Turnovers spelled disaster for Union Pines on a rainy night in Hope Mills.

Grays Creek defeated the Vikings 24-15 Friday night in Cape Fear Valley Conference game.

Early on, it seemed that the Vikes might be set to play the role of spoilers on homecoming night.

On the Bears' first play from scrimmage, Vike defensive back Sebastian Harmon stripped the ball from running back Everett Singley after he was stood-up by linebacker Dario Paulson.

The turnover gave Union Pines the ball at the Bear 20. Four plays later senior quarterback Will Maness scored a 1-yard sneak. Andrew Macpherson's kick gave the Vikes a 7-0 lead with 10:05 left in the opening quarter.

However Gray's Creek would waste no time answering back, as running back William McLaughlin responded with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Although the Bears missed the kick to tie the game, McLaughlin's play proved to be a major one in terms of momentum, as it was the first of four unanswered touchdowns for the Bears.

Gray's Creek went on from there to make the most of five Vike miscues, by scoring 18 points and take a 24-7 lead at the half.

The first two Union Pines turnovers -- an interception and a fumble -- came deep in the Bear territory, and both ended in Bear touchdowns.

Leading 18-7, the Bears again would capitalize on a Viking turnover. Union Pines fullback Graham Haulsee fumbled near midfield. One play later Devonte Cooley scored on 51-yard run to give the Bears a 24-7 lead.

In the second half the Vikings rallied thanks to a turnover.

A fumbled snap by the Bear punter gave the Vikings the ball at the Bear 32. Two plays later Haulsee scored from the 4. Maness then converted on a sneak as the Vikes trailed 24-15 with 11:02 remaining in the game.

The Vikings had one last chance in the fourth quarter.

The Vikings moved to the Grays Creek 12, and faced a fourth and 3. Viking head coach Jason Furrie opted against a field goal try, and went for the first down. The Vikings failed to convert and the Bears were able to run out the final 4:20.

The Bears are 2-1 in conference play and 3-4 overall. With the loss the Vikings fell to 1-2 in the conference and 3-4 overall.

Friday the Vikes host Harnett Central (6-0, 3-0).

UP 7 0 0 8 15

GC 12 12 0 0 24

Scoring (UP --) Maness 1-run (MacPherson kick); (GC) McLaughlin 80-kickoff return (kick failed); GC Ryan Davis 28-run (run failed); (GC) Kyle Haines-fumble recovery in end zone (run failed); (GC)Devonte Cooley 51 run (run failed); (UP) Haulsee 4-run (Maness run)

Individual Stats Leader Rushing -- (UP) Haulsee 27-113 TD; Toomer 8-92; Maness 8-49 TD; (GC)Cooley 17-124; Davis 11-95; Singley 8-47, Matt Reed 4-25; Passing (UP)Maness 2/7 19 2INT (GC) Reed 2/6 29; Receiving (UP) -- Adam Harward 1-11; Haulsee 1-8; (GC) Cooley 2-29