PREP FOOTBALL: Aycock, Kinston play 7-on-7

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on June 14, 2018 5:51 AM

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By RUDY COGGINS

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PIKEVILLE -- "Catch and throw."

The quarterback took the snap, executed a two-step drop and the tightly-spun football zipped through the thick humid air into the waiting mitts of a sure-handed receiver.

Seconds later, after a QB change, a pass fell to the grassy turf.

"No, it's 'E' ... 10 yards right? I measured [but] it might be sideways," joked Charles B. Aycock head coach Steve Brooks.

That was just the warm-up.

A few minutes later, on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon, CBA and perennial 2-A power Kinston hooked up for a little "friendly" 7-on-7 battle.

The Golden Falcons needed to knock off some rust from the spring, get used to the armbands and experience some live action. The Vikings' speed, agility and lankiness provided a stern test during the hour-plus session.

Brooks stated the simple plan during a short pre-game talk.

"[It's] getting used to lining up and hearing the [play] out loud, running through plays," Brooks said. "On defense, it's about competing. Some of you guys who have played DB are probably going to play linebacker today. We're going to try to get athlete on athlete so we'll be a little more balanced."

The two-hand tag affair commenced.

Neither team found the end zone in the early going.

Part of Aycock's record-setting 4x1 relay during the spring, junior Alijuan Moore caught the first TD pass of the preseason. Tyler Parrish hauled in the second scoring pass, a laser from sophomore Clay Matthews.

Defense stole the limelight as the session progressed.

A linebacker drilled a Kinston player, who couldn't hold on to the ball. The Golden Falcons' sideline reacted in a frenzied manner.

Brooks?

"I like the play...finish," Brooks said. "Catch that and you home. You can wave to your mama [in the stands]."

As the late spring heat bore down on the T-shirt and short-clad warriors, Brooks sought out a bottle of water. He took a swig and wiped his mouth on his T-shirt.

Soon, he was back in teaching mode.

Quarterbacks received quick reminders of throwing techniques. Each offensive and defensive unit listened to their coach bellow "compete" as each play unfolded on the 30-yard field.

Brooks substituted liberally, giving each player a chance to see some time.

Once the session ended, he called his team together and announced who would head to Chapel Hill today for a 7-on-7 tournament at hallowed Kenan Stadium. The Golden Falcons are in the same pod with Clayton "B," Liberty and Carrboro.

"Those who don't go, you have full workouts tomorrow," Brooks said.