Both teams battled hard as Nansemond River High School (5-4) lost to Grassfield High School 9-0 on Friday night.

The game was scoreless after the first quarter, and by halftime, Grassfield was up 3-0. The Warriors felt like they played a complete game on all sides of the ball.

“I’m pleased with the kids’ effort,” Warriors coach David Coccoli said. “We thought it was a good high school football game, but we didn’t take advantage of the opportunities we had when we had them.”

With 10 seconds left in the game, the Warriors had a chance to tie the game, but a blocked field goal led to a return by Grassfield. The touchdown put the Grizzlies up 9-0, and that’s how the game ended.

“That was a heartbreaking loss,” the Warriors’ Henry Moreno said. “It pulled us together, though. Our defense only held them to three points. We showed what we are capable of. At the end of the day, we have to build off of this and get ready for next week.”

On the last drive of the game, the Warriors were moving the ball getting good play out of quarterback Kori Riddick and getting big plays out of players such as Dy’Quan McGhee. Riddick attempted a pass to Gerard Stringer that was broken up. It set up the field goal that was blocked. Riddick finished the night completing 11 of his 16 passes for 92 yards.

“We played our hearts out,” Stringer said of the Warriors effort. “I’m proud of my boys.”

The Warriors were led by Ray Goodman, who had 80 yards from scrimmage. Anthony Oliphant added 57 yards rushing.

Next week is a big week for the Warriors, as they finish the season with Suffolk rival Lakeland High School. Nansemond River has an opportunity to win the city championship again with a win in the final game of the regular season.

“To go out with back-to-back city titles would be wonderful,” Moreno said. “It is extremely important that we finish well. Our seniors have never lost to Lakeland, and we want to try to continue that.”

The Warriors will be at Lakeland at 7 p.m. Nov. 4.

Nansemond River stats:

Passing: Riddick (11-16-92yds)

Rushing: McGhee (3-34yds), Oliphant (8-57yds), Raymond (12-57yds)

Receiving: McGhee (3-30yds), Goodman (3-42yds), Gordon (1-32yds)