Cox leads Rebels against AG

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 23, 2008 1:46 PM

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Going into a pivotal Class 1-A Carolina Conference showdown with Ayden-Grifton, the coaching staff at North Duplin knows which statistic will be the telling figure in the boxscore.

Time of possession.

For the Rebels' offense, that means senior tailback Akeem Cox will be busy.

"I like having the ball ... getting the carries," said Cox. "The offensive line has been doing a good job this year, and we have had some success."

Some success indeed.

Going into Friday night's homecoming clash at H.E. Grubbs Field, Cox leads all rushers in the News-Argus coverage area with 1,226 yards on an eye-popping 247 carries.

"Akeem has been doing a good job of carrying the load," said Rebels head coach Hugh Martin. "He got a little banged up over the last two weeks, but he's a really tough runner and he should be all right."

Cox twisted an ankle two weeks ago in pre-game warmups on a slippery track at North Johnston. Wet and sloppy conditions didn't help the Rebels' workhorse last week at Princeton.

In spite of some soreness and a slow playing surface, Cox racked up 163 yards on 20 attempts against the Dawgs. He also iced the game with his lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

With Cox accounting for 75.2 percent of the Rebels' rushing game, Martin was quick to point out the importance of finding rhythm in the passing game against the aggressive Ayden-Grifton defense.

"We need to be able to throw the ball enough, to keep the defense honest," said Martin. "We don't throw a lot of balls deep down the field, but we have some passes to get our receivers in space."

The emergence of freshman Devin Oliver as a capable backup will also help keep Cox fresh against the Chargers.

"He is going to be really good," Cox said of his young understudy. "We work together and I try to help him learn some things in our offense, but he has the talent to be great."

Last week, Oliver relieved Cox in the second half. On his carry, Oliver broke loose for a 24-yard touchdown run.

"Devin had an illness early in the season, and he was hurt for a while," said Martin. "Right now is really the freshest he has been so far."

Against Princeton, the Rebels showcased some three-back sets which allowed both Cox and Oliver to be on the field at the same time. That wrinkle in the North Duplin offense may help Cox achieve his personal goal.

"I would like to get close to 2,000 yards," said Cox. "I was able to get there last season, and it would be great to do that again."

In the first eight games, Cox has averaged 31 carries per game and has found the end zone 15 times. He has also been a fixture in the Rebels' secondary.

The return of former defensive standout Alan Schilling will spell Cox' snaps on defense.

"Alan coming back is big for us," said Martin. "He was a starter as a freshman on defense and him being able to give us a few plays will give Akeem a rest."

Schilling was slated start at quarterback until a knee injury in week one knocked the senior out of the rotation.

"He (Schilling) is great team leader," said Martin. "He has worked very hard in the weight room, on the practice field and in the classroom."