FOOTBALL: Frederick becoming key element of CBA's passing game

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on September 16, 2016 9:57 AM

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PIKEVILLE -- Through four games this season, it seems as though opposing defenses have attempted a specific plan to stop Charles B. Aycock's passing game.

First, try to contain wide receiver Chandler Matthews, who tallied over 1,000 yards and grabbed 12 touchdowns in 2015. Second, keep a watchful eye on tight end and N.C. State commit Damien Darden.

These concerns, while legitimate, have opened up multiple opportunities for the other big target on the Golden Falcons' offense -- wide receiver Luke Frederick.

The senior has three TDs, 11 receptions and leads the team with 296 receiving yards. In his most recent outing against Goldsboro, Frederick caught three passes for 108 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown reception.

CBA head coach Steve Brooks said defenses have often tried double teams or unique alignments over top of Darden and Matthews because the pair are on the same side most of the time. These instances have given Frederick an opportunity to make plays.

"We see some off-the-wall stuff trying to bracket those two guys," Brooks said. "And it's really left Frederick out there on an island. He's been capable all along to make plays. He just had to believe in himself, and he's done a tremendous job of taking advantage of some one-on-ones."

Although Frederick and the Golden Falcons' offense have experienced much success this season, their firepower and efficiency will be put to the test in a road battle against Corinth-Holders.

CBA is 0-3 against the Pirates, and has lost by a combined score of 124-68. Currently, Corinth Holders -- led by former Eastern Wayne coach Bubba Williams -- is 0-3 with losses to Northern Nash, and 4-A schools Clayton and East Wake.

Brooks said the Pirates have lengthy, athletic players on the defensive side of the ball, which is similar to what his team will face during conference play.

"At times we've seen on film they play off in coverage," Brooks said. "But they're so good up front -- are we going to have time to throw the ball out there and let our receivers have a chance? I think they give you some room, but I think we better be good at what we do up front."

Last season, CBA fell 56-19 to Corinth-Holders. Frederick caught three passes for 31 yards and a TD.

Brooks said his veteran receiver has grown as a player, and it has shown early during his 2016 campaign. Frederick already has more TDs and almost three times as many receiving yards as he did all of last season.

So when the Golden Falcons' offense steps on to the field tonight, Corinth-Holders will surely keep tabs on Darden and Matthews.

But with the stats Frederick has posted so far, it wouldn't be a stretch to believe the Pirates' coaches have put just as many asterisks and arrows beside his jersey number.

"We started to see it at the end of the year," Brooks said. "He became more vocal in what he was getting and that's carried over into this year. Getting some catches early has given him confidence, and now he feels like he fits in with Damien and Chandler."