Pender shuts out Spring Creek

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 13, 2006 1:47 PM

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BURGAW - James Henry rushed for five touchdowns and Pender County dominated Spring Creek 39-0 on the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-AA (large-school) football playoff scene Friday evening.

Henry piled up 293 yards and eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark for the season. His touchdowns covered distances of 10, 3, 9, 46 and 89 yards. Jordan Cook, who provided 32 yards on four totes, capped the Patriots' scoring with a 5-yard run in the final period.

Pender (8-4) collected its fifth shutout of the season and entertains North Johnston, the 2005 eastern runner-up, on Friday.

Spring Creek concluded the year 3-9 and remained winless in six playoff appearances.

Pender's defense sacked Spring Creek quarterback Emmanuel Hinton three times in the opening quarter. Hinton, who played on Southern Wayne's playoff-qualifying team a year ago, made his second postseason start under center.

The Gators ran just six offensive plays in the opening quarter and did not post a first down until their final drive of the opening half. Pender's defense sacked Spring Creek quarterback Emmanuel Hinton on three occasions, and limited the Gators to just 22 rushing yards before halftime.

Spring Creek finished with a season-low 32 yards rushing and have managed just 111 yards on the ground in their last three games combined. Their previous low of 37 yards rushing occurred against North Duplin one week ago.

Hinton finished with 23 yards rushing and 32 passing. He completed three passes, all to senior Josh Wright. The 55-yard offensive output was the Gators' lowest since a 70-yard effort two weeks ago against North Johnston.

Pender is the sixth team to hold Spring Creek below 100 yards rushing in a game this season. The Gators endured their third consecutive shutout and fourth overall in their last five outings.