Prep football: No. 1-ranked James Kenan has plenty of work to do

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on September 12, 2013 1:47 PM

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James Kenan has intentionally played a difficult non-conference schedule in hopes of preparing for another run through the postseason.

The top-ranked Tigers have one more hurdle to clear before opening their Carolina 1-A Conference schedule in two weeks.

James Kenan visits long-time rival East Duplin on Friday night. The Tigers (3-0 overall) have beaten 3-A Southern Wayne, archrival Wallace-Rose Hill and former Tri-County foe Union.

"We've had a tough non-conference schedule," Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "Every week we've seen some weaknesses we need to fix. We feel like our schedule has helped get us ready for conference play."

The Panthers (1-2) have endured back-to-back losses to Clinton and Wallace-Rose Hill. That doesn't change Avent Jr.'s opinion of what he expects to be a close, physical contest.

East Duplin has rushed for over 200 yards in two of its first three games. The two rivals have split their last six meetings and Kenan hasn't won at East Duplin since 2007.

"They've lost to some really good teams," Avent Jr. said. "They're real tough at home and we're going to have to play really good to win. They're run-heavy a lot like us and we're going to have to stop the run. It's definitely going to be a challenge."

The Tigers, who average 34 points a game, have received contributions from multiple players. Marcelias Sutton leads the rushing attack with 312 yards and two touchdowns. Al Owens, JaQuan Williams and quarterback Dominique Barnes have each rushed for over 100 yards; and combined for eight TDs. Barnes has also thrown for 265 yards and four scores.

Kenan averages 333 yards of total offense per game.

"We're changing some things offensively," Avent Jr. said. "We're going with two wide receivers more this year instead of two tight ends like we have in the past. We have several guys who can play that have made some contributions offensively.

"We've been able to run it and that has helped set up our passing game."

The Tigers have held their opponents to 10 points a game and created six turnovers, but Avent Jr. believes there is room for improvement.

Union scored a first-quarter touchdown a week ago, but was shutout for the remainder of the ballgame. Wallace-Rose Hill was limited to six second-half points and Kenan held Southern Wayne to 87 yards of total offense.

"We've bent at times, but we haven't broken," Avent Jr. said. "Teams have gotten in the red zone on us at times, but we've done a pretty good job of keeping them out of the end zone. I would like to create a few more turnovers than what we've been getting."