Goldsboro holds-off Southern Wayne

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 29, 2009 1:46 PM

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How about some Monday Night Football with a little Wayne County flair?

Goldsboro jumped out to a two-touchdown advantage, survived a see-saw second half and upended county rival Southern Wayne 20-12 at Cougar Stadium.

Heavy rains postponed the game from Friday.

The Cougars (4-2 overall) seized control on the opening kickoff and marched 76 yards to the end zone. Andre Montgomery compiled 45 yards rushing and capped the series with a 10-yard touchdown run.

One possession later, Freddie Jones ended an 11-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown scamper. The Cougars led 13-0.

"We were able to run the ball the way that we need to," said third-year Goldsboro head coach Eric Reid. "Our offense is based on being able to use three or four backs and use them each effectively."

The Saints' offense got untracked after two poor series.

With 21/2 minutes left before halftime, Southern Wayne (0-6) took over at its own 10-yard line. Javonni Robinson scampered 44 yards on the first play from scrimmage. Two plays later, Quintae Bradshaw broke loose for a 45-yard touchdown run.

"The wing-T isn't exactly a big play offense, but we got a couple big plays when we really needed them," said Southern Wayne head coach Bob Warren. "We need to be able to control the ball and put ourselves in good position to convert on third downs to be successful, and I thought we did a good job of that for most of the night."

Goldsboro scored to start the second half.

Quarterback Cortez Sprangle connected with Vontarius Kornegay just outside the right hash mark. Kornegay broke one tackle, tip-toed down the sideline and into the end zone.

Southern Wayne recovered a Goldsboro fumble at the 5-yard line late in the third quarter. Two plays later, Bradshaw crossed the goal line for the second time.

The Saints had two fourth-quarter possessions, but the Cougar defense stiffened each time. The visitors' final scoring chance ended on back-to-back incomplete passes which led to a turnover on downs at midfield.

"We are getting closer, and we are growing each week," said Warren. "These kids have such a good attitude. They are working hard to get better in every game."

Each team has Friday off.

Southern Wayne begins Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference play at home Oct. 9 against league newcomer Triton. Goldsboro plays its first-ever league game on the 1-A level at Carolina Conference foe North Duplin.

"It's exciting. We have never played North Duplin, so it's truly a new challenge," said Reid. "We have a little momentum, and hopefully we can get a few guys healthy and be ready to go."