Goldsboro defense has a ripping good time during homecoming

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 24, 2015 11:08 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

First man grip.

Second man rip.

Goldsboro's defense has lived by that motto this season.

It undoubtedly paid huge dividends before a homecoming crowd at Cougar Stadium on Friday evening. The Cougars forced five turnovers and the offense turned each extra possession into points during a 64-6 thrashing of Eastern Carolina 2-A Conference foe South Lenoir.

"We were in attack-style defense and I think that mentality has really gotten to the guys," GHS defensive coordinator Jay Wilson said. "And we just push, push, push (to) try to reset the line of scrimmage, get across on their side of the ball, get our hands on the ball carrier and the next man in knows let's get the ball out."

Barely six minutes into the opening quarter, Goldsboro's defense produced three fumbles -- two recoveries by Jameel Larkins and one by Rodney Dodson. The three miscues resulted in three touchdowns and a 21-point lead before tail-gaters could find a comfortable seat to watch the game.

Edmond Bufkin picked off Blue Devils quarterback Michael Pollard twice and returned the second interception 60 yards to the house.

Overall, Goldsboro's defense has recorded 35 takeaways this season.

"We really emphasize tackling, wrapping up, getting to the ball carrier -- first man grip, second man rip," Wilson said. "It's really helped us out a lot of getting the ball on the ground and being successful. The biggest thing was being in place."

The Cougars (5-4 overall, 2-1 ECC) held the Blue Devils to eight yards rushing and recorded 12 stops behind the line of scrimmage. South Lenoir logged two third-down conversions and its defense allowed Goldsboro to score on its final 10 offensive series.

Pollard's 56-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Kennedy accounted for South Lenoir's lone score. Pollard threw for 92 yards, including 72 to Kennedy on three completions.

The Blue Devils (0-9, 0-3) have scored just five touchdowns in their last 24 quarters of play this season.

"Coach Wilson preaches turnover, turnover, turnover," said GHS head coach Bennett Johnson, whose team collected 31 points off of the miscues.

Senior quarterback Na'shir Bowden threw for 199 yards and three touchdown passes -- two to Edmond Bufkin and one to Eric Bufkin. The duo hauled in a combined eight receptions for 138 yards.

Jamaal Wilson rambled for a team- and game-high 72 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries. Bowden, Aaron Smith (42 yards) and short-yardage back Sterling Dodson provided one touchdown apiece.

Jon Stevens booted a 25-yard field goal as time expired in the second quarter.

Goldsboro owned a decisive 370-100 advantage in total yards of offense.

"We just want to be balanced (on offense)," Johnson said. "In order to be a great team in the state and be competitive, you've got to be able to do both and you've got to do both well. The coaches worked hard together to put together a game plan, and it was just a good night.

"Ultimately, game plans don't matter if you don't come out and execute, and that's all to the players' credit."