Spring Creek improves to 3-2

By David Miller
Published in Sports on September 25, 2005 2:14 AM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- Rewrite that record book after Spring Creek's 54-7 win over visiting and winless Holly Ridge Dixon on Friday evening.

"I know that's the most points we've ever scored in a game," said fifth-year Gators head coach Roy Whitfield. "Now that we're 3-2, it's also the first time since we opened, that we're over the .500 mark this far into the season."

Other accomplishments such as fewest punts, most extra points and least total yards defensively need researched.

While he savored the taste of victory, Whitfield had other postgame thoughts.

"Everyone played tonight," he said. "That's what this game is all about. For several players, it was the first time they had carried the ball all season."

Whitfield also empathized with the plight of the Bulldogs, who returned home 0-6.

"We've been there," he said. "It's no fun for the players or the coaches."

The Bulldogs, whose ranks had been depleted by military deployments, listed only two seniors on their roster.

"Like any good team, Spring Creek took advantage of our youth and turnovers," said coach Jody Weatherman.

Dixon won the coin toss and deferred. It only took the Gators five plays to score their initial touchdown, a five-yard plunge by Ricky Mason. The senior back led both teams in rushing with 119 yards on only nine carries.

Meanwhile, the Spring Creek defense slammed the door on their guests.

Until their final series of the first half, Holly Ridge went four plays and out. The Bulldogs were unable to deal with Desmond Faison, Michael Russell, Bill Travis, and Dwight Strickland

Only fumbles (7) and penalties (6) slowed down the Gator offense. They lost the ball on their next two series before Ronnie Butler, set up by a 25-yard Josh Wright to end Lelo Burt pass, dove in from the Dixon 5-yard line.

Spring Creek resorted to the big play to ice the game in the second quarter. Butler scored his second of three touchdowns at 9:21 on a 38-yard run. He followed up with an 80-yard punt return, set up by a Billy Salazar block.

"I didn't see it. I only heard it," added Whitfield. "I can't wait to see it on film!"

Freshman Alan Parks duplicated the feat on the next punt. Mason scored his second and third scores, before giving way to Travis, Chris Ponce, and Orlando Grantham.

"(We) couldn't have done anything without our offensive line," said Mason. "They paved the way."

Spring Creek concludes its non-conference schedule next Friday at East Carteret.

"They'll be a handful," said Whitfield. "They will probably be the quickest and most athletic team we'll have seen so far. We won't be able to get away with the mistakes on penalties and fumbles that we made tonight."