Rosewood gains early confidence with win

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 26, 2010 1:47 PM

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It is impossible to go undefeated with a loss in week one. Rosewood head coach Robert Britt does not expect his team to run the gauntlet this season, but at least the Eagles still have the opportunity.

Just one of two teams in the News-Argus readership area -- and the lone Wayne County squad -- to emerge victorious during the first week of the high school football season, Rosewood has parlayed a thrilling 20-15 victory over Wake Christian into a solid week of practice.

"We know we have things to work on but I think our guys are excited," said Britt. "I think winning the first game is good for the kids because it gives them a chance to see the fruits of their hard work."

The casual football fan may not appreciate the magnitude of the Eagles' opening triumph because it came against a private school for the second consecutive season. However, Britt was quick to point out that Wake Christian is not your typical private institution.

"The enrollment up there is just about the same as ours," said Britt. "They get a lot of kids from the Garner area and the Clayton area that know they aren't going to be starters on those respective high school teams so they transfer to Wake Christian. It's a good game for both schools because it gives both teams a chance to win."

The standout performer in the Rosewood victory was senior fullback Logan Waters.

A four-year member of the Eagles' program, Waters logged 144 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown. Waters intercepted two passes, both in the red zone, which helped the defense preserve the win.

"Logan is one of those kids that has done everything I have asked him to do," said Britt. "He works hard every day and he knows that the fullback spot in our offense is going to get some touches."

A special teams touchdown by Jykhia Applewhite also aided in the Rosewood 'W'. The return game has been stressed during the Eagles' practices as they prepare for always-dangerous Craig Murdock and county rival Charles B. Aycock on Friday night.

"We need to make plays on special teams without allowing C.B. Aycock to do the same," said Britt. "Jykhia provided a boost for us last week with that return and our blockers did an excellent job of getting back to him and setting the wall."

Coming off a victory has helped the Eagles put a plan in motion to hopefully give the Golden Falcons a test. Britt insists that he will not be measuring success by the final score, but by his team's ability to execute and display the fundamentals.

"I don't want our guys to beat themselves," said Britt. "Our kids know what size school C.B. Aycock is and the caliber of program that they have. I just want my team to play as hard as they can for four quarters and play with confidence."

Confidence gained by winning in week one.