PREP FOOTBALL: CBA-E. Wayne, Part I

By Aviel Smolka
Published in Sports on August 30, 2018 5:51 AM

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By AVIEL SMOLKA

asmolka@newsargus.com

Charles B. Aycock and Eastern Wayne first met on the gridiron in 1967.

The two county rivals played each other four times from 1971-74.

They didn't meet again until 2001 when the Warriors dropped from 4-A to 3-A and joined the Golden Falcons in the Eastern Carolina Conference. Since then, they've faced each other every year in a series recently dominated by EW, which has won seven of nine games since 2010.

Going into tonight's game at New Hope, each team attempts to move on from wild games last Friday night.

Junior Angus Dove booted the game-winning 26-yard field goal with 17.5 seconds left to give the Warriors a 19-18 victory over Goldsboro in the third annual Wayne County Classic.

Warriors head coach Leander Oates is not worried about his team suffering a hangover from last week's win. He knows Aycock wants to rebound from a tough loss to Greene Central.

"On the trip back to Eastern Wayne I told them to enjoy the win, but come Monday that's it with Goldsboro," Oates said. "Last week was a rivalry game but this is another game where we can't lay down and not take Aycock seriously."

Oates would like to see a more balanced attack against the Golden Falcons. He has been pleased with the passing attack, but adds his team has not run the ball effectively.

One week after giving up 500 yards of total offense to Hunt, the Warriors' defense held Goldsboro to less than 100 yards rushing. Oates hopes that effort carries over against Aycock.

Last week, the Golden Falcons led 35-22 after three quarters.

The Rams rallied in the fourth and won 38-35.

Aycock head coach Steve Brooks took ownership of how the game ended last week and feels the Golden Falcons have already moved on.

"They've bounced back and they know that I took ownership of how the game ended last week," Brooks said. "We've got great leadership on our team and we'll be ready to play. For such a young team they still have a lot of confidence."

Offensively Aycock (1-1) moved the ball, but committed costly turnovers. Brooks' team defended the pass well, but gave up 247 yards rushing.

All week, the coaches have been focused on correcting the mistakes the Golden Falcons made because he knows the margin of error against Eastern Wayne is razor thin.

"This game could come down to whoever makes fewer mistakes and has less penalties," Brooks said. "Whoever does that will that will have a way better chance to win."