Washington County High School’s football team dropped its third straight game Monday night, falling 34-20 to the North Edgecombe Warriors. But the Panthers outscored North Edgecombe 20-12 over the final two quarters after trailing 22-0 at halftime.

Washington County (1-6, 0-2 Eastern Carolina 1A) played without two starting offensive linemen and leading offensive threat Dre’Kel Betts, and Coach Ben James said the group didn’t back down.

“If there was a silver lining, it’s that my guys didn’t quit,” James said. “Being down at halftime, I emphasized that this was a gut check. Either you lay down and get embarrassed, or you keep fighting to see what happens.”

North Edgecombe scored all 22 of its first-half points in the second quarter. The Panthers answered after the break, and X’Zavion Selby scored on a 65-yard screen pass on the team’s first possession of the second half. Washington County put eight points on the board in the third quarter and added 12 more in the fourth, matching the Warriors’ 12 in the final period. Jamier Bennett closed out the Panthers’ scoring with a catch on a comeback route in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Kiymoni Jones led the offense, throwing for more than 200 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 80 yards and a score.

“Kiymoni Jones, our quarterback, is getting healthy at the right time, and it showed last night as he passed for over 200 yards, threw for one touchdown, and rushed for 80 yards and a rushing touchdown,” James said.

James also credited receivers Jeremiah Mann, Tramari Swain, Kah’Rhee Ford and Bennett for key catches that kept scoring drives alive. On defense, he named Zymere Cooper, Jahmier Knight, Symir Jenkins and Da’monte Woodley as leaders.

Despite the loss, James said he was pleased with how his team responded.

“I was thrilled with how we fought and played in the second half and actually outscored them 20-12, so hopefully we can build momentum heading into Friday’s contest with NECP,” he said.

“I commend these young men for their resilience,” James said. “We will continue to fight and play hard to put ourselves in position to be victorious.”

Washington County will look to bounce back Friday against familiar foe North East Carolina Prep (3-4, 0-2 Eastern Carolina 1A). Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.