Warriors' confident leader: Improved Pike settles into QB role

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 29, 2013 1:51 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Confident and more mature as a starting quarterback, Mitch Pike has undoubtedly found his comfort zone on the football field season.

Having athletic teammates helps, too.

Pike is part of a junior class that bonded well with the seniors during winter and preseason workouts over the summer. The group developed a strong chemistry and dynamic skill set that's proven valuable during the past 14 weeks.

Eastern Wayne will display those talents again Friday evening.

The second-seeded Warriors (10-2 overall) entertain sixth-seeded Eastern Alamance in eastern semifinal-round action of the 2013 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Little Big Horn.

Last season, Pike struggled to stay calm and didn't consistently make good decisions with the football. The Warriors finished 4-7 overall and lost an opening-round playoff game for the ninth straight time in program history.

One year later, Eastern Wayne has enjoyed a record-setting campaign. Pike has been a focal point in the team's phenomenal success, but the always-humble signal caller insists there is room to grow.

"This year, I've really focused on my mechanics to help me get the ball out better in the pocket," Pike said. "I'm learning to become a student of the game, finding out more about the mental side instead of just the physical side like last year.

"It takes a year of experience at the varsity level to improve on your next year. I'm working to make smarter moves."

The extra preparation is paying dividends.

Eastern Wayne's offensive line gives a more-relaxed Pike between three and five seconds to scan the defense and see what is open. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder decides to either pitch the ball or tuck it in, or throw depending on the play called.

The Warriors have compiled nearly 4,000 yards of total offense this season with Pike responsible for almost half of the output. He's thrown for 1,700-plus yards, rushed for another 100-plus yards and amassed 26 total touchdowns.

He's spread the wealth among six receivers -- Malik Richard, Deshawn Boudy, Dayshawn Pridgen, Alex Davilla, Lavoris Vick and KK Best. Richard, Boudy and Pridgen each have 400-plus yards receiving.

Best and Vick have combined for 1,495 yards and 17 TDs on the ground.

"I have to compliment the offensive line because they're doing a fantastic job," Pike said. "It's awesome, really nice to know that we can call any play we want and use our athleticism. It's a real blessing for me and the guys around them to know that everybody is going to do their job and if they mess up, someone is there to help.

"We're having a lot of success this year."