After an open date East Bladen’s Eagles return to action for the first time in two weeks, Friday night when they host Wilmington Laney at Lenon Fisher Stadium.
The Class 4-A Buccaneers fill a spot on the Eagle schedule that was occupied by Class 3-A Monroe Sun Valley for the last two seasons.
Coach Ashaad Yeoman’s Laney squad is only 1-3, but the losses were to Class 1-A power Wallace-Rose Hill, Greenville Rose and unbeaten Lee County.
The Bucs line up in the spread which centers around quarterback Trevon Greene. The Laney junior has completed 48 per cent of his passes and has thrown for 397 yards and 4 touchdowns, but has also surrendered 4 interceptions. Greene is also second on the team in rushing attempts and has run for 105 yards.
Junior Imeek Watkins leads the Laney ground attack with 310 rushing yards and 4 rushing touchdowns. Speedy senior Jamius Beckett has only carried the ball 7 times but has gained 155 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.
Senior Justin Billingslea leads the Buccaneer receivers with 9 catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. Senior Ryan Williams has caught 6 passes for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. Watkins also has 6 catches for 52 yards.
Junior linebacker Cayman Czesak leads the Laney defense with 32 tackles. Junior linebacker Tyler Moore and defensive back Elijawaun Boone have 30 tackles each. Boone also has two pass interceptions.
One big advantage for Laney is a deep roster of 57 players compared to only 36 on the Eagle roster.
Coach Robby Priest’s Eagles have beaten South Columbus, Whiteville and St. Pauls by an average margin of 40-8.
The Hines twins, Eian and Ethan, headline the Eagle offense. Eian leads the team with 344 yards and 4 touchdowns rushing. Ethan has rushed for 253 yards and 4 touchdowns and has also returned a punt and a kick-off for touchdowns.
Senior fullback Nikita Owens has rushed for 161 yards and 3 touchdowns. Senior quarterback Tyquan McMillian has thrown for 95 yards.
Junior Derrick Burney leads the East Bladen defense with 24 tackles. Senior Chris Cromartie and sophomore Bernard Robinson have 18 tackles each. Sophomore Xavia McDowell has 17 tackles and junior Michael Walter follows with 16 tackles and 2 fumble recoveries.
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