Trojans look to keep divisional record spotless

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Oct. 1, 2003
A coach will always be happy when his quarterback throws four touchdown passes.
For a devoted rushing coach like Northeast Lauderdale's Steve Nelson, it makes him even happier when the quarterback only has to throw six times to get those four touchdowns.
Now 3-2 and 2-0 in division play, Nelson said his team will have to be equally flexible on offense when Quitman comes to town on Friday.
The Panthers will not make that an easy task. Although beaten by Wayne County 35-0 on Friday, Quitman's opponents had averaged only 14 points per game through the Panthers' first four games.
Quitman coach James Holloman, whose team is 2-3 entering Friday's game, said the squad has no mental hang-ups after the big loss to one of the state's top teams.
The Panthers will have to defend the run better against Northeast Lauderdale, if they are to even their record. Against Wayne County, they gave up 180 yards to running back Michael McLaughlin on only 16 carries.
Langston may not be as big a threat as McLaughlin, but he has still caused problems for opposing defenses, accounting for 10 touchdowns in the past four games.
Nelson said the Panthers have a threat of their own in senior Mike McLendon, who had three touchdowns and nearly 300 rushing yards in a 21-7 Quitman win over Newton County.
Holloman said his defense will try to limit Langston's production on first and second downs.
Nelson will likewise count on his defense against a physical Quitman offense, and although pleased with the Trojans' 3-2 start, Nelson said how his team finishes is more important.