ENCSD prepared for rematch with Tennessee

From: Wilson Daily Times, NC - Oct 7, 2005

By Jamie Hodges

Daily Times Staff Writer

The Eastern N.C. School for the Deaf eight-player football team welcomes the Tennessee School for the Deaf on Saturday afternoon for a 2 p.m. kickoff.

The game is a rematch of a September 10 contest in Knoxville, that saw the Hornets get beat 58-20.

"Anytime you get beaten by someone, and then you have the opportunity to play them back later in the season, it usually provides you with some motivation to play better the second time around," said ENCSD coach Leonard Baker, whose Hornets are 1-4.

The Hornets will also try to draw some more inspiration from the dedication of the ENCSD gymnasium in honor of the late James 'Barney' Williamson.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning.

Williamson, who passed away in April 2004, was a graphic arts teacher and coached several sports, including basketball, for 30 years.

"He was a great person, not just a great coach," Baker said. "He will be remembered for his patience in dealing with the kids. We should all follow his example as teachers, coaches and people."

The Hornets will try to put behind a 48-30 loss suffered last week at the hands of their in-state rivals, the N.C. School for the Deaf. During that game, ENCSD was penalized 13 times for 135 yards.

"We've definitely got to do a better job of eliminating our penalties," Baker said. "I would also like to see our run defense improve as well."

Sophomore runningback James Brown, who led the Hornets ground game last week with 129 yards and 15 carries, is questionable for Saturday's game. Brown has a right ankle injury.

"We don't know if he will play or not," Baker said. "If he does, it will probably be on a limited basis."

jamieh@wilsondaily.com | 265-7807

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