Powell powers Hawks past archrival

By News-Argus Staff
Published in Sports on September 14, 2008 10:58 AM

• Print
• Email

DEEP RUN -- North Lenoir's storybook season now includes a win in a rivalry game.

Marquez Powell racked up 205 yards on 26 carries to lead the Hawks past South Lenoir 28-7 on Friday in the annual Pigskin Classic.

"The kids were excited to get back on the field after that embarrassing loss last week against Kinston," said Hawks head coach Wayne Jackson. "It's a rivalry game, and it's big in both communities, which made it even better."

Powell, the state's leading rusher with 762 yards, also toted the ball for three touchdowns.

"The thing that made this week so special for Marquez is the fact that we needed him to play every down on both sides of the ball," said Jackson. "We had a couple of injuries to our backup fullbacks, so Marquez never got a break, and to his credit he did a great job."

Tailback Maurice Morgan accompanied Powell's effort with 138 yards of his own for the Hawks. Edmond Roberson carried four times for 50 yards.

On the night, North Lenoir rushed for 401 yards on 49 carries.

The Hawks' defense limited South Lenoir to just 266 yards of total offense.

"We played around with a few things on defense before the Kinston game, and I thought we lost our defensive identity a little bit," said Jackson. "We worked this week on doing what we do well. We focused on the little things that we need to do in order to be successful."

North Lenoir (3-1 overall) will enjoy an off week before traveling to Charles B. Aycock on September 26.

"The week off will be good for us, so we can heal some injuries and rest some tired guys," said Jackson. "We will focus on Aycock next week."