C.B. Aycock advances to third round for first time ever

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on November 4, 2007 2:29 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Like a match lit in a forest, Charles B. Aycock's offense has the potential to erupt at any time.

The Golden Falcons overcame a slow start to roll past Triton 5-1 in the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs at Hardy-Talton Stadium on Saturday night.

Aycock advanced to the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in school history.

The Hawks pressured the Golden Falcons early and often, getting off a pair of quality shots on goal and a corner kick in the first seven minutes. After negating those scoring opportunities, Aycock simply flipped the switch on its offense.

Tyler Ruffin found Jorge Delgado off a throw-in and Delgado chipped the ball over Triton keeper Timothy Bass' head for a 1-0 lead in the 15th minute.

"We got a goal and that kind of eased things for us," Aycock assistant coach Byron Adkins said. "We always talk about getting that first goal and easing the pressure. It worked for us tonight."

Delgado struck again in the 28th minute, taking a pass from Alex Rodriguez and chipping it over Bass' head. Just two minutes later, Rodriguez stuck a free kick in the back of the net from about 15 to 20 yards out, giving Aycock a 3-0 lead at the half.

With Triton on the ropes, the Golden Falcons wasted little time putting the game away. Two minutes into the second half, Rodriguez found Drew Musselman in the 18-yard box, and Musselman beat Bass in the right corner of the goal.

Delgado played a ball to Rodriguez in the 50th minute, that Rodriguez dribbled right past Bass and tapped easily into the net. The Golden Falcons finished with a 10-8 shots on goal advantage. Aycock has now scored 103 goals this season. Keeper Brandon Davis finished with eight saves in goal.

"On our home field one goal can ignite a ton of goals," Adkins said. "We've scored a ton of goals lately, and they keep coming for us. It seems like once we score one, the light comes on and its like blood in water, we're ready to go after that."

Triton picked up a late goal to avoid the shutout.

C.B. Aycock will host the third round of the state playoffs at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, against either Currituck or perennial power Jacksonville White Oak.

"Our focus right now is great," Adkins said. "The last time we played White Oak a long time ago we didn't fair too well. We're just happy to be in the third round right now. A lot of teams would love to be where we are right now."