LAURINBURG — The Fighting Scots have finished what they call their “first season” undefeated as they wrapped their non-conference schedule on Friday with a blow-out win over Glenn, 51-22. The Scots will take this week off to rest up, as will all the other SEC teams, before hosting Purnell Swett on Oct. 7 to kick off their conference schedule.
The Scots offense, which has found its groove over the past several weeks, rushing for at least three hundred yards in all six non-conference games. The surprising numbers came from the passing game, the Scots have three games where they’ve thrown for over 100 yards.
If the Scots defense, which faced two impressive and high-flying offenses in New Hanover and Glenn, is still playing at another level, averaging at least one interception a game.
Here’s a closer look at the numbers behind the Fighting Scots season through Week 6:
— DEFENSIVELY —
• Points allowed: 49
The Fighting Scots have been playing lights out defense, allowing only two touchdowns in its first four games. New Hanover’s run-pass option offense caused the Scots some problems early, but the Wildcats only scored 14 points. On the first-string defense, Glenn only scored 16 points. The final touchdown late in the fourth quarter was on the second and third string defense. If you break it down, over the first six games, the Scots defense allowing an average of eight points per game.
• Yards allowed: 1,292
In the first six games, the Scots defense has allowed 405 rushing yards and 887 passing yards. Glenn had the highest passing numbers against Scotland with 280 yards. Marlboro County had the largest numbers on the ground with 117 yards. Those numbers average out to teams only gaining 67.5 yards in the run game and 147.8 yards through the air.
• Interceptions: 7
The Scots defense has forced seven interceptions by seven different players in the secondary. Tyleak Campbell, Manny Smith, Donta Green, Javon Ratliffe, Alston Smith, Amir McNeill and Kalish McNair all have one interception. Manny Smith ran his interception against New Hanover back 36-yards for a touchdown.
• Fumble recovery: 7
Scots linebacker Chris Williams leads the team with three fumble recoveries, while T.J. Smith isn’t far behind with two. Redric McLean, Manny Smith and Karfa Kaba each have one fumble recovery.
— OFFENSIVELY —
Total yards: 2,386
The Scots offense is averaging almost four hundred yards of offense per game — with most of those yards coming from the running game. The Scots have surprised fans and opponents with their ability to air the ball out this year when the situation calls for it.
• Rushing: 1,809
Leaders:
1) Zamir White — 71 carries for 625 yards and nine touchdowns
2) Syheam “Smiley” McQueen — 75 carries for 555 yards and eight touchdowns
3) Sergio Gibson — 41 carries for 253 yards and three touchdowns
4) Khalil Smith — 33 carries for 180 yards and one touchdown
It’s no surprise that the majority of the Scots total yardage has come from the run game, it’s also no surprise who their leading rusher is — junior Zamir White. A deep thigh bruise sidelined the Division I prospect for two weeks at the beginning of the season, but since his return White has made his presences known. After being the main back in White’s absence, McQueen has put up career numbers for himself as the Scots No. 2 rusher.
• Receiving: 577
Leaders:
1) Barry Campbell — 18 catches for 296 yards and four touchdowns
2) Alston Smith — five catches for 153 yards and two touchdowns
In his senior year, Barry Campbell has been a huge addition to the Scots receiving corps and the 6-foot 2-inch wide receiver has become the favorite target of quarterback Sergio Gibson. Campbell broke his collarbone during Friday’s game against Glenn and will likely miss at least six weeks.
• Passing: 577
Quarterback: Sergio Gibson — 37 of 64 for 577 yards with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions
Senior quarterback Sergio Gibson’s confidence in his throwing ability has increased with each game the Scots play. Gibson has had three games with over 100 yards passing and a career high 228 yards and four touchdowns against New Hanover.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
