Strong start for East Forsyth
(pictured above: D.J. Holland runs for yardage.)
Now that East Forsyth has reached the mid-point of its junior varsity football season, it’s clear that defense sets the tone. The 4-1 Eagles are playing lights-out as a stop unit. In the process, they’ve posted three shut-outs while limiting opponents to 6 points per game.
Horton
“We’re playing very well on that side of the football,” said Coach Ron Horton. “And it’s not just one or two people who are getting the job done. It really has been a collective effort.”
Alec Nugent and Samuel Cook lead the way as relentless pass rushers who are equally adept as run-stoppers. At the linebacker slots, Devin Higgins and Chandler Brinson provide tenacity and game savvy. In the secondary, cornerback Brandon Tate has emerged as a prime-time pass defender.
Even though the defense has played at an exceptional level, there is concern about the offense. Overall, the Eagles have played OK in that phase of the game. Even so, Horton knows that the offense will have to play better in order for East Forsyth to survive in the Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference. A week ago, it was anemic offensive production that contributed to East suffering its first loss of the season in a 20-7 setback to Greensboro Page.
The defense did its part and more than held its own. The Pirates offense scored just one touchdown. Page’s remaining scores came off a blocked punt and an interception return. East Forsyth scored its only touchdown of the game on Tate’s 60-yard punt return.
“It’s frustrating for us to play so well on one side of the ball, but have so many problems on the other side of the ball,” said Horton. “Our defense consistently provides opportunities for us to score, but we’re not taking full advantage of that. We struggled with our blocking up front and we didn’t execute the way that I know we can.”
Fortunately for East, there’s ample time for the offense to go back to the drawing board. For the next two weeks, the Eagles are off and Horton intends to use that time to iron out the all the wrinkles. “It’s a lot easier to regroup when you’re 4-1,” said Horton. “What’s very encouraging is that the kids are locked in and engaged. As a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”
East Forsyth is at its best when running the football. D.J. Holland and D.J. Morgan are developing into a formidable tandem at running back. At quarterback, Jordan Barrett has shown steady improvement and back-up Brandon Bullins has played well coming off the bench.
“We’re a young group, and we’re getting better every week,” Horton said. “With the upcoming break in our schedule, we’ll put in the work to get things straightened out. We’re hoping to peak when conference play starts (Oct. 9 at High Point Central). At this point, it all comes down to our offense showing consistency in putting drives together and putting points on the board.”
