Sampson Middle, powered by both a ground and air attack, managed to slip by Roseboro-Salemburg Wednesday in a football game that Sampson coach Tracey Thornton said was a battle until the end.

“Roseboro is a very, very good team. We were lucky to win this one,” Thornton said of the young Leopard club. “They hit us in the mouth. I applaud the boys for hanging in there, staying tough and getting the win.”

Sampson did that with the help of Rhyeem Skinner who got the young Dark Horses first score of the afternoon on a 90-yard run into the end zone. He also provided the 2-point conversion to put them on the board 8-0.

Skinner found the end zone again later in the first half on a 40-yard run. This time Tyjon Wright got the 2-point conversion to put Sampson up 16-0 at the half.

Roseboro-Salemburg came roaring back in the third quarter, getting the touchdown to bring the score to 16-8.

Then Sampson’s Jashawn Register found an open Jahon Robinson, hitting him for a 30-yard pass and the third TD of the night. Skinner got the 2-point conversion, and the Horses were up 24-8, which end up being the final.

“This was a really good game,” Thornton stressed.

Sampson returns to their home field next Wednesday for a game against Union Middle.

Roseboro stats were not called in.