C.B. Aycock loses heartbreaker in overtime

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on September 30, 2012 1:50 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock had everything going in its favor before a sellout homecoming crowd Friday evening.

Until the final play of regulation.

South Johnston tallied a touchdown, subsequent two-point conversion and eventually claimed a 37-30, overtime victory over the Golden Falcons at Hardy Talton Stadium. It was Aycock's second OT contest against an Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference foe in as many weeks.

"Geez, geez, geez," CBA head coach Randy Pinkowski said as he scratched his head. "We were pleased with the offensive execution tonight, they put points on the board. Defensively, we've got to tackle a little better ... missed some big tackles and hat's off to them because their kids run the ball hard.

"Looking back at it, what could we do different? Not a thing."

Except maybe ask for a play review -- if that existed in high school football.

Austin Snowden's 3-yard plunge capped a short 25-yard possession and gave Aycock a 30-22 lead with 2:12 left in regulation.

The Trojans took over against a gassed Golden Falcons' defense that had forced three straight three-and-out series in the quarter, but had been on the field for at least six minutes.

Austin Raynor directed an 11-play, 57-yard scoring drive that ended when Garrett Smith and Aycock corner Devin Graves each jumped for the ball and came down with it together. The linesman ruled it a catch in Smith's favor and the Trojans added the two-point conversion to force the extra session.

Hello Green Bay-Seattle without the replacement refs.

"A very questionable call in the corner of the end zone, but once again now you're a victim of judgment," Pinkowski said. "That judgment didn't go our way tonight in a critical situation."

Quentin Willams snagged his third touchdown pass -- a 19-yard completion in overtime. The Trojans' defense recorded four straight stops on Aycock's possession to seal the comeback.

"What more can you ask for play when you play it right down to the wire?" Pinkowski said. "I can't fault the kids because the effort was there."

Aycock grabbed a 16-0 lead on Neil Clark's 14-yard run and Jeremy Hooks' 25-yard dash before most of the 1,200-plus fans could find a suitable spot to watch the game in humid conditions. Clark finished with 81 yards on the ground, while Hooks provided 97 yards and two scores.

South Johnston pulled to within 16-14 and trailed 22-14 after Devin Graves' 43-yard halfback option pass to Dylan Hinnant set up Aycock's third touchdown of the first half.

Raynor completed 22 of 42 passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns, and rushed for another 115 yards and a score. Williams hauled in three TD receptions and finished with 117 yards.

The Trojans owned a 409-314 edge in total offense.