Murdock makes big plays in Aycock's win
By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 9, 2010 11:14 PM
PIKEVILLE -- A standing-room-only crowd turned out for the homecoming festivities on Friday night at Charles B. Aycock.
Craig Murdock made sure the Golden Falcon faithful didn't leave disappointed. Murdock made game-changing plays in all three phases of the contest and helped propel Aycock to a 35-6 victory over North Lenoir at Hardy Talton Stadium.
"Craig is a kid that can make a big play at any moment and tonight he made a few," said C.B. Aycock head coach Randy Pinkowski. "He got us going and we were able to use the momentum to pull off a nice win to open the (Eastern Carolina) conference season."
North Lenoir, early on, appeared set to spoil the celebration.
On their first possession, the Hawks marched methodically down the field and capped the drive with Marsharee Troy's 13-yard touchdown drive. A failed drive by the Golden Falcons put the Hawks in good field position.
North Lenoir prepared to strike again.
And that's when Murdock made his first mark.
After watching a potential pass play develop from his boundary corner position, Murdock stepped in front of Romero Arnold's pass and hauled it in for an interception in the Golden Falcon end zone.
Quarterback Tyler Farmer drove his unit 80 yards in five plays and capped the drive with a six-yard touchdown throw to A.J. Mundle.
"The biggest part of Craig's interception is that we were able to turn it into points," said Pinkowski. "Instead of down 12-0, we found ourselves up 7-6 and we started to get some rhythm."
After the Hawks' next possession came to a halt at their own 20-yard line, Murdock made his second big play -- a 58-yard punt return for a touchdown. The ensuing extra point gave the Golden Falcons a 14-6 advantage at the half.
Marquis Bryant capped the Golden Falcons' second drive of the second half with a six-yard scoring run that essentially put the game out of reach. Murdock hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass for emphasis early in the fourth quarter.
Shepherd Whitfield tallied the game's final points on a 12-yard tote with six minutes to play in the game.
"I was really pleased with some of the adjustments that we were able to make at halftime," said Pinkowski. "I thought the offense looked good in the second half and I thought our special teams played very well."
Farmer finished the game with 11 completions for 179 yards. Murdock tallied eight catches for 126 yards. Bryant led the Golden Falcons ground game with 129 yards on 15 carries.
C.B. Aycock (3-4 overall, 1-0 ECC) will host South Johnston on Oct. 15.
Maurice Morgan led the Hawks' rushing attack with 65 yards on 20 carries. Arnold and Mike Sutton each finished with 39 yards on the ground.
North Lenoir (2-5 overall, 0-1 ECC) entertains Southern Wayne on Oct. 15.