Greenbrier backs run past 'Dogs

Greenbrier was down a running back Friday, but the loss did little to affect its ground game.

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With junior Kendrick Wilson out with an apparent concussion, the Wolfpack still rolled up more than 300 yards on the ground to beat Harlem, 49-28.

Greenbrier running backs Bryan Andrews and D.J. Tyson rushed for two touchdowns apiece as the Wolfpack picked up their first win of the season.

"Our type of offense, once it clicks, it clicks for good," said Andrews, who returned a punt 67 yards for another score.

The Wolfpack's key position battle before the season began appeared to be at quarterback. But coach Brian Smith also has a myriad of options in the backfield.

Andrews finished with 184 yards on 14 carries Friday, and Tyson offered plenty of support. The sophomore rushed for more than 100 yards in the absence of Wilson, who Smith said suffered a concussion in the Wolfpack's season opener against Evans.

"It's good we have two strong backs," Smith said. "I feel when Kendrick gets back, we'll be even stronger."

The teams combined for 49 points in the third quarter. Harlem pulled even at one point during the marathon. But the Bulldogs couldn't stop the Wolfpack rushing attack when it counted.

"We weren't tackling well," Harlem coach Jimmie Lewis said. "We had a good defensive scheme but you can't win if you don't tackle."

Lewis' team finished with 320 yards rushing. Quarterbacks Zach Morris and Tyler James each had their turn running the offense.

Lewis wanted the game to serve as a tryout for the starting spot but the decision might take more time.

"We're just trying to figure out which one will be there for the duration," he said. "To tell the truth, we're still undecided. Both looked good."

Greenbrier moved with ease on its first drive, scoring in six plays. The Wolfpack appeared ready to pull away after pushing its lead to 14-0 on the first play of the second quarter.

But the Bulldogs responded with a touchdown drive, capped by James' 3-yard touchdown run.

The Bulldogs tied it at 14 after halftime when Pavious Harper hauled in a 66-yard touchdown pass from James after two Wolfpack defenders collided and fell down.

From there, Andrews took over. The Wolfpack senior broke free for a 27-yard touchdown run and returned a punt on Harlem's ensuing drive for another score.

"Coach gave us a great speech at halftime," Wolfpack quarterback Blake Ross said. "You can't let the little dog come back and bite you. We stuck it in the end zone."

Andrews scored again before the third quarter was done, and cornerback Tab Davis returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown to seal it.