Rebels get rematch with Pinetown Northside

By Allen Etzler
Published in Sports on November 14, 2014 1:48 PM

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CALYPSO -- North Duplin coach Hugh Martin is thankful running back Brion Kornegay is finally healthy, but he's not about to constantly feed the ball to him.

The Rebels' Wishbone option offense depends on reading the defense each play rather than picking a player and designing plays around him.

"You can manipulate some things in the scheme to get them more opportunities, but with this offense you never really know until you're actually running the play," Martin said. "It also depends on how the line is doing."

The line has played well the last three games. North Duplin has tallied 844 yards rushing and scored 10 touchdowns.

Friday, the Rebels' line will have to continue that kind of play to allow running backs like Kornegay to get space to roam if they want to upset Pinetown Northside on the road in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A state playoffs.

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

The game is a rematch from week two when Northside won 44-27.

Only this time, North Duplin will an extra weapon. Poised to have a big year, Kornegay injured his ankle in the Northside game and struggled to regain his form. He had 65 yards on eight carries before heading to the sideline.

The ankle, and a foot injury, hindered Kornegay for much of the season. But he has regained his form, and rushed for 429 yards and four touchdowns in the last four weeks. His last two games have been 100-plus-yard efforts.

"The biggest thing for him was getting him healthy," Martin said. "He's finally getting close to where he was at the Southside game at the start of the season."

Despite Kornegay's recent success, the Rebels haven't been able to put wins on the board. North Duplin has dropped five of its last six games, but Martin makes sure the defeats don't bother him or his players.

"We go by this mindset that you can enjoy a win or suffer through a loss until Monday," Martin said. "Come Monday we need to get back to work, regain our focus. We really try not to let things carry over."

Facing Northside does give North Duplin a sense of familiarity. Martin pulled out his scouting notes and reviewed the film.

"We know the things they did against us and the things we've seen them do on film," Martin said. "But a team can change it up any time, so we have to be ready for that."

Kaleb Brock has gained experience in the backfield during Kornegay's absence. Martin knew how Brock would play on defense, but found him to be a pleasant surprise on offense. Brock has accounted for more than 700 yards of total offense and eight TDs.

"Kaleb has done an exceptional job for us on that side of the ball," Martin said. "Especially with catching the ball. He's filled a huge spot for us this year."

The Rebels remain banged up, however.

"We've got five or six guys hobbling around right now that we're not sure will be ready," Martin said.