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August 30, 2008

Wilson’s legs move Lions past Raiders

By MARK MAYNARD - The Independent The Daily Independent Sat Aug 30, 2008, 10:52 AM EDT

CANNONSBURG — Zac Wilson’s arm didn’t have to be golden. His feet were plenty good enough.

Boyd County’s senior quarterback ran for 119 yards and scored all three touchdowns in a 20-0 victory over East Carter in the season opener at Lions Field Friday night.

Wilson scored on three short runs but it was what he did in a masterful 97-yard drive that may have made the difference.

He accounted for 86 yards in the march that put the Lions ahead 14-0 midway through the second quarter.

“That drive kind of broke our back,” said East Carter coach Aaron Baldwin. “It took so much out of both teams.”

Boyd County did everything to make sure and not repeat last year’s start to the season. The Lions were shocked by the Raiders in the opener and went on to start 0-6.

Coach Lee Evans said that was a familiar theme in practice and preseason leading up to the opener.

“It seems like we always get on a roll, whichever way it goes,” Evans said. “We lost this game last year and it was hard for us to get back going. We spent some time talking about it. They remember 0-6.”

After a scoreless first quarter, Wilson’s 26-yard pass to Cory Moore set up the first touchdown. Wilson ran it in on a 4-yard keeper and Eli Malloy’s extra point put the Lions ahead 7-0.

East Carter seemed prime for the answer, using 19 and 18-yard runs from quarterback Trei Tackett to move to Boyd County’s 20. Kyle Huffine then broke loose and looked ahead for a big gain when the ball popped loose and Brent Pinkerman recovered at the 3.

“That fumble and then that drive killed us,” Baldwin said. “But I can’t fault Kyle. He plays so hard and so aggressive. He’s everything you want in a football player. I’ve never seen anybody sweat so much; his forearm’s were glistening.”

Huffine had an open-field run in the second half when the ball squirted out but he made the recovery in mid-air. He finished with 79 yards on 15 carries.

Tackett was forced into the quarterback duty because Eddie Elkins was sitting out a one-game suspension after an altercation in a scrimmage game.

Tackett was another bright spot for the Raiders, Baldwin said.

“He showed a lot of positive leadership,” he said. “That’s what Trei does.”

Boyd County’s leader was the star of the show. Wilson made the big plays whenever they were needed.

He marched the Lions to a 20-0 lead on the opening series of the second half and then kept a drive alive when he scrambled for a first down out of punt formation. Wilson also had a 61-yard punt to his credit.

“He makes plays other kids can’t make,” Evans said. “He’s so invaluable.”

Baldwin agreed. “He changes them offensively because of his ability to throw,” he said. “He’s a good athlete.”

Wilson, an All-Area defensive back last season, didn’t play defense. It was doctor’s orders, Evans said.

Boyd County’s running game success wasn’t limited to Wilson. Donnie Bryant gained 60 yards and Cody Delaney had 45.

“That No.23 (Bryant), what a good football player,” Baldwin said. “I think we were competitive. Our kids have nothing to hang their heads about.”

MARK MAYNARD can be reached at mmaynard@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2648.

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