Johnson: Cougars not intimidated by No. 4-ranked Vikings

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on October 15, 2015 1:48 PM

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Goldsboro isn't intimidated by Kinston.

Not even the fact that the Vikings are 7-0 and ranked No. 4 in the latest Associated Press Class 2-A prep football poll bothers the Cougars.

And they certainly haven't forgotten last year.

"I don't think our guys get intimidated for anybody," Goldsboro head coach Bennett Johnson said. "We were up 20-0 last year at Kinston, and we ended up losing in the fourth quarter. Our guys know they can play with them."

The Cougars defeated North Lenoir 46-13 last week, while Kinston easily handled winless South Lenoir 67-0. The Vikings have the league's highest-scoring offense and second-best scoring defense behind Greene Central -- which is ranked No. 6 in this week's AP poll.

The Vikings have posed a challenge in preparation.

"Nothing really different than would normally be," Johnson said. "We watch as much (film) as we can. We talk to people that have seen Kinston play. Try to get any advantage we can get."

The Cougars have enough advantages already.

Senior quarterback Na'shir Bowden threw for 291 yards against NL. Senior cornerback Ray'quan Griffin had 67 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns. Junior running back Daryl Gaddies rushed 102 yards.

Junior defensive lineman Rodney Dodson, along with the rest of the Cougar defense held NL scoreless in the second and third quarters.

"We got faith in our guys," Johnson said. "They're (Kinston) offensive line and defensive line is probably going to be bigger than ours across the board.

"They're defensive line is probably the best defensive line we have played this season. They're big, fast and physical.

"I feel good about our guys on the offensive line, (and) I feel good about our guys on the defensive line. It's going to be a challenge, and I think we'll step up to that challenge."