Prep football previews

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on October 21, 2004 1:56 PM

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Southern Wayne at Eastern Wayne

For local interest, you can't beat this matchup. One-half game separates the Warriors and the Saints in the Eastern Carolina Conference standings, and a home-field playoff game may be in Eastern Wayne's future if it runs the table. But the defense will get a tough challenge from Walter Best and a strong Saint running game, while Southern Wayne has to contend with corralling hard-charging Warrior back Al Graham.

Kinston at Goldsboro

Goldsboro's Senior night, Kinston regrouping under a new coach, the Vikings trying to hang on to playoff position, the Cougars looking to play the spoiler -- this game has a lot riding on it. Goldsboro gave a solid defensive effort against Eastern Wayne last week but struggled to generate offense. Goldsboro has to get running game at a consistent level and not count on a long pass to save drives. This is the last game in this series for awhile, and both teams want to go out on a winning note.

C.B. Aycock at South Central

The Golden Falcons have three important games left and cannot afford to slip this week against an improving South Central squad. Shonte Barnes is becoming a spectacular running threat, and he may be needed more this week. Aycock's method of low-scoring, defensively-dominated football could have trouble against game-breaker Tyrell Worthington. Look for the passing game, with capable quarterback Wes Whitley, to cut loose.

Greene Central at SouthWest Edgecombe

The Rams have to regroup after last week's loss to North Lenoir, but will have a tough time with a revamped Cougar squad led by former North Edgecombe coach Raymond Cobb. SouthWest has begun to flourish under Cobb, with big running backs and a solid defense that allows less than 12 points a game. The Rams need a spark and will look to quarterback Travis Rouse to provide it.

North Pitt at North Lenoir

The Hawks have regrouped after a tough start and look to be on a roll. The ground attack is gaining confidence with Antonio Hamilton and E.J. Brown, while the defense is beginning to assert itself. North Pitt is not scoring in bunches and looks to be an easy mark, but nothing in the Eastern Plains Conference is that easy. Look for the Panthers to come out and push North Lenoir around early. An early game-breaking play makes this one a lot more comfortable.

North Johnston at Princeton

The annual Johnston County war takes on a look of desperation as North Johnston comes south. The Panthers had high hopes coming into Carolina Conference play, but have stumbled to a 2-2 mark and will look to get well against a game, but struggling Princeton squad. This game will get better in the next few years as Princeton becomes stronger and more competitive -- but not this year.

Farmville Central at North Duplin

The Jaguars got back to what they usually do after rolling past Spring Creek and bouncing back off of a disappointing loss to Rosewood. The Rebels are undersized against Farmville, but always put up good efforts and have a sound quarterback in Brad Lloyd. Farmville Central is 0-3 on the road this season, but North Duplin is 0-3 at home, so something's gotta give.

Hobbton at James Kenan

The Tigers are rolling toward a Super Six showdown with Wallace-Rose Hill and are determined not to take a mis-step along the way. Both teams feature solid defenses and scrappy running games. The difference should be Kenan quarterback Kelvin Miller, who has been the catalyst of late for the Tigers. A big, loud, frenzied crowd at Bill Taylor Field should be a spark, as well.