No. 4-ranked Kinston gains control over Goldsboro in 2nd half

By Brandon Davis
Published in Sports on October 17, 2015 11:33 PM

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bdavis@newsargus.com

KINSTON -- Goldsboro's first-half play proved the Cougars have what it takes to play against an undefeated team.

In the second half, Kinston showed why it's ranked No. 4 in the state. The Vikings scored 28 points en route to a 34-6 win over their Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference opponent.

"That's right, 6-0," Cougars head coach Bennett Johnson said. "That's what I wanted our guys to know. We can compete with anybody we step on the field with. They've got to believe that.

"I think they realized that in the first half. You know, we were at 6-0 with the number four team in the state at halftime."

Then came the second half.

Jaquan Artis scored with four minutes remaining in the first quarter and the Vikings (8-0 overall, 2-0 ECC) didn't score again until the third quarter on a touchdown from Tavon Harris.

Kinston eventually built a 27-0 lead.

Sophomore running back Aaron Smith rushed for a 7-yard touchdown just before the third quarter ended. Smith finished as the Cougars' top rusher with 69 yards on 14 carries.

"We were trying to mix it in the back, just keep them fresh," said Johnson, who referred to Smith. "(And) try to keep Kinston honest on defense. You just got to give them (Kinston) credit. They're good in the box. They're good in the secondary.

"They really have a complete defense."

Thomas Vermillion added the Vikings' final touchdown -- a 3-yard run with two minutes remaining in the game.

Goldsboro senior quarterback Na'Shir Bowden, who received the WRAL Extra Effort Award on Wednesday, threw for 90 yards and had 14 yards on the ground. Jamaal Wilson rushed for 26 yards.

Junior wide receiver Jacob Owens had 62 yards on two receptions. Bowden also completed passes to Wilson, Ray'Quan Griffin and Eric Bufkin.

"We didn't necessarily play our best football," Johnson said. "We got to play better. We got to make sure we take care of us and take care of ourselves. The chips will fall where they may as long as we keep working hard."

Goldsboro (4-4, 1-1) returns home Friday to play South Lenoir.