North Forsyth wrested bragging rights away from rival South Forsyth on Friday night, snapping a four-game skid in the series with a 27-7 victory.

A large crowd gathered at Raider Valley in Coal Mountain to watch the latest installment of the rivalry, which had gone the South's way for most of the decade.

That changed Friday. The Raiders set the tone early, with defense and special teams keying two touchdowns.

Fourth down was not South's friend Friday night. The War Eagles turned the ball over on downs four times and had a field goal blocked and returned 70 yards for a touchdown, also on fourth down.

North's offense was powered Tyler Slaton, who carried 17 times for 86 yards and two touchdowns.

Receiver Sean Malone paced the attack for South, hauling in six passes for 108 yards and the War Eagles lone touchdown.

Perhaps more importantly, the win boosts North's playoff chances. The Raiders stand at 2-2 and the War Eagles 1-3 in Region 7-AAAAA with four games remaining for each.

In other local games of note, Forsyth Central stumbled on the road at perennial power Marist, falling 37-7 in the Region 6-AAAA matchup.

In private school action Friday, Pinecrest defeated visiting Mount Vernon Presbyterian Academy 30-0.

Next up for North is a visit to Norcross on Oct. 17, while South welcomes Duluth for homecoming.

It will also be homecoming for West, which was off Friday, but plays host to Johnson on Oct. 17.

Central will play again on Oct. 18, when the Bulldogs return to DeKalb County to face Lakeside.

For complete game coverge, see Sunday's edition of the Forsyth County News.