By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
SPENCER ó North Rowan is still looking for its first victory, but the Cavaliers showed improvement Friday night before falling 16-6 to visiting West Davidson.
“We’re this close,” said North assistant coach Ken Womble, holding his index finger a quarter-inch from his thumb.
For a good while Friday it appeared the Cavaliers (0-6, 0-2 CCC) were going to win.
Midway through the first quarter, a swarming North defense forced West’s Alex Grubb to cough up the ball at the Dragons’ 2-yard line. North’s Eric Roberson came up with the fumble, and Vince Shropshire carried for the score two plays later.
The extra point attempt was blocked, however, and the Cavs never managed to get their offense rolling. North finished with only 97 yards of offense and just six first downs.
“On offense, we couldn’t find our rhythm,” North head coach Tasker Fleming said. “We never got into our comfort zone.”
Still, North’s defense almost made that lone touchdown stand. The Cavaliers gave up only 57 yards rushing, a paltry 5 of which came in the first half.
West Davidson (4-2, 2-0) didn’t get its first first down until 8:06 remained in the second quarter.
“Their kids played well,” West coach Dale Barnes said. “Their inside defensive line and linebackers fly after the ball. They’re going to win some games before the season is out.”
West’s first score was posted by its defense.
The Dragons backed the Cavaliers up to their own 5 following a punt and penalty, and North quarterback Jesse Rudisell gave up a safety when he was called for intentional grounding from his end zone.
North got a good kick from its 20, but West’s Jordan Hudson made a nice return to the Cavalier 17. The Dragons made the Cavaliers pay for the miscue, Grubb carrying in from 3 yards out seven plays later.
West’s final score came in the fourth quarter when Grubb capped a six-play, 51-yard drive with a 16-yard touchdown run.
“We play hard every snap, and we can’t seem to get a break,” said North junior defensive lineman Keith Reid, who was in on numerous tackles. “We’ve just got to keep working. We’re going to get there.”
The Cavalier defense ó led by Javon Hargrave, Dominique Meade, Garland Archie, Darius Jackson and Jeremiah Boger ó controlled the line of scrimmage. Darryl Jackson recovered a second fumble for the Cavaliers.
Josh Young was a force to be reckoned with along North’s offensive line, with the Cavaliers just missing breaking several long runs.
Rudisell, a sophomore, played a good game, out-maneuvering the Dragons numerous times and connecting on 3 of 10 passes.
Rudisell was shaken up in the game’s waning minutes, but Fleming said he didn’t think the injury was serious.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever had a sophomore jump in the fire like Jesse has done and lead like he has,” Fleming said. “He’s got a lot of good days ahead of him. We’re going to be OK.”