By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Whether he can walk in, has to be pushed in or carried in, Washington Pam Pack head coach Sport Sawyer desperately wants to be at tonight’s home opener.
The Pack, which likely will be playing for its injured head coach, takes on the Tarboro Vikings in the annual Victory Bell Bowl. Game time at J.G. “Choppy” Wagner Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m.
Sawyer said it’s been difficult dealing with the injury.
The Pack (1-0), which was led by Travis Daniels’ 330-yard, four-touchdown performance last week, has won the last two Victory Bell Bowls. The Pack rolled to a 27-10 win last year after pulling off a 34-33 overtime thriller in 2005.
The Vikings (0-1), who play in the Class 2-A Eastern Plains Conference, haven’t beaten Washington since a 32-28 win in 2004.
Tarboro opened the 2007 season with a 41-12 loss to Nash Central. Derrick Tyson had a 77-yard touchdown run and quarterback Kyle Coker a one-yard TD plunge for the Vikings.
Nash Central led 14-0 after the first quarter and 35-6 at the half.
The Bulldogs only out-gained the Vikings 306 to 220 in total yards, but three lost fumbles hurt the Vikings.
Tyson’s 96 rushing yards led Tarboro. Brandon Richardson added 64 yards.
Coker and Jeremy Bellamy combined of hit 4-of-8 passes for 27 yards.
While Sawyer has been away from the practice field, Washington’s assistants have been running the show.
Sawyer is hoping for a big crowd tonight at Choppy Wagner Stadium.
Victory Bell Bowl
2006 — Washington 27, Tarboro 10
2005 — Washington 34, Tarboro 33, OT
2004 — Tarboro 32, Washington 28
2003 — Tarboro 38, Washington 6
2002 — Tarboro 30, Washington 14
2001 — Tarboro 26, Washington 19
Southside set to travel to Rosewood
By BRIAN HAINES, Sports Writer
CHOCOWINITY — The foundation for any good team starts with character, and Southside’s first year coach David Hines says his team is stacked in that department.
In order to “do it” the Seahawks will need everyone to contribute and display teamwork and so far Hines has seen that from his squad.
Hines, who was hired to take the place of DeWayne Kellum, comes over from Fayetville’s Douglaston High School where he assisted on the offensive side of the ball.
The new skipper said he doesn’t plan on deviating too much from the offense that Southside has run during Kellum’s tenure.
Hines was a little more coy when speaking about his defense, but said that he plans on presenting different looks.
The graduation of star quarterback Jeremiah Marable leaves the Seahawks with a big hole a quarterback, but Hines said that Chris Godley has done a nice job filling it in.
Hines also said he has a lot of faith in backup Kevin Sparks.
With the run heavy offense, Godley will have plenty of options in the backfield.
Helping ease Hines transition to the Seahawks has been the influence of some of the team’s leaders. Hines credited Windley, Godley and Floyd Moore for the roles in leading the team through practice.
The trio will get their chance to lead Southside for real on Friday when it travels to Rosewood for its season opener.