KENLY - Despite a dropping its last three conference games, North Johnston showed it could compete as the new kid on the block in the Northern Carolina 2-A Conference in recent weeks.

With its last two defeats by a combined 10 points, the Panthers may have been feeling some breaks coming their way on their homecoming night.

However, North found out just how far they had to go on Friday night in a 52-14 loss against Roanoke Rapids, a team that finally found its niche in 2009 with a power running game and a firm defensive front.

Coupled with its win over Bunn the week previous, the Yellow Jackets cinched a share of the NCC title for the fist time since 1990. Roanoke Rapids (7-3, 5-0) remains the only team undefeated in conference play.

"We knew there was going to be some growing pains," North Johnston coach Tom Nelson said. "I think this is really the first night that we've been handled like that.

"I think we've pretty much held our own in the conference until tonight."

North Johnston (3-7, 1-4) finds itself in the gray area of playoff eligibility with the regular season finale at home against Franklinton on Friday. With three wins, the Panthers are playoff-eligible, yet aren't guaranteed a spot in the 32-team 2-A field. A victory would make North more desirable to be given postseason access.

The tone was set on the Jackets' first play from scrimmage when Roanoke Rapids' Kareem Martin, every bit of 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, went 87 yards on a touchdown pass from Justin Rawles.

Both of Martin's catches went for touchdowns and 112 yards to go along with a sack on defense. The defensive end/tight end has gained attention from multiple Atlantic Coast Conference schools in his senior year with offers from Clemson, Georgia Tech and Duke.

"He's a special player," Roanoke Rapids coach Russell Weinstein said. "That's why he's highly recognized and highly recruited. We're mighty happy to have him."

Roanoke Rapids, a more veteran presence in the 2-A classification, used its advantage in speed and size to roll through the North Johnston defense. The Jackets were not forced to punt until the fourth quarter and scored 38 points in the first half on just 26 plays.

"They're big and physical with a bunch of seniors," Nelson said. "They did have some big guys and some very good players. The quarterback was good and they played well defensively."

North Johnston would actually take the lead near the end of the first quarter when Shelton Pittman intercepted a pass in his own end zone and took it back to the Roanoke Rapids' 25.

Jacques Alston scored three plays later on an 8-yard dash across the goal line with Harrison Grady's extra point giving North a 7-6 edge.

A 21-yard touchdown pass from Rawles to D.J. Epperson early in the second quarter gave the Jackets the lead for good.

The Yellow Jackets' offensive efficiency showed with three one-play scoring drives and four consecutive possessions with touchdowns in the second quarter.

Martin's second touchdown reception came on a 25-yard strike that led to a 38-7 lead heading into halftime. Rawles, a junior, got 236 yards passing out of just eight completions. Epperson caught four passes for 103 yards to trail Martin in receiving for the Yellow Jackets.

Senior Bryan Williams caught four passes for 96 yards to lead the Panther offense that was held to just 72 yards rushing. For now, North looks to this week, when its season may be on line.

"It's a Franklinton team that we should be competitive with so we'll see," Nelson said. "I've enjoyed these guys because they've handled a lot of adversity and I hope they will one more time."