Wolves shut down Carolina Forest

ST. STEPHEN — The Timberland Wolves proved themselves worthy of their No. 2 preseason ranking in Class AA, dominating Carolina Forest from start to finish in a 49-0 win in each team's season opener on Saturday.

The Panthers, who moved into Class AAAA this year, were outgained by 355 yards. Timberland led 42-0 at halftime and scored just once in the second half before pulling its starters.

"That hurts," Carolina Forest offensive lineman Drew Herring said as he took a final glance at the scoreboard. "That just means we have to work 49 times harder. We knew they were going to be a good team, but we just need to work harder and start working together better. It hurts. You can't walk away from this without being hurt.''

Timberland's Rennis Black led the way, rushing for 178 yards and three TDs, including a 95-yard score, on just 8 carries. He also had a 64-yard interception return for a touchdown called back by penalty.

"We were just a little too physical up front, and we hit some big plays,'' Timberland coach Art Craig said.

"(Wingback) Rockarius King is so well-known that everybody just flies to him. Everybody is keying on Rock, but they don't realize Rennis has 2,000 career yards rushing. On anybody else's team, he's probably a feature back.''

Only three players carried the ball for Carolina Forest. Converted quarterback Marlon Horton, thrown into the role to hopefully provide some stability at a need position, rushed 25 times for 55 yards, and was 10-for-22 passing for 60 yards.

Carolina Forest's first-half drive summary read like this: punt, punt, fumble, punt, fumble, punt, punt, interception. The Panthers fumbled four times, losing two of them, threw an interception, turned the ball over on downs once and punted seven times.

After punting on its first drive, Timberland scored touchdowns on six straight possessions before kneeling on the final play of the first half.

"They're a good football team," Panthers coach Drew Hummel said. "They aren't going to lose too many football games.''

THS—Rennis Black 59 run (Cody Craig pass to Aldrick Fordham).

THS—Craig 18 run (Will Bradham kick).

THS—Craig 1 run (kick failed).

THS—Black 1 run (Bradham kick).

THS—Black 95 run (Bradham kick).

THS—Paul Jefferson 85 pass from Craig (Bradham kick).

THS—Craig 4 run (Bradham kick).

Records: Timberland 1-0; CF 0-1.

Next: Timberland at Woodland on Friday.