Falcons must be flawless
Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 18, 2005
WINDSOR – It’s a simple matter.
Don’t turn the ball over and have a chance to win.
Second-year Bertie High School football coach Willie Roberson Jr. is making his team’s game plan that simple Friday night when they host former league rival James B. Hunt High School.
&uot;We can’t have any turnovers Friday night,&uot; Roberson insisted. &uot;Randy Raper’s teams will capitalize on any mistakes you make.&uot;
Roberson said the Falcons knew they were in for a battle when last year’s eastern champion pays a call Friday night.
&uot;Hunt has always been a menacing foe,&uot; Roberson added. &uot;They were that way when we competed in the Big Eight Conference. They always have highly skilled players and, this year, coming off a state championship game appearance with most of their defense back, we know they will be stiff competition.&uot;
The Falcons will be relying on quarterback Charlie Newsome to lead the BHS offense. The senior started last season after an injury to Desmond Williams. Williams will be making the move to wide receiver for the season opener, but will remain the team’s backup quarterback.
Another key in any Falcon victory will have to be tailback William Howard.
&uot;He will have to get to the edge for us,&uot; Roberson said. &uot;Hunt is extremely tough between the tackles, but if we can get outside we’ll be more effective.&uot;
Also being used at tailback will be Jarkeus Creecy, who Roberson said also needs to have a big game.
The H-backs will need to provide solid play Friday night as well. Those three will be Dextine Rascoe, Kevin Swain and Dominique Perry.
Defensively, Kendale Bridgers will have to provide leadership while the outside linebacker spot will be key.
&uot;The defense is way ahead of the offense right now,&uot; Roberson said. &uot;If the defense can hold and the offense moves the ball, we think we can put together a respectable game.&uot;
Still, the overall key for the victory will be &uot;flawless play,&uot; according to the coach.
&uot;We have to have no turnovers, not penalties and we have to execute,&uot; he closed.
The Falcons will host the Warriors at 7:30 p.m. Friday night.