Team Scores Too Much, Football Coach Suspended

The Fayetteville Observer (N.C.)

Douglas Byrd High School football coach Russell Stone has been suspended from coaching tonight’s final regular-season game at Union Pines.

Stone said he was suspended by Leon Mack, student activities director for the Cumberland County Schools, for running up the score in last week’s game against Southern Lee. Byrd won the game 75-7.

Mack declined to comment on the suspension, saying he could not discuss personnel matters.

The reaction of Southern Lee coach Tom Paris was one of surprise: “You’re kidding?”

Paris said he and Stone shook hands after the game and that he didn’t say a word to Stone about the score.

“We got beat,’’ Paris said. “It doesn’t matter to me if you get beat by seven or 70. A loss is a loss. I hadn’t said a word to anybody, and I don’t know what to say about this.’’

Prior to the game with Byrd, Southern Lee had a 2-8 record and had allowed 45 points per game.

In games earlier this year, the Cavaliers allowed 63 points to Gray’s Creek, 54 to E.E. Smith and 50 to South Johnston.

Stone said the main reason he was given for the suspension was Douglas Byrd continued to pass the football in the second half after building a 55-0 halftime lead.

“I had Senior Night going and I had a bunch of senior receivers that had never caught a ball,’’ Stone said. “We threw some simple routes. On one of them, a kid got away, had a 35-yard gain, and about four people missed tackles.”

According to the statistical summary of the game, Byrd threw 12 passes for 150 yards. Only one pass, a 21-yarder from Junior Williams to Malik Underwood, was for a touchdown.

Stone said his team scored 21 points Friday before it had 5 yards of total offense. Two of Byrd’s first three scores came on an interception return and a punt return.

Stone called the performance “a perfect storm” for the Eagle offense.

He said in his heart, he doesn’t feel he did anything wrong.

“I always shake a man’s hand, before and after, win or lose,’’ he said. “We’ll take it and move on. I hope the kids do well and there’s no trouble (Friday) night.’’

Stone said his son, Tripp, will serve as interim coach for tonight’s game.

“It’s bittersweet because my son will get his first chance to lead a team,’’ Stone said.

“I love to coach football. I live for the game. This is about the biggest thing I can give up.’’