By Brian Pitts
sports@salisburypost.com
MOCKSVILLE ó If you were worried that Davieís offense would have to score 40 points every Friday to have a chance, last nightís game against Lexington debunked that theory a bit.
When Davie gave up 41 to Page and 45 to West Rowan, it didnít look as if it was going to be able to win with defense. But this defense is making rapid progress, and it was the story in a 28-20 win over visiting Lexington.
Two of the Yellow Jacketsí three touchdowns came on short drives (19 and 17 yards), and Davie scored 19 unanswered points in the first half after falling behind 7-0.
Lexington slipped to 2-1 after scoring 95 points in the first two games. Davie, meeting Lexington for the first time since 1984, improved to 2-2 after an 0-2 start.
Lexingtonís explosive tandem of Marquez Grayson and Quandarius Crump put up gaudy numbers in the first two weeks, but they were limited to 82 and 26 rushing yards, respectively.
ěOur defense bowed their neck and held on,î Davie coach Doug Illing said. ěWith (Crump) and (Grayson) back there, you knew they were ready to explode at any moment. Our defense did a good job of swarm tackling and just hanging on. These guys are learning how to play.î
A big factor in the outcome was Davie quarterback Adam Smithís ability to create plays at critical times. Smith threw for 168 yards and two TDs.
ěThe team that wins a game like this makes plays when they have to, and they made a few more than we did for sure,î Gaddis said. ě(Smith) concerned us on film. He certainly lived up to his reputation.î
With Lexington needing a lift in the third quarter, Mikal Lewis came through with a 40-yard punt return to the Davie 17. C.J. Woodberry connected with Melquavius Covington for a 15-yard score. The point-after kick was blocked by Devon Parks, but Lexington was back in it at 19-13.
ěWeíve got a lot of pride and playmakers,î Gaddis said.
Smith answered, completing a 10-yard pass to Nate Jones on fourth-and-7. That led to a 41-yard field goal by Woody Parrish for a 22-13 margin.
Lexington fought back again, Grayson running for 20 yards on fourth-and-1 to set up his own 2-yard TD to cut the Davie lead to 22-20.
Then Smith and his receivers fueled a 13-play, 75-yard drive that put Davie in firm control. On third-and-6, Johnathan Wiseman made a 6-yard reception. On third-and-11, T.J. Jones reeled in a 30-yard pass. On third-and-10 from the Lexington 11, Cameron Heaggans caught a short pass and broke several tackles on his way to the end zone.
Ahead 28-20 with 5:04 left, Davie botched the PAT to leave the door open.
Lexington had two more shots on offense, but it punted from its 22 before its last-gasp effort died at its 31.
ěWe didnít really have big plays tonight, so Iím somewhat pleased that we scored 20 points without having to depend on the big play,î Gaddis said. ěWe could well have won this game had we tackled better in the first half.
ěBut I think weíll get better. This game helped us.î