Leopards' defense bags Gators

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 14, 2008 10:58 AM

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SALEMBURG -- The offensive struggles continued for Spring Creek in a 48-0, non-conference loss at Lakewood on Friday evening.

The Gators managed just 42 yards of total offense against the stingy Leopard defense.

"We have so many injuries, I dont even know where to start," said Gators head coach Aaron Sanders said. "I was on my fifth center of the season, and we have just been decimated along the offensive line."

The lack of pass protection certainly didn't help quarterback Courtland Jones during his first start at quarterback. The senior completed just 1 of 7 passes for 19 yards, but also threw three interceptions.

"I really didn't think that Courtland did a bad job," said Sanders. "The three picks that he threw were all off his back foot, and that is a sign of the pressure he was under."

On the positive side of the ledger, the Gator coaching staff may have found a pair of freshman running backs that they can count on. Antonio Deans and Devonte Harris combined for 57 yards rushing on 21 carries.

"Antonio is a great competitor ... a guy that wants the ball," said Sanders. "DeVonte is going to be a very good back in the future, so we feel like we have some young pieces to build on."

With the team off to a 0-4 start, and in the grips of a 20-game losing streak, Sanders and his coaches are focussed on keeping the tone of the program positive.

"The off week could not come at a better time for us. We need to get healthy," said Sanders. "We need to stay positive at practice, and make improvements every day.

"It's the basics and the fundamentals that will help us get better."

Spring Creek visits Holly Ridge Dixon on September 26.

Box Score

Spring Creek 0 0 0 0 -- 0

Lakewood 12 8 14 14 -- 48

SC LW

First downs 4 --

Rushes-yds 32-23 29-261

Passing-yds. 19 23

Total yards 42 284

C-A-I 1-7-3 2-7-0

Fumbles-lost 3-2 1-0

Penalties-yds. 10-95 4-25

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Spring Creek -- Antonio Deans 2-1; Courtland Jones 10-(-34); DeVonte Harris 19-56; Team 1-0.

PASSING -- Spring Creek -- Courtland Jones 1-7-3, 19.

RECEIVING -- Spring Creek -- Micheal Rivers 1-19.