Walker’s rushing helps Eastern Randolph win opener

Kobe Walker (Bob Sutton / Randolph Record)

MT. HERMON — Burton Cates has seen a few games like the one that unfolded Friday night between Eastern Randolph and Southern Alamance.

The longtime Eastern Randolph coach saw his team notch a victory, using a dogged defense and physical play along the line of scrimmage for a 20-8 non-conference outcome in the season opener.

“A typical first game,” Cates said, reflecting on penalties and missed opportunities. “We need to find consistency.”

But with running back Kobe Walker doing his thing carrying the ball, the Wildcats were in good shape as he ran for two touchdowns and 150 yards on 24 attempts.

“Being able to keep the run game going,” Walker said of the key to the result. “We’ve been practicing all week for them.”

Walker scored on a 1-yard run in the first quarter and a 10-yard dash up the middle in the third quarter for the team’s second and third touchdowns. That allowed the Wildcats to build a 20-0 lead.

“It really set the tone and really quieted the other team,” Walker said of the impact of his second TD.

Eastern Randolph drove 73 yards on the game’s opening possession, posting points on James Combs’ 23-yard run.

“It’s a good first win and good competition to get us ready for the next game,” Eastern Randolph quarterback Cade McCallum said. “We got the win, that’s the best part. We played as a team and played all four quarters.”

Cates said his junior-dominated roster has a good upside and that’s what he likes after passing the season’s first test.

“When we had to make plays, we came up and made plays,” he said.

Eastern Randolph’s 200 yards rushing came against an opponent that has thrived in recent years by controlling the line of scrimmage.

“They had a good D-line, so our O-line fought against them and did good,” McCallum said. “They were sending everybody (on pass rushes). … The run game was really good, that’s what got it going.”

The outcome spoiled the coaching debut of Southern Alamance coach Jonathan Hester.

“We had a chance all night,” Hester said. “We’ll be better for it.”

The Patriots scored when linebacker Jace Rich scooped a fumble and sprinted 45 yards for a touchdown with 2:17 left in the third quarter. Jacob Alexander ran in the two-point conversion.

Southern Alamance then forced an Eastern Randolph punt, taking its next possession at the Wildcats’ 33-yard line. But after moving inside the 20, the Patriots were denied on fourth down and gave the ball back to Eastern Randolph with 9:45 left.

The Patriots made another venture into Eastern Randolph territory with more than four minutes left before Day’Veion Ford picked off Tustin Johnson’s long pass.

Alexander was Southern Alamance’s top rusher with 45 yards on eight carries. The Patriots had 161 yards of total offense.