Johnson: Goldsboro must get better

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 21, 2014 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Goldsboro is in a transition year, but there is some talent to keep it in contention for a postseason berth.

However, the Cougars have to get better.

Scrimmages against defending state 1-AA champion James Kenan and perennial 3-A power Wilson Fike disappointed the Goldsboro coaching staff last Friday. The Cougars got their bell rung, failed to consistently control the line of scrimmage and didn't show any grit.

They simply got their bell rung.

"Our scrimmage, hopefully it will be a blessing in disguise because it was not a good night on either side of the ball," said first-year GHS head coach Bennett Johnson, who makes his debut at home Friday against Franklinton.

"We weren't playing with a lot of energy and we weren't playing tough. I'm a positive guy, but I call a spade a spade. Our guys are either going to answer the bell or not, but I think they will."

Goldsboro looks to snap a five-game skid in season-opening games. It's last victory occurred in 2008, a 59-0 triumph over county foe Rosewood.

To avoid its sixth straight defeat, the Cougars must display a strong mental tenacity and execute against the Red Rams -- one of eight teams on Goldsboro's schedule that advanced to the postseason in 2013.

No one touched a football in practice Monday. The entire team, instead, pushed the sled and ran the entire 2-hour session.

The offense worked against Franklinton's scout-team defense Tuesday. Johnson wanted to make sure the players understood what routes/gaps to run and who they're blocking so no one is confused.

"We just fixed some technical things," Johnson said. "Most of Friday night was us getting pushed around, but we also didn't make some plays we should have. I know the toughness is going come around, so we have to make sure we execute."

And succeed on defense, too.

Franklinton employs a shotgun scheme that puts pressure all over the field. The Red Rams, who lost 96 percent of their offense and 23 seniors to graduation, could show either multiple receivers or have three ball carriers in the backfield.

"Coach (Mike) Harper went over the formations," Johnson said. "He wants our defense to be able to recognize it when they come to the line, so they can call out plays. He probably knows Franklinton's offense better than anyone right now."