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MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC 4-A CONFERENCE 3-A
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ASHEVILLE HIGH • TC ROBERSON• AC REYNOLDS • ENKA • ERWIN • NORTH BUNCOMBE • MCDOWELL
sheville then A.C. Reynolds are the most common picks atop the 4-A/3-A Mountain Athletic Conference, with Erwin right up there and T.C. Roberson and North Buncombe dark horses. Asheville Cougars seek to extend their MAC title streak to 11 years, of at least sharing it. Asheville turned in its second straight unbeaten MAC mark. Erwin won by three at Reynolds, to finish second overall. This year, Reynolds and Erwin clash to open the NAC season. “Then Reynolds turns around, and plays us,” AHS Coach Danny Wilkins said. Much drama unfolds early. Enka Coach Jeff Frady gives the edge to AHS over ACR in that early showdown, for line experience. “The big four are Reynolds, Asheville, Erwin and T.C.,” North
Buncombe Coach Curtis Cagle said. “They have tremendous talent and athletes. Look at what they return. Holy cow! It’ll be a crap shoot.” Reynolds Coach Shane Laws said “you could almost flip a coin, with those (usual top) four. Erwin has good skill people back, and guys who make plays to turn a game around real quick. Asheville is always solid. Roberson is a wild card. They have a lot of kids back.” AHS has the most (six) all-MAC returnees. Roberson Coach Chris Deal said, “You look at what Asheville has done in the last 15 years — it’s very impressive. They just reload. They got a new quarterback out of Atlanta. They’re very formidable, on the top of any board. Reynolds and Erwin. both return great players. North Buncombe got the running back from Erwin.” Erwin Coach
Mike Sexton said of resurgent N.B., “They play hard. They’re going into the right direction.” “Most people think Reynolds returns the most talent,” Wilkins said. “But Erwin has its quarterback back. He’s a talented runner.” Their line coach feels they’ve beefed up, up front. Frady sees second-tier standings as “all negotiable.” As usual “there’s a whole bunch of ‘usual suspects’” as contenders, McDowell Coach Carson Gowan said. “We’ll find out much more when the bombs start dropping.” Cagle noted about MAC wars, “you gotta strap it on every week. Come ready to go. Or get your eyeballs beat out.” ASHEVILLE (12-2; 6-0 MAC) sports TB Reggie Battle (511, 210 sr.), and steady new QB Devon Davidson (6-0, 175 jr.) at the controls of the ball-
controlling power I. (12-2; 6-0 MAC) Tackle Pete Leota (6-5, 290 jr.) leads a huge line. ILB Christian Green (5-10, 190 sr.) and DT Cade Pearson (6-1, 272 sr.) lead the Cougar defense. Coach Danny Wilkins as usual will plug in his skill in the right places, to “maximize their talents” and frustrate foes. A.C. REYNOLDS (7-6; 4-2) pairs two runners together, with Rico Dowdle (6-0, 203 sr.) now at QB to go with TB A.J. Logan (5-9, 190 jr.). Tyler McLaughlin (6-4, 290 sr.) and Jake Setterlind (66, 320 so.) man the Rockets line. OLB Andreas Hill (6-1, 215 sr.) leads the defense. Coach Shane Laws aims to “battle for the conference championship, get into playoffs and do something.” ERWIN (9-2; 5-1) looks for even more from QB Damien Ferguson (5-11, 170 jr.), throwing to Chase Austin (6-2, 195 sr.) and C.J.
Thompson (5-9, 155 jr.). LT Marc Peterson (6-4, 235 sr.) leads a huge line. OLB Rayonte Mills (511, 230 sr.) spurs the defense. After his Warriors blur past foes, Coach Mike Sexton said now “we’re (even) faster overall on offense.” T.C. ROBERSON (5-7; 2-4) LT Dayquan Watkins (6-7, 328 jr.) RT Cam Parker (6-5, 285 sr.) will blast holes for TB Dez Moorman (5-10, 170) and QB-RB Chris Barnwell (5-11, 185 sr.). On defense, ILB Seth Griswold (6-0, 210 jr.) plugs holes. Coach Chris Deal considers TCR the Real Deal as a contender, as “we’re much faster than last year.” NORTH BUNCOMBE (7-5; 3-3) lands TB Colby Maltry (5-10, 175 sr.) to balance an attack featuring QB Chase Parker (6-1 1/2, 180 sr.) to Ricky Thrash (60, 175 sr.). DEs Peter Simonovich
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ASHEVILLE HIGH • TC ROBERSON• AC REYNOLDS • ENKA • ERWIN • NORTH BUNCOMBE • MCDOWELL
(6-2, 205 sr.) and Mason Isgrig (6-3, 215 sr.) pace the Blackhawk defense. Coach Curtis Cagle said of the MAC upper echelon, “we
want to join that group ENKA (1-10; 0-6) looks to new QB Jason Fabio (5-11, 170 jr.), TB Michael Cantrell (5-8, 170 sr.), Avery Holbrook (5-10, 160 jr.) and TE Bryson Buckner
(6-3, 215 sr.) behind LG Bryce Shook (5-9, 240 sr.) and other blockers. Jets Coach Jeff Frady said of MAC’s second-tier rivals, “We feel we can compete with them.”
McDOWELL (2-10; 1-5) wows fans as Casey Ray (5-9, 185 sr.) looks for WR Ethan McMahan (59, 160 jr.), protected by center Blaise Parker (6-0, 265 sr.) and LT Isaiah Burch (6-4, 280 jr.).
DE Isaiah Smith (6-3, 225 sr.) leads the defense. Coach Carson Gowan vows tenacious effort. - Written by Pete Zamplas
TABLE OF CONTENTS TOUCHDOWN 3| MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
57| WESTERN NC ATHLETIC
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
5| MAC PLAYER PROFILE:
58| WNCAC PLAYER PROFILE:
16| 2015 SCHEDULE POSTER 26| SOUTH MOUNTAIN
67| 2015 BEST IN THE WEST
RICKY THRASH
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
33| WESTERN HIGHLANDS
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
34| WHC PLAYER PROFILE: MICHAEL SCHMIDT
45| SMOKY MOUNTAIN
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
46| SMC PLAYER PROFILE:
STEPHEN PERRON
COLLEGE PREVIEWS 28| APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
41| MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 73| BREVARD COLLEGE 77| WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
GAGE ORR
FOOTBALL 38TH ANNUAL WNC HIGH SCHOOL
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continued from page 3
2015 PREVIEW
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ROSTERS + SCHEDULES
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CARRIE HARDER
IWANNA’S BEST IN THE WEST
PRODUCTION
DAVID DENTON RACHEL HOEFT DEBI MANFRE RANDY WHITTINGTON NORTH BUNCOMBE’S
THRASH
HENDERSONVILLE’S
SCHMIDT
ROSMAN’S
ORR
WEST HENDERSON’S
PERRON
CONTRIBUTORS
DANIEL ABIDE LIFETOUCH INC PETE ZAMPLAS Cover designed by Carrie Harder ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
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NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS
RICKY THRASH Makes a Splash Darting Downfield, With Can-do Spirit
Ricky Thrash
North Buncombe star receiver Ricky Thrash makes a splash with elusive moves, and optimistic spirit.
