“NOJO” Panthers caged by former coach
November 17th, 2007 Posted in High School Football, High School Playoffs
Photo: North Johnston defenders tackle James Kenan’s Brandon Sachel
By Greg Baker:
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Tonight’s 2nd round playoff game between the Panthers of North Johnston and the Tigers of James Kenan was to put it bluntly, not fun to witness. The North Johnston squad knew that they had their work cut out for them tonight. They came in to a hostile environment, to do battle with a team led by the former coach of many of the upperclassmen. Neither the weather nor the football Gods ever warmed to their efforts.
The game began when the Panthers won the toss and elected to go on offense first. On the kick off, #3 Mario Hicks returned the ball all the way down to the Tiger nine yard line. A great way to start out a game when you’re hoping to “Shock the World”. Yet after several miscues by both teams, NJ was unable to get into the end zone and fumbled the ball away on the three. In all honesty, that first series of downs set the tone for the remainder of the evening.
After receiving the ball on a fumble by #25 EJ Knight, and recovering from a near certain early touch down by the visiting Panthers, James Kenan was able to take the ball the length of the field and eat up most of the first quarter clock. With 4:37 to go in the first, the Tigers cross the goal line and score their initial points of the evening. The ensuing possession by North Johnston results in yet another fumble by EJ Knight when he bobbles a poor handoff from the quarterback #14 Cliff Holloman. With 2:55 to go in the first period, #5 for James Kenan throws a 29 yard TD pass to #4. Hold on to your hats folks, the bleedin’ ain’t over yet. When Kenan kicks off to the Panthers on the next play, #36 Glenwood Watson gets into the fumble game and gives the Tigers another shot at points. Not one to turn down charity, Coach Ken Avent Jr. and his Kennansville Killers tack on yet another TD for good measure and end the first quarter leading 21-0.
Now people, I really hope you’re not thinking there is going to be any light at the end of this tunnel. Trust me, that light was a train! The half time score was 34-0. Although Kenan did begin the second half with their starters still in, after a 38 yard romp by #24 Brandon Sachel into the promised land, Coach Avent did call off his dogs….ahhm…I mean Tigers. With the score 41-0 and the majority of the second string on the field, North was able to convert their first 3rd down of the night with 4:34 to go in the third period. They eventually did score with 4:19 to go in the game on a five yard TD pass for Holloman to #10 Travis Pope in the left corner of the end zone. Yet as luck would have it, #20 Garrett Grady hit the left upright with his point after attempt and failed to convert. The game ended with a final score of 41-6
In conclusion I would like to offer a few personal notes before closing out my writing for this season. I have had a blast! I’ve traveled to away games with friends, stood on the side line with kids less than half my age and watched young boys battle like warriors. I’ve heard the smack talk, felt the rush of excitement and seen the tears flow like a river from the eyes of a senior that I’m awful proud of. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to spend a season playing a game in my heart and through my writing that I never played in real life. At least not in any organized form. Backyard Turkey Bowls on Thanksgiving don’t count. Or do they?…
