Cameron Howell goes into the end zone for South’s first score.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

South Johnston used a de facto blocked punt to set the tone for a 47-13 nonconference varsity football win over visiting Southern Lee on Thursday night.

“We didn’t actually block it,” said Trojans coach Lee Webb.

South’s rush pushed the protection back into the punter and Cameron Howell got into the end zone with the ensuing carom.

“Offensively, we started clicking in the second half,” Webb said. “Defensively, our emphasis was to swarm to the football. (Paul) Olive (quarterback) had a good game running and a good game passing. … All the receivers had a catch or two. He did very well spreading the ball around.”

The Trojans are 3-0 with an open date next week before traveling to Smithfield-Selma to start league play on September 17.

“The kids are practicing hard,” Webb said. “They’re taking the coaching very well. They want to win. They don’t let anybody get their heads down. We’ve got to continue to work and get better.”

Webb credited the running of Jyseim Wells, Isaiah Harris, Brandon Giles and Brayden Barefoot.

“Two of our receivers scored on jets, C.J. (Redmond) and (Jaydn McNeill),” Webb said. “We were just able to run the ball. We were running with our receivers, all three of our running backs and Paul.”

The South coach is cautious about the bye week.

“We’ve got to keep our energy up,” Webb said. “We can’t allow distractions or just have a week off. We’re going to prepare just like it was a game week.”

South quarterback Paul Olive runs the ball against Southern Lee.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

C.J. Redmond scores on a 2-point conversion for a 14-0 SJ lead.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Lucas Layman sacks the Southern Lee quarterback.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Jaydn McNeill runs for a South Johnston first down.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Brayden Barefoot is headed for the end zone for the Trojans.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Paul Olive goes to the air in South’s 47-13 victory.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

Braxton Ennis makes a stop for no gain on Thursday night.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)