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Bears rely on younger players
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Published: November 19, 2008
HICKORY - On a team that plays more sophomores and freshmen than seniors, Canton Pisgah High's Black Bears have made big strides this season.
"We're still learning and learn something new each week," said head coach David Pressley. "But, still they are young players.
"We have only 11 members of the team that are seniors. For a lot of these guys, the playoffs are a learning experience."
Pisgah (9-3), the No. 6 seed in the 2AA football bracket, plays at No. 3 Hibriten (11-1) at 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the second round.
The Black Bears and Panthers last met in the playoffs in the first round in 2006, with Pisgah winning 42-3.
Despite this season's youth, Pisgah has played especially well defensively. The Black Bears have allowed 167 points in 12 games and they have registered five shutouts.
"Our defense has been solid all year as we had all our kids back from last year," said Pressley. "
Pisgah's defensive leaders are junior linebacker Jason Piurowski and senior defensive end Stephen Leatherwood.
Piurowski has a team-high 71 tackles – 10 for lost yardage – and has two sacks. Leatherwood is a key force on the defensive front with 45 tackles and three sacks.
On offense, senior quarterback Tyler Jaynes has provided stability and leadership for the Black Bears.
A two-year starter, he has thrown for more than 5,000 yards in his career. He has 2,093 yards and 15 passing TDs this year.
But bad weather in games late in the season forced Pisgah to shift its offensive attack more to the run.
In last week's 17-14 first-round home victory over Salisbury, sophomore running back Travis Smalling carried 42 times because of the poor weather conditions.
"I don't think we've ever run it 42 times in a game, much less one guy running that much," Pressley said. " But the conditions were such we had to."
Smalling finished with 189 yards.
Pressley also singled out his offensive line for high praise.
"We're a young line with three sophomores and a junior starting, but they've matured quickly," he said.
Pisgah's rushing attack is led by Smalling, a 5-foot-7, 175-pounder who has 205 carries for 1,221 yards and 20 TDs.
Against Salisbury, the Black Bears controlled the time of possession (they had the ball nearly 31 minutes).
Pressley knows the the key to success against Hibriten will require more of the same.
"We play real hard, but we're not as athletic as other teams are," said Pressley. "We have to drive the football and not give up the big play defensively."
Pressley got a first-hand look at Hibriten last Saturday when the Panthers beat Chase in a first-round game that was delayed by bad weather on Friday. He quickly noticed Hibriten star Quin Smith.
"(He) is a kid you notice right away," said Pressley. "As good as he his offensively, he stands out more defensively."
But Pressley knows Hibriten is not a one-man show by any means.
"They are coached well and they play hard," Pressley said. "They have so many threats offensively and can score from anywhere on the field.
"We have to keep them from the big play. They are as good as anyone we've seen this year and will be a tall task."
Pisgah has had recent playoff success, reaching the third round in 2007 before losing to Shelby.
Shelby also beat the Black Bears in the West title game in 2006.
The Black Bears have won four state football titles, the last two coming in 1975 and 1976.
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