1AA football: James Kenan battles talented running back factory Tarboro

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 27, 2014 1:33 AM

• Print
• Email

rcoggins@newsargus.com

WARSAW -- Bill Taylor Field is like the Bates Motel.

Opponents check in.

Very rarely do they check out.

James Kenan's home turf has become a graveyard for the opposition in the playoffs since 2006. The Tigers have prevailed in seven straight outings and 24 of their last 26 overall.

The two to escape, you ask?

Midway stunned Kenan in 2008 and Southwest Onslow defeated the Tigers in the 2012 regional championship.

The next guest: Tarboro.

"I've never really seen them play (but) they've always been good offensively and I was very impressed with them defensively (on film)," said Kenan head coach Ken Avent Jr. of the eastern semifinal-round game in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 1-AA playoffs.

"It's going to be challenge for us. We're going to try to do what's got us here and see if it's good enough to win."

A football factory that produced Georgia running back Todd Gurley, the Vikings played for four consecutive state 2-A titles -- and won three -- from 2009 to 2012. They're seeking their seventh trip to a regional final and sixth with head coach Jeff Craddock, who started his career at THS with then-head coach Mike Schott.

Tarboro averages 339 yards a game, including 304.9 on the ground in its famed straight-T scheme. Deshan Farmer is the top rusher with 896 yards and 13 touchdowns on 896 carries.

Markese Clapp, a two-way starter, has 598 yards and 11 TDs. Backfield mates Daniel Lewis and Tay Battle have combined for nearly 700 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"They've got good backs and are sound in what they do," Avent Jr. said. "One thing they do is carry out their fakes (well). If you're looking at the backs, you're in trouble. Our guys have to follow their keys.

"If they don't, it will be a long night, I can tell you that."

The No. 1-ranked Tigers (11-1 overall) have been a balanced offense this season, but a little more run-oriented in the playoffs. Al Owens, injured during the first half of the season, rambed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries.

JaQuan Williams rushed for three scores and hauled in a 1-yard TD strike from quarterback Ken Avent III. Ranked among the area's top five passers, Avent III has accounted for 2,056 yards and 36 touchdowns this season.

The offensive unit faces a staunch Vikings defense.

Linebacker Arieus Hines is one of four Tarboro players to register 60-plus tackles this season. Linebacker Dee Payne and Clapp have combined for eight stops behind the line of scrimmage.

The Vikings, overall, have recorded 61 tackles for loss and coaxed opponents into 28 turnovers.

"Athletic," Avent Jr. said. "I've always thought them to be small and quick, but they're big, too. They get downhill good and run to the ball. We know going into this week, we're probably going to have to throw it a little more than we did this past week.

"It will be nice if we can just run it."

And add more bones to the Taylor Field graveyard.