Havelock Steals Season Opener from West Craven in Thriller, 40-35

VANCEBORO, N.C. — The 2026 high school football season could not have opened with more drama.

On a humid Saturday night at Jordan Stadium, the Havelock Rams and West Craven Eagles delivered a back-and-forth classic that came down to the final seconds. When the dust settled, Havelock walked away with a heart-pounding 40-35 victory.

It started with fireworks. Junior Austin Livingston fielded the opening kickoff and raced 80 yards untouched for a touchdown, giving the Rams an instant lead. West Craven answered immediately. Junior Bryson Peterson capped a sharp opening drive with a short touchdown run, tying the game and setting the tone for a wild night.

Havelock seized control for the rest of the first half, building a 24-14 advantage by intermission. But the Eagles refused to go quietly. West Craven’s offense and defense clicked in the third quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to take a 28-24 lead into the fourth.

Senior Michael Gatling answered early in the final period with a touchdown run that put Havelock back in front, 32-28. The momentum kept swinging. After a Havelock punt, senior Xavier Cuthbertson returned it 42 yards, setting up excellent field position. The Eagles capitalized, driving for a go-ahead touchdown that made it 35-32 with just 3:53 remaining.

West Craven then forced a fumble and recovered with 1:52 left, seemingly putting the game in their hands. But the Rams defense rose up, forcing a short punt that left Havelock with the ball at the Eagles’ 29-yard line and 56 seconds on the clock—with no timeouts.

Sophomore quarterback Kaleb Montanye stayed calm. With six seconds remaining, he found Gatling in the back of the end zone for the game-winning touchdown.

Final score: Havelock 40, West Craven 35.

Livingston’s special-teams heroics, Gatling’s dual-threat impact, and Montanye’s late-game poise propelled the Rams to 1-0. West Craven, despite the heartbreaking loss, showed fight and talent in falling to 0-1.

It was the kind of season opener that reminds everyone why Friday (and Saturday) nights matter.

Havelock Standouts

Sophomore quarterback Kaleb Montanye completed 16 of 27 passes for 103 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 44 yards and a score on four carries.

Senior Michael Gatling contributed in multiple ways, rushing for 23 yards and a touchdown, catching a 15-yard touchdown pass, and adding 45 kick-return yards.

Junior Austin Livingston was a special-teams standout, returning a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown and a punt 51 yards for another score. He finished with 226 all-purpose yards.

Sophomore Lloyd Jones led Havelock receivers with five catches for 31 yards and added 33 rushing yards.

On defense, Junior Andrew Williams led the Rams with 16 tackles. Senior Daquarius Dunlap recorded 15 tackles, and junior Chase Champion intercepted a pass.

West Craven Standouts

Quarterback Sophomore Christopher Person Jr. had a strong all-around night, completing 18 of 25 passes for 226 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed 19 times for 85 yards.

Receiver Senior Xavier Cuthbertson was Person’s top target, hauling in seven catches for 117 yards.

(Note: Not all West Craven Stats were available at press time)