Aycock faces Williams

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 2, 2012 1:48 PM

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Charles B. Aycock has played its fair share of tradition-rich teams throughout its football history.

Tonight is no exception.

The Golden Falcons travel to Burlington Williams for an opening-round game in the 2012 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A (small-school) playoffs. The Bulldogs captured three state championships during a six-year period in the early 1980s, and have four overall in seven state title-game appearances.

"I've played some teams with some pretty good traditions year in and year out," CBA head coach Randy Pinkowski said. "I like to think we have our own little tradition. It might not be (based) of wins and losses, but we do play quality football.

"We'll go out there and do the best we can, and come back to assess either win or lose what we can do better. I don't think either team could have pulled a better matchup in the first round."

Aycock (5-5 overall) is seeded fifth in the Mideast Region, while Williams (7-4) is seeded fourth. It's the first-ever playoff meeting between the two schools, according to NCHSAA records listed since 1972.

The Bulldogs endured a 35-8 loss in their Mid-State regular-season finale against Eastern Alamance last week. Jaylin Jeffries rushed for 136 yards and accounted for the team's lone touchdown.

Quarterback Christian Miles took a hard hit in the fourth quarter and was transported to Alamance Regional Medical Center for a probable concussion. His status is unknown.

Williams committed three turnovers in the loss.

"They're a little bigger up front than we are," Pinkowski said. "They remind me a little bit of Cleveland with the different offensive looks you get. They do what they do well as does pretty much all of the teams in the playoffs at this time."

The Golden Falcons are making their first postseason appearance since 2009 and seeking their fifth first-round win since 1981. Aycock has won three of its last five games including back-to-back triumphs over county rivals Eastern Wayne and Southern Wayne.

Senior quarterback Austin Snowden has thrown for 691 yards, rushed for 837 yards and accounted for 12 of the team's 28 touchdowns this season. Snowden has completed five or more passes to five different receivers.

Senior Jeremy Hooks and junior Neil Clark have led the backfield charge with 487 and 470 yards, respectively. The duo has combined for 11 touchdowns.

"I think our speed may create some issues for them," Pinkowski said. "Our offense has to move the chains, put some points on the board and help keep the defense off the field. The defense has played well this year, but we do wear down if we're out there all night.

"We have to keep the game balanced."