Prince Edward County High School’s varsity football team held strong in a defensive battle Friday night against a Nottoway High School team that had been averaging 31.8 points per game, but the Eagles were not able to generate the offense needed to clinch the win as the host Cougars prevailed 14-6.

“We played well enough to win,” Eagles Head Coach Larry White said, noting his defense did a good job. “… Overall, I was pleased the way the kids played. They played hard for four quarters.”

The team’s offensive struggles continued, though.

“We get in the red zone, and then it’s like we can’t punch it in,” the coach said.

Junior running back Saybien Peterson led Prince Edward in total offensive yardage, registering four carries for 44 yards and five catches for 50 yards. Senior running back T.J. Williams logged 14 carries for 53 yards. Sophomore quarterback Nate Reed went 6-for-13 passing for 56 yards and carried the ball 10 times for nine yards and a touchdown.

Contributing to the Eagles’ strong defensive effort were a variety of players. Junior De’Murie Banks lead the team with 12 tackles. Junior Davon Manson added seven tackles; Reed had six tackles, one fumble recovery, and he assisted on a sack; and junior Kiyou Jones recorded six tackles and one forced fumble.

The Eagles (1-4) host Goochland High School (4-1) on Friday at 7 p.m.