Dominic Strand passed for 52 yards and two touchdowns as Nansemond River ended its season with a 28-14 victory over host Indian River on Friday night. The win, coupled with Western Branch’s defeat of Deep Creek, handed the Warriors (9-3, 5-1) sole possession of second place in the Southeastern District (they finished last in 2000 and sixth last season). Unfortunately, Kecoughtan and Lake Taylor came out on top in their respective games, ending the Warriors’ Division 3 playoff hopes.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Warriors took over at the Brave 47. Warrior sophomore Trayce McPherson racked up 28 yards over the next four plays, moving his team to the 17. With nine minutes left, he took a pitchout from Strand and rumbled around the right side for his team’s first score. McPherson, who missed his team’s first two games, ended the night with 122 yards, finishing his season with 1,156.

Brave quarterback Lloyd Parker threw nine-yard passes to Brandon Ore and Mark McLeod to reach the Warrior 44, and Ore ran to the 38. Two plays later, Parker hit Collin Newby in the end zone with a 35-yard touchdown pass to tie the score with 5:49 to go.

Nansemond River was held without a first down, but Dennis Conley picked off a Parker pass at the Brave 35 and returned it to the one. Terrell Artis took a pitchout into the end zone, and the Warriors had a 14-7 halftime lead.

The Warriors embarked on a 71-yard drive to the Brave five through the first four minutes of the third quarter, but Dominic Scott fumbled at the five, and Indian River recovered. Two plays later, however, Eric Berry snatched the ball from Lloyd to regain possession, and Strand lifted a pass into the right corner of the end zone to Jhmar Lee.

Indian River began the fourth quarter by marching to the Warriors’ 24, but James Capehart picked off an interception and returned it 90 yards for Nansemond River’s final touchdown of the season.

Lakeland saw its disappointing season come to an end with a 26-6 loss to host Oscar Smith on Friday. The Cavaliers end with a district record of 2-4.

Nansemond-Suffolk moved to the Division 2 title game by pulling out a 13-12 over visiting Lynchburg Christian on Friday. The Saints will play the winner of Saturday’s St. Anne’s-Atlantic Shores game next Saturday at Greenbrier Christian.