By DAN BISER
Sports Editor

Hoping to rely on momentum from last week’s 30-15 road victory over West Columbus, the East Columbus High School football team will open its 2007 home schedule Friday night at 7:30 when it plays host to the West Bladen Knights.

Last week’s win at West Columbus put the East Columbus record at 1-1. Coach Travis Conner’s Gators had opened the season with a 20-12 road loss to Lakewood.

West Bladen, coached by Raymond Marlowe, saw its season record dip to 0-2 last Friday in a disappointing 15-14 loss to Midway at Spivey’s Corner. The Knights held a lead throughout the game before Midway put up the winning points in the final moments.

West Bladen gave Whiteville a solid tussle in its season opener before falling to the Wolfpack 21-12.

East Columbus scored in every quarter of last week’s win at West Columbus. Five Gator backs rushed for at least 40 yards, and quarterback Alex Williamson connected with Alan Bracey for an 89-yard touchdown pass.

Demetrius McKelvie led the Gator defense with two pass interceptions.

“Our play against West Columbus was so much better than it was at Lakewood,” Conner said. “We now face a really big challenge in taking on a team like West Bladen. They have a very strong running game and they come at you hard on defense.

Quarterback Austin Hillis is in his second year as a starter for the Knights.