Passing league ends

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on July 13, 2011 1:47 PM

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DUDLEY -- The third and final edition of the Wayne County passing league went off without a hitch on Tuesday night at Southern Wayne High School.

The only problem was that the guests may have stolen the show.

James Kenan, the only invitee from outside Wayne County, put on a potent offensive display from start to finish behind quarterback Parker Jones and a corps of talented receivers.

"It is a luxury to have a guy coming in here that has been a starter for us at quarterback and knows our system," said Tigers' head coach Ken Avent Jr. "I think we have learned quite a bit this summer as the guys have begun to understand each others tendencies."

Jones led the Tigers to the end zone on seven of the team's first eight possessions.

Goldsboro and Eastern Wayne both showed flashes of brilliance on offense, and each played improved defense in the secondary. Spring Creek was able to move the football, but had trouble slowing opposing passing attacks. Southern Wayne made plays defensively, but suffered from a team-wide case of the drops.

Not known as a passing threat, the Saints were able to make some gains in the passing game over the course of the three-week league which also included dates at Spring Creek and Eastern Wayne.

"I think it's easy to see that we are still trying to learn a new system on offense," said Southern Wayne assistant coach Jeremy Joyner. "It gets frustrating at times, but I think we are on our way to getting it."

With temperatures well above the 90-degree mark, the teams took some extra time between sets to get water and take a knee. Despite the smothering conditions, the coaches were collectively pleased with the experience their players were gaining.

"These reps are invaluable over the summer," said Spring Creek head coach Aaron Sanders. "There are a lot of things to teach once the fall practices start, so this lets us get a jump on things as coaches."

The teams will take a two-week break before organized practices begin July 30. The first playing date for high school teams is August 19.