Weddington dominates showdown of unbeaten Union County teams Friday
Two consecutive plays deep in the third quarter sum up the type of game Weddington had Friday night.
After giving up a field goal a drive before, Weddington faced a Marvin Ridge fourth-down attempt from within its own territory.
That’s when Makai Henriquez sacked Marvin Ridge quarterback Levi Kerr — and on the very next play, senior running back Brian Walker ran 60 yards into the end zone for the fifth of his team’s six touchdowns in a 42-3 thumping of Marvin Ridge.
“I think it was a combination of how we played last week and who we knew we were going against,” Walker said of the Warriors’ effective run game, which he pioneered with 18 carries for 185 yards and two touchdowns. “We put a game together, put up good tape, and got the dub.”
He may not have needed help, but Walker had it all around him, with a defense that let up only three points and had a fumble recovery, pick six, and second interception. The Warriors essentially halted both Marvin Ridge’s run and pass game.
Still, head coach Andy Capone wishes his Warriors had completed the shutout
“I don’t love how we came out in the second half,” head coach Andy Capone said. “But super proud of the guys for the effort. They continued to play hard for 48 minutes.”
Although Marvin Ridge drove the ball all the way down the field on the game’s opening drive, Weddington senior defensive back Ace Clements intercepted a ball thrown into the end zone. From there, Weddington got hot and didn’t look back, converting touchdowns on each of their first two drives.
It’s only fitting that the first touchdown came from Walker and the second from quarterback Jared Street, who completed 10 of 15 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
Postgame, Walker held on tightly to his game ball, which this week is a special one: the “Sunday Night Football Player of the Game,” given out ahead of the Panthers’ matchup against the Lions.
Holding the official merchandise, Walker was quick to correct the award’s designation.
“I’m sharing it with Jared Street,” he said, referring to his efficient quarterback.
Although Street had three passing touchdowns, the Warriors ran more rushing plays than passes. Capone said that speaks to the talent of his running back and offensive linemen.
“Brian’s an unbelievable back, and I think really underrated around here,” Capone said. “We like to be as balanced as we can, but when you’re able to run the ball and establish the run and be physical, you’re going to keep going to it.”
Game summary
Marvin Ridge 0 0 3 0 — 3
Weddington 14 14 7 7 — 42
First quarter
W: Brayden Colandra 1 run (Chase Backus kick)
W: Anthony Barrino 20 pass from Jared Street (Backus kick)
Second quarter
W: Colandra 20 pass from Street (Backus kick)
W: Gustavo Alves pass from Street (Backus kick)
Third quarter
MR: FG Ford Fehling 28
W: Colandra 60 run (Backus kick)
Fourth quarter
W: Braden Briles 50 interception return (Backus kick)
This story was originally published October 2, 2026 at 11:32 PM with the headline "Weddington dominates showdown of unbeaten Union County teams Friday."