Tigers' defense shuts down Wolfpack running game

By Staff Reports
Published in Sports on November 30, 2013 11:03 PM

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WARSAW -- James Kenan's defense held Whiteville's juggernaut rushing attack in check and spearheaded a 17-7 victory in eastern semifinal-round play of the 2013 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-AA football playoffs Friday evening.

The No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Tigers (13-0 overall) entertain Duplin County archrival Wallace-Rose Hill next Friday. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Bill Taylor Field.

"We played good, didn't turn the ball over which was a big emphasis after last week's turnover fest (against Princeton)," JK head coach Ken Avent Jr. said. "We played good defense against the run. It was one of those ball-control games that depends on field position and that fits our style (of play) better.

"We had a couple of big fourth-down stops ... just tackled good all night."

The second-seeded Wolfpack amassed just 165 yards of total offense, including 91 on the ground. Whiteville committed one turnover.

Keevon Miller paced the Tigers' defense with five tackles. Juan Hooper, Sam Melvin and Daniel Montoya supplied four stops apiece. Daniel, Marvin Bruinton and Antonio Smith combined for four tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Marcelias Sutton emerged as the Tigers' offensive leader with 89 yards and one touchdown on 18 carries. Al Owens contributed 69 yards, while JaQuan Williams provided 43 yards.

Quarterback Dominique Barnes rushed for 39 yards and a TD, and completed four passes for 32 yards.

James Kenan earned its second straight trip to the regional championship and seventh overall in program history since 1960.

Wallace-Rose Hill is making its fourth regional title-game appearance since 2009.

"It's going to be a good one," Avent Jr. said. "We're obviously happy to be playing in the fourth round again. It ought to be a good atmosphere down here this week, and it's good for Duplin County football."