Graduate Glance

By Gabe Whisnant
Published in Sports on September 28, 2004 1:56 PM

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Javon Williams solid for Wesleyan

Rosewood graduate Javon Williams is making big waves in his new home.

The North Carolina Wesleyan freshman Javon Williams is currently leading the Bishops' rushing attack with 95.3 yards per game on 59 attempts, good for 4.8 yards per carry with two touchdowns. Williams is also averaging 25 yards on five kick returns with a long of 54.

Williams, who splits time at tailback with Brandon Spencer, was named the USA South Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Week for the week of Sept. 4 after his 100-yard performance at Shenandoah (Va.).

Last week in a tough, 21-20 loss to Methodist, Williams had 157 yards rushing on 36 carries, while posting a 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

"He's doing a great job. We are thrilled with him. He is the kind of player we are looking for," Bishops' coach Jack Ginn said. "He's got good vision and he runs hard. He's not just a guy who gets it on the corner and uses his speed. He's got good moves, and he's physical."

Williams is one of a handful of area players on the first-year, Division III program's roster this season.

Another Rosewood graduate, freshman linebacker Michael Harper, has been injured but has seen more playing time recently. Cedric Townsend (James Kenan '04), is Wesleyan's back-up quarterback and is progressing well according to Ginn.

"He (Townsend) is really coming on," Ginn said. "We won't have reservations if he has to play."

Goldsboro graduate and freshman defensive lineman Ruben Jones is also on the Bishops roster, as well as former North Johnston standout Mike Parrish.

Wesleyan (1-2, 1-1 USA South) travels to Murfreesboro to take on Chowan on Saturday.

Cooke given

weekly lineman award

Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette today declared Elon junior left tackle and Rosewood graduate Bob Cooke its NCAA-IAA Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance in the Phoenix's 49-13 victory over Delaware State on Sept. 25.

Cooke tallied nine knockdowns while allowing just one stopped play and zero sacks against the Hornets. He graded out at 88 percent for productivity, 92 percent for technique and 100 percent for effort in the victory. Cooke had no missed assignments for the contest.

Elon totaled 300 total yards of offense against Delaware State, including 196 on the ground. With the 49-point outburst versus the Hornets, the Phoenix posted the program's highest single-game scoring total since defeating Liberty 56-35 on Nov. 16, 2002.

Elon (1-2) returns to action when it travels to Georgia Southern in Statesboro, Ga. on Saturday.

Stansbury, Brown

starting at Wesleyan

Eastern Wayne graduates Rachel Stansbury and Bryanne Brown are currently playing key roles on the N.C. Wesleyan soccer team this season.

Stansbury, a junior forward, is a three-year starter up front for the Bishops, while Brown is a starting defender.

Stansbury has yet to register a goal in six outing this season and has one assist Coach Tory Lukasina sees a lot of potential in the junior.

"She's an attacking minded player that has a nose for the goal. Her biggest problem is consistency," Lukasina said. "She should be recognized by the conference, but she hasn't been able to play consistently. She could have a large impact on the team."

Lukasina is pleased with the energy Brown brings to the field.

"She's a great kid with lots of energy ... a real desire to learn and play well," she said. "She's very physical and demanding of her teammates in the back. You can rely on her to work hard."

Wesleyan (1-5-1, 1-1-0 USA South Conference) travels to Greensboro on Wednesday.