Braves blank Brevard in season opener
By Brad Crawford
Pine Needle Managing Editor and Sports Editor
Brave players from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke invade Brevard, NC. Photo by Brad Crawford |
In the season-opener for both teams, UNCP used a revitalized passing game on offense and a tenacious defense to dominate Brevard in a 28-0 victory at Brevard Memorial Stadium.
From the opening kickoff, the Brave defense pursued the Brevard backfield, led by running back John Taylor, with enough tenacity to force two interceptions and a fumble.
Zero redzone
UNCP (1-0) limited the Tornados to 172 yards of total offense and zero trips inside the redzone. Brevard moved the ball past the 50-yard line three times.
"Our defense and staff with coach (Shane) Richardson did an outstanding job tonight," UNCP head coach Pete Shinnick said following the Black and Gold's first shutout in 56 years. "We did some fantastic things on the defensive side of the ball."
Rashon Kennedy got the scoring started for the Braves with a 1-yard plunge past the goalline with 4:03 remaining in the first quarter. The sophomore tailback added another 1-yard score in the second frame to supply UNCP with a commanding 14-0 advantage.
Kennedy finished with 32 yards on seven carries, scoring his seventh and eighth career touchdowns as a Brave.
Offensive strength
Black and Gold starting quarterback Cory Smith said that his team's offensive line play and skilled running backs helped the Braves engineer 337 yards of total offense and 19 first downs.
"Our running backs and offensive line came up huge for us," Smith said.
"Anytime you have a group of five guys on the line and three guys in the backfield like we have, you know you're going to have success. We were able to move the ball consistently and we worked on that in spring and fall practice.
Smith completed 16-of-26 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown. Splitting time under center with Smith was Garret Sutphen. Sutphen led the Braves on two touchdown drives, the final series capped off by a Keith Gore 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter.
UNCP head football coach Pete Shinnick gives thumbs up to Braves players. Photo by Brad Crawford |
Coach Shinnick was pleased with his team's effort on offense and said that improvements have been made since last season.
"We really increased our team speed in the offseason and it really showed in this game," Shinnick said.
UNCP true freshman Jamal Williams dazzled the estimated crowd of 300 that traveled from Pembroke with a flurry of jukes and near breakaway speed. Williams' longest play of the game came on a 48-yard run down the sideline in the third quarter, a play Williams will not soon forget.
"I haven't been caught from behind in a long time," Williams said. "It's something my teammates will never let me forget."
UNCP's Josh Humphries led all receivers with seven catches for 59 yards.
No need to pass
UNCP's pass coverage, consisting of Troy Russell, Caylon Hann, Phil Long and Terrell Partlow limited the Brevard air attack to 65 yards passing. Brevard's longest pass completion was a 12-yard throw near midfield in the first quarter. "Our secondary played tremendous," Shinnick said.
Coach Shinnick and the unbeaten Braves now prepare for a date with Davidson on Sept. 6 at Grace P. Johnson Stadium.
"We know they are a well-coached team and we've got some things we need to work on," Shinnick said. "We made a few mistakes tonight and just need to work on executing better.
Inside the numbers
UNCP Chancellor Allen Meadors and Athletic Director Dan Kenney congratulate Braves coaches. Photo by Brad Crawford |
Fresh feet
True freshman Jamal Williams scored his first collegiate touchdown in the second quarter to give UNCP a 21-0 cushion. Williams was on the receiving end of an 8-yard pass from Cory Smith in the back of the endzone near the Brevard sideline. Williams finished with 116 yards of total offense, including his 48-yard scamper in the third quarter.
Ball hawk
No one came up bigger for the Black and Gold defense than safety, Caylon Hann.
The transfer from Bethune Cookman intercepted two passes in the Braves secondary and narrowly missed a third pick on Brevard's third series after halftime. "The last pass I almost intercepted, man, I just couldn't hop high enough to get it," Hann said.
Where it counts
UNCP's defense tightened on third down against the Tornadoes, limiting Brevard to two conversions on 11 attempts. On the other side of the ball, the Braves converted at a 5-of-12 rate, with three first downs coming from the passing attack.
Pine Needle hits the road
Sportswriters Brad Crawford and J. Markus Franklin endure a grueling 10-hour car ride in the 90 degree heat to report from Brevard, N.C., the site of UNCP's season-opener against the Tornadoes.
10:18 a.m. – Our trek begins to Brevard Memorial Stadium with MapQuest directions in black type from a barely readable ink cartridge
12:35 p.m. – After getting onto I-26 in Florence, S.C., we pass through Columbia, home of the South Carolina Gamecocks
3:05 p.m. – We pass road signs from Newberry College, Allen University and Lander University on our way to Hendersonville, just miles away from our destination.
3:30 pm. – Stop for a pre-game meal at Desormeaux's, an old restaurant in town that looks like it's been in Brevard for 100 years. I order the pulled pork BBQ sandwich while Markus chooses a ham and cheese, just in time to catch the final minute of East Carolina's 27-22 win over Virginia Tech.
5:58 p.m. – We are now five minutes away from kickoff and there are a few familar faces in the crowd. I just spoke with Chancellor Meadors and Director of Athletics Dan Kenney. Both of the administrative Braves fans are expecting a W.
7:18 p.m. – Black and Gold players are already celebrating after building a 21-0 lead at halftime. Rashon Kennedy has scored two touchdowns in the first half. I mosey on down to the UNCP sideline to let a few of our defensive players know the first shutout in school history is in reach.
8:36 p.m. – The season-opener is now official and my shutout request is granted, 28-0. Coach Shinnick is pleased with his team's performance while Markus and I are in much need of snacks for the long ride home.
2:32 a.m. – It's early in the morning and we finally arrive back at the University. Hopefully The Pine Needle's next road trip will be less tiring.
Braves 2008 Football Schedule
Aug. 30 – at Brevard College – 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 – Davidson College – 6 p.m.
Sept. 13 – at Wingate University – 1 p.m.
Sept. 20 – Jacksonville University – 1 p.m.
Sept. 27 – at Lane College – 6 p.m.
Oct. 4 – at Webber International University – 1 p.m.
Oct. 11 – at West Virginia Wesleyan College – 1 p.m.
Oct. 18 – Edward Waters College – 1 p.m. – homecoming
Nov. 1 – Concord College – 1 p.m.
Nov. 8 – North Greenville University – 1 p.m.
 |
The print edition of The Pine Needle is published 14 times a year during the fall and spring semesters. Updated: September 1, 2008 © The University of North Carolina at Pembroke |
The Pine Needle PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372-1510 Phone: 910.521.6204 Fax: 910.522-5795 Email: pineneedle@uncp.edu |