Mundle, Farmer, Murdock are Aycock's leaders
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on September 9, 2010 1:47 PM
Charles B. Aycock enters Friday night's tilt against county rival Goldsboro with more questions than answers on offense.
The Golden Falcons have moved the ball through the first three games of the season, just not consistently or at the right times. Head coach Randy Pinkowski explained the team's inability to punctuate drives with points during Wednesday's practice.
"We have to stop turning the ball over, plain and simple," said Pinkowski. "We have been able to achieve balance with our running and passing games, but we have had way too many turnovers and penalties that have killed us."
The solution to the team's troubles could rest with quarterback Tyler Farmer and his top two receivers -- A.J. Mundle and Craig Murdock. Each has put up solid numbers to open the campaign, but all three may be called upon to do even more as the season continues.
"When people think of the teams that I have coached, they always think of the power running game," said Pinkowski. "This year we have the skill guys on the outside that allow us to change our MO (modus operandi) a little bit."
Farmer has completed 24 of 48 attempts for 320 yards this season. The senior signal caller has tossed five touchdowns -- all to Murdock and Mundle.
Murdock, the team's leading receiver from 2009, has continued to deliver with 15 catches for 160 yards and one touchdown. Mundle has been a nice surprise from the tight end spot with eight catches for 139 yards and four scores.
"Mundle has been a really nice addition to this offense at tight end and that move has been a two-fold success," said Pinkowski. "Austin Willoughby has moved from tight end to center and he has been excellent, also."
Facing a Goldsboro secondary that has had issues stopping the opponent's passing game should help Pinkowski evaluate the team's moves to get their top playmakers the ball in better positions.
Goldsboro (0-2 overall) has given up 434 yards through the air and three touchdowns in back-to-back losses to New Hanover and Eastern Wayne. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 50 percent (23 of 46) of their passes against the Cougars.
After last week's game against East Carteret was postponed due to Hurricane Earl, Goldsboro has had two full weeks to rebuild its pass defense. Pinkowski expects the Cougars to be better prepared on Friday night.
"I think we present unique challenges for any team we play, but I know Goldsboro will be ready to get after it," said Pinkowski. "We have to play well in all three phases if we want to get a win."
C.B. Aycock won last year's meeting, 44-8.
Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Hardy Talton Stadium in Pikeville.