Saints, minus Council, shut out at Wilson Hunt

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on October 27, 2006 2:16 PM

• Print
• Email

WILSON -- Its top running back sidelined with a season-ending injury, Southern Wayne still churned out plenty of rushing yardage Thursday evening against Wilson Hunt.

But the Warrior defense firmly protected the end zone and preserved a 21-0 victory in Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference play. The Warriors improved to 6-4 overall and earned a share of their second consecutive ECC championship. They seized their ninth straight victory against league opposition.

The Saints exited 5-5 overall and 1-3 in the ECC.

Anthony Council, the area's top rusher, watched the game from the sideline in street clothes. The junior tailback sustained an ACL injury sometime this week and is out for the remainder of the season. Council had nearly 1,600 yards and 16 touchdowns heading into the game. He is close to the 4,000-yard mark for his varsity career.

Tristan Bass emerged Southern Wayne's top rusher with 113 yards on 19 carries. Bruising fullback Kelvin Flow provided 99 yards on 22 totes, while Eric Futrell contributed 74 yards on 16 rushes.

Overall, the Saints ran 61 rushing plays and 70 offensive plays overall. They did not complete a pass in nine attempts and threw one interception, which led to Hunt's first touchdown of the game.

Sophomore defensive back Jerome Richardson picked off Michael Holland returned it 55 yards for a touchdown.

Warrior quarterback David Hesmer tossed touchdown strikes of 23 and 20 yards, respectively, to Marshone Sauls and Chris Bryant. Hesmer completed 7 of 11 passes for 119 yards.

The Saints lost three fumbles and committed four turnovers overall.

Southern Wayne concludes regular-season play at home next Friday against Charles B. Aycock. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Doyle Whitfield Athletic Complex.

Hunt entertains county rival Wilson Beddingfield. A victory assures the Warriors of the league's No. 1 seed for the upcoming playoffs.