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hrash (5-11, 165 sr.) caught 94 passes for 978 yards and five scores in 2014. “His nickname is ‘Wiggle,’” head coach Curtis Cagle said.
“He’s got moves. He makes people miss.” He also has 4.6 speed. “I’m agile,” Thrash said. His favorite play is “the smokescreen.” “I love running that. I take two steps forward, then a step back. (Quarterback) Chase (Parker) throws me the ball. I make my move” — a variety of them. Though he zigzags like a Wes Welker did on such screens, his favorite pro receiver is Odell Beckham Jr. who makes acrobatic catches downfield. “He has great hands,” Thrash said. “I like how he plays (all-out), and how he moves.” His favorite team is the Oregon Ducks. “I love watching their fast-paced spread offense. It’s exciting. We try to make our offense fast. We’re no huddle. Spread out. Play fast, fast, fast. Though his play is flashy, he is a meat-and-potatoes teen who likes rap music, and typical gogetter mountain athlete.. “I’m just ready to get the job done.
There’s time for fun ‘n games. But at game time, I’m focused to get this win.” Though Thrash has “trash” plus a second “H,” he shuns verbal sparring. “I show my talking on the field.” He and Parker do chat onfield to motivate, such as “we got this” on key drives. “If a teammate’s down, I’ll try to pick him back up,” Thrash said. In the 2014 opener at rugged Pisgah the game was on the line. Pisgah picked off a pass, with three minutes to go. The Hawks wanted to answer, for insurance. “I said, ‘Chase, we have tons of time.’” From midfield “he threw me a 20-yard curl, to their 30. I spun around. Two players tried to tackle me. I spun off of them, and ran as fast as I could to score a touchdown.” That clinched the 16-6 road upset. “That’s a big win,” he said. “That’s what started our great season.” Great it was. North Buncombe finished 7-5 for its first winning mark in many years.
Beating Pisgah meant extra since their coach played there. “They had his name on a trash can. It’s like saying ‘you’re trash. We don’t like you,’” Thrash said. “That pissed us off.” Coach Cagle “gets up hyped up. If he has to yell, he will. Everybody goes by what he says.” He said Cagle calmly instructs tactics and player duties, in time out huddles. “He knows we’ll come back, and do what we have to.” The turnaround 2014 football season “made our school come a lot closer,” Thrash said. “We feel ‘Blackhawk pride,’ as our principal (Jack Evans) calls it.” Confidence is soaring even more, especially for seniors, he said. “We feel we’ll have a really good season, and go deep into the playoffs.” His favorite movies include American Sniper, as a real-life action drama starring Bradley Cooper stressed-out sniper Chris Kyle still dutiful.
Thrash plays cornerback on third downs. He is a 100 and 200-meter track sprinter. In baseball, “once I get on the bases, I’m going home.” He likes how Asheville native Cameron Maybin “followed his dreams, to become a big-time player” with the Braves. Thrash has a 3.5 weighted GPA, and a handful of scholarship offers simmering. He has operated his own lawn mowing business since eighth grade. His parents are Rick and Pauline Thrash. Rick, once a scrappy Asheville High running back, runs Advanced Landscaping. “I followed in his footsteps” so far, Ricky said. His career choice, though, is athletic training. Ricky Thrash keeps in mind Coach Cagle’s advice to seniors: “Don’t blink, don’t take your final year for granted. Go out here, and take care of business” for a successful, memorable seaon. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS
ROBERSON RAMS
ROSTER
Coach Chris Deal HEAD COACH: Chris Deal NICKNAME: Rams SCHOOL COLORS: navy blue & Vegas gold 2014 RECORD: 5-7 (2-4 MAC) ADDRESS: 250 Overlook Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
T.C. Roberson returns its entire starting offense, eager to jump back into the MAC elite.
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he Rams shared the overall MAC title at 5-1 in 2012, going 9-2 overall, and after two down years hope to bounce back. Last year they started their MAC schedule winning 36-34 at McDowell, dropped the next three convincingly, but won 42-13 over Enka to reach 4-A playoffs. Coach Chris Deal sees progress in his second year at the helm. “The difference is monumental. Our kids understand our expectations. This is a family unit, striving for one common goal. We’re excited to turn the corner.”
ROBERSON RAMS Photos by Daniel Abide
Many got a chance to shine, as 34 players started at least some including nine sophomores and two freshmen. “Their development is unbelievable,” Deal said. Now all 11 starters return on offense, and eight on defense. The total of 19 of 22 dwarfs the six returnees for ’14. Also, talent is up from an unbeaten JV. Deal’s offense is multiple (24 formations in ’14) varying from tight to some spread, with shotgun snaps and more single-back sets to “tote the mail,” he said. Deal said TCR may run 80 percent of the time — up from 70. The quarterback is QB-RB Chris Barnwell (5-11, 185 sr.), or perhaps QB-FL Darrion Payne (6-0, 165 sr.). Barnwell ran for
