COLUMN: Local Notions - 'Best' season is finally here

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 19, 2018 3:05 AM

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Even though most football coaches are biased, you can't help but admit they're right.

The high school season is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year.

Despite the heat, the humidity and the gnats.

Put those unpleasantries aside and the pageantry associated with playing under the lights on Friday nights is definitely an adrenaline rush.

And it should continue at least for the next 11 weeks.

There's nothing like the unmistakable sound of leather popping or the 'ooh' from the crowd when a linebacker delivers a bone-jarring, teeth-rattling blow to a running back in the open field.

Goldsboro's season opener had that and more.

The Cougars put on quite an offensive display in their season opener against Hobbton.

The backfield trio of Xzavior Bowden, JB Rhodes and Isaiah Gray dodged would-be tacklers and found open grass to the end zone on several occasions.

Quarterback Brody Morton and the receiving duo of Jykeis McLean and Terrell Valentine put on a dazzling air show. Morton finished a perfect 10-for-10 passing, a remarkable stat that proves the senior has found his comfort zone.

Defense was also a cornerstone to success.

Hobbton's main running back, Dacorris Morrison, couldn't find an open seam.

Wildcat signal caller Greyson Rodgers attempted to throw the ball all over the park. He threw two picks, one that resulted in a 40-yard TD return by Rhodes.

McLean admitted afterwards that the team played well, but had plenty to clean up.

For instance, the officials -- particularly the line judge on Hobbton's side of the field -- tossed a total of 15 flags against the Cougars. The excessive yellow laundry resulted in the loss of 140 yards and three touchdowns.

Two questionable penalties extended Hobbton possessions. One ended on a fourth-down fumble and the other resulted in a turnover on downs.

"I was displeased with the penalties," newly-minted Goldsboro head coach Tim Ray said. "We play discipline, alignment, assignment football. A few of the penalties, I didn't see. We had way too many penalties."

Goldsboro's next date?

A matchup against crosstown rival Eastern Wayne in the third installment of the Wayne County Classic. The Warriors have won both meetings.

Eastern Wayne piled up 31 points and rallied to take the lead in the fourth quarter against Hunt.

But the Warriors surrendered 500 yards of total offense, 367 on the ground. Two Hunt backs surpassed the 100-yard plateau.

Hunt won 34-31.

The Cougars can ill afford to make critical mistakes against Eastern Wayne. They managed to escape trouble, even when they lost two fumbles in the second half.