North Johnston shuts out Princeton

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on October 23, 2005 2:15 AM

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Courtesy Wilson

Daily Times

KENLY -- Rain shortened but did not stop North Johnston's quest to tie school history Friday night.

With the game being called at the end of the third quarter because of lightning, North Johnston, ranked No. 10 among the state's Class 1-A teams in this week's Associated Press poll, defeated Princeton 27-0 in Carolina Conference varsity football action to tie the record for the best start in school history at 9-0.

Princeton departed 0-9.

The Panthers struck for touchdowns on their first two drives, the first a 15-yard scamper by Willie Pearce. Pearce also showed off his hands, catching a 69-yard pass from quarterback Josh Wentz for the second touchdown. Kicker Garrett Stancil added extra points after both TDs.

Stancil then added a 28-yard field goal as time wound down in the first quarter.

After a scoreless second quarter, the teams returned after halftime with the weather beginning to threaten throughout the area.

With 10:20 remaining in the third quarter, Dutch Oliver darted for a 58-yard touchdown to make the tally 23-0. Stancil's extra point added one more to that total.

Stancil then tacked on a 39-yard field goal with 6:12 left to conclude scoring.

Five Panthers carried the football Friday, with Tonnie Cooper leading the way with nine rushes for 41 yards. Pearce carried the ball seven times for 37 yards.

Wentz wound up with three completions on six passes. He throw an interception and the TD pass to Pearce.

The Panthers, 3-0 in the conference, will host Spring Creek next Friday with a chance to make school history.