North Lenoir off to 2-0 start for first time since 2000

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 30, 2008 11:32 PM

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KENLY -- Marquez Powell's late 53-yard touchdown run and Rashad Brown's go-ahead two-point conversion propelled North Lenoir to a 15-14 win at North Johnston on Friday night.

Powell cramped up following his touchdown run, forcing Brown into the game for the two-point conversion.

"I just felt like with this young football team against a bigger and stronger North Johnston team that we needed to go for the win and not play for a tie and overtime," said North Lenoir head coach Wayne Jackson.

Powell finished with 177 yards on 18 carries.

The Hawks improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2000.

"I'm just extremely happy for this football team," said Jackson. "Last year we had eligiblity issues. I'm extremely proud of these kids because they stuck in there when it would have been easy to quit. Our six seniors hsve done an outstanding job of being good senior leaders."

E.J. Knight's 12-yard rushing touchdown and the following two-point conversion with just over two minutes to play put the Panthers in front 14-7, setting up North Lenoir's final drive.

The Hawks visit rival Kinston next Friday.

North Lenoir 7 0 0 8 -- 15

North Johnston 0 0 6 8 -- 14

First quarter

NL -- Vandiford 18 pass from Jackson (Baird kick), 1:15

Fourth quarter

NL -- Powell 53 run (Brown run), 1:00

NL NJ

First Downs 10 ` 10

Rushes-yds 36-289 34-212

Passing-yds 27 38

Total yards 316 250

C-A-I 2-8-0 4-17-2

Fumbles-lost 1-1 0-0

Penalties-yds 10-61 8-70

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- North Lenoir -- Ramone Aronold 1-0; Marquez Powell 18-177, TD; Mike Sutton 7-57; Maurice Morgan 4-35; Rashad Brown 5-29; Wiley Jackson 1-(-9).

PASSING -- North Lenoir -- Wiley Jackson 2-8-0, 27, TD.

RECEIVING -- North Lenoir -- Hunter Vandiford 1-18, TD; Mike Sutton 1-9.