A 28-18 loss in the Class 5 state semifinal ended Nansemond River High School’s epic season.

Nansemond River went on the road to Highland Springs High School to take on the 2015 and 2016 Class 5 state champion.

Nansemond River got off to a fast start in the first quarter, forcing two Highland Springs turnovers and scoring on both of them. On the Springers’ first possession, they were gaining some momentum marching down the field before Pheldarius Payne caught an interception on a screen pass. He returned the interception all the way into the Springers’ territory. The Warriors did not get in the end zone on that possession but did manage to get three points on an Evan Lomax field goal.

The Springers were looking to shake off their first turnover of the game by driving down the field until they fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Datron Branch for an 80-plus-yard touchdown. Nansemond River was up 10-0 at the end of one quarter.

In the second quarter, Highland Springs was able to get in the end zone on a quarterback keeper, cutting the Warriors’ lead down to three after two quarters of play. In the third quarter, neither offense could get much going for most of the quarter until the Springers completed a nine-yard touchdown with 4:52 in the third to take their first lead of the game.

Fumbles plagued the Warriors in the fourth quarter, and the Springers were able to increase their lead. The Warriors tried a late comeback attempt, but it wasn’t enough.

See full coverage in Wednesday’s edition.