Prep football previews

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on October 7, 2004 1:56 PM

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C.B. Aycock (4-2, 2-1) at West Craven (6-1, 4-0)

Both teams go in coming off tightly-contested, Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference battles last Friday. After the tough loss at home to Kinston, it doesn't get any easier for the Falcons on the road. Aycock's defense -- giving up just 12 points per game -- needs another big effort at Vanceboro. The Falcons' usually-reliable special teams could play a factor in the outcome of this one.

Goldsboro (1-6, 1-3) at South Central (0-6, 0-4)

Second-year South Central is still searching for its first varsity victory, and Goldsboro doesn't want to be remembered as the Falcons' first win. The Cougars made big improvements last week in defeating West Carteret on the road. Probably the biggest and most important progress came from the offensive line. Goldsboro's defense must contain all-purpose specialist Tyrell Worthington, who is capable of making plays all over the field.

Southern Wayne (2-4, 1-2) at West Carteret (2-4, 0-3)

Southern Wayne's defense has to step up against West Carteret and improve on last week's endowment game loss to North Lenoir, where the Saints gave up nearly 400 yards on the ground. Currently sitting at sixth in the ECC, the Saints still have three meetings against teams above them in the standings. They can ill-afford a road slip against the Patriots -- still winless against ECC foes.

Farmville Central (2-4, 1-0) at Rosewood (2-5, 1-1)

Two teams not accustomed to being several games under .500 overall, but both look to be on track after winning their conference openers. Trailing North Johnston 21-7 last Friday, the Eagle defense got a big turnover when it needed it and the defense must continue to create opportunities for their potent offense -- which scores more than 30 points per game. Last year, the conference rivals played a thriller in Farmville -- won by the Jags 35-27.

Ayden-Grifton (3-3, 2-0) at North Duplin (2-3, 1-0)

The Rebels got their offense rolling at Princeton last Friday, racking up 38 points. Controlling the clock and avoiding turnovers and penalties against Ayden-Grifton's aggressive defense will be key. The North Duplin defense will have its hands full with Ayden-Grifton's rushing attack, which churned like a well-oiled machine against Spring Creek last week.

James Kenan (5-1, 0-0) at Lakewood (3-2, 0-0)

Tigers' coach Kevin Motsinger is obviously happy with the 5-1 mark and being ranked seventh in the Class 1-A poll, but he knows the next five games in Super-Six Conference play carries much more importance. Lakewood has the worst record among Super Six teams in non-conference play, but the Leopards' are perennially tough.

South Lenoir (1-5, 0-0) at North Lenoir (2-4, 0-0)

Conference opener and a rivalry game to boot. In what looks to be a wide open Eastern Plains 2-A Conference race this season, neither team wants to come out 0-1. The Hawks need more defense like they played in the second half on Friday at Southern Wayne. The Blue Devils, rendering a league-high 43 points per game in non-conference play, will have their hands full against the Hawks' versatile backfield.

Greene Central (3-3, 0-0) at North Pitt (2-4, 0-0)

Both teams have played tough non-conference schedules, so look for each to be well-prepared for their EPC opener. The Panthers were off last week and should be well rested. The Rams carry more offensive firepower into the road clash with freshman running back Damion Phillips emerging as a reliable ball carrier.