Warriors hold off Saints

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 12, 2008 1:26 PM

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The action did not follow the common script for either team, but in the end Eastern Wayne made the biggest defensive stop Friday evening.

The Warriors halted a potential, game-winning two-point conversion run with five minutes remaining and edged county archrival Southern Wayne 20-19 at Little Big Horn. It was the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference opener for both teams.

"This game was exactly what we expect when we play Southern Wayne," said Warriors head coach Jeff Price. "Both teams played hard, made some plays, and it came down to the defense making one last stop."

With 5 minutes, 5 seconds left in regulation, Saints quarterback Jordan Williams called his own number on a 1-yard touchdown plunge. Instead of kicking the PAT, Southern Wayne head coach Bob Warren elected to go for two.

Again Williams called his own number.

The interior of the Warriors' defensive line held firm and stopped Williams.

"They made one more play than we did," said Warren. "We needed to execute on the line, and that play we didn't get it done."

Eastern Wayne (4-3 overall, 1-0 ECC) stalled at midfield on its next possession to give Southern Wayne (1-6, 0-1) another chance. But the Saints drew a roughing-the-kicker penalty when they attempted to block Steven Hall's punt.

Working with a new series of downs, the Warriors erased an additional 90 seconds off the clock. The Saints got one last chance, but Williams threw four straight incompletions to end the showdown.

"Getting this first conference win of the season is huge," said coach Price. "At this time of year you can throw the records out because on any given night every team is beatable."

Both teams diverted from their typical run-first offensive approach.

Dan Price recorded season highs for pass completions (13) and yards (157) to go along with two touchdowns. Will White hauled in seven receptions for a season-best 120 yards and one touchdown.

"Will is a guy that has a lot of talent," said coach Price. "You expect your skill players and seniors to step up, and tonight (Will) and Dan had it going."

Equally as impressive, Williams led the Saints' offense with 116 yards and two touchdowns passing on seven completions. Desmond Raiford caught three passes for 77 yards and two scores.

"When we complete some passes early, then we are willing to throw more," said Warren. "We had some success in the passing game, and then at the end we were forced to throw because of the situation."

James Jones led the Southern Wayne ground game with 56 yards on 14 carries. Mac Stover paced Eastern Wayne with 90 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.