Prep football notebook

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 7, 2011 1:49 PM

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East Montgomery threw its entire playbook at Goldsboro during the Cougars' 20-13 victory on Friday night in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A (small school) state playoffs.

The Eagles executed a pair of hook-and-ladders, including one that resulted in a third-quarter touchdown. East Montgomery also attempted two halfback passes, with the second being intercepted by Toric Best on the Eagles' final offensive play.

"They killed us with the trick plays," said Goldsboro High head coach Eric Reid said. "I've never in my life seen that many trick plays in one game. One thing I was glad they did do that to show our kids you have to stay at home. We'll talk in film session on Monday about stay at home and just do your job.

"If 11 men do their one particular job everything else falls into place."

Man of his word

Goldsboro tailback Devante Harris missed practice the majority of the week with a nagging back injury. Despite having his team's season on the line, Reid stuck by his rule to not start a player who doesn't practice.

Harris sat out the majority of the first quarter, but rushed for 173 yards and two touchdowns and also caught a touchdown pass.

"I try to run a disciplined program here," Reid said. "If you don't practice, you don't start. I couldn't break my rule on that. Devante did a wonderful job coming off the bench. He gave us a spark."

No passes needed

For the third time this season James Kenan racked up more than 300 yards of total offense and all of the production came on the ground.

The Tigers did not attempt a pass in their 40-18 win over East Columbus in the opening round of the NCHSAA 1-AA (large-school) football playoffs.

Part of the reason for the all-ground attack was the success quarterback Dominique Barnes enjoyed as a key cog in the Wing-T formation. The other contributing factor was the terrible field conditions.

"We have won a few games without throwing a pass and we knew with the wind, the rain and the muddy field, we probably would need to do the same tonight," James Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "Luckily we were able to get the running game rolling in the first quarter and get a lead."