LAKE WACCAMAW – Who let the Gators out?

Behind a running game that averaged more than 10 yards per carry, the East Columbus Gators closed the door on a frustrating 16-game losing streak Friday in a 41-7 non-conference football victory over the visiting West Columbus Vikings.

The six ECHS touchdowns matched the total that the team scored in all 11 of its games last season.

“This is a big win for our kids and our program,” said second-year ECHS head coach Travis Conner, whose team evened its season record at 1-1. “We came out with a lot of confidence and carried out the game plan well. Hopefully this is the start to some positive things for us this year.

“We have great kids,” Conner added. “They have worked hard together to start turning things around and tonight showed that they are capable of making some pretty good strides this year.”

The Gator rushing attack netted 442 yards while the ECHS defense made a big defensive stop right before halftime and came up with three pass interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

East Columbus led 21-7 at the half before closing out the game’s scoring with 20 points in the third quarter. Twelve ECHS players carried the football during the night.

ECHS sophomore back Demetrice McKelvie carried the ball only three times, but he rushed for 137 yards, including a 64-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Junior quarterback Alex Williamson carried the ball 10 times for 66 yards and scored on runs of one and two yards. Fred Blanks, on his only carry of the night, scored the Gators’ first touchdown on a 38-yard run. Gerard Bullock had 52 yards on only four carries, including a 28-yard touchdown scamper. The other Gator touchdown came when Jolly Jacobs returned a pass interception 27 yards for a score that gave East Columbus a 21-7 lead in the last stages of the first half.

Forrest Steed kicked three extra points and Williamson added a two-point conversion run.

West Columbus gained 170 yards rushing for the night. Edward McCollum scored the lone Viking touchdown on 52-yard run in the first quarter. Bradley Cutrell’s extra-point kick gave WCHS its only lead of the night. Junior back Travis Leggett finished the night with 84 yards on 18 carries as the Viking record slipped to 1-1.

Conner said that Jacobs’ interception return and a big defensive stand right before the half were big keys in the win.

“We mishandled a punt and they got the ball deep in our territory,” Conner said. “Our defense really showed some character in that situation because a West Columbus score at that point would have really changed the outlook on the second half.”

Jacobs and fellow linebacker Wakeem Johnson and noseguard Jermaine Daniels anchored the Gator defense. Cornerbacks C.J. Ganus and Chase Brandt each had a pass interception.

Conner also gave plenty of credit to the offensive linemen: Stanley Spaulding, Robert Pierce, Kevin Richardson and Jonathan Jones.

The game marked the 15th football meeting between the two schools. West Columbus holds a 9-6 edge in the series.

Prior to Friday, East Columbus’ last win had come in an 8-6 decision over visiting Pender on Oct. 1, 2004.

The Gators, who had opened the season with a 38-6 road loss to Southwest Onslow, will travel to meet Fairmont this Friday night.

Coach Vernon Brigman’s West Columbus team, which had defeated Dixon 48-25 in its opener, will return to its homefield this Friday to take on North Brunswick.

EC – Fred Blanks 38 run (kick failed).

WC – Edward McCollum 42 run (Bradley Cutrell kick).

EC – Alex Williamson 1 run (Williamson run).

EC - Jolly Jacobs 27 interception return (Forrest Steed kick).

EC – Gerard Bullock 28 run (Steed kick).

EC – Demetrice McKelvie 64 run (Steed kick).

EC – Williamson 2 run (kick failed).