11/1/25
Complete Game Coverage: SWO - 3. Clinton – 21. SWO - 3. Clinton – 21.
Photos (courtesy of Kay McCloskey): LINK
Stallion Video Highlights & More: LINK
In the 2006 movie Talladega Nights, Ricky Bobby, the eccentric race car driver, famously declared: “If you ain’t first, you’re last!”
Well, I hate to break it to Ricky… but he was wrong. And the 2025 Stallions are living proof.
No, the Stallions didn’t finish first. But they certainly didn’t finish last either. In fact, they secured 4th place in the ultra-competitive East Central 3A/4A Conference — and with a few breaks, could’ve climbed to 3rd.
This team endured its share of setbacks and growing pains. There was even a “rock bottom” moment at East Duplin. But let’s not forget: this was a program starting from scratch. New faces. New systems. New expectations. The adversity was real — some of it internal, much of it beyond their control — but the response was inspiring.
The 2025 Stallions should be remembered as a group that came together as a true TEAM. Early-season fractures gave way to late-season brotherhood. They laid the foundation for rebuilding a proud, storied program — and I’m honored to have played even a small part.
Senior Night at The Corral
Halloween night brought a festive showdown as the Clinton Dark Horses visited for Senior Night, honoring the Class of 2026. Trick-or-treat football at its finest.
Before kickoff, Stallion Nation paid tribute to a true SWO legend: my brother-in-law, Billy Woodward, who was honored for 45 years of service announcing SWO Football. Billy officiated the honorary coin toss, and I joked afterward that he’s been announcing games 50% longer than Coach Garvey has been alive! Billy’s career began with a game vs. Clinton — and fittingly, his 45th regular season ended with Clinton. My two cents: elect this man to the SWO Hall of Fame, first ballot. He’s more than earned it. On behalf of all of Stallion Nation… THANK YOU, BILLY!
Game Observations
Clinton came in hot, riding a high-powered spread offense that had posted 37, 45, 42, and 52 points in four of their last five games. Their opening drive was textbook — a mix of runs and short passes that ended in a touchdown and a 7–0 lead. Would they drop 50 on us? It looked possible.
But oh-my-word — what a performance from the SWO defense! The defensive line, linebackers, and secondary all stepped up. They played smart, aggressive football and held Clinton to just 21 points. My standout defenders: Tito Escalera and Trenton Scribner. These two were relentless in the second half, living in Clinton’s backfield and racking up sacks and tackles for loss.
Offensively, the Stallions were banged up. Jabri Williams, our big-play back, battled through a lower-leg injury and played sparingly. Jakell Howard, nursing an upper-body injury, carried the load — and in my opinion, had his best game of the season. He ran with grit and reminded me of former Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert — aka “The Bowling Ball.”
After Clinton’s opening score, SWO responded with a solid drive capped by a 38-yard field goal from junior kicker Jon Carter. Carter had a stellar night, handling kickoffs and punts as well. The Stallions trailed 7–3 late in the first quarter.
Early in the second, SWO appeared to take the lead when “Ton” Bolden dashed around the left end for a 14-yard touchdown. The crowd erupted — but a holding penalty wiped it out. Carter’s 30-yard field goal attempt missed just inches to the right, and the Stallions came away empty.
Clinton added another score on 4th and goal with just over three minutes left in the half, taking a 14–3 lead into the break. But by then, it was clear: the Stallions weren’t going down easy.
The second half was a defensive slugfest. Clinton added one more touchdown early in the fourth to seal the final score: 21–3.
One bright spot: SWO’s penalty count was way down compared to last week. Another sign of growth and discipline.
Next Up: The Playoffs Await
The Stallions will likely advance to the 4A playoff bracket as a low seed — which usually means a long road trip to face a powerhouse. But under the new format, top seeds get a first-round bye. That means SWO will face a more evenly matched opponent, likely North Pitt or North Johnston. We’ll know for sure once the NCHSAA computers finalize the seedings.
This year, I’m still excited and enthusiastic about Stallion Football. It’s now a one-week season: survive and advance. No matter who we face or where we go… we’ll be there. We want to be around this team as much as we can.
GO STALLIONS!!!
#OnceAStallionAlwaysAStallion
Game Summary
Stallions win the toss and defer. SWO kicks to Clinton
Clinton marches down the field with a nice mix of run and pass. TD Dark Horses
Clinton up 7-0 8:49 Q1
Stallions respond with a very nice drive. 38 yard field goal by number Carter. 7-3. 4:11 q1
Big stop by the southwest defense. Forces three and out. Clinton will punt from their own 35 yard line. Escalara made the big play on 3rd down
End Q1. Clinton 7. SW0 3. SWO driving behind tough running by Jakell Howard
Q2
Stallions appear take the lead momentarily. Touchdown by Bolden (14 yards). 10:25 left to go in Q2. TD negated by holding penalty against SWO
SWO 30 yard field goal attempt is wide right. 9:15 to go in Q2. Score is still 7 to 3 in favor of Clinton
Clinton with another nice drive mixture of run & pass plays
Clinton scores on fourth and goal. 3:38 left in Q2. 14-3.
At the half your score is Clinton 14. Southwest 3. Stallions playing well; if not for the TD that was called back, this would be a very tight ballgame
Q3
Clinton with the interception at the Clinton 40 yard line
Stallion defense comes up big and pushes Clinton backwards. Clinton has to punt from their own 40 yard line. Swo ball on own 28
Stallions turn it over on downs on fourth and two at the Clinton 40
End of Q3. The score is still Clinton 14 SW 3. Clinton driving and has the ball at the stallion 18 yard line
Q4
Clinton with a nice drive. Dark Horses score on a 6 yard TD pass. 10:26 left in Q4. Clinton 21 SWO 3
Crazy play. Clinton intercepts Southwest. On the return, ball is stripped and fumbled. Recovered by Cole Jarman
Bolden had to leave game with an injury with seven minutes ago in the game
SWO Drive stalls on Clinton 39 yard line. Nice punt by Carter pins Clinton deep at their own 9 yard line. 5:20 q4
Stallion defense gets a stop. Clinton punts back to Southwest with 105 left to play
Final score 21 to 3