540 yards (4.35 ypc.) and four touchdowns in 2014, typically taking off a dozen times per game. “Chris is very competitive. He likes to run. He’s improved a lot with footwork, and understanding the defense. He’s throwing so much quicker, and better.” Earlier this preseason at least, “Darrion is the more polished passer. He throws it quicker, more accurately. The heir apparent for ’16 is Eric Robinson (6-1, 175 jr.) with a “cannon” arm and “good wheels,” Deal said. The main tailback is likely athletic Dez Moorman (5-10, 170 jr.), a potential 25-carry workhorse. Barnwell fills in, if/when not at QB. Options are powerful Jerome Pulley (5-9, 168 jr.), and slasher Barshia Young (5-11, 165 so.). Two
SCHEDULE
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North Henderson East Henderson East Rutherford Freedom Crest McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds* Enka*
H A A H H H A H A H A
*Conference Game
transfers can factor somewhere — Camelot Melissas (5-10, 170 sr.) from Asheville and Lejuan Rush (5-10, 190 sr.) from North Henderson. Fullback candidates
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NAME POS HT. CLASS Eric Robinson QB/DB 6’1 11 Camelot Melissas QB/LB 5’11 12 Darrion Payne QB/DB 6’ 12 Robert Balcom SLOT/SS 6’ 12 Seth Coleman CLOT/DB 5’8 12 Gilbert Whiteside WR/DB 5’10 12 Denzel Summey WR/LB 5’11 12 Jerome Pulley RB/LB 5’9 11 Seth Griswold H/LB 6’ 11 Hassan Medani WR/DB 5’7 12 Chris Barnwell QB/DB 5’11 12 Bryson Case QB/DB 6’1 11 Jordan Moore SLOT/DB 5’6 12 Micah Jenkins SLOT/DB 5’5 11 Eric Hutzier WR/DB 5’10 12 Dezmond Moorman RB/DB 5’10 11 Logan Wells H/LB 6’ 11 Barshia Young WR/DB 5’11 10 Mikal Timpson WR/LB 6’ 11 Matt Taylor WR/DB 5’10 12 Jackson Gibson WR/DB 5’10 11 Jack Bruce H/LB 6’1 11 Ryan Ruff H/SNAPPER 5’11 12 Lejuan Rush RB/Lb 5’10 11 Brandon Wells H/DE 6’1 12 Cooper Graham P/K 5’11 11 Blake Meade H/LB 5’9 12 Ian McAdoo H/LB 6’ 12 Greg Johnston H/DE 6’3 10 Cameron Parker OL/DL 6’5 12 Tanner Herman OL/DL 6’2 11 Nate Higgins OL/DL 5’9 12 Neil Gustafson OL/DL 6’2 12 Brodie Sanford OL/DL 5’9 10 Jonathan Sinacore OL/DL 5’9 12 Jamil Lloyd OL/DL 5’4 11 John Cox OL/DL 6’2 12 Alton Moody OL/DL 5’10 11 Dayquan Watkins OL/DL 6’7 11 Orion Dunbar OL/DL 5’8 11 Andrew Goodman WR/DB 6’ 12 Lars Lewis SLOT/OLB 5’10 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Chris Deal Assistants: Ransom Jackson, Nathan Arvey, Damon Brown, Randy Atkins, Scott Helms, Josh Baker, Artis Gilmore,Nathan Padgett, Michael Hodges, Kevin Graham
include Brandon Wells (6-1, 175 sr.) and Logan Wells (6-0, 195 jr.). Slot receiver-RB Seth Coleman (5-8, 160 sr.) is the fastest (4.4) Ram. WR starters
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ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS
are sure-handed Hassan Medani (5-7, 145 sr.) and “big time playmaker” Gilbert Whiteside (510, 165 sr.) with high vertical leap,
with Denzel Summey (5-11, 195 sr.) in the mix. In the trenches, all-MAC LT Dayquan Watkins (6-7, 328 jr.) is
the “total package,” with strength, reach and athleticism, Deal said. “He’s much more confident.” Another D-1 prospect, quick RT
Cam Parker (6-5, 285 sr.), is “our most improved player,” Deal said. “His leadership is phenomenal.” Also back are all-MAC LG Neil
Proud to support
Gustafson (6-2, 240 sr.), center Nate Higgins (5-9, 240 sr.), with RG Kenya Smith (6-0, 230 sr.) or
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TC ROBERSON RAMS
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AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS
AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS Coach Shane Laws HEAD COACH: Shane Laws NICKNAME: Rockets SCHOOL COLORS: green, gold, & white 2014 RECORD: 7-6 (4-2 MAC) ADDRESS: 1 Rocket Dr, Asheville, NC 28803
A.C. Reynolds doubles its ground weaponry, by pairing both star runners together with one shifting to quarterback.
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eigning MAC Offensive Player of the Year Rico Dowdle (6-0, 203 sr.) goes to behind center, with A.J. Logan (5-9, 190 jr.) joining him in ACR’s patented spread attack that twice topped 70 points a year ago. “They’re two super football players and athletes,” ninth-year ACR head coach Shane Laws said. “You want to involve them both. They’re dynamic.” Dowdle in 2014 ran for 1,309 yards and 17 touchdowns — five in a wild 38-31 playoff win over MAC rival Erwin. He averaged
AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
7.35 yards a carry. Logan topped 800 yards and six per carry with double-digit rushing TDS — all for the second year in a row. This tandem exceeded 2,100 yards and reached the end zone 27 times on runs. They each snared at least 20 catches, both averaging 13 yards. Dowdle’s seven receiving TDs is tied for second best among WNC returnees. “They’re both physically strong, and tough to bring down,” Laws said. “They both have track-type speed (4.4s), to change gears and pull away. Rico has more wiggle — stop, and start to make people grab air. A.J. has such vision. He sees the play open up and develop — a step or two ahead of others seeing — and goes.” Dowdle is “so shifty, it’s hard to get a big hit on
him,” TCR Coach Chris Deal noted. Dowdle is a “dual threat. He’s got the green if a seams open up for him to run through,” when downfield coverage stretches defenders, Laws said. “He has great arm strength. He’s good in completing passes — not great, yet.” The spread aims to spread defenses to open lanes for running and receiving. “We try to be as (run-pass) balanced as we can,” Laws said. “We expect defenses to load the box, to take (running of) him and A.J away and force him to throw downfield. He’s making the throws.” He succeeds Tevin Stafford. Backup TB Shaqwan Jones (6-0, 200 jr.) joins Logan in a “two-(half) back package” at times, Laws said.
