ELIZABETHTOWN – East Bladen’s first-string defense shutout South Robeson Friday night as the Eagles outscored the visiting Rams four touchdowns to one in the East Bladen Jamboree.
The Eagle defense started the scrimmage with two straight sacks, and the defensive front line of junior Caleb Strait (270 lbs.), junior Lahkeyd Lesane (300 lbs.) and junior Xavia McDowell (260 lbs.) was in the Ram backfield throughout the scrimmage.
“I liked the intensity tonight,” said Eagle Coach Robby Priest. “We are a whole lot faster on defense, and the frontline is almost as big as last year’s.”
Senior Eian Hines started the first Eagle drive with a 6-yard run, and sophmore Adonis Avery caught a 4-yard pass from junior quarterback Quinton Bedsole.
Senior Ethan Hines gained 5 yards, and sophmore James Higgins picked up 9 yards, before Ethan Hines darted 15 yards for an Eagle touchdown.
Junior Bernard Robinson popped through the line and sprinted 40 yards for the second Eagle touchdown. Ethan Hines grabbed a pass from Bedsole and scooted to the end zone to complete a 35-yard touchdown play.
After the teams took a break, South Robeson scored their only touchdown against East Bladen’s second group on a 30-yard run.
The Eagles second-team offense drove methodically down the field sparked by the running of junior Messiah Leach, but the drive stalled at the Ram one yardline.
When the first group returned, Eian Hines circled right end and scampered 40 yards to the end zone, but a block in the back penalty behind the play nullified the score.
Moments later Eian Hines hauled in a Bedsole pass to complete a 35-yard touchdown play.
“With all the new starters on offense, we have got to work on our timing and get better,” said Coach Priest. “We saw some progress in the passing game. That will be important for us.”
The Eagles will host South Columbus Friday in their season opener.
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