Spartans Fall Despite Goins 267…by Dan O’Neal

MORGANTON, NC (September 28, 2016)…When one combines losing key senior leadership and multiple injuries on the present roster, it is evident of the way South Caldwell has begun the 2016 season with an 0-6 record. In no way does head coach Sean McMenomy want to make excuses, but he does understand the way the present reality bites hard- both for the players as well as the coaching staff.

Many of the personnel on both sides of the football are playing in their first varsity season. Ninth and tenth graders going up against opposition with greater experience has made for an uncharacteristic winless season thus far. McMenomy emphasized the importance of the way the Spartans must improve in the present.

The Spartans entered Friday’s contest in Morganton to face a greatly improved Patton Panthers squad who entered the game with a 4-1 record with their only blemish coming against Tuscola High School in Waynesworld…oops, Waynesville.

When asking a couple of South assistants who the starting quarterback was going to be, their response was that of uncertainty. They did however, point out the way they may use “Goins” in the Wildcat formation.

As it turned out, that is exactly what the Spartans game plan was, and it turned out to be profitable for senior tailback Tyler Goins, as he ran the football for 267 on thirty-five rushes and South’s two touchdowns. Overall, the South offense accumulated 329 yards to Patton’s 367, yet still lost by the count of 42-14.

What did not help the Spartans cause for one, thirteen penalties. Other factors were the inability to convert on key third down plays, missed assignments on defense and turnovers, especially the one where Panthers defender Matthew Curtis made a pick six after intercepting a Spartans pass. Hopefully, these younger players will be fast learners and recognize formations and understand the cadences on both sides of the football. As the opposition capitalizes in adverse moments, so must the younger Spartans squad.

The Spartans next contest will be at home against conference rival Hickory. The Red Tornadoes, also at 0-6 are coming off a near upset of Freedom in Morganton thus, these two squads will be battling to get out of the conference cellar. Plus, this is Homecoming night at Jack Clarke field, which adds to the Spartans’ motivation in seeking their first victory of the season. Again, 7:30pm kickoff will be this Friday.

Scoring Summary
P- Curtis 74 INT, Scott Kick, 7:30 1st
P- Eakin 2 run, Scott kick, 4:51 1st
P- Eakin 12 run, Curtis run, :41 1st
P- Eakin 40 run, Thomas run, 3:26 2nd
SC- Goins 3 run, run failed, 4:21 3rd
P- Brawley 6 run, pass failed, 10:00 4th
SC- Goins 40 run, Maysonet kick, 8:05 4th
P- Eakin 2 run, run failed, 3:29 4th

SC Patton
First Downs 13 14
Rushes/Yards 48-309 50-328
C-A-I 6-14-3 2-6-0
Passing Yards 20 39
Total Yards 329 367
Penalties 13-112 11-120
Punting Avg. 4- 28.5 1-25.0
Time of Poss 27:34 20:26