West Bladen’s Knights will celebrate Homecoming Friday night as the Pender Patriots come to visit for a Four County Conference game.
Coach Russell Dove’s Knights held on for a 38-34 victory last week against Heide Trask. “We stunk the place up on pass coverage,” said Coach Dove. “We can’t play that way. We’ve just got to get back to basics. We are finally on a regular schedule at practice and we had too pretty good ones to start the week.”
Senior Malique McDowell rushed for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Titans and leads the Knight ground attack with 632 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Junior James Moore led the Knights against Trask with 111 yards rushing to raise his total to 505 yards for the season. Senior Daquan Lennon ran for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Titans and now has 308 yards rushing for the season.
Quarterback Stefan McDonald has thrown for 196 yards this season and has run for 3 touchdowns. Against Trask McDonald scooped up a fumbled punt and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown.
After suffering a plethora of injuries, the Knights are getting close to healthy. “We’re are about the healthiest that we’ve been,” said Coach Dove. Tight end Hunter Prevatte is expected to return this week and see some action.
Junior halfback Justin Hooper rushed for 108 yards to lead the Patriot offense in their 49-0 loss at East Bladen last week. Junior Jake Rawls is the Pender quarterback. Sophomore fullback Chris DeVane and halfbacks Latrell Brown and Isaiah Sargent are other rushing options for the Patriots.
The Patriots have struggled this season and have been outscored by an average margin of 44-10. Pender’s one victory was a 20-19 overtime win over North Duplin.
“You can’t go by comparing scores,” continued Dove. “We have to be prepared to take their best shot. We have prepped for their option and their I (formation). We’re excited and ready to go.”
Share on social media using short link: https://bladencounty.org/?p=29961
About Author
