Golden Falcons' offense finds wings in fourth quarter
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 21, 2011 1:51 AM
PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock and Rosewood played even football for three quarters.
The Golden Falcons dominated the final 12 minutes and raced to a 33-14, season-opening win at Hardy Talton Stadium on Friday evening.
A defensive change at the beginning of the fourth quarter made all the difference.
"One of my sophomores (Battle Burnette) came to me and asked what he should do when the guard came to double-team him," C.B. Aycock head coach Randy Pinkowski said. "I was kind of surprised that he recognized that, but I was glad that he did because once we fixed the defensive line we were able to take over the game."
Trailing 14-13 with less than one minute left in the third quarter, C.B. Aycock got the ball back and quarterback Cody Garris found Neil Clark with a short pass. Clark broke a tackle, got a block downfield and raced 67 yards to the end zone.
After a long Rosewood drive ended with a fumble, the Golden Falcons again took over and drove the ball 78 yards on 11 plays. Jeremy Hooks' 2-yard insurance touchdown put Aycock in front, 27-14.
Forced to put the ball in the air, the Eagles turned the ball over in less than a minute on their next possession. The Golden Falcons capitalized with a short drive that ended in a one-yard touchdown run by Hooks to complete the 33-14 score.
"I think at the end of the game we got worn down and it showed on both sides of the ball," Rosewood head coach Robert Britt said. "We were not able to slow them down when they got their running game going and we made a few mistakes when we had the ball."
Rosewood gained 206 yards on the ground, led by Shane Whitley's 119 yards on 23 totes which included a touchdown. Jamari McGown added 58 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles completed just two passes in seven attempts. Will Winslow made both receptions for 19 yards.
C.B. Aycock finished with 237 rushing yards. Garris led the Golden Falcon attack with 97 yards and one score. Hooks added 50 yards and three touchdowns on 10 carries.
Garris completed both of his pass attempts for 73 yards and a touchdown. Despite his strong play, Pinkowski was slow to name Garris as the Golden Falcons' starting signal caller in the team's two quarterback system.
"I think Cody was on the right end of the draw tonight," Pinkowski said. "I though Austin Snowden played really well, too, but when we were able to spring a big play it was Cody who was in the game."
Snowden completed three throws for 29 yards and added 25 yards rushing.
C.B. Aycock (1-0 overall) entertains Hunt next Friday, while Rosewood (0-1) is the guest of Wake Christian.