Saints look to derail Golden Falcons' playoff hopes

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 24, 2012 1:48 PM

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There will be a lot on the line when Charles B. Aycock travels to the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex on Friday night to face Southern Wayne.

Both teams will be looking to earn a victory over a county rival, but the Golden Falcons (4-5 overall) will be in search of an even bigger prize -- a potential trip to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 3-A playoffs.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

"I think our guys understand what the last week of the season means and they know the position we are in," C.B. Aycock head coach Randy Pinkowski said. "We need to have a good week of practice and come out focused on Friday night."

The Golden Falcons are coming off a bye last week following a win over Eastern Wayne on Oct. 12. Having essentially two weeks to heal bumps and bruises and gameplan for the Saints' Wing-T offense should be an advantage.

C.B. Aycock is led by do-it-all quarterback Austin Snowden, who has amassed 719 yards rushing and 643 yards through the air. Snowden has accounted for 14 touchdowns in nine games.

Jeremy Hooks and Neil Clark have combined for 900 yards on the ground while A.J. Mundle leads the team with 162 yards receiving.

"C.B. Aycock has a lot of weapons and they spread the ball around," Southern Wayne head coach David Lee said. "Defensively, we are going to have to play our assignments and finish plays with good fundamental tackles."

Southern Wayne (1-8) enters Friday night on the heels of a loss to North Lenoir. The Saints will not be playing for a postseason berth, but will have emotion on their side following senior night activities. Southern Wayne also has history in its favor, having won the last two meetings.

Andrew Matthews has emerged as the Saints' top offensive weapon. Matthews has gained 1,128 yards on 137 carries and has scored 11 touchdowns on the ground. Matthews also has 100 yards receiving and one score.

"We have been in some battles with Southern Wayne over the years and I know coach Lee will have his guys ready to go," Pinkowski said. "Sometimes the fact that it's a rivalry game makes the records mean a lot less."