SCHEDULE
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West Forsyth
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Shelby Owen Watauga Hendersonville Erwin* Asheville* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*
A A A H A H A H A H
*Conference Game
Jones rushed for 473 yards (6.1 ypc.) and five TDs. “He’s power with speed, as well. He’ll get his shoulders down.” In the receiving corps, alltime ACR pass catcher C.J. Allen graduated. New flanker Keyal
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ROSTER
NAME Camron Roberts Eunique Waters AJ Logan Rico Dowdle Sean Jones Noah Eberhardt Charlie Lehman River Naisang Austin McCurry Keyal Talbert Nathan St. Onge Andrew Moore Conor Sullivan Andrew Wall Chris Carpio Josh Proffitt Dakota Marvin Ethan Sayles Aaron Bolden Will Israel Andreas Hill Ben Wallen Malik Long Gio Carpio Dylan Sorrells Deshawn Finley Noland Smith Frank Torres Javier Guzman Randall Cooper Tyler Diaz Noah Austin PJ Campbell Austin Boyd Matt Miller Antwan Kelly Jake Setterlind Tyler Mclaughlin Kyle Mcwhirt Jaylon Hill Taylor Buckner Chase Warren R’Mani Lynch Talon James Rocky Steppe Najae Buchanan Leo Chavez
POS WR WR RB QB RB DB DE/TE K LB WR WR/QB WR DB TE/DB WR DB LB WR DB LB LB LB DL DB LB DB DE DL/TE DL OL DL DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR DL DL DL DL
HT. WT. CLASS 5’9 170 12 6’2 175 12 5’9 190 12 6’ 203 12 6’ 192 11 5’10 175 12 5’10 170 11 5’10 165 11 6’ 185 12 5’6 160 11 5’9 165 10 6’1 180 12 5’10 172 11 5’10 180 11 6’1 160 11 5’9 155 11 5’11 175 11 5’9 165 11 5’10 168 12 6’2 210 11 6’1 215 12 5’10 177 11 6’ 230 12 6’2 160 12 5’10 180 11 5’8 175 12 5’9 180 11 6’3 220 10 5’9 188 12 5’11 210 10 5’8 185 11 5’11 205 11 6’ 190 11 6’1 230 11 5’10 222 11 6’1 232 12 6’6 320 10 6’4 290 12 6’1 275 11 5’7 220 12 6’2 270 10 5’10 215 11 6’ 165 11 6’2 205 10 5’10 200 12 6’1 225 12 6’ 240 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Shane Laws Assistants: Larry Brow, Tim Mclaughlin, Joey Green, Derek Greene, Rick Roberts, Buck Buchanan, Ryan Stevens, Cedric Alexander, Bryan Craig, Billy Britt, Jamie Langford, Taylor Frizzell, JP Kimbrough
Talbert (5-6, 160 jr.) is from Erwin. “He’s speed. He’s a jitterbug guy in space,” Laws said. WR Nathan St. Onge (5-9, 165 so.), the JV QB in ’14 and Dowdle’s backup. His brother Justin St. Onge was a great D-man. “Nathan is more
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AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS athletic,” Laws said. “He has a long way to go to overshadow Justin, but I think he will and be talked about for a while. He will be our quarterback, in another year or two.” Contenders for receiving snaps are sharp Cameron Roberts (5-9, 170 sr.), big Eunique Waters (6-2, 175 sr.), veteran Andrew Moore (6-1, 180 sr.), WR-TE Charlie Lehman (510, 170 jr.) and TE Frank Torres (6-3, 220 so.). ACR returns five starters each on offense and defense, totaling 10 — compared to 14 in ’14 and two in 2013. A mostly new line is led again by third-year starter LG Tyler McLaughlin (6-4, 290 sr.) and Jake Setterlind (6-6, 320 so.) who are both sharp and mobile. Center Kyle McWhirt (6-1, 275 jr.), LT Randall Cooper (5-11, 210 sr.), and likely LG Taylor Buckner (6-2, 270 so.) are strong. “We’re bigger than we have been,” Laws said. “Our linemen have to make decisions in a fraction of a second, and go as hard as they can until the whistle blows.” Kicker River Naisang (5-10, 165 jr.) has 40-yard range. The Rocket defense switches to a 4-2-5 from 3-3-5, to “fit personnel,” Laws said. He said OLB Andreas Hill (6-1, 215 sr.) “leads our defense. He can run, and he’s physical.” Deshawn Finley (5-8, 175 sr.) is the other OLB. Two ILB slots are shared by Will Israel (6-2, 210 jr.), Austin McCurry (6-0, 185 sr.) and Ben Wallen (5-10, 177 jr.). Up front are DEs Najae Buchanan (6-1, 225 sr.) and Taylon James (6-2, 205 so.), Malik Long (6-0, 230 sr.) and DT Leo Chavez (6-0, 240 jr.). CBs are Aaron Bolden (5-10, 168 sr.) and Noah Eberhardt (5-10 175 sr.). “We had too many shootouts,” Laws said. “Our emphasis to repair and regroup our defense’s vision. We feel we’re more physical, faster and smarter than in the last two years. If we stay focused and get better and if the good Lord watches after our health, we’ll end up a pretty good football team. This is a team that can battle for the conference championship, get into playoffs and do something.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE
AC REYNOLDS
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ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS
ASHEVILLE COUGARS
Coach Danny Wilkins HEAD COACH: Danny Wilkins NICKNAME: Cougars SCHOOL COLORS: cardinal, black, white 2014 RECORD: 12-2 (6-0 MAC) ADDRESS: 419 McDowell St, Asheville, NC 28801
Asheville Cougars shout a Battle cry, eager to remain Top Cats in the Mountain Athletic Conference.
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he Cougars are riding school-record streak of 10 MAC crowns in a row. They were the 4-A/3-A league’s overall winner last year with a perfect 6-0 mark, and 12-2 overall. They were ranked top 25 nationally by Max Preps. They averaged a score of 42-15, scored 63 and 55 in playoff win, and were unbeaten on the road. Very impressively against other MAC top contenders, they won by 16 (30-14) at Erwin, nearly also doubled up Reynolds (27-14), and won by 42 at Roberson. Asheville ranks eighth in N.C. Prep’s preseason 3-A poll, and returns more (six) all-MAC players than any WNC school. Field general Danny Wilkins (153-41-1) has won more varsity
ASHEVILLE COUGARS Photos by Daniel Abide
football games in western N.C. than anyone but Murphy’s David Gentry. This is such a veteran squad, that 16 of 21 Cougars on the preliminary roster this preseason are seniors and only one is a sophomore. AHS returns five starters on offense and five on defense, compared to eight out of 22 last year. All-MAC tailback Reggie Battle (5-11, 210 sr.) slashed through defenses last year for 1,449 yards, which is third most among WNC returnees. He averaged eight yards per carry. He ran for 20 touchdowns. Battle is even stronger and faster now. “We’re expecting Reggie to have a great year,” Wilkins said. “ He’s a good inside, downhill runner.
