Warriors handed shutout loss

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 21, 2008 7:08 AM

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VANCEBORO -- Eastern Wayne sorely missed injured tailback Hassan Best on Friday evening.

The Warriors produced just 92 yards of total offense and couldn't get key defensive stops in a 29-0, non-conference loss to West Craven.

The host Eagles yielded four first downs and led 22-0 at halftime.

West Craven quarterback Brett Mooring lit up the Eastern Wayne defense for 185 passing yards in the first half alone, including a first-quarter touchdown pass to Justin Hardy.

Chris Pearson added a 67-yard kickoff return for a score early in the second quarter and Jamel Meadows contributed a 4-yard touchdown run.

Erik Highsmith hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Mooring late in the third quarter to cap the scoring.

The Eagles' defense made life miserable for the Warriors all night.

Eastern Wayne (2-3) compiled just 27 yards on the ground on 32 carries and quarterback Dan Price was picked off three times. Mac Stover led the Warriors' rushing attack with 28 yards on nine carries.

"We certainly miss Hassan and our other backs were dinged up as well," said Eastern Wayne head coach Jeff Price. "Their defense is very physical and they did just a tremendous job."

Eastern Wayne has the week off before hosting North Lenoir on Oct. 3.

"We need to get some folks healed and well and get them back in," said Price. "We're young, and offensively we're very young and that makes it tough. We've got to stop North Lenoir's running game, they have a very good running back.

"We'll have to have a maximum effort on defense and we'll have to be prepared when that times comes."