New Bern’s Magwood Runs for Eight Rushing Touchdowns in 56–28 Win Over Hertford County

Written by Christian Bateman

NEW BERN, N.C. — New Bern football history was made Friday night, and Karvin Magwood made sure his name would be written all over it.

The New Bern Bears’ rushing attack, led by Magwood, was virtually unstoppable in a 56–28 victory over Hertford County. New Bern finished the night with 414 rushing yards, with Magwood accounting for 329 yards on 21 carriesin a performance that put the senior running back in the spotlight.

The matchup carried an additional storyline. New Bern head coach Terrance Saxby previously served as the head coach at Hertford County, making Friday night a reunion of sorts for Saxby against his former program.

But once the game began, Magwood quickly became the story.

“From the moment we started running that rock, we showed them why there are different divisions because it’s not a competitive match,” Magwood said.

Magwood found the end zone eight times on the ground, setting a New Bern High School record for most rushing touchdowns in a single game.

His 329 rushing yards came on just 21 carries, as he repeatedly broke through the Hertford County defense and helped New Bern pull away.

For Magwood, the performance was about more than just statistics.

“Because I want to prove to everybody how great I am. People have always doubted me. I wanted to prove that I am one of the best, if not the best, to ever walk through New Bern High School,” Magwood said.

Hertford County, however, showed early that it had no intention of backing down.

The Bears answered New Bern’s offense with a strong rushing attack of their own. Justin Bunch took a handoff at the New Bern 10-yard line and powered his way into the end zone, putting Hertford County ahead 7–6.

Bunch continued to make an impact on the ground, later taking the ball from the 40-yard line and finding the end zone with 2:15 remaining in the first quarter. Hertford County converted the two-point attempt to tie the game at 14–14 as the first quarter came to an end.

From there, however, Magwood and the New Bern rushing attack began to take control.

With Magwood repeatedly finding running room, New Bern created separation as the game progressed. The Bears’ ability to continue feeding their senior running back ultimately proved too much for Hertford County to overcome.

Eight rushing touchdowns. 329 rushing yards. 21 carries. One school record.

Magwood’s name is now firmly attached to one of the most memorable individual rushing performances in New Bern football history.

And despite having no Division I offers, Magwood believes Friday night was another opportunity to show college programs what he can become at the next level.

“Karvin Magwood, remember the name.”

Hertford County will return home next Friday night for homecoming, when the Bears host Pasquotank County High School.