He’s tough, durable. He doesn’t have runaway speed. But he has great vision. He rarely loses yards landing on his back.” Cohort Jave Jones, graduated with his 1650 yards. Battle’s backup is “shifty” Ahmad Shivers (5-6, 150 jr.), who compliments “plow horse Reggie,” Wilkins said. “Explosive” fullback Aquila Smith (5-10, 215 sr.) bulled for 450 yards (5.1 ypc.) and eight scores, and caught 10 passes from the “I.” Quarterback Devon Davidson (6-0, 175 jr.) succeeds Tevin Salters. He won an accuracy award, at a Furman QB camp. “He’s a cool cat. He doesn’t get rattled, down into the dumps,” Wilkins said. “He’s good listener and learner. He can be a good leader.” WR-QB-DB sharp Dana
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Franklin
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Newton-Conover Pisgah Q Foundation Carver AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*
A H H A A H A H A H
*Conference Game
Campbell (5-8, 165 so.) is the JV QB, and perhaps a receiver on Fridays. AHS can run wildcat with WR-QB MaKaius Brewer (6-1, 180 jr.) or WR-QB Neal Hutchins (5-9, 160 sr.). Wilkins said “we’ll
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ROSTER
NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Jose Daniels WR/OLB 6’1 185 12 Isaiah Drummond WR/DB 6’ 162 12 Christian Green FB/LB 5’9 200 12 Devon Davidson QB/DB 6’1 175 11 Reggie Battle RB/LB 5’10 205 12 Aquila Smith FB/DL 5’6 215 12 Denzel McDaniels WR/DB 5’10 165 12 Neal Hutchins WR/QB/DB 5 ’9 150 12 Makaius Brewer WR/QB/DB 6 ’1 185 11 Ahmad Shivers RB/DB 5’5 145 11 Daniel Green WR/DB 5’7 140 11 Jake Demetrius WR/OLB 6’ 160 12 Demarius Weston WR/DB 5’7 150 11 Dana Campbell QB/WR/DB 5’7 150 10 Shamauri Shivers TE/LB 6’ 200 12 Davis Brooks P/PK 5’9 150 11 Julian Wagner RB/DB 5’10 160 12 Micah Robertson WR/DB 5’6 147 11 Tavon Edgerton WR/OLB 5’5 140 11 Eion Dockery PK/PK 6’1 155 12 Taekwon Griffin FB/OLB 5’9 165 12 Kaejon Griffin WR/DB 5’5 145 11 Taejon Griffin RB/OLB 5’5 145 11 Markeem Young FB/DL 5’8 205 12 Dontae Burnett WR/DB 6’1 174 11 Cade Pearson OL/DL 6’1 275 12 Andrew Leota OL/DL 6’3 210 10 Alex Jones OL/DL 6’ 210 9 Deandre Gaskin OL/DL 6’2 220 11 Moses Miguel OL/DL 5’5 210 11 Jonah Tisdale OL/DL 6’ 205 9 Cameron Peppers OL/DL 6’1 342 12 Logan Parker OL/DL 6’ 180 10 Keonta Ratliff-Johnson OL/DL 6’2 235 12 Chris Sorrells OL/DL 6’1 240 10 Kaliq Moore OL/DL 6’ 240 9 Will Buchanan OL/DL 6’2 250 9 Santiago Leon OL/DL 5’9 350 12 Peter Leota OL/DL 6’5 307 12 Deandre Fair WR/DB 5’5 130 11 Jesse Rackley WR/OLB 6’3 200 12 Kanaje Allen WR/DL 6’ 181 12 Orin Dygert TE/DL 6’ 166 12 Langston Haden WR/DB 6’2 190 12 Marvin Pearson TE/DL 6’1 225 9
COACHES
Head Coach: Danny Wilkins
maximize their talents.” Look for play action passes. A swift receiving corps “stretches the defense vertically, and exploits seams underneath” with quick passes against defenses “crowding the box,” Wilkins said. The “Z” flanker is Hutchins, Denzel McDaniels (5-10, 155 sr.) or speedy Micah Robertson (5-7, 160 jr.). The SEs are Isiah Drummond (6-1, 175 sr.) and Brewer, also Kanaje Allen
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ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS
(6-3, 210 so.) is the quickside tackle often “isolated in pass protection,” Wilkins said. “He has long reach and good quickness, in the trenches. Pete’s a jumbo guy. Andrew is leaner.” As mobile quick pulling/ trapping guard, Cade Pearson (61, 272 sr.) is a “glorified fullback important to us,” Wilkins said. “He’s strong and explosive.” The strong-side guard is Keonta Ratliff-Johnson (6-2, 225 sr.) or Deandre Gaskin (6-2, 220 jr.). The center is Santiago Leon (6-0, 350 sr.) or Chris Sorrells (6-1, 230 so.). Freshmen may be backups, to offset “our thinnest linemen depth in my 37 years of coaching, with linemen. Graduated quick guard Holton Brown’s last prep hurrah was
ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON
ROBERSON RAMS
ASHEVILLE COUGARS (5-10, 180 sr.) and fastest (4.45) Cougar WR Jose Daniels (6-1, 190 sr.). TE Shamauri Shivers (61, 205 sr.) also improved. The Cougar line features powerful strong-side all-MAC tackle Pete Leota (6-5, 305 sr.). The Samoan-born D-1 prospect “still has upside,” Wilkins said. “Colleges look for the guy who’s solid now, with room to grow and get much better. Pete represents that. His hip flexibility can still get better. They love his big wingspan. He has good feet, with potential for great feet. We’re looking for more consistency. Sometimes he’s dominant off the charts. He’s absolutely critical to our offense.” His brother Andrew Leota
11
playing nose guard in the EastWest All-Star Game July 22. The 3-4 defense revolves around all-MAC ILB Christian Green (5-10, 190 sr.) who made 159 tackles (11 tpg.). All-MAC sacking OLB Daniels (84 tackles and 176 in two years) is “good in cover drops, or going man against a slot receiver. His (pass-rushing) speed off the edge intimidates the quarterback.” All-MAC DT Pearson anchors a “fast and aggressive” D-line. He made 58 tackles, all-MAC DB Hutchins 56. Safety Brewer is “instinctive, a difference-maker,” Wilkins said. The opener is a home clash versus 2-A power Franklin. In the MAC, Coach Wilkins sees his Cougars squarely in the mix.. - Written by Pete Zamplas
continued from page 7 Brodie Sanford (5-9, 240 so.) at RG. This unit has “size and athleticism” and good footwork, Deal said. “We’re much stronger and more physical.” They adjusted from mostly pass protection in ’13 to “coming off the football and being very aggressive” in the run-oriented offense. PK-punter Cooper Graham (6-0, 185 jr.) looms as the “best kicker in the state,” Deal said. He connected from beyond 45 yards three times for JV in ‘14, and was its top receiver. He boomed 74-yard kickoffs in camps. He runs a 4.6. He tackles hard as the coverage’s “safety valve.” “He ranked third nationally, in his age group,” Deal said. “He’s
very accurate. He’s pounding the ball.” The Ram-tough defense is more 4-2-5, than 4-3.all-MAC ILB Seth Griswold (6-0, 210 jr.) made 130 then 147 tackles (10 tpg.) in the last two seasons. “He makes our calls, and the right calls,” Deal said. Strong safety-OLB Robert Balcom (511, 160 sr.) made 79 tackles, big DL Watkins and CB Whiteside 60 each, and ILB Logan Wells had 51. Orion Dunbar (5-9, 235 jr.) and rover Mikal Timpson (6-0, 170 jr.) are among likely starters. Overall team speed is up. “We’re much faster than last year,” Deal said. He sees the sky as the limit, in the MAC race. “I think we can be first.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS
ENKA JETS
ROSTER
Coach Jeff Frady HEAD COACH: Jeff Frady NICKNAME:Jets SCHOOL COLORS: blue & white 2014 RECORD:1-10 (0-6 MAC) ADDRESS: 475 Enka Lake Rd, Enka, NC 28728
Enka Jets have many more players than usual coming out for football, as a good sign in taking steps to boost the program.
