Written by Christian Bateman
Manteo — Manteo was flexing its 2025 State Championship banner for the first home match of the season, but the Redskins remained locked in, knowing there is now a huge target on their backs.
The defending state champions looked every bit the part, rolling past the Northeastern Eagles, 9-0, in a mercy-rule victory.
Less than three minutes into the match, Manteo made Northeastern aware of the constant threat it would pose to the Eagles' back line, finding the net for the first goal of the game.
Manteo was originally scheduled to open its season against Catholic on Monday, but the match was canceled due to the heat index and heat regulations in Virginia. That meant the Redskins had to wait a little longer to officially begin their title defense — and they wasted no time once they finally took the field.
Five players from last year's State Championship team found the back of the net in the victory. Freshman Edward Tovaralso joined the scoring, recording the first goal of his young high school career with a straight-line laser off his right foot.
The Redskins made the most of their possessions throughout the match, moving the ball effectively and using overlapping runs to consistently attack Northeastern's back line. Manteo finished with 17 shots on goal, converting nine of them into goals.
It was a dominant opening statement from the defending champions as they begin another season with expectations high and every opponent looking to knock them off.
Manteo will return home Monday when the Redskins host Currituck.