Council runs wild as Saints win shootout

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on August 20, 2006 2:23 AM

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VANCEBORO -- Southern Wayne junior Anthony Council picked up where he left off last season -- rushing for 223 yards on 21 carries with three touchdowns Friday night in the Saints' 49-40 road win at West Craven in season-opening action.

Council, running behind an experienced offensive line, rushed for three of Southern Wayne's first scores -- including a 75-yard run in the second quarter. The junior added a 96-yard kickoff return in the third quarter to cap the Saints' scoring. Kelvin Flow added two scores, while Alex Aldridge hauled in a 47-yard touchdown grab from Southern Wayne quarterback Michael Holland -- giving the visitors a 43-14 lead at halftime.

"I thought the offensive line created some holes for all three backs to run through. Once they got through the line, they did an outstanding job getting extra yardage," Southern Wayne coach Bob Warren said. "With a veteran line coming back, we're jelling a little bit. That helps our defense when the offense can stay out on the field."

West Craven (0-1) controlled the clock after intermission and outscored the Saints 26-6. Brett Moye was 21-of-42 for 336 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions for the Eagles. Charles Morgan had 17 carries for 124 yards and two second half touchdowns, while DeAndre Jones also added two rushing touchdowns for West Craven.

"We played well offensively in the first half, and our defense made some improvements since the scrimmage," Warren said. "West Craven came out in the second half and just really made some plays. I think we only ran 13 offensive plays in the second half. I credit a good West Craven team for that."

Eric Futrell and Tristan Bass had two interceptions each for Southern Wayne, while Brady Wiggins and Daquan Covart also turned in solid defensive outings.

The Saints (1-0) host perennial 1-A power Wallace-Rose Hill next Friday at the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex. The contest will be the season opener for the Bulldogs.