Southern Wayne routs Farmville 49-14

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 9, 2008 12:47 PM

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DUDLEY -- Call it a "coming out" party.

Held to a single touchdown in two previous outings this season, Southern Wayne's offense erupted at Farmville Central's expense Monday evening.

Senior running back James Jones rambled for season and career highs of 223 yards and two touchdowns, and the Saints mauled the short-handed Jaguars 49-14 at the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex.

Southern Wayne improved to 1-2, while Farmville Central exited winless in three contests in 2008. The Jaguars had 10 starters absent due to either injuries or disciplinary reasons.

Just one week ago, the Saints dropped a 7-0 decision to perennial Class 1-A power Wallace-Rose Hill. The shutout didn't cause too much alarm since the offense continues to seek its identity.

"(But) there's major concern when you don't move the football at all," said Southern Wayne head coach Bob Warren. "I think it's just one of those progression things and we took a step forward tonight. I'm very pleased with the effort there."

Jones took plenty of steps in the Saints' wing-T offense. His 26 totes were a season and team high, along with the team's total offensive output of 431 yards. Backfield mates Corey Baker (two TDs) and Eric Hinton (TD) rushed for 72 and 82 yards, respectively.

Quarterback Jordan Williams added two 1-yard plunges.

Overall, Southern Wayne ran a whopping 65 offensive plays compared to 31 for Farmville Central. The Saints also benefited from four first-half turnovers, which led to 28 points.

Defensive backs Hinton, Thomas Ferrell and Eric Long each intercepted Jaguar quarterback Jaquan Blount during either the first or second quarter. Ferrell's fumble recovery led to Southern Wayne's second touchdown of the game.

"We got a little pressure on them and got a few interceptions," said Warren. "I thought we played good defense. Them turning the ball back over to us was a big factor in us getting the early lead on them."

Baker emerged the workhorse as Southern Wayne converted seven consecutive third-down plays on its first three possessions combined. A 173-pound senior, Baker tallied touchdowns on runs of 5 and 16 yards as the Saints plowed ahead 15-0.

Jones and Williams also scored to provide the 28-6 margin at halftime.

Each team sustained lengthy drives in the third quarter, but their respective possessions ended on downs. Southern Wayne used eight ball carriers in the second half as Williams and Hinton each provided a fourth-quarter touchdown.

"In our scheme of things, knowing assignments is the most-important thing," said Warren. "What we worked on in practice is what we saw out here tonight. When you see the same thing in the game that you practiced, you hope the scheme work shows up."

But the victory proved costly in a short week.

Heralded freshman running back Keenan Winn sustained a third-quarter injury, which resulted in a trip to the hospital. Senior Scott Holloman limped to the sidelines with a second-quarter, left-ankle injury.

Warren didn't know the extent of the injuries.

"You hate to have those in a short week," said Warren.

The Saints return to action Friday at Jones Senior.