K’Veon Griffin scored two touchdowns for West Brunswick in the first round.
(Shallotte Area Sports Photo/W.A. Myatt)
After a good week of preparation following a 35-6 win at home over West Johnston in the first round of the NCHSAA 6-A football playoffs, West Brunswick (7-4) plays at Middle Creek in the second round on Friday at 7 p.m.
The Mustangs (7-2) had a first round bye as the No. 3 seed among Eastern teams.
“We had a really good week of practice,” said Trojans coach Shane Handy. “Talked to the kids. They’re really excited about the opportunity ahead of them. Thought we had some good competition.
“We brought some young guys up to practice with us and I thought they did a good job giving us a look.”
Handy said punt snapping was addressed. A high snap led to the only score allowed by West last week. Handy said snaps had not been an issue all season.
Middle Creek has not played a close game. Their closest win was, 45-28, at home against Greenville Rose. Their closest loss was, 41-17, at Garner.
“The passing game, we’ve got to stop their screen game,” Handy said. “They’re going to throw some slants. They’ll get into Wildcat, run a little bit of that.”
Handy said the opposing safeties and defensive ends have length. The linebackers are young. The defensive front is capable.
The Trojans will look to establish the run and mix in the pass. Jaquell Davis has run for 808 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.
Josiah Borton has thrown for 1,062 yards and 14 scores. Jude Surigao has 468 yards in receptions with five TDs. K’Veon Griffin has 284 yards in catches with six trips to the end zone.
Davis had 19 carries for 169 yards in the first round.
