Hawks' offense shows life against Jaguars

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on October 7, 2007 3:34 AM

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By BRYAN C. HANKS

Courtesy Kinston Free Press

LaGRANGE -- Richard Williams, a senior quarterback, rushed 15 times for 122 yards and three touchdowns in Farmville Central's 39-14 win over North Lenoir in Wheat Swamp.

Williams completed 8 of 10 passes for two more touchdowns and 156 yards. He finished with 200 yards of total offense (55 rushing, 145 passing) in the first half alone.

"We knew he was a great athlete and a really good runner," North Lenoir coach Wayne Jackson said of Williams, who was Farmville Central's starting running back last year. "But he threw the ball better than what we saw on tape."

Despite the final score, North Lenoir (0-7 overall) showed positive signs on offense in the Class 2-A Eastern Plains Conference opener for both teams. The Hawks had more first downs (17-15) than Farmville and rushed for 212 yards on 58 carries. North Lenoir finished with nearly double more offensive plays from scrimmage (68) than their counterparts (36).

Friday's game also featured an impressive debut for freshman quarterback Wiley Jackson, the son of the coach. Jackson replaced senior quarterback Devonte Bizzell in the fourth quarter after Bizzell injured his ankle.

Although the ninth-grader only completed one of two passes for 12 yards, he led the Hawks on a fourth-quarter drive that was capped by a Joe Newborn touchdown.

The younger Jackson, who showed incredible composure in his first varsity contest, also led the Hawks on a final drive that went 60 yards and was stopped by the end of the game.

North Lenoir, which travels to Tarboro next week, was led by Nick Williams, who rushed 28 times for 85 yards. Bizzell (seven carries, 56 yards, TD), Newborn (11 carries, 34 yards) and Terrance Harris (five carries, 33 yards) also were offensive leaders for the Hawks.

North Lenoir travels to Tarboro (4-3, 0-1 EPC) next Friday, while Farmville Central (5-2, 1-0) is the guest of North Pitt (1-6, 0-1).