Sports - October 2003

LHS meets Lions to add to storied rivalry

Published October15, 2003

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, Staff Writer

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There are few rivalries in the area that conjure up as much pride and memories as when the Lincolnton Wolves meet the Shelby Golden Lions.

This year’s edition figures to be no different as both teams enter the stretch run with plenty of momentum.

The Golden Lions enter the game ranked No. 9 in the I-High state poll with a 6-2 overall record and a 4-0 record in the Midwest 2A conference. The Wolves in the same poll received an honorable mention and are 7-1 overall and also 4-0.

One thing’s for sure, two teams will enter the contest undefeated in conference play, but only one will leave it that way.

Offensively

Head Coach Scott Cloninger feels the Wolves will have to use the run to win the game.

“We are going to have to run the football to keep the ball away from them,” he said.

Although, the Wolves are looking to play traditional Lincolnton football, which is to emphasize the running game, Cloninger insists that will not be the only thing they do Friday night.

“We’re going to still mix it up we are going to throw some and run some, just take what they give us, but if we can’t run the football we are not going to win the football games,” he said.

The coach is looking for his offensive line to continue to gel and for his Wilson combination to have a big night.

“We’re expecting our offensive line to have a big game and the backfield we need a lot of yardage out of Darren Wilson and Eric Wilson,” he said.

Cloninger said the offensive line must improve, but  he is encouraged.

“I thought they have improved. We had a few breakdowns against Newton-Conover that we’re looking to eliminate against Shelby,” he said.

The one thing the Wolves can ill afford to do throw the ball too many times in the vicinity of Lions’ safety Van Eskridge. Eskridge has been a staple at the safety position since his ninth grade year at safety.

“The person you have to stay away from is him, if you throw the football near him he’ll go get it, so you have to be very careful. He’s got a ton of interceptions and is their defensive leader. He controls them and puts them in position,” Cloninger said.

Defensively

Cloninger is candid about the talent level and athleticism his team will be facing and what they want to accomplish.

“I don’t think you can stop them. Our goal is to slow them down. We just don’t want to give up the big plays. We want to make them work for everything they get,” he said.

The only team that Lincolnton has faced all year that is comparable to Shelby at the skill positions is South Point. Cloninger said they are similar in the sheer athleticism they throw at you.

“They’ve got so many weapons, it’s just tough. Their quarterback, Keith Brooks, he’s small, but he can fly. It’s going to be tough between the quarterback, Tavorris Jolly and Van Eskridge (their running backs). Their skill people are super-talented and can run very well. Jolly is the probably the fastest player we have faced all year,” he said.

X-Factor

The biggest match up as far as Cloninger is concerned will be which team gets the better half in the special teams’ department.

“Special teams for both programs have been excellent. Both have been excelling in that area. We’re not going to kick to them and I don’t know how much they will punt or kick to us. Who can control the other team’s special teams the best could have a big say-so on who wins the game.”

The place kickers, Shelby’s Michael Ingle and Lincolnton’s Roy Gomez, could play a major role in determining the game’s outcome. Ingle at 5’8” 126 pounds and Gomez, 6’2” 150 pounds, are not physically imposing but both have strong legs. Ingle has already kicked a 51-yarder this year and Gomez has been a weapon kicking into the end zone.

Cloninger says that match- up is intriguing because it’s hard to say who’s better at his craft.

“I think they are both two solid kickers and we have no problem with Roy kicking a field goal in the 40-yard range. With those two you could flip a coin because I feel it’s a pretty even match up.”

No matter who wins, , Von Ray Harris field will be packed and memories and stories will be added to the long-time rivalry.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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