LAURINBURG — The Fighting Scots were far from playoff ready in their first two games, but the team has still put up some impressive numbers in weeks one and two.
The Scots offense, led by senior running back Zamir White, has been trying to play more up tempo and has put 55 points on the board in their firs two games. The Scots non-conference schedule is tough sledding as they remain on the road until October. A trip across the state line to Marlboro County is next up as the 1-1 Bulldogs look to rebound from a two-point loss to Cheraw.
Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind the Fighting Scots season thus far:
— DEFENSIVELY —
• Points allowed: 49
The Fighting Scots defense is still working out some kinks, but have shown themselves well in the second half of the first two games. Despite allowing Mallard Creek and Hillside to score almost 50 points, the Scots are pleased with the progress that is being made by some of the team’s more inexperienced players.
• Yards allowed: 672
South View only gained 178 yards on the Scots defense — 115 in the air and 63 on the ground. The Scots allowed Independence to gain only 121 yards — 87 in receiving and 34 in rushing. Three of the Patriots rushers and two of the Tigers rushers ended with negative yardage.
• Interceptions: 0
The Scots defense has yet to force an interception but the defensive line and linebackers were more consistent in applying pressure to the quarterback against Durham Hillside. The Hornets quarterback just happened to be elusive enough to keep himself off the ground — most of the time.
• Fumble recovery: 1
Scots linebacker Javon Ratliffe came up with the teams only fumble recovery of the season in the second quarter of Friday’s game.
— OFFENSIVELY —
Total yards: 763
Against Mallard Creek, the Scots had 441 total yards with 264 coming on the ground and 58 in the air. The rushing stats were similar against Hillside with 277 yards. The Scots aired it out more against the Hornets netting 164 receiving yards.
• Rushing: 541
Leaders: 1) Zamir White — 24 carries for 295 yards and four touchdowns
2) Shyeam “Smiley” McQueen — 16 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown
3) Warren Bell — 22 carries for 112 yards
It’s no surprise that the majority of the Scots total yards have come from the run game. The dynamic duo of Zamir White and Shyeam McQueen have combined for 442 of the Scots 541 rushing yards. Starting quarterback Warren Bell is also racking up some yardage with his quarterback keeper runs.
• Receiving: 222
Leaders: 1) Zamir White — three catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns
2) Trey Dixon — three catches for 34 yards
3) Bruce Wall — one catch for 33 yards
Coach Bailey said in the preseason the Scots were trying to get the running backs involved in the passing game. The short passing route to get White open in space have paid dividends for the Scots. Not only does the senior lead the rushing attack, he is leads the Scots receiving corps.
• Passing: 222
Quarterback: Warren Bell — 13 of 29 for 222 yards with three touchdowns and one interception
In his first two starts, Bell has done his best adjusting to the Scots offense. The senior has a completion rate of 45 percent. His passer rating has been over 100 in both games and he is averaging around 18 yards per pass.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