J
eff Frady, a 1996 Enka grad, is in his third year leading the Jets in hopes of their first winning season since 1997. That is the longest drought in Buncombe County football. It goes back to when Bill Clinton started his second term as president. Peyton Manning was a senior at Tennessee. “Seinfeld” would last a few more months on TV. But spirits are up at Enka, which returns seven starters on defense and five on offense. Frady is pleased 110 tried out. He figures about 40 make varsity. That is nearly 10 more than last year.
ENKA JETS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
A good building block in ’14 was engineering two 10-minute drives in the lone victory, over Smoky Mountain. “That was pretty neat,” Frady said. Also the offensive coordinator, he deploys a spread with 40 formations for quick-paced runs and short passes. “Our screens are like a run,” he noted. “All of us want to be as close to 50-50 (run/pass) as we can, in the spread.” Quarterback Jason Fabio (5-11, 170 jr.) started the last varsity game and a half in 2014. “He does a good job throwing,” Frady said. “He is a power runner. We now have a quarterback who can run,”
expanding the running game. Versatile tailback Michael Cantrell (5-8, 170 sr.) provides “power and edge running,” Frady said. “He has great hands, to catch the ball. And he’s a good blocker. He ran for 511 yards (5.2 ypc.) and three touchdowns for varsity. JV power runners now back him up; they are Colby Warren (5-8, 170 so.) and Donyell Gaines (5-10, 165 jr.). Enka typically lines up four receivers at once. The two wideouts are returning starter Avery Holbrook (5-10, 160 jr.) and Chase Bennett (5-9, 160 so.). “Both are possession receivers,
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Owen Pisgah Smoky Mountain Hayesville Brevard North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*
H A A A H A H A H A H
*Conference Game
with great hands,” Frady said. Sayquan Bethea (5-9, 155 sr.),
# NAME POS 1 Michael Cantrell RB/DB 2 Matt Smart QB/DB 3 JR Banks DB 4 Dillon Constance DB 6 Sloan Crout WR/DB 7 Sayquan Bethea WR/DB 8 Jason Fabio QB 9 Paul Arambula K 10 Donyelle Gaines RB/DB 11 Avery Holbrook WR/LB 12 Chris Corcione WR/DB 15 Colby Warren RB/LB 16 Mike Sampson WR/DB 20 Isiah Buchanan W R/DB 21 Chase Bennett WR/LB 22 Bryson Allen WR/LB 25 Chance Hannah LB 31 Garrett Banks RB/LB 33 Bryson Buckner RB/LB 35 Zane Turner WR/DB 42 Alex Taylor LB 44 Walker Brown RB/LB 50 Jamison Matthews OL/DL 51 Hunter KInser OL/DL 52 Joe Brown OL/DL 53 Chase Ingle OL/DL 54 Aaron Norton OL/DL 56 Ethan Lunsford OL/DL 58 Brandon Lovett OL/DL 60 Sam Spear OL/DL 63 Trent Smith OL/DL 65 Brody Moss OL/DL 66 Christian Ensley OL/DL 67 Zach Rice OL/DL 71 Bryce Shook OL/DL 72 Chase Rickman OL/DL 75 Enrique Gonzalez OL/DL 88 Seth Phillips WR/DB
COACHES
Head Coach: Jeff Frady Assistants: Phillip Bohanan, Jerrod Boone, Mike Cordiele, Matt Dawson, Jamie Frady, Zack Gibson, Forrest Jones, Kyle Reagan, Tildon Whiteside, Zack Wilkins
a transfer from Asheville High, and Mike Sampson (5-8, 160 sr.) from Atlanta share a slot. A TEFB blocker is Bryson Buckner (6-3, 215 sr.), who hit ten homers in baseball, with Matt Smart (58, 160 sr.) getting reps. These
continues on page 14
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Proud to Support ENKA JETS
ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS
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ENKA JETS continued from page 12 slot receivers also “have good hands,” Frady said. “They can gain big yards, on quick passes. We’ll do more play action than this year, because we feel we have a much better running game.” Kicker Paul Arambula (5-8, 160 sr.) has 45-yard range. very steady, dependable. we hope to use him more as a weapon.” The base defense is a 4-2, no longer 5-2. Two outside LB-safety roving “bandits” are pivotal. Cantrell, Bennett and Holbrook share those roles. ILB Garrett Banks (5-9, 185 jr.) returns. Bryson, Walker Brown (5-8, 160 jr.) and Chance Hannah (5-9, 165 sr.) also rotate for two inside spots. “We may be undersized, but we’re very intelligent and determined,” Frady said. The Jumbo Jet is DT Sam Spear (6-4, 300 so.). Shook also
helps stuff the run. Rotating DEs are Hunter Kinser (5-10, 230 sr.), Joe Brown (5-11, 220 jr.) and Ethan Lunsford (5-10, 200 so). There are 17 linemen this preseason, compared to seven on varsity total for the last two years, Frady said. “We went with a three-man front. Now we can run four, to keep people off of our linebackers so they make more tackles.” There is also added depth in the secondary, with CBs Zane Turner (5-7, 165 jr.) back, J.R. Banks (5-7, 160 jr.). “We we’re not yet platooning. But with more depth, they don’t have to play all of the time,” Frady said. In the tough MAC’s second tier, he said, “We feel we can compete with them. We’re much better than last year. We’re more balanced, in the run game.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
2015 Enka Varsity Cheerleaders and Coaching Staff (Photos courtesy of Lifetouch)
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2015 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE 2015 AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/33/15 11/06/15
West Forsyth Shelby Owen Watauga Hendersonville Erwin* Asheville* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*
*Conference Game
H A A A H A H A H A H
ANDREWS WILDCATS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15
Brevard Tellico Plains Mitchell Union County Hayesville* Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain* Cherokee* Hayesville*
*Conference Game
Murphy West Henderson East Henderson North Henderson AC Reynolds Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery* Mitchell* Owen* Polk*
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Franklin Newton-Conover Pisgah Q Foundation Carver AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*
*Conference Game
A H A H A A H H A H A
A H A H A H A H A H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Trinity Academy Mitchell Choctaw Central Smoky Mountain Murphy* Swain* Rosman* Andrews* Robbinsville* Hayesville*
*Conference Game
BREVARD BLUE DEVILS Andrews Rosman Madison Enka Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*
*Conference Game
H A H H A A H A H A H
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
West Henderson North Buncombe Rosman Brevard Pisgah Polk County* Hendersonville* Owen* Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage*
H A A H H A H A H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
East Rutherford Roberson Hendersonville Polk County Pisgah* North Henderson* Brevard* Smoky Mountain* Franklin* Tuscola* West Henderson*
*Conference Game
