Looking to build on a pair of strong performances, West Bladen’s Knights host the Whiteville Wolfpack Friday night.
A year ago West Bladen dominated the early play at Whiteville, but missed out on a couple of early scoring chances and the Wolfpack pulled out a 28-19 victory.
The Knights were stopped on fourth and goal at the one, then prolonged a Whiteville drive with a costly last hit penalty. Whiteville led 14-13 until 2 touchdowns early in the fourth quarter sealed the victory.
With the loss of star halfback Terrin Manning (289 yards against West last season), the Wolfpack offense depends on shifty quarterback Nydir Carr and running backs Kasheem Bellamy and Nate Powell.
“Don’t let that 0-2 record fool you,” said West Bladen Coach Russell Dove. “North Brunswick and East Bladen are two quality teams.”
The stout Whiteville defense is led by linebackers Andrew Powell, Garrett Wilson and Monchovia Gaffney.
The West Bladen offense that has racked up 99 points against South Robeson and West Columbus will be without senior wing back Daquan Lennon who rushed for 87 yards on just 7 carries before leaving with an arm injury against the Vikings. Lennon’s injury will be re-evaluated next week.
Offensive tackle Landon Hedgepeth is also questionable for Friday night, but the Knights are hopeful that sophomore lineman Jonathan Robinson will return from an injury.
Leading the Knight offense will be senior Malique McDowell who ran for 178 yards and 4 touchdowns at West Columbus and junior James Moore who added 141 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Vikings.
The Knights have not beaten the Wolfpack since a 34-7 victory in the opening round of the 2007 Class 2-A play-offs.
Share on social media using short code: https://bladencounty.org/?p=24596
About Author
