T.S. Ernesto forces schedule changes

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 30, 2006 1:47 PM

• Print
• Email

Wait and see.

Area football coaches and athletics directors are taking that approach as they await the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto. The slow-moving storm is expected to dump a significant amount of rain in central and eastern North Carolina on Thursday.

Eastern Wayne has already moved its non-conference game against South Central to Monday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Little Big Horn.

Princeton and James Kenan elected to play their respective contests on Thursday. The Bulldogs entertain Union, while the Tigers welcome Farmville Central in a matchup of two unbeaten teams.

Eighth-year Charles B. Aycock coach Randy Pinkowski said if the storm exits North Carolina before noon on Friday, he's confident his field will be ready for play.

"Our field sits up on a knoll and it drains pretty well," said Pinkowski, whose team is off to a 2-0 start. "We won't make a decision until Friday morning."

The Golden Falcons play host to Greene Central (2-0) in the 45th installment of their series. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Rosewood athletics director Daniel Barrow said Wednesday that if field conditions aren't suitable Friday, he will move his game against Hobbton to Monday. The kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Branch Pope Field.

Southern Wayne, Spring Creek, Goldsboro and North Lenoir have not made any decisions about their games. The Saints play host to Hoggard, while the Gators face Midway in Seven Springs. Jones Senior pays a visit to Goldsboro and North Lenoir faces Kinston in LaGrange.