Montgomery's dad a source for extra energy versus Charles B. Aycock
By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on September 16, 2010 1:47 PM
It wasn't Goldsboro's 0-2 start to the season or his first crack at Charles B. Aycock on the varsity level that caused Andre Montgomery to run with a renewed since of purpose on Friday night.
One glimpse into the stands just before kickoff provided Montgomery with all the inspiration he needed.
Montgomery's father was rushed to the hospital the day before the game with what was initially feared to be a heart attack. Those fears eventually subsided and Montgomery's father was released from the hospital Friday evening.
Moments before the game's opening kickoff, Montgomery saw his father in the stands and knew it was time to go to work. After missing last season's game with Aycock due to injury, Montgomery was determined to leave his stamp on his final meeting with the Golden Falcons.
"As soon as I saw him I had a big smile," said Montgomery. "I was eager to get back on the field. I just played my heart out and dedicated it to him."
That dedicated performance resulted in 177 yards rushing, two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown for Montgomery in the Cougars' 35-13 victory.
Although backfield mate Freddy Jones received much of the preseason publicity, it's been Montgomery who has carried the load for Goldsboro. The senior tailback has rushed for 339 yards on 46 carries for four touchdowns.
Montgomery is averaging more than seven yards a carry and is one of just two backs in the area to average more than 100 yards a game.
Prior to its win at Aycock, Goldsboro had averaged just 150 yards on the ground in season-opening losses to New Hanover and Eastern Wayne. A year ago, the Cougars rushed for 300 yards per game.
Hurricane Earl postponed Goldsboro's game with East Carteret two weeks ago. The bye week provided the Cougars with an opportunity to hit the practice field and revamp their offensive line.
After watching his offensive line struggle to create running lanes and protect quarterbacks Corteiz Sprangle and Julius Murphy in passing situations, Goldsboro head coach Eric Reid rearranged some personnel.
Robert Wynn was moved to tackle, DeMarquis Whitley shifted to right guard and Adrian Super took over at center. The moves paid dividends as the Cougars rushed for 252 yards and four touchdowns against the Golden Falcons.
"The main thing was just finding a chemistry," said Reid. "We just had to find the right mix and get them trusting in one another. As coaches, we had to trust them out on the field. Those extra couple of days helped us get ready for Aycock."
The bye week also gave Sprangle another week to rest a bruised shoulder in suffered in the season opener at New Hanover.
Reid admitted Sprangle would not have been able to play two weeks earlier against East Carteret. Sprangle was cleared to play against Aycock and completed 5 of 10 passes for 154 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown pass to Montgomery.
"We're multi-dimensional when Corteiz is in the game," said Reid. "We were able to do some things Friday that we couldn't do the previous Friday. His presence brought an extra confidence to the team and it showed."
Just like Montgomery's dad.