Southern Nash’s ground game and explosive returns powered a 41-25 win over Rockingham County in the first round of North Carolina’s Class 5A playoffs. Kee’Brion Smith ran for 181 yards and a touchdown, while D.J. Baker added 113 yards and two scores. The 15th-seeded Firebirds advance to face unbeaten No. 2 seed Northside-Jacksonville.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: Southern Nash 41, Rockingham County 25.
  • Southern Nash rushing: 310 yards and 5 touchdowns.
  • Kee’Brion Smith: 181 rushing yards on 13 carries.
  • D.J. Baker: 113 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Yes, But

Rockingham County kept the game within reach with three touchdown passes, including a 60-yard score in the fourth quarter. But Southern Nash answered immediately with Smith’s 85-yard kickoff-return touchdown, restoring a two-score cushion.

State of Play
  • Southern Nash improved to 5-6 and moves on to the second round.
  • The Firebirds will travel to face Northside-Jacksonville, which enters at 10-0.
Bottom Line

Southern Nash turned its big-play ability into a playoff win: Smith and Baker set the pace on the ground, and Smith’s kickoff return blunted Rockingham County’s late push.