Brookville a big test for Generals

NARUNA — Facing Campbell County rival Brookville in football for the first time in 10 years last fall, William Campbell led 14-13 at halftime before tiring and surrendering 31 unanswered points in the second half of a 44-14 setback at Stinger Stadium.

Tonight at home, starting at 7, the Generals will showcase a deeper, more balanced attack that could keep the Bees off balance for four quarters.

“We’re trying to play more kids at more spots and using a rotation to keep kids in the game (and) keep kids fresh,” William Campbell first-year coach Greg Mullins said. “A school our size (Group A, Division 1), we end up playing a lot of kids both ways and we’re trying to get as many kids on the field as we can.”

In last Friday’s 42-12 win at Cumberland, the Generals had five different players score their six touchdowns, including two by quarterback Devante Easley.

“We’re trying to spread the wealth and not just rely on one kid to have to do the bulk of the work,” Mullins said. “Devante had a really good debut. He’s been running the offense well, doing everything we’ve asked him to do. He’s been a leader for us.”

With only a month of practice in the Wing-T, the same formation the Generals ran in the 1990s, Mullins expects the offense to run more smoothly as the season progresses.

“We’re still working out some of the kinks,” he said. “The more time we get in, the fakes will be better, we’ll stick on the blocks better and just execution of the whole scheme will be better.”

He believes the Generals can beat the Group AA, Division 3, power.

“We feel like if we go out and execute and play hard from the first whistle to the last whistle and we play William Campbell football, we can play with them, and we can play with anybody,” Mullins said.

Brookville coach Jeff Woody faced William Campbell throughout his career as a receiver for the Bees in the mid-1990s, when the Generals played in the Seminole District until his senior year in 1996. He knows his defense must stay on its toes defending the Generals’ new attack.

“They’ve got things going in the right direction,” Woody said. “(Mullins has) implemented that Wing-T offense and got some athletes involved and it looks pretty tough to stop on tape.”

Stylistically, he compares the Generals to current Seminole District rival Amherst.

“They’re very similar to Amherst, offensively and defensively, in that they like to utilize speed and they’ve got a fullback (Marcus Alexander), somebody who’s caught our eye when we watched film over the weekend,” Woody said. “They have two good wing backs and wide receivers and a quarterback who’s a run-pass threat.”

He has as much confidence in his offense, orchestrated by sophomore quarterback Kendall Becraft, who threw for 194 yards and three touchdowns, with only three incomplete passes, in last week’s 55-13 rout at Martinsville. He completed seven passes for 96 yards and two touchdowns to wide receiver Holton Walker.

“Our offense, right now, is able to take advantage of some opportunities and make some things happen,” Woody said. “I’m pleased with the way our kids performed … and the way Kendall has been distributing the ball. Our backfield has three guys I feel good handing the ball to and an offensive line I feel confident running behind.”

DeShon Foxx, who played off and on at quarterback last fall, and Ben Simmons are the Bees’ primary backs, backed up by fullback Tyler Pitts.

“They’ve got some playmakers,” Mullins said. “If you give (Becraft) time to throw, he’s able to hurt you. He had a big game against Martinsville, kind of picked them apart at times. Simmons is a good hard-nosed runner, a good athlete. Foxx, you’ve have to be aware of where he is at all times.”

As aggressive as the Generals’ defense is, Woody said the only team that can stop the Bees is themselves.

“We’ve got to make sure we execute and eliminate negative plays on offense and stop that jet sweep on defense,” he said. “It’s going to be one of those knock-down, drag-out rivalries.”

Mullins hopes it continues for the foreseeable future, though currently, it’s only on the schedule for a two-year cycle.

“Brookville’s a county rival, going back to the days in the Seminole,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a continuing series. This is something that I think is beneficial for both schools and it’s a good opportunity to rekindle a rivalry that’s important to both communities.”