Written by Christian Bateman
MANTEO, N.C. — With Cobia Cup bragging rights on the line, First Flight came into Manteo High School and silenced a passionate home crowd, taking Game 1 of the rivalry series with a 3-1 victory over the Redskins on Monday night.
Manteo had the home-field advantage and a packed sideline full of supporters bringing energy from all across the island. But it was First Flight that struck first, scoring twice in the opening half and putting the Redskins in an early hole.
The Nighthawks carried a 2-0 advantage into halftime and continued to play with confidence and composure throughout the match. Manteo battled back in the second half, but First Flight answered late to secure the 3-1 victory and take the opening game of the 2026 Cobia Cup series.
For Manteo, it marked their only home loss of the season as the Redskins moved to 5-3 on the year. First Flight earned its first road win of the season and improved to 2-7-2.
The two teams will meet again next Wednesday night at First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills for the second and final game of the 2026 Cobia Cup.
The match was tightly contested early, with both defenses keeping the opposing attack in check. That changed in the 11th minute.
With the ball played out wide and the First Flight attack pursuing the Manteo keeper, Finn Norko seized an opportunity near the corner of the 18-yard box. Norko found the back of the net, sending the ball into the corner past Manteo goalkeeper Jude Worth and putting the Nighthawks ahead 1-0.
Ten minutes later, First Flight struck again.
Sam Summerton delivered one of the biggest moments of the night, firing a laser into the upper corner of the net to give the Nighthawks a 2-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Manteo came out with renewed energy in the second half and quickly got its home crowd back into the match.
Carter Sawyer cut into the First Flight lead with a goal from the top of the box, making it a 2-1 game and giving the Redskins momentum heading into the final stretch.
But First Flight had the final answer.
Summerton found the back of the net again in the final minute, scoring with his right foot to put the Nighthawks back up by two and seal a massive 3-1 road victory.
Just a couple of weeks after sustaining a concussion while serving as First Flight's football kicker, senior Sam Summerton returned to the pitch and delivered a standout performance for the Nighthawks, scoring two of the team's three goals.
First Flight's midfield and attacking players consistently pressured the Manteo backline, keeping the Redskins on their heels and making it difficult for Manteo to generate sustained offensive pressure.
Manteo was also without starting goalkeeper Hazael Alvarez-Navarro, who watched from the sideline while recovering from an injury.
Backup goalkeeper Jude Worth made his third appearance in goal for the Redskins this season. Worth recorded three saves while facing six shots on goal. He was coming off his first clean sheet of the season last Friday night against Cape Hatteras.
There is currently no timetable for Alvarez-Navarro's return.
Now, the Redskins will have a chance to even the series.
Manteo will travel to First Flight High School next Wednesday night for Game 2 and the final edition of the 2026 Cobia Cup, with the Nighthawks holding a 1-0 advantage in the series.