New Bern Storms Past Havelock 34-26 in Craven County Clash

HAVELOCK — Down 18-6 at the half on a rival’s field, the New Bern Bears did what Bears do. They dug in, ran the football, and took the Craven County Clash.

New Bern outscored Havelock 28-8 after intermission Friday night and walked out of town with a 34-26 non-conference win, improving to 2-0. The Rams dropped to 1-1.

Havelock jumped out early. Two first-quarter scores put the hosts up 12-0. New Bern answered with a second-quarter touchdown, but the Rams added another before the break and took an 18-6 lead into the locker room. The first half belonged to Havelock. The second half belonged to New Bern.

Senior running back Karvin Magwood took over after the break. He finished with 21 carries for 155 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Junior quarterback Caleb Morris was efficient through the air and dangerous with his legs, completing 8 of 10 passes for 94 yards and rushing eight times for 94 yards and a score. Senior Ezekiel Best added a rushing touchdown. Combined, the Bears piled up 278 rushing yards and five rushing scores.

The script flipped after halftime. The teams traded points in the third quarter (New Bern 14, Havelock 8). Then New Bern seized the lead early in the fourth and never gave it back. Morris delivered the insurance score. The Bears’ defense slammed the door, holding Havelock scoreless in the final quarter.

Junior linebacker Deion Metayer-Allaria led the way with 18 tackles. Best, Jamoz Pack, and Carel Spence each recorded 11. Devan Grant and Spence each had two sacks as New Bern finished with five sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Rylan Copeland sparked special teams with 108 kick-return yards. Sara Lewis was perfect on four extra points.

The Bears have now won two straight to open 2026. Next up is West Craven and another chance at a Craven County crown.