South Johnston wins battle of county rivals

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 19, 2007 2:05 AM

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From staff reports

FOUR OAKS -- South Johnston converted three turnovers into touchdowns and cruised past county rival Princeton 45-0 on Friday evening.

The Trojans forced six turnovers overall in the season opener for both teams. Princeton (0-1) opens its home schedule Friday against North Moore, one of two teams it beat in 2006.

"We made way too many mistakes," said Princeton coach Russell Williamson. "We had six turnovers. We can't do that. We have to be more consistent."

Two of the four interceptions turned into points for South Johnston. In the second quarter, South Johnston went ahead 25-0 after a 39-yard return for a score. South Johnston concluded its scoring with a 98-yard return in the final period.

Big plays also hurt the Bulldogs. South Johnston scored on plays of 20-plus yards on three occasions. Included was a 75-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter.

"We were playing really well in the first quarter," said Williamson. "Then they hit that big pass and it's all downhill."

Williamson said his young team showed signs of fatigue.

"In the second half we seemed to run out of gas," said Williamson. "We didn't have our legs. They were so much bigger, stronger and faster than us.

"It was a tough opening game for us. We're going to see some teams like that in the future, so we need to get used to playing against that speed and size."

Williamson added that linebacker Michael Radford emerged a bright spot.

"He played really well," said Williamson. "I thought we played well defensively -- especially in the first quarter. We're going to be pretty good on defense this year.

"We aren't big, but we'll hit you."

Princeton 0 0 0 0 -- 0

South Johnston 6 19 7 13 -- 45

First quarter

SJ -- 27 yard pass (kick failed)

Second quarter

SJ -- 6 yard run (kick good)

SJ -- 75 yard pass (kick failed)

SJ -- 39 yard interception return (kick good)

Third quarter

SJ -- 22 yard run (kick good)

Fourth quarter

SJ -- 12 yard run (kick good)

SJ -- 98 interception return (kick failed)

Princeton

First downs 4

Rushes-yds 29-(-13)

Passing yds 22

Total yards 9

A-C-I 14-2-4

Fumbles-lost 3-2

Penalties-yds 4-20

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Princeton -- Michael Radford 4-7; Will Gainey 8-2; Ben Mitchell 4-(-4); Dylan Myers 8-42.

PASSING -- Princeton -- Dylan Myers 2-14-4 22.

RECEIVING -- Princeton -- Phillip Mitchell 2-22.