records
| Team | National Rank | State Rank | Class Rank | Record | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bertie Falcons | 10,861 | 329 (NC) | 28 | 0-1 | 0 | 49 |
| Martin County Gators | 7,529 | 229 (NC) | 24 | 0-1 | 14 | 18 |
Melvin Smith is a high school sports enthusiast with a passion for capturing the energy of student competitions. He enjoys sharing stories that celebrate athletes’ dedication and the community spirit of the game.