Warriors endure road defeat

By From staff reports
Published in Sports on November 9, 2008 9:28 AM

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KINSTON -- So much for tradition.

Kinston is no longer a conference doormat.

The Vikings roughed up and ran over Eastern Wayne 51-12 on Friday and clinched the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference championship. It was Kinston's first league title in 26 seasons.

Tykeem Williams snatched two touchdown passes from Dori Hines and gave the Vikings an early 14-6 lead.

Demarcus Quinerly intercepted a Dan Price pass late in the first quarter and returned it to the end zone. The big play gave the Vikings enough breathing room to play aggressive on the defensive side of the football and shut down the Warriors' attack.

"We played with them in the first quarter, and actually had a chance to tie it up before the half," said Eastern Wayne head coach Jeff Price. "We had a fumble, a botched punt and a couple other mistakes that cost us."

Despite the lopsided score, Price finished with a solid stat line. The senior completed 8-18 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

Lamar Best was on the receiving end of both scores.

Mac Stover led the Warriors' rushing attack with 127 yards.

"We have had so many guys injured, and last night those injuries on defense showed up," said coach Price. "We don't know about the playoffs yet. We would like to get another week of practice and another week to get healthy."

Eastern Wayne (5-6 overall, 2-3 ECC) is eligible for an at-large berth in the playoffs. But Price's team ended up losing a tiebreaker and finishing fifth overall in the six-team league. The top three teams automatically qualify for postseason play.