THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 15, 1996 TAG: 9609120173
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 43 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: CAMDEN LENGTH: 41 lines
If Camden County High School's first two football games are any indication, the Bruins will be more than happy to join the Tobacco Belt Conference next season.
In its first two outings against Jamesville and Creswell, Camden outscored its opponents 88-8. Jamesville fell victim 38-8. And Creswell was dropped 50-0.
Camden coach Scott Jones, however, remains cautious about the Bruins' quick start.
``I'm happy just at the way the kids have played hard,'' Jones said from the Camden field house. ``It's a great accomplishment. But you have to look at the teams we've played.
``Next year we'll be in the same league with these teams. These teams beat me my first couple of years at Camden,'' Jones added. ``It's just too early to say anything about next year. We've always had a good relationship with these schools. And they've always played us tough every year - especially Creswell.''
This year, the Bruins have been swift and to the point. Joel Taylor had 17 carries for 180 yards in the first two games. Rod Paxton returned two punts for touchdowns against Creswell. Lavar Bryant returned a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown against Jamesville. Kicker Kevin Dodson booted a 50-yard field goal against Jamesville.
Quarterback Brian Gamet has thrown just 12 passes, but has connected on eight of them for 120 yards.
``It's just kids making good plays,'' Jones said. ``We've gotten ahead early so we haven't been able to throw the ball. We run our offense as an option scheme. So we're just as happy with him getting practice running the option than throwing the ball.''
In the tough Albemarle Conference, Camden is just one of seven teams vying for four 1A playoff spots this season. Jones realizes two games do not make a season.
``A winning season is always priority one,'' he said. ``We'd love to make the playoffs. But our conference is unusually strong this year.'' by CNB