Prep football previews

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 23, 2004 1:55 PM

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C.B. Aycock (3-1, 1-0 ECC) at So. Wayne (2-2, 1-1 ECC)

DUDLEY -- The Golden Falcons had a week off to prepare for the Saints, who are still experiencing growing pains, but maturing daily. Walter Best is unarguably one of the area's top rushers and will be a challenge for the Aycock defense, which has exhibited a bend-but-not-break attitude this season.

Washington (0-5, 0-2 ECC) at Goldsboro (0-5, 0-2 ECC)

Two teams with talented players are still seeking their identities as we enter the sixth week of regular-season play. The Cougars' defensive line is getting better and faces a Pam Pack offense that has been its own worst enemy with inopportune penalties. Goldsboro, too, must find some consistency on offense.

Ayden-Grifton (1-3, 0-0 CC) at Rosewood (1-4, 0-0 CC)

It's the Class 1-A Carolina Conference opener for both teams at Branch Pope Field. The Eagles continue to put points on the board, but can't seem to prevent the opponent from doing the same. The Chargers have shown some signs of good defense, but have failed to consistently find the end zone in closely-contested games.

North Johnston (5-0, 0-0 CC) at Farmville Central (1-4, 0-0 CC)

FARMVILLE -- The Jaguars begin defense of their Carolina Conference championship against the vastly-improved Panthers. Farmville has battled injuries and off-the-field problems the first month of the season, but will welcome starting quarterback Brandon Austin back to the lineup Friday. This will be the first true test of the season for the Panthers.

West Carteret (2-2, 0-1 ECC) at Eastern Wayne (2-2, 2-0 ECC)

Homecoming festivities can be distracting in numerous ways, but so can an unbeaten conference record. Regardless the numbers and the week-long celebration in New Hope, second-year Warriors coach Jeff Price is aware that a well-prepared Patriot team will come to town this week. Can Eastern Wayne maintain its momentum from a rare road victory?

North Lenoir (1-4) at James Kenan (4-1)

WARSAW -- North Lenoir enters with a little more confidence while James Kenan is licking its wounds after suffering its first defeat of the season. The Hawks have a solid backfield with E.J. Brown, Ervin Atkins and Antonio Hamilton. They'll face a Tiger team that prides itself on physical play and is eager for redemption after last week.

D.H. Conley (3-2) at Greene Central (3-1)

SNOW HILL -- The Rams carry a two-game win streak and 19-game home win streak into this non-conference contest. It's one more preparation for what promises to be a grueling Eastern Plains Conference schedule. Defense has been Greene Central's forte this season, and the offense -- with the addition of freshman Damion Phillips -- is starting to click.

Hobbton (3-1) at North Duplin (1-2)

CALYPSO -- Regardless the records, expect this contest to come down to defense. In past games, the victor has feasted off the other team's mistakes and come out with a win. North Duplin is young and gaining experience each week. Hobbton is coming off an embarrassing 45-point, non-conference loss against Bunn.