Owen Pisgah Smoky Mountain Hayesville Brevard North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*
*Conference Game
H A A A H A H A H A H
08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Copper Basin Enka Andrews* Rosman* Swain* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews* Cherokee*
*Conference Game
H A H H H A A H H
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
Mount Paran Christian Mountain Heritage Ooltewah Science Hill Franklin AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Asheville*
*Conference Game
MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS A H H H A A H A H A H
A H H A A A H A H H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 10/02/15 10/08/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
West Wilkes Cherokee Andrews McDowell North Buncombe Owen* Polk County* Hendersonville* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery County*
*Conference Game
A H H A H A A H A H H
FRANKLIN PANTHERS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Asheville Murphy Swain County Erwin Brevard* Pisgah* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* East Henderson* West Henderson* Tuscola*
*Conference Game
MCDOWELL TITANS H A H A H H A H A H A
MURPHY BULLDOGS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Hendersonville Franklin Carolina Wildcats North Georgia Gilmer Cherokee* Robbinsville* Andrews* Hayesville* Swain* Rosman*
*Conference Game
EAST HENDERSON EAGLES H H A A H H A A H H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
ERWIN WARRIORS
HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS
MADISON PATRIOTS
*Conference Game *Conference Game
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/223/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
ENKA JETS
CHEROKEE BRAVES
HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
ASHEVILLE COUGARS
David Crockett Erwin North Buncombe Rosman West Henderson Hendersonville* Polk County* Owen* Mitchell* Avery* Madison*
*Conference Game
H A H A H A H A H A H
A H A A H A H H H A A
NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS A H H A A H A H A H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Roberson Polk County Swain County Hendersonville West Henderson* East Henderson* Tuscola* Franklin* Pisgah* Brevard* Smoky Mountain*
*Conference Game
Rutherfordton-Spindale Central A Avery County H Tuscola A Mitchell H Owen H Roberson* A North Buncombe* H Erwin* A Asheville* H A.C. Reynolds* A Enka* H
*Conference Game
ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15
NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS
A H H A H H A H H A A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/10/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Smoky Mountain Charlotte Country Day Dade County Rabun Gap Andrews* Murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Cherokee* Swain*
*Conference Game
A H A H H A A H A H
OWEN WARHORSES 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15
Enka Tuscola AC Reynolds McDowell Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Hendersonville* Polk County*
*Conference Game
North Buncombe Enka Asheville Madison East Henderson* Franklin* West Henderson* Tuscola* North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Brevard*
*Conference Game
Pisgah Madison Mountain Heritage West Henderson Mitchell Enka* McDowell* Roberson* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds*
*Conference Game
H A H A A H A H A H A
ROSMAN TIGERS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
Shannon Forest Brevard Madison Mountain Heritage Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain* Murphy*
*Conference Game
A H H A A H A H A H
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/08/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Chase North Henderson Rutherfordton-Spindale Landrum East Henderson Madison* Mountain Heritage* Mitchell* Avery* Owen* Hendersonville*
*Conference Game
H A A H A A H A H A
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Robbinsville Swain Enka Cherokee Tuscola* West Henderson* Franklin* East Henderson* Brevard* Pisgah* North Henderson*
*Conference Game
North Henderson East Henderson East Rutherford Freedom Crest McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds* Enka*
*Conference Game
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Hapeville Charter Smoky Mountain North Henderson Franklin Tuscola Hayesville* Cherokee* Andrews* Rosman* Murphy* Robbinsville*
*Conference Game
H A H A H H A H A A H
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS A H A H H A H A A A H
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
H A A H H H A H A H A
SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS
POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES
PISGAH BLACK BEARS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
ROBERSON RAMS
H A H A A A H H A H H
A H A A H A H H A H A
WEST HENDERSON FALCONS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Madison Hendersonville North Buncombe Mountain Heritage North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Pisgah* Brevard* Tuscola* Franklin* East Henderson*
*Conference Game
H A H A A H A H H A H
TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Patton Owen McDowell Swain County Smoky Mountain* Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*
*Conference Game
A A H A H A H H A A H
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ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS
ERWIN WARRIORS Coach Mike Sexton HEAD COACH: Mike Sexton NICKNAME: Warriors SCHOOL COLORS: red & white 2014 RECORD: 9-2 (5-1 MAC) ADDRESS: 60 Lees Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Clyde A. Erwin High reloads yet again, this time around a quarterback whose made a big splash with his 2014 debut.
E
rwin won its first nine varsity football games for the first time ever, in 2014, behind Coach Mike Sexton and thensophomore Damien Ferguson (6-0, 165 jr.) behind center. The all-WAC QB passed for nearly 2,600 yards (second most among WNC returnees) and a three-toone ratio of 24 touchdowns (also second most in WNC) versus eight interceptions. He topped 250 passing yards in three clashes with fellow Mountain Athletic Conference powers Asheville High and Reynolds. He
ERWIN WARRIORS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
ran for five more scores, and 310 yards (3.8 ypc.). Ferguson is now stronger and faster. Sexton also sees even greater arm strength and accuracy, to go with good balance and passing release. “He’s made strides, also in decision-making skills. He’s very poised.” Ferguson is the latest star Erwin QB. Robbie Nallenweg was QB in Sexton’s first year in Leicester, 2008. Then came the Browns — Garrett for two years, then Austin for three seasons and 7,779 career passing yards.
