South Pointe rallies past Northwestern in wild Rock Hill area football rivalry
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- J’Zavien Currence secured a game-sealing interception and threw the winning TD.
- South Pointe overcame a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to win 27-23.
- Northwestern’s special teams and strong first half proved insufficient for victory.
J’Zavien Currence did it all himself.
South Pointe’s two-way star bound for the University of South Carolina recorded an interception before throwing the game-winning touchdown pass in a wild 27-23 victory over Northwestern on Friday night at District 3 Stadium.
“It was never about me,” Currence said. “It was all about South Pointe. That’s what got me through.”
The Stallions trailed by two scores early in the fourth quarter.
Their defensive unit is stout, having allowed an average of just eight points in each of their first three games. It kept Northwestern’s potent offense from moving the football, particularly early, and limited chances from its high-powered offense.
“We’ve got the best player in the country playing safety for us and making interceptions, then playing quarterback,” South Pointe head coach Bobby Collins said. “That’s what this school does in those big moments.”
How South Pointe knocked off Northwestern
South Pointe (3-1) held the ball for much of Friday’s opening stages.
Currence was effective, making key tackles in the Stallions’ backfield while pacing the offense behind center. It was a strong quarterback battle against Northwestern (3-1) junior signal caller Xavier Means, whose play continues impressing.
Alex Bendt, the Trojans’ junior kicker, made a pair of field goals, including a 40-yarder.
South Pointe had a strong scoring chance during the final minute of the opening half, but Northwestern’s defense turned it away. Junior defensive back Jaylon Richardson came up with a big interception — keeping the game knotted at 6-6 at halftime.
“They’ve done a great job of bringing kids in from all over to play on their team,” Northwestern head coach Page Wofford said. “They’re displacing that on South Pointe kids, and if that’s what they want to do, then so be it. This was a game of culture and development versus recruitment, and (Friday), the good guys didn’t win. So we’ll keep working.”
Stallions senior running back RJ Brown dashed home for a 25-yard touchdown early in the second half, bringing the Stallions closer. But a 55-yard kick return Kameron Vance set up several quick Northwestern scores.
Currence led South Pointe on several more strong drives, including a first-and-goal on which they would be pushed back to the 23-yard line. He recorded his huge pick with 2:10 left in regulation, giving the Stallions their chance to grab the lead for good.
Currence scrambled and evaded a sack, dumping the ball off to Brown, who dashed to the end zone for the 22-yard touchdown. South Pointe went ahead 27-23, and while a strong run back gave the Trojans a shot in the final seconds — it came up empty.
They said it
“This is what he’s been preparing for all his life,” Jay Currence, the father of J’Zavien and South Pointe’s wide receivers coach. “All I talked to him about is playing in these games and being prepared for these moments. He’s just lived up and built up to the stage, and he’s ready. I could tell by the time he got up (Friday) morning, he was ready for it. He was ready for it Monday. Senior year, last time playing Northwestern for the city championship, man. It’s going to be hard to beat him out for Mr. Football after the way he played (Friday) against the No. 1 team in the state.”
Notable
- Northwestern junior QB Xavier Means enters Friday as the team’s leading rusher, including 147 yards last week at South Florence.
- Northwestern is ranked No. 4 in The Charlotte Observer’s Carolinas Top 25, and South Pointe is No. 7.
- This is the 22nd all-time meeting between the Rock Hill rivals.
Up next
Northwestern opens Region 3 5A play at Nation Ford. South Pointe plays at A.C. Flora.
Scoring summary
South Pointe 0 6 6 15 — 27
Northwestern 0 6 14 3 — 23
SECOND QUARTER
NHS: Bendt 23-yard field goal (3-0, Northwestern) SPHS: Ratliff 6-yard touchdown (6-3, South Pointe) NHS: Bendt field goal (6-6)
THIRD QUARTER
SPHS: RJ Brown 25-yard touchdown rush (12-6, South Pointe)
NHS: Nigel Smith 2-yard touchdown rush, Bendt point-after (13-12, Northwestern)
NHS: Jonathan Spurgeon touchdown catch, Bendt point-after (20-12, Northwestern)
FOURTH QUARTER
NHS: Bendt 40-yard field goal (23-12, Northwestern)
SPHS: Currence touchdown rush, Dailan Duncan 2-point conversion (23-20, Northwestern)
SPHS: RJ Brown 22-yard touchdown + extra point (27-23, South Pointe)
This story was originally published September 12, 2025 at 11:46 PM.
