Cougars anxious to start ECC 2A football play

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on October 8, 2015 1:48 PM

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bdavis@newsargus.com

Last week won't be easy to forget.

After an emotional loss to Farmville Central more than 10 days ago, Goldsboro begins its Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference schedule Friday evening at North Lenoir.

"We had a couple of days off. We had a good practice, and our kids responded well (after the FC loss)," Cougars head coach Bennett Johnson said. "We really have to forget what happened."

One year ago, every ECC team entered conference play with a losing record. Goldsboro, in fact, had an 0-6 record. As a whole, the six teams had combined to win just eight games in 36 tries.

Now, two teams -- Kinston and Greene Central -- are each 6-0 and ranked in the Associated Press prep poll.

Goldsboro is 3-3.

"The conference has improved greatly," Johnson said. "It could be anyone's night."

Especially the Cougars, who have put a talented offense on the field this season. Senior quarterback Na'Shir Bowden has thrown for 1,175 yards and 11 touchdowns. He's also has three rushing TDs.

Ray'Quan Griffin is the Cougars' top receiver with 367 yards and one touchdown on 17 receptions. Senior wide receiver Eric Bufkin has caught 24 passes for 343 yards and five touchdowns in six games. Senior Jamal Wilson, who sees time in the backfield, has two touchdown receptions.

Wilson leads the team in rushing with 339 yards, followed by Aaron Smith with 272. GHS has 720 total yards rushing.

Senior linebacker Sterling Dodson spearheads the defense with 71 tackles, including four hits behind the line of scrimmage. Sophomore J. Larkins has 50 stops and four tackles for loss, followed by senior Kori Reid with 48 tackles.

Overall, the Cougars have recorded 22 tackles for loss, seven quarterback sacks and forced 24 turnovers.

North Lenoir is 1-5 with its lone win coming at Southern Wayne.

"We watched a lot of film," Johnson said. "We need to execute and be prepared as possible."