• By LARRY YOUNG
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 14, 2009

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Block High School rode its massive offensive line, a trio of running backs and a double-wing formation to a 20-14 Class 1A bidistrict playoff win over Southern Lab on Friday at A.W. Mumford Stadium.

Block’s Preston Bowman led all rushers with 101 yards and two TDs on 22 carries. Three other running backs spelled Bowman, keeping a fresh set of legs in the game and wearing down the Kittens defense.

In addition to Bowman, reserve running back Antoine Bowie rang up 45 yards. That helped free up quarterback Curdarius Johnson, who passed twice for 47 yards and a score.

“It was a rough, tough game on both sides, but I was determined to play our style of ball,” Block coach Benny Vault said. “We don’t throw the ball. We just try to pound it out. There’s no deception to it. We stay inside the tackles and take what you give us.”

Block (6-5) led 12-0 early in the first quarter, scoring on its first two drives — a 3-yard Bowman run and 35-yard pass from Johnson to Vashawn Davis.

Southern Lab (7-4) scored 14 straight points, doing so with a long, battering drive and a quick strike. The first drive, capped by Terrence White’s 12-yard TD run spanned 12 plays, draining 4:43 off the clock. That cut margin to 12-7 with 1:05 remaining in the first quarter.

The Kittens’ second drive ended in two plays as Patin hit Cornealius Burrell for a 45-yard score. The Kittens led 14-12 at halftime.

Southern Lab’s first two second-half drives ended in turnovers. A Tevin O’Steen interception swung momentum the Bears’ way.

“We didn’t capitalize when we should have and they did,” Southern Lab coach Michael Roach said. “That was the difference in the football game.”

Following a punt, Block recovered Patin’s fumble at the Bears 40-yard line. One play later, Bowman took the ball 15 yards for a score, putting the Bears up 20-14 with 3:30 remaining in the third period.

Bowman said he played the second half with shoulder pain.

“I was injured most of the second half, but was able to step it up and play well for our seniors,” Bowman said. “We all push each other to play to our potential.”

The Kittens’ next four drives ended in two interceptions and two turnovers on downs. Running back Terrence White, who was carted off midway through the fourth quarter, finished with 68 yards and a score on 14 carries. Patin completed 4-of-14 passes for 51 yards with one TD and four interceptions.