Football -- Yellow Jackets sting Rosewood

By David Williams
Published in Sports on September 12, 2004 2:02 AM

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"I'm going to have to talk to our athletics director about our schedule."

Those were the words of Rosewood football coach -- and athletics director -- Daniel Barrow after dropping a 48-20 decision to visiting Roanoke Rapids.

The game marked the third consecutive non-conference loss for the Eagles (1-3).

Roanoke Rapids (3-1), from the Class 2-A Northern Carolina Conference, averaged 10 yards per carry, racking up 494 yards. Coach Tim Bennett utilized a counter play successfully throughout the game as the Yellow Jackets did not throw a pass.

Problems came early to Rosewood. On its first series, Roanoke defensive end Terrence Porter blocked Trey Krieger's punt, giving the Jackets the ball at the one. Quarterback Brent Powers snuck in on the first play at 9:11.

After another Roanoke Rapids' score, quarterback Danny Langston got his offense rolling at the end of the first quarter. Starting from his own five, the senior signal-caller mixed his plays well -- driving to the Roanoke four. Langston hit Kyle Grey for the score at 8:58 of the second period.

The key play of the drive was provided by a nifty 27-yard, broken-field run by halfback Derrick Bennett. Brandon Hietpas' extra point cut the lead to 14-7.

After two more Jacket scores, Langston wasted little time as the first half was ending. He needed only two plays to connect with wide receiver Dustin Overman, who raced down the left sideline on a 67-yard score at 2:12.

The aerial trio posted great stats on the night. Langston was 12-for-21 for 213 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. Grey snagged eight catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns, while Overman caught four passes for 123 yards and one score.

Rosewood had another good scoring opportunity in the third quarter. Halfback James Ruesch took a kickoff at the goal line and took it out to his own 40. A 32-yard Langston pass to Overman and a six- yard Montrell Horton run made it first and goal at the six, but the drive stalled.

The Eagles went to the "hurry-up" offense for their final score. Langston took ten plays to move 75 yards, where on first and goal from the eight, he hit Grey with 2:56 remaining to play.

"We have a tough non-conference schedule on purpose," said Barrow. "These experiences will serve us well when we start league play in two weeks."

Rosewood travels to Chocowinity Friday to face Southside.

R. Rapids 14 14 13 7 -- 48

Rosewood 0 14 0 6 -- 20

First quarter

RR -- Powers 1 run (Jones kick), 9:11

RR -- Moody 4 run (Jones kick), 2:21

Second quarter

RHS -- Grey 4 pass from Langston (Hietpas kick), 8:58

RR -- Chetty 48 run (Jones kick), 7:43

RR -- Chetty 15 run (Jones kick), 3:04

RHS -- Overman 67 pass from Langston (Hietpas kick)

Third quarter

RR -- Powers 1 run (Jones kick), 10:38

RR -- Moody 22 run (kick blocked), 3:19

Fourth Quarter

RR -- Powers 1 run (Jones kick), 7:57

RHS -- Grey 8 pass from Langston (kick wide)

RR RHS

First downs 20 17

Rushes-yds. 49-494 33-130

Passing yards 0 213

Total yards 494 343

Comp.-att.-int. 0-0-0 12-21-0

Fumbles-lost 0-0 4-1

Penalties-yds. 14-125 6-52

Punts-avg. 2-30.5 4-34.5

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Roanoke Rapids -- Louis Chetty 8-178 2TD; Richard Moody 10-109 2TD; Troy McNair 13-78; Brandon Robinson 5-69; Nathan Howard 4-37; Justin Barlow 2-9; Brent Powers 3-3 3TD; Trimaine Simmons 2-1. Rosewood -- Derrick Bennett 11-72; Danny Langston 9-28; Montrell Horton 4-16; Ronnie Butler 1-9; James Ruesch 7-5; Trey Kriger 1-(-38).

PASSING -- Rosewood -- Danny Langston 12-21 3 213.

RECEIVING -- Rosewood -- Dustin Overman 4-123 TD; Kyle Grey 8-90. 2TD.