Tony Alston has some running room for South Johnston.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

South Johnston was edged 12-10 by visiting Gray’s Creek to start the 2019 varsity football season for both teams on Friday night.

A 35-yard field goal attempt by Dylan Lambert of South sailed wide in the final minute and the Bears ran out the clock.

Ben Lovette of Gray’s Creek got into the end zone in a fourth-and-goal situation with 5:44 remaining to give the Bears a 12-10 lead.

South moved to the GC 13 before incurring a 5-yard penalty for too many players on the field prior to the final field goal try.

Lambert’s 21-yard field goal gave South a 3-0 lead with 7:12 left in the first half.

The Bears scored on a Lovette pass to Jerry Garcia with 52 seconds left in the half for a 6-3 lead at the break.

The stands were cleared at halftime due to lightning in the area.

Tony Alston scored on an 81-yard run as the Trojans went ahead 10-6 when play resumed.

South plays at Holly Springs on Thursday night. The Golden Hawks topped Athens Drive 48-18 to begin the season.

Dylan Lambert (80) kicks for South Johnston on Friday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jaequan Wells follows his blocking in a narrow loss for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Junior Chase Carroll delivers a pass for South Johnston.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)