Area ADs seek some normalcy

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 7, 2008 11:33 AM

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Tropical storm Hanna is gone.

But area athletics directors remained concerned.

Hurricane Ike churns in the Atlantic waters with a projected path taking it toward Key West. They hope the Category 4

storm remains south and doesn't venture along the North Carolina coast.

If that happens, then prep football can return to its normal status.

Until then, three area games are scheduled for Monday evening -- Farmville Central at Southern Wayne, Jones Senior at North Duplin and Hobbton at Rosewood. All three contests kick off at 7 p.m.

The reigning eastern 1-A (small-school) champion, North Duplin goes after its 15th home victory with third-year head coach Hugh Martin. The Rebels lost starting quarterback Alan Schilling (ACL) the first week of the season, but have performed well in two outings this season.

Akeem Cox is the area's second-leading rusher with 366 yards and six touchdowns. Quarterback Marcus Kornegay has thrown for 243 yards and has the area's best passing percentage (.667).

North Duplin won last year's meeting 28-12.

Joshua Holmes, a standout wrestler, churned out a season-high 99 yards in Rosewood's road win at Chocowinity Southside on Monday. He's yet to score a rushing touchdown, but reeled in two TD passes from Brandon Ash against the Seahawks.

Ash threw a career-best three TDs in that game, including a third-quarter strike to Joseph Willis. The 5-foot-7, 135-pound signal caller was accurate on 3 of 5 attempts for 84 yards.

Rosewood is 1-1 overall and looks to avenge last year's three-touchdown loss at Newton Grove.

Another slow start in Dudley might have the fans a little worried, but not the Saints' coaching staff. Graduation took its toll at several positions and Bob Warren's team continues to search for an identity.

James Jones has emerged as Southern Wayne's top rusher and averages 61 yards per game. Ryan Mesimer is the leading receiver (42 yards per game) and quarterback Jordan Williams ranks sixth among the area's passers.

The Saints are 0-2 overall.

Charles B. Aycock athletics director Charles Davis announced that Friday's game against Greene Central has been moved to Oct. 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Rams won last year's meeting, 27-21, in triple overtime in Snow Hill.