Clark adds versatility by Robesonian

Written by Sherrell McMillan

Wednesday, 01 October 2008

Clark adds versatility to Purnell Swett offense

Purnell Swett quarterback Ethan Clark was clocked running the 40-yard dash in 4.29. | Photo by Brian Faini

Sourse Robesonian.com

PEMBROKE -- Calling Ethan Clark fast might be the understatement of the year.

The junior signal-caller ran the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds in the offseason, according to the Purnell Swett coaching staff.

For perspective's sake, former Georgia Tech and current Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds at the NFL combine in 2007.

Swett coach Mark Heil said that having Clark in the backfield opened up a myriad of opportunities for his teams' offense.

"We're going to run more option," Heil said. "Now we have three different options -- Ethan, Jock Clark and Marlin [Locklear] -- to run with. Then when we're out of the shotgun, we've got Marlin and Ethan and that's two really fast people back there."

Despite a tough game against Hoke County in the third game of the season, Heil is satisfied with Clark's play and improvement over the course of the season.

"He's improved a lot," Heil said. "Just understanding the offense, he doesn't make as bad decisions throwing the ball since the Hoke County game. Friday night (against E.E. Smith), the two incompletions he had he hit the kid right dead in the chest. He runs the offense very well. I think his decision making has been great."

Still, the Heil wants Clark to have an expanded role in the Rams' offense.

That's fine with Clark.

"They just told me they were going to give me the ball more often," he said.

With Clark directing the Rams' offense, Swett has gotten off to a 4-2 start and are hosting conference behemoth's South View on Friday.

If Swett defeats the Tigers, it'll likely be because of the versatility of Clark, who isn't a vocal leader according to Heil, but will speak up when necessary.

"He's not a real boisterous person, but yeah, compared to the beginning of the season, he has become more and more of a leader," Heil said. "He will jump down some people's throats if they aren't getting things done. He's leadership has increased and improved."

Added Clark: ""If someone isn't blocking real good I'll get on them. If I get sacked or they aren't blocking for the running back I'll get on them."

Naturally, Clark, who is in his first year as the Rams' starter, is going to illicit comparison to the last successful Swett quarterback ��” last year's starter Pat McCartney.

"Pat was an entirely different quarterback than Ethan," Heil said. "When Ethan has the ball in his hands, he is a threat all the time. Pat knew our offense very well and ran our offense and knew exactly what formations we were in. I don't think Ethan has a grasp on that as much as Pat does right now. But, Ethan is more of a double-threat than Pat was."

Clark, who doubles as a shortstop on the Rams' baseball team, is happy with his teams' progress this season.

"I think we're doing pretty good," he said. "I think we can be state champions if we work at it."

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Purnell Swett tops winless E.E. Smith by Fayobserver

Written by Jaclyn Shambaugh

Saturday, 27 September 2008

Source FayObserver.com

Purnell Swett coach Mark Heil said that, six games into the season, his team is finally starting to come together.

“We’ve had suspensions and injuries,” Heil said. “In the last two weeks, the kids are practicing better and working harder.”

The boost came just in time for the Rams to win their first Two Rivers conference game, 27-7, at E.E. Smith on Friday.

The Rams (4-2, 1-0) were at full power for the first time in weeks, with the return of 2007 Two Rivers Offensive Player of the year Marlin Locklear. The senior running back missed last week’s game against Scotland and most of the Sept. 12 game against Richmond with a deep bruise to his chest.

Locklear rushed for 124 yards on 17 carries and scored three of the Rams’ four touchdowns.

Locklear was aided on offense by fullback Jock Clark, who rushed for 77 yards on 17 carries, and quarterback Ethan Clark, who connected with receiver Robert Cole on his two completions for 71 yards.

The Bulls (0-6, 0-1) stayed within range in the first half, trailing 7-0 at halftime.

E.E. Smith coach Haney Catchings said that the Bulls, who have averaged just eight points per game this season, tried to mix up their offensive approach.

“We have to try to catch people off guard in order to be able to run the ball,” Catchings said.

