UPDATE – FINAL SCORE
Franklinton 44
Vance County 13
RECAP MONDAY ON SPORTSTALK
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With a conference win under their belts and looking for a second win on Senior Night Friday, the Vance County Vipers may be peaking at just the right time. A focus on the basics – no turnovers and winning on first and third downs – is what Head Coach Aaron Elliott said will propel the Vipers to a victory, and most likely mean post-season play for the Vipers.
A win Friday against the Red Rams would secure a spot in the playoffs, Elliott predicted. But it’s a game the Vipers must win.
“The kids want it,” Elliott said of a win against Franklinton. “They see the success we’re starting to have – we’re playing good football at the right time.”
Coming off a 48-19 win over East Wake last week, Elliott told WIZS’s Scout Hughes and George Hoyle that his team has had a great practice week, despite the soggy conditions.
“I think the kids really see what they can do,” he said on Thursday’s segment of SportsTalk. “The last two weeks have really built their confidence on what we do offensively – I think we’ve found our identity on the offensive side of the ball.”
This is Week 11 of the regular season, and Elliott said he’s watched his team really make some strides. “We’re not the same team we were four or five weeks ago,” he said.
“The weakest part of our defense is alignment,” Elliott said. “If we can line up right defensively and play disciplined football, I think we’ll be ok.”
Elliott said the defense needs to shut down the Franklinton quarterback. “He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the state that can throw the ball real well. But there are a couple of Red Ram receivers that the defense has to handle, too.
“We’ve got to be able to stop both,” he said.
Seventeen Vipers will take the field for the last time during Senior Night, and Elliott said this class is a special one for him because they were freshmen when he started as the Vipers head coach.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach them for the last four years. It’s hard to see thme leave, but we’re excited for them,” Elliott said.
“A lot of things that we do are much bigger than football,” he continued. “Preparing these guys for life and getting them ready whatever it may be – playing college football or get them a job and start working. It’s our job to prepare them for whatever comes,” he said.
Week 11 High School Football Games in our Area:
- Vance County (2-7) vs. Franklinton (6-3)
- Wake Forest (5-4) vs. Heritage (4-5)
- Knightdale (2-7) vs. East Wake (3-6)
- J.F. Webb (7-2) @ South Granville (3-6)
- Warren County (7-2) vs. Northwest Halifax (4-5)
- Louisburg (8-1) vs. Wake Prep (5-3)
- Bunn (7-2) vs. Roanoke Rapids (2-7)
Vance County hosts Franklinton for Week 11 of the 2025 season for Senior Night on Friday, October 31st and you can hear all the action on WIZS 1450AM, 100.1FM, and online at wizs.com with pregame starting around 6:50 p.m. and kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
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