Clinton’s junior varsity got a 7-0 road win against Topsail Thursday night in what coach Michael Bell called a strong defensive showing for the young Horses.

“Our offense played a solid game, too, but we had our share of penalties and turnovers … we’re still not doing the little things we need to do to put teams away.”

But despite the penalties, Clinton found its way to the end zone late in the first quarter, when Quinten Faison got a TD from a 10-yard run. Jonathan Wright got the point after to put the Horses on the board with 7.

Then the defense took over, holding Topsail scoreless, with two big plays from teammates Hyson Howard and Tyree Peyton, both who got picks at important points in the game.

Howard got the first interception in the third quarter then, near the end of the game, Peyton came up big with the interception that sealed the win for Clinton.

“We had some big plays, and our defensive line did their jobs well. We still aren’t playing what I’d call a perfect game. We had some touchdowns called back and we lost one on the 5-yard line. We had opportunities that could have had us up by several touchdowns but we didn’t capitalize on them.

“Still, I told the guys sometimes you have to go on the road and play the game like that. We got the win, and I’m satisfied with that,” Bell said.

The win moves Clinton to 6-1 overall and 4-0 in conference play. They are now tied with South Lenoir for first.