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Harnett Central QB Makes State Record Book

Oct 15, 2005

HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — Harnett Central quarterback Rodney Cox tied the N.C. High School Athletic Association state record for most touchdowns in a game with eight Friday night in the Trojans' 56-21 victory over winless Union Pines. He ran for five touchdowns, including one for 60 yards, and tossed for three others.

Cox also had 539 yards of total offense, which places him second in the state record books.

East Wilkes' Luke Samples holds the record for the most total offense with 561 yards, which was set in 1998 during East Wilkes' 56-33 loss to Starmount. Cox's 539 performance passes Independence's Chris Leak, who had 533 yards of total offense in the Patriots' 37-31 win over Butler on Sept. 29, 2000. Leak is now the starting quarterback for the University of Florida.

Cox's eight touchdowns match the record shared by Harnett Central's Mike Hill, which was achieved in 2003 during the Trojans' 65-28 win over South Johnston; Hope Mills' Donnie Davis (1960); and Swansboro's Julius Pickett (1999).

Cox has now scored 25 touchdowns in nine games this season -- the most in the area. Entering Friday night's game, he had rushed for 1,166 yards and passed for 773.

Cox and Harnett Central (8-1, 4-0 Cape Fear Valley) meet undefeated Grays Creek next Friday in a league game.

With Friday night's loss, Union Pines fell to 0-8 and 0-3.