Johnson: Cougars have to generate speed

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on August 28, 2014 1:48 PM

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aetzler@newsargus.com

Goldsboro wide receiver Joe Baker walked up to head coach Bennett Johnson and told him about the video.

It's a video on YouTube of the Eastern Wayne-Goldsboro game.

From 1989, no less.

But the rivalry between cross-town foes Eastern Wayne and Goldsboro goes further back to the 1970s. And the history is not lost on the Cougars.

"They're talking on Twitter, all that stuff," said Johnson, who was a part of the rivalry when he was Goldsboro's offensive coordinator in 2012 -- the last time Cougars beat the Warriors.

"So it's a fun rivalry, but they know there's bragging rights on the line and a lot of people are going to be out there. We want to make sure our fans get bragging rights."

For that to happen, Goldsboro must start faster than it has in practice, in preseason scrimmages and in last week's season opener against Franklinton. The Cougars fell behind 20-0 early in the second half.

Johnson remains unsure on how to fix the slow start, saying it's something the players need to find within themselves.

"It's going to take the leaders of this team getting these guys ready to come out and play fast," he said. "If you can't come out against your county rival you just may not be able to come out fast."

One key for the Cougars to start quick is to establish the running game and control the clock. Running lanes were scarce against Franklinton and once Goldsboro went down three touchdowns, quarterback Nashir Bowden had to open up the playbook and chuck the ball around the field.

"We don't want to throw 37 times," Johnson said. "We need to be able to get it to third and manageable. We weren't very good on third downs last week. You need to be able gain yards on first and second down.

"We can't afford to have three-and-outs against them."

The Cougars have spent considerable time in the film room this week and have learned one big thing about the Warriors.

"They're fast," Johnson said. "They are really fast. They're so fast. They can run out in space and between the tackles. We have to be so prepared that we're one step ahead of them."

Eastern Wayne is one of eight teams on Goldsboro's rigorous schedule that advanced to the postseason in 2013. Johnson doesn't like to lose and he doesn't want to start the season 0-2.

"I tell you, you get nervous," he said. "The first one is always the hardest to get. So we want to crack that code. No better week than against a county rival."