By DAN BISER

Putting the football in the end zone will be a big objective for the East Columbus Gators Friday night as they try to get back on the winning track in the Waccamaw 1A-2A Conference against the South Brunswick Cougars at Boiling Spring Lakes.

Gametime is 7:30 p.m.

Back-to-back shutout losses to South Columbus and Pender have have followed an impressive 30-14 homecoming victory over North Brunswick on Sept. 29.

While East Columbus is riding a two-game losing streak, including a 20-0 home loss to Pender last Friday. South Brunswick is carrying a three-game losing streak following its 48-12 loss to South Columbus. Both teams are carrying 1-3 conference records. South Brunswick is 5-4 for the season while East Columbus is 2-7.

South Brunswick has taken identical 41-6 victories over the Gators in each of their last two meetings. East Columbus has beaten the Cougars only once (24-13 in 2003) in the rivalry that dates back to the 1993 season.

ECHS head coach Travis Conner knows that the Cougars will be ready to shake their three-game losing streak when they entertain the Gators Saturday.

“They lost to North Brunswick (20-18) on a trick play in the final minute two weeks ago and that seemed to have some lingering effect on them against South Columbus.” Conner said. “We can expect them to come out sharp and ready to play. I’m sure they’ll line up in their tight double-wing and run the ball right us. If we can’t stop it, we could be in for a long night.”

Conner said that it will be important for his offense, led by quarterback Alex Williamson and wingback Zack Ward, get off to a positive start against Coach Gordon Walters’ Cougars.

“We need to get some points on the board early,” Conner said. “South Brunswick has a strong defense, but we need to take care of the football and try to do some good things with it.”

If the Gators can secure win in their last two games (South Brunswick and Trask) they will gain a berth in the state 1AA playoffs.

“It’s important we play well through the rest of schedule,” Conner said. “Making the playoffs will be a big boost for our program going into next season.”