In a game that was billed to be the Waccamaw Conference game of the year, we saw a lopsided score but very similar stats. Whiteville defeated Pender 28-6 on a beautiful Friday night with cooler temperatures and a football atmosphere.
Whiteville struck first in the 1st quarter when quarterback Luke Odham found Montrez Holland alone in the flats for an 18 yard Touch Down. Grayson Creech connected on his first of 4 extra point attempts to give the Pack a 7-0 lead. Before the quarter was over Whiteville’s JT Todd found the endzone from 3 yards out and Creech tacked on the extra point to give the Pack a 14-0 lead as time expired in the 1st quarter.
Pender put up the only points of the 2nd quarter as the Patriots ended a 75 yard scoring drive with a 23 yard TD run by A’tavion Pickett cutting the Wolfpack lead to 14-6 at the half. Pender attempted a 2 point conversation after their score but was unsuccessful.
Whiteville added 2 Touch Downs in the 3rd quarter, the first being a 50 yard scamper by JT Todd and the second being a 1 yard run by Luke Odham. Grayson Creech added both extra points contributing to the final score.
The stats were a different story. Pender won in time of possession, first downs, and rushing yards. Pender out rushed the Pack 277-246 on the night as they used a dive play often to pick up short yardage and eat away at the game clock. The Patriots also picked up 18 first downs on the night compared to the Wolfpacks 15.
Luke Odham was named the Kool 103.9 Player of the Game after leading Whiteville in rushing with 148 yards (1 TD). Odham also had 2 plays of 60+ yards, one being a TD, called back after holding penalties. Odham also tallied 18 yards passing and 1 TD. JT Todd picked up 87 yards rushing (2 TDs) on the night.
Whiteville played great assignment defense and stayed strong all night against Pender’s triple option threat. The Pack was never beat by a big play which is notorious with that offense. Whiteville will celebrate Homecoming this coming Friday as they play host to the Vikings of West Columbus. The Vikings are coming off a big win against South Columbus which broke up a 28 year win streak by the Stallions.
Story by Frankie Burney
Photos by Savanna Elkins
