Rosewood downs South Lenoir, 28-17

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on September 16, 2017 9:15 PM

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Locked in.  

Such was the general disposition of the Rosewood Eagles varsity football troupe on Friday, who sprinkled a determined effort with two big plays to dispatch Eastern Carolina 2-A member South Lenoir, 28-17, before a lively assemblage at "the Nest."

Leading the Blue Devils 7-3 with just two seconds dangling on the first half clock -- and with everyone in attendance expecting a kneel-down --  Rosewood head coach Robert Britt gathered his normally conservative air and exhaled a Boise State-inspired play-call for the ages.

Cue the hook-and-ladder.

Rosewood's dagger first took form in the hands of quarterback Tucker Chapin, who dropped quickly and fired a rope in the direction of Devin Johnson -- who, in turn, re-routed the grab to a sprinting Michael Reid -- then watched as No. 1 ghosted a fleet of South Lenoir defenders to the end zone.

"Coach (Josh) Smith asked me... what did I want to do with two seconds left, and I told him to run a play," Britt said after the game huddle. "He called it and the kids executed it beautifully... we practice that play every Thursday, and it was awesome to see it unfold."

Indeed.

And by the time Eagle safety Jordan Todd returned the second half kickoff for a touchdown -- a 90-yard, green-light vapor trail if there ever was one --  it appeared matters were largely decided.

But South Lenoir refused to go quietly.

The Blue Devils closed a three-score gap with 6:07 remaining in the third quarter after a touchdown by Steven Klakken, then inched to within four at the start of the final stanza when Jayden Carr tightroped to paydirt on an 18-yard burst that made the whole of Rosewood more than a little concerned.

It would prove to be South Lenoir's last stand, however, as the Eagles responded with a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive that left the Blue Devils with too little time to rally yet again.

Ball game.

Rosewood 28, South Lenoir 17.

"Our kids did a great job this week of shaking off last week's loss," Britt said. "(And) working hard to prepare for South Lenoir."

Chapin led a balanced RHS effort by going 8-9 through the air for 124 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed six times for 66 yards.

Michael Reid, who stamped the affair with more than a few signature moments, finished the night with two receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 40 yards and a score.

The Blue Devils were paced by the elusive Carr, who carried the luggage 24 times for 104 yards. Dalton Lane (80 yards), Xavier Mitchell (80 yards) and Tyrese Suggs (63 yards) all factored prominently for South Lenoir, who fell to 1-4 on the season.

Rosewood, now 3-2, plays host to non-conference foe Wake Christian Academy next week.

In other county prep football action from Friday...

North Duplin 35,

Southside 6

CHOCOWINITY -- Have game, will travel.

That appears to be the modus operandi for the North Duplin Rebels, who excelled in all phases Friday en route to a 35-6 blistering of Southside High.

The green-and-gold raced to a 14-0 lead after one quarter and held a 28-6 advantage at the break.

Quarterback William Archer once again helmed the attack, rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Kenny Sheppard also bruised Southside's No. 4-ranked defense, totaling 161 hashmarks on the evening.

Defensively, the Rebels forced a fumble and nabbed an interception -- part of a performance universally praised by head coach Hugh Martin.

"We had a good night," Martin said. "The offensive line did a real good job of creating the seams we want... (and) our defensive line did a real good job of recognizing what was in front of them... being in the right spot. Those two things were key."

North Duplin is now 5-0 on the season.

Princeton 36,

Wake Christian 21

RALEIGH -- Princeton moved to 3-1 on the season with a good-in-all-phases, 36-21 triumph on Friday over Wake Christian.

The Bulldogs were solid from the outset, establishing a 14-point lead by the break and never letting Wake Christian properly threaten.

Now 3-1 this fall, PHS plays host to North Johnston next week.

Nash Central 40,

Goldsboro 14

ROCKY MOUNT -- It was a rough night for the Cougars, whose trip to Rocky Mount ended in a 26-point non-conference setback.

Next up for GHS (3-2) is a date with James Kenan.

North Johnston 47,

C.B. Aycock 32

PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock suffered at the hands of North Johnston quarterback Trey Whitley on Friday, who dealt the powder blues a 47-32 setback.

And there is no rest for the weary, either, as CBA (1-4 overall) makes the trek to face New Bern next Friday.

Kinston 36,

Southern Wayne 0

DUDLEY -- Kinston used a 20-point outburst in the third quarter to race by Southern Wayne, 36-0, on Friday.

Shawntwon Leach had seven carries for 41 yards for the Saints, who remain winless this season.