Yellow Jackets sting Rosewood

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 14, 2008 10:56 AM

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ROSEWOOD -- The Rosewood Eagles held on as long as they could against Roanoke Rapids on Friday night, but in the end, the Yellow Jackets were too strong.

Roanoke Rapids won the game 41-7.

"I told our guys that we have played four quality opponents in our four non-conference games," Eagle head coach Robert Britt said. "Tonight, Roanoke was just to strong and too physical, but we need to keep our heads up."

Rosewood held serve during first quarter action and played to a 7-7 tie. Quarterback Joseph Willis found Joshua Holmes for an 18-yard scoring strike.

The momentum quickly faded however, as the Yellow Jackets jumped out to a 21-7 halftime advantage.

"We gave up a few big plays, and that cost us," Britt said. "We threw an interception that set them up for a score right before the half, and that made it a two score game."

Eventhough the second half did not go as the Eagles had planned, Britt was pleased with his team's work ethic throughout.

"We have six kids going both ways on offense and defense, and their effort was very good," Britt said. "My captains especially, guys like Erik Martel and Steven Bostik, they have done a good job of setting the right example for the younger guys."

One of those younger guys who has stepped into the limelight over the last two weeks is junior defensive back Akeem Simms. The talented, but inexperienced, defender has grabbed three interceptions in back-to-back Eagle losses.

"Akeem is doing a fantastic job," said Britt. "He came in for an injured player, and he has shown us that we have more depth at corner than we expected."

Rosewood will enjoy a week off, before hosting Midway on September 26.

Box Score:

Roanoke Rapids 7 14 12 8 -- 41

Rosewood 7 0 0 0 -- 7

First quarter

RW -- Holmes pass from Willis 18.

RW

First downs 6

Rushes-yds. 35-114

Passing-yds. 51

Total yards 165

C-A-I 3-7-1

Fumbles-lost 1-1

Penalties-yds. 3-30

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Rosewood -- Joshua Holmes 20-104; Erik Martel 3-0; Logan Waters 6-15; Joseph Willis 5-(-5).

PASSING -- Rosewood -- Joseph Willis 3-7-1, 51, TD.

RECEIVING -- Rosewood -- Akeem Simms 1-24; Joshua Holmes 1-18, TD; Will Beasley 1-9.