Eight area teams take the gridiron tonight

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on September 28, 2017 10:54 PM

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It's time.

After five weeks of wading through proximity-based opponents, Wayne County prep football teams finally take a substantive turn toward the familiar this evening.

At long last, conference play.

Here's an overview of tonight's action:

J.H. Rose (1-5)

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C.B. Aycock (1-5)

Aycock enters its ECC 3-A matchup with J.H. Rose having dropped five in a row, and fresh off last week's 56-0 setback against New Bern.

And if there is a turning point in the season for Steve Brooks and Co., one must figure it is tonight.

"We have to be consistent," Brooks said. "And play with great effort. Cause turnovers."

The same could be said for the Rampants, who are 1-5 and a week removed from a 44-point loss to South Central. On the season, Rose has surrendered 148 more points than it has scored -- numbers which run contrary to who it has been in recent years.

So, what gives?

Perhaps an edge to the hosts, who will be staging a pink-out tonight, with proceeds benefiting the Kitty Askins Hospice Center.

New Bern (2-4)

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Eastern Wayne (3-2)

"This aint golf, this ain't tennis, this ain't bowling," Eastern Wayne head coach Leander Oates said in the aftermath of last week's 55-19 loss to ECC foe D.H. Conley.  "You have teammates."

Ahem.

And with New Bern coming to town after a 56-0 bruising of C.B. Aycock, here's hoping the troops were actively listening.

To avoid another setback, the Warriors simply need to press the reset button and return to what formed its clean, 3-0 start -- offensive balance and aggressive, physical defense.

Odds are, Coach Oates made both a focal point this week.

Southern Wayne (0-5)

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South Central (5-1)

Contain. Dexter. McDuffie.

Southern Wayne's ability to do that will be the determing factor in this matchup, which pits a mobile, throw-from-all-angles quarterback against a struggling defense.

In total, McDuffie has accounted for 671 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns this season, but his ability to keep plays alive -- just as he did all night last year at Dudley -- can prove fatal as well.

"We've gotta play a clean game," SW head coach Ronnie McClary Jr. said.

"South Central has fast players and we've gotta make the first punch... If we can establish the line of scrimmage on both sides, then we've got a great chance."

They'll also need a breakout effort from Shawntwon Leach, the Halos' most explosive all-purpose performer.

Spring Creek (3-2)

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East Duplin (6-0)

The Gators, off to a 3-2 start that should have included a win last week versus Midway, travel to Beaulaville for a tilt with the Panthers, who are undefeated and beating opponents like it's their job.

On the season, East Duplin has simply been clinical, scoring 248 points, allowing just 73 and winning every calculable phase of every ball game -- a fact not lost on Spring Creek interim head coach Daniel Robinson.

"Got to limit their offense making big plays early on and not let them get momentum right from kickoff," the coach said. "Offensively, we can't turn the ball over and have to sustain drives... In all, try to stay within striking distance in the first half."

James Kenan (1-4)

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Goldsboro (3-2)

When we last heard from Goldsboro, it was headed to film study following a 40-14 defeat at the hands of Nash Central.

Not to worry, however.

The Cougars dug in, returned to the basics and, according to head coach Elvin James, are ready for their first examination as a member of the newly-formed East Central 2-A conference.

Just don't expect a wild change in offensive philosophy.

"(We'll be)  putting the ball in Bowden's hands and let him do his thing," James said on Thursday. "We'll (be) ready."

But will James Kenan?

Through five games this season, the traditional juggernaut has given up 40-plus points on three occasions and was beaten 50-0 by Wallace-Rose Hill.  

And if the Tigers don't contain and wrap up Goldsboro tailback Xzavior Bowden, another long night could be in store.

North Duplin (5-0)

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Granville Central (2-3)

Grind down.

That was the message to North Duplin's varsity unit during Wednesday's  tight, two-hour session at the Pit, where the focus wheel was dialed into what it does best -- running the football.

The Rebels also managed a fair allotment of defensive and special teams details, all of which must make the trip tonight it they are to collect a victory at mysterious Granville Central. 

Of what it will take to emerge triumphant, head coach Hugh Martin noted, "Ball control on offense... proper defensive reaction with great pursuit (and) positive special teams production."

Princeton (4-1)

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Swansboro (4-1)

Balance.

That is exactly what the upstart Princeton will face on the road Friday when it tangles with a symmetrical Swansboro outfit.

Offensively, the Pirates are led by quarterback Thomas Reynolds, a senior who has tossed four touchdowns on the season and is also a threat to run the football.

As usual, Princeton will counter with Rahjai McPhatter, who has torched defensive coordinators for 930 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

If you're a fan of running the rock, this ticket has your name on it.

Wayne Christian (0-5)

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Bethel Christian (0-5)

First-year head coach Brad Matthews and the Eagles will attempt to garner their first win on the road tonight in Kinston, facing a Bethel outfit that has seen similar struggles this season.

Kickoff is 7 p.m.