East Bladen will host the Wilson Beddingfield Bruins Friday night at 7:30 in the opening round of the NCHSAA Class 2A football play-offs.
Coach Robby Priest’s Eagles had their nine-game winning streak snapped last week when South Columbus claimed the Three Rivers Conference title with a 28-13 victory at Vinegar Hill.
Coach James Ward’s Beddingfield Bruins endured a similar situation two weeks ago as they battled SouthWest Edgecombe for the Eastern Plains championship, but SouthWest claimed a 39-14 victory. The Bruins had an open date this past week.
Senior quarterback Zach Hinnant has thrown for over 500 yards and completes nearly 50 per cent of his passes. Junior Jalil Hutcherson is the Bruins top rusher with over 700 yards and averages 6.7 yards per carry.
Raekwon Batts, a 230-pound sophmore, has rushed for over 700 yards, averages 6 yards per carry and has scored 13 touchdowns. Senior Zach Adams is another threat at running back for the Bruins.
The Bruins average 33 points per game and line up mostly in the Wing-T offense although they use the spread at time. Beddingfield employs a 5-3 defense that allows 16 points per game.
East Bladen’s rushing attack has piled up 250 yards per game led by senior Eric Chancy with 971 yards and 11 touchdowns on 185 carries. Junior Lawson Hester has rushed for 727 yards and 12 touchdowns on 123 attempts.
Sophmore quarterback Zach Meares has connected on 46 of 78 passes for 859 yards and 10 touchdowns with two interceptions. Senior Shy Pone leads the Eagle receivers with 21 receptions for 390 yards and 6 touchdowns. Pone is also a threat on special teams with 549 kick return yards.
The rainy weather this week has not hampered the Eagles’ practice schedule in preparation for Friday. “We have practiced every day,” said Coach Priest. “We are going to play wet so we may as well practice wet.”
Priest also shared that so far his players are healthy and ready for Friday night.
The winner of Friday’s game will play the winner of the game between top-seeded Elizabeth City Northeastern and Fairmont.
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