Carver builds momentum with back-to-back wins
BY CRAIG T. GREENLEE
FOR THE CHRONICLE
Carver is on full steamroller mode in junior varsity football.
Coming off a lengthy period of inactivity, the Yellowjackets have shown no signs of rust. That’s somewhat surprising when you consider that Coach Alonzo Winfield’s team didn’t play for 38 days because of games that were postponed due to inclement weather.
Over the past two weeks, Carver (4-1, 2-0 Western Piedmont 2-A Conference) has dominated the opposition. Most recently, the Yellowjackets posted a 38-13 victory over North Surry on last Thursday.
Phillip Legette got the scoring party started when he returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for the first of his two touchdowns for the game. The special teams contributed when B. Purnell blocked a punt and Jeremy Brown-Middleton picked up the loose ball and ran it back 50 yards for another score.
A week prior to the North Surry contest, Carver hung a 40-0 whipping on Surry Central. T.J. Boyce and Legette scored two touchdowns apiece in that contest.
After suffering a 30-point loss to Greensboro Dudley in the season opener, the Yellowjackets have taken giant strides in establishing a team identity that seems to be a good fit for their personnel.
“This team is finding its way,” said Winfield. “I’m pleased with our progress. Everyone has bought into what we’re doing. We rely on playing strong defense and executing well on special teams.
“Plus, we’re going to stick with our running game and we place heavy emphasis on not turning the ball over. Our guys will continue to improve as they gain a better and deeper understanding of how to execute our game plan.”
Defense is the undeniable calling card for Carver. Brown-Middleton and Legette are major components on a stop unit that has grown immensely since the beginning of the season. Over their past four games, the Yellowjackets have two shut-outs and have limited opponents to 6.3 points per game.
Offensively, Carver typically overpowers defenses with its ground attack. Boyce does most of the damage as a speed back who can run between the tackles. Although the Yellowjackets aren’t known as a passing team, they do have the ability to stretch defenses. Legette has emerged as an explosive receiver who can go deep, or turn a short-yardage pass reception into a big gain.
Two newcomers have become viable contributors for the Yellowjackets in recent weeks. Cornerbacks David Thorns and D. Dillworth have excelled as dependable pass defenders who also provide depth at wide receiver.
