North Duplin tops Northside

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on August 31, 2013 11:46 PM

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CALYPSO -- Most of the questions about North Duplin centered around its backfield prior to the season.

Through two weeks, the Rebels have begun to find some answers after a 398-yard, four-touchdown rushing performance in a 28-0 win over Pinetown Northside at H.E. Grubbs Field on Friday evening.

North Duplin senior fullback Daron Goodman rushed for 208 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in three quarters of action. Quarterback James Britt added 90 yards on the ground and a score. The Rebels had 15 running plays that gained seven or more yards.

"These guys have worked hard to learn what to do to step in and go do it," Rebels' head coach Hugh Martin said. "Daron's found a home at fullback now and he's doing a great job for us. James is starting to read the option better every day and make good decisions.

"We're coming around offensively."

Goodman capped a 12-play, 79-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter.

The Panthers recovered a North Duplin fumble and marched to the Rebels' 5-yard line. Northside's Rockne Butler was stopped on fourth-and goal. On the next play, Goodman raced 96 yards to the end zone.

Goodman has rushed for 392 yards and four touchdowns in two games.

"I didn't think that was going to happen," Goodman said. "When I saw our linemen execute perfectly I just took advantage of it and went to the end zone."

Goodman had 192 of North Duplin's 242 yards of offense in the first half. The Rebels converted three of four third downs in the first two quarters and 6 of 9 for the game.

North Duplin's offensive line continued its dominance in the third quarter. Britt's 48-yard touchdown run and Blake Rhodes' conversion led to a 21-0 advantage.

The Rebels (2-0 overall) recovered their second pooch kick of the game and cashed it in on Kaleb Brock's 4-yard score.

The Rebels' defense held the Panthers to 151 yards of offense. Northside converted just one of seven third-down attempts and lost two fumbles.

"We've really gotten after it well defensively in both games," Martin said. "We've been aggressive up front. Our front four are really getting after it well. We're running to the ball well."

North Duplin plays host to South Lenoir next Friday.