The strategy looked promising to start, with senior running back Victor Walker rushing for 47 yards in the first half, matching the Bulls average yards per game.

Walker finished the night with 78 yards on 21 carries.

The Rams opened the second half with a 90-yard kickoff return by Ethan Clark. Kicker Alan Lowery’s extra point gave Purnell Swett a 13-0 lead just 11 seconds into the third quarter.

“I just saw a big opening,” Clark said. “And I knew I could outrun them.”

The Rams got the ball back 19 seconds later when Bulls quarterback Greg Bryant’s pass was intercepted by Pat Jones.

Bryant threw three interceptions on the night. He completed nine of 20 passes for 51 yards.

The win gives Purnell Swett, momentum as it prepares to host South View (3-3, 1-0) on Oct. 3.

The Tigers are the defending Two Rivers champions and handed the Rams their only loss last season.

Purnell Swett 27, E.E. Smith 7

PS — Marlin Locklear 1 run (Alan Lowery kick)

PS — Ethan Clark 90 kickoff return (kick failed)

PS — Marlin Locklear 5 run (Alan Lowery kick)

PS — Marlin Locklear 51 run (Alan Lowery kick)

EES — Small 6 pass from Bryant (Rhodes kick)

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing: PS — Marlin Locklear 17-124, Jock Clark 17-77, Ethan Clark 5-(3); EES — Walker 21-78, Donnely 1-2, Bullock 5-19, Bryant 3-9, Stephens 1-4.

Passing: PS — Ethan Clark 2-4-0 71; EES — Bryant 9-20-3 51.

Receiving: PS — Cole 2-71; EES — Small 3-19, Donnely 1-8, Williams 2-6, Walker 3-17.

Highlights: X — Xxxxxx.

Records: Purnell Swett 4-2, 1-0; E.E. Smith 0-6, 0-1.

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Injury-plagued Rams edge Scotland 16-14 by The Pembroke Eagle

Written by A staff report
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
LAURINBURG -- Purnell Swett ended a two-game losing skid in a mighty way on Friday with a much-needed 16-14 win over rival Scotland County in Laurinburg. This was the Rams' first win over the Fightin' Scots in 16 years. The win also ups the Rams' record to 3-2 on the 2008 season. Purnell Head coach Mark Heil said getting the victory was a refreshing shot in the arm for the injury-depleted Rams. Purnell Swett has been without its top offensive and defensive threats, Marlin Locklear and Jo Jo Blanks for the past two games. "I am really proud of our kids," Heil said. "The last two weeks everything went wrong, so we were looking for something good to happen against Scotland. We got behind 7-0 and I told my guys that we needed to have some heroes. We needed someone to step up and make plays." Fullback Jock Clark stepped up big time for the Rams. Clark rushed for 134 yards on 29 carries and snagged three passes for 23 yards. "Jock Clark ran the ball real hard and got us first downs," Heil said. "Ethan Clark played real well, too." The sophomore quarterback completed six of 10 passes for 75 yards. He atoned for an interception by scoring on a 55-yard punt return on special teams. The Rams survived a last-minute hail marry attempt by Scotland to hold on for the monumental win. "You could tell the excitement in the community from the fans," Heil said. "Sixteen years was a long time to wait for another win." Heil said the win is also what Purnell Swett needs as it heads into conference play Friday night against E.E. Smith. The Golden Bulls are winless in four games this season. "It was real important to go into this game coming off a win last week," he said. "We played better and cut down on the mistakes and turnovers. The defensive line played very well. We needed something positive to happen and thank goodness it did." E.E. Smith is coming off a 13-7 loss to Douglas Byrd last week. Swett (3-2) will travel to Fayetteville on Friday in hopes of spoiling the Golden Bulls' homecoming. Tip off is at 7:30 p.m. Heil said the Golden Bulls are led offensively by strong-armed quarterback Greg Bryant. He also said E.E. Smith's defensive line runs well to the ball. "Their 0-4 record doesn't indicate how good they are," he said. "They have played real well, but could not seal the deal." Injury update -- Starting tailback Marlin Locklear is expected to play Friday against E.E. Smith after missing one game with a bruised collarbone. Locklear returned to practice on Monday. Jo Jo Blanks, the starting middle linebacker, could be out another three to four weeks with a broken ankle. He was replaced by Matt Locklear. Keaton Sanchez, starting guard and defensive end, also missed last week with a hurt ankle. Sanchez hopes to be ready on Friday. Justin Locklear, free safety, is out with a hyper extended knee. 1 Comment

Pembroke and Lumberton Team Together

Written by webmaster

Saturday, 20 September 2008

#42 Justin Bullard and #67 Jamie Bell

photo provided by Judge Greg Bell

It is safe to say, during football season the Rams and Pirates are arch rivals. But that has changed for two opposing players

#42 Justin Bullard former Ram standout and #67 Jamie Bell former Pirate Standout.

Now both are Rookies with UNCP Braves football team. Congrats to both of you from the GRIDIRON CLUB.

1 Comment

Purnell Swett ends 16-year drought against Scotland

Written by Brad Crawford

Saturday, 20 September 2008

Source www.Fayobserver.com

LAURINBURG — Purnell Swett won its first game over Scotland County since 1992 Friday night with a dramatic 16-14 triumph at Pate Stadium.

The Rams (3-2) forced a diving incompletion in the back of the end zone in the waning seconds to seize victory, five plays after Scotland blocked a punt to retain possession near midfield with 1:13 remaining.

On third-and-10 from the Rams’ 45-yard line with 44 seconds left, Scotland quarterback Mo Covington hooked up with Damonte Terry for a 20-yard gain inside the 30. After two incompletions and a holding penalty, the Scots were forced to throw a hail mary on fourth-and-25 from around the 40-yard line.

“I told our team that we needed some heroes tonight,” Swett coach Mark Heil said. “We needed someone to step up for us and our defense and Jock Clark were the heroes.”

Assuming the starting role at tailback after Marlin Locklear was out with a broken collarbone, Clark registered 134 yards rushing for the Rams, including two crucial first downs late in the fourth quarter.

Swett’s game-winning two points came on a safety with 3:09 to play in the third quarter after Covington was called for intentional grounding in his own endzone giving the Rams a 16-14 lead.

The safety accounted for the only points in the second half after both teams combined for 28 in the opening two quarters, including a punt and kickoff return for touchdowns.

“Who would’ve thought that a safety in the third quarter would’ve been the difference,” Heil said. “We just brought a couple of kids up from jayvee before the game and they applied the pressure in the endzone.”

Scotland’s (1-3) Terry did all he could between the tackles for the Scots with 195 total yards from scrimmage, including 166 on the ground on 26 carries.

After the Scots scored the first points of the game with a 13-yard keeper from Covington, Swett quarterback Ethan Clark answered the touchdown with a score of his own on special teams to tie the game at seven.

Clark’s speedy 55-yard punt return down the left sideline was his first return touchdown of the season.

Not to be outdone, Scotland’s Will Locklear returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to the endzone to reclaim the Scots’ lead at 14-7 and shift momentum to the Scotland sideline.

Scotland opens conference play next Thursday night in Laurinburg against Westover while Swett begins its Two Rivers slate against E.E. Smith in Fayetteville on Friday.

Purnell Swett 16, Scotland 14

SC — Mo Covington 13 run (Balyn Krout kick)

PS — Ethan Clark 55 punt return (Alan Lowery kick)

SC — Will Locklear 85 kickoff return (Krout kick)

PS — D’Anteaus Williams 31 pass from Clark (Lowery kick)

PS — Safety, intentional grounding in end zone

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

Rushing: PS — Jock Clark 29-134. SC — Damonte Terry 26-166.

Passing: PS — E. Clark 6-10-1-75. SC — COvington 6-18-1-110.

Receiving: PS — Williams 2-40, J. Clark 3-23. SC — Larry Smith 2-34, Malcolm Jones 1-42, Terry 3-29.

Records: Purnell Swett 3-2, Scotland 1-3

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