He came within 116 yards of Tuscola alum Tyler Brosius’ WNC top mark. The Warriors have six winning seasons in a row, under Sexton. Erwin won a MAC 3-A title for the first time in a dozen years, in 2012. They shined again in ’14, with many new starters. Now they return seven starters on defense, six on offense. WR Chase Austin (6-2, 195 sr.) is a returning go-to receiver. He caught 51 passes for 807 yards (15.8 ypc.) and seven TDs in 2014. “He has great (4.4) speed,” Sexton said. “He’s strong
SCHEDULE 08/21/15
Mount Paran
H
08/28/15
Mountain Heritage
A
09/04/15 Ooltewah
H
09/11/15
Science Hill
A
09/18/15
Franklin
H
09/25/15
AC Reynolds*
H
10/02/15
Enka*
A
10/09/15
McDowell*
H
10/16/15
Roberson*
A
10/23/15
North Buncombe*
H
11/06/15
Asheville*
A
*Conference Game
# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 28 29 32 40 42 44 48 51 52 54 55 56 58 61 62 67 72 74 75 85 99
ROSTER
NAME Trent Evans Kealin Goode Quentin Smith Cameron Connors Isaiah Poore Chase Austin CJ Thompson Jarred Gash Rayonte Mills Brelan Dawkins Damien Ferguson Trey Martin Hunter Sharpe Zaquantae Plummer Noah Roberts Grey Chitwood Zach Burnette Tony Siryk Alex McGlothlin Eddie Zhuralev Zach Thompson Tavon Tinsley Brevon Littlejohn Trevor Franklin Corey Wagner Chris McDonald Bradley Griffin Marc Peterson Lucas Towles Ethan Silver Matthew Shook Juan Rhea Trevor Rice Andrew Kuykendall Talon Hensley Gamo Khan Kyri Logan Logan Canterero Dylan Sprouse Hunter Penland
POS HT. WT. CLASS WR/DE 5’10 167 12 WR/DB 5’5 145 11 RB/DE 5’9 185 11 OL/LB 5’11 185 12 RB/DB 5’10 170 10 WR/DB 6’2 195 12 WR/DB 5’7 135 11 WR/DB 6’0 165 11 RB/DE 5’9 215 12 WR/DB 5’11 175 11 QB/DB 6’0 165 11 WR/DB 5’7 145 10 WR/DE 6’0 170 12 WR/DE 6’0 155 11 WR/DB 5’6 144 11 WR/DE 5’11 189 12 RB/DE 5’8 140 11 WR/DB 5’9 167 11 WR/DB 5’8 145 11 WR/DB 5’11 160 12 WR/DE 5’7 160 11 WR/DB 12 RB/DE 5’9 205 12 RB/LB 5’7 220 12 OL/DL 11 RB/LB 5’9 165 11 OL/DL 5’8 175 11 OL/DL 6’4 237 12 OL/DL 6’2 250 12 OL/DL 6’1 213 11 OL/DL 5’6 200 11 OL/DL 5’11 205 11 OL/DL 5’9 188 11 OL/DL 6’3 270 12 OL/DL 5’11 243 11 OL/DL 6’2 274 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 6’0 250 12 WR/DE 6’2 188 11 OL/DL 5’11 245 12
COACHES
Head Coach: Mike Sexton Assistants: Patrick Bohanon, Chris Brown, Darrell Clark, Jeremy Crook, Rodney Pruett, Todd Reagan, Bucky Tarr, Eddy Taylor, Cody Cheek, Cort Radford, Roy Lusk, Marzarius Samone
enough, to win battles against ‘man coverage.’ And he catches the ball.” C.J. Thompson (57, 135 jr.) is a playmaker. “He’s continues on page 20
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WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
WARRIORS!
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ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS
ERWIN WARRIORS
2015 Erwin Varsity Cheerleaders (Photo courtesy of Lifetouch) continued from page 18 exciting to watch when he has the ball. Chase and C.J. are our fastest. They can grab short passes and make big things happen, or deep.” TB Isaiah Poore (5-10, 170 so.) starts, and Quentin Smith (59, 185 jr.) is also strong up the
middle and quick outside. TB Colby Maltry transferred out to North Buncombe. Up front, returning starters are LT Marc Peterson (6-4, 237 sr.), LG Angel Nunez (5-10, 270 sr.) and RT Logan Canterero (6-0, 250 sr.). New starters are likely to be center Gamo Khan
(6-2, 274 jr.) and RG Kyri Logan (5-11, 300 jr.). The 3-4 base defense’s top returning tacklers are OLB Rayonte Mills (5-9, 215 sr.) with 91, ILB Trevor Franklin (5-7, 220 sr.) with 90 (8 tpg.), junior DL Logan with 58 and DB Austin with 50. DL Ethan Silver (6-1, 213 jr.) and safety Thompson both also return as starters. “The key is to have the right mentality,” Coach Sexton said. “We should be even better this year. We’re (even) faster overall on offense than we have been in the last several years.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS
NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS ROSTER
# NAME 2 Dawson Davis 3 Graham Bradley 4 Blake Matthews 5 Chase Parker 6 David Elkins 7 Connor Davis 8 Mason Isgrig 9 Ricky Thrash 10 Jeremy Peterson 11 Logan Anderson 12 Nick Lisenbee 19 Sean Kirchner 20 Dmitriy Simonovich 24 Colby Maltry 25 Joe Whitfield 30 Chase Casteel 40 Peter Simonovich 43 Heath Davis 50 Braden Bradley 52 Jacob Massey 53 John Kiger 54 Sammy Macdonald 55 Matt Ruiz 57 Dillon Robinson 58 David Maynor 60 Austin Grant 63 Andrew Beck 65 Jackson Ramsey 66 Abi Hernandez 68 Rylan Rhodes 70 Austin Ponder 74 Harrison Edmonds 75 Jacob Villemange 77 Coleton Sprinkle 88 Tommy Apostolopoulos
Coach Curtis Cagle HEAD COACH: Curtis Cagle NICKNAME: Black Hawks SCHOOL COLORS: black, red and white 2014 RECORD: 7-5 (3-3 MAC) ADDRESS: 890 Clarks Chapel Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
North Buncombe registered its first winning season in years, and returns its star quarterback-receiver combination to Thrash foes in a Chase for even greater success.
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eaver ville’s wondrous winning ways started right away, by 16-6 at Pisgah which is fourth-year North Buncombe Coach Curtis Cagle’s alma mater. “To beat Pisgah is huge,” he said. “Considering the quality of Pisgah’s program, and to come out with a win at their place.”
NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS Photos by Daniel Abide
An omen was that top North Buncombe back Bryce Myers was from Pisgah’s arch-rival Tuscola. The Hawks soon pulled out three nail-biters by beating archrival Madison 24-21, winning a 4542 shootout at Heritage then two weeks later squeaking by Mitchell. The Hawks then won their first three contests decisively in the elite Mountain Athletic Conference. Wins diminished after Myers’ injury. Team goals for the 2015 season are to “win more games than last
year, and finish higher than we did — fourth,” Cagle said. “We finally made the playoffs, but lost in the first round. We want to do (even) better.” Yet the Hawks return merely four on defense, five on offense. Cagle prefers to run often but “we’ll take what they give us. When we have to throw, we’re going to throw.” Strong-armed all-MAC QB Chase Parker (6-1 1/2, 180 sr.) ranks third among WNC returnees with 2487 passing yards in the shotgun spread in 2014. He threw 17 TD passes but
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Pisgah Madison Mountain Heritage West Henderson Mitchell Enka* McDowell* Roberson* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds*
*Conference Game
H A H A A H A H A H A
COACHES
Head Coach: Curtis Cagle Assistant Coaches: Chris Sherrill, Roger Harris, Slade Singleton, Drew Marra, Jeremy Cagle, Chris Hightower, Gary Massey, Daryl Fox, Chuck Myers, Toby Anderson, Todd Griffin
13 picks. An agile runner, he ran for three TDs. Parker is much “calmer sitting back and making