By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Several former area athletes had big days for their college teams on Saturday.
Former Northside High School standout C.J. Wilson, a defensive end, had 1.5 sacks for the East Carolina Pirates, coming in Saturday’s 17-7 loss to No. 9 Virginia Tech. Wilson, who led ECU with four sacks last season, also forced one fumble.
The Pirates play their home opener against the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday.
Former Roanoke High School star Trimane Goddard had an interception and five tackles for North Carolina in its 37-14 win over James Madison on Saturday. Goddard, who missed all of last year with an injury, led the Heels with three interceptions in 2005.
The Heels play at East Carolina this Saturday.
N.C. State lost 25-23 to Central Florida on Saturday. Former Williamston High School standouts Jamaine Clemmons and Keonta Wallace did not see action in the game.
The Wolfpack plays at Boston College on Saturday.
Former Williamston High School star Brad Roach threw for two touchdowns and ran for another in Catawba’s 34-7 win over (1-0) at Elizabeth City (0-1).
As the starting quarterback for the Indians (2-0), Roach connected on TD tosses of 14 yards to Shane Timmons in the first quarter and 32 yards to Antwan Strong in the second quarter. Roach also scored on a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter.
Roach was 16-of-27 for 211 yards with three interceptions and the two scores. He ran for 28 yards on three carries.
Former Washington High School standout Gerald Lawrence, a linebacker, did not play for Elizabeth City.
The Indians play host to Livingstone in their home opener on Saturday. The Vikings play at Charleston, W.V., on Saturday.
Former Northside High School standout Greg Palmer had two tackles for the Chowan Hawks (0-2) in Saturday’s 67-0 loss to Newberry.
The Hawks play host to Saint Pauls College on Saturday.
Former Southside High School standout Bryan Haywood ran for 21 yards on six carries while also hauling in five passes for 28 yards in N.C. Wesleyan’s 34-31 loss to Wesley College on Saturday. Haywood added two kickoff returns for 24 yards for the Bishops (0-1).
Also for the Bishops, former Washington High School standout Nigel Rodgers had one fumble recovery and one tackle and former Southside High School standout Davelle Whitney was credited with one tackle.
N.C. Wesleyan plays host to Widener University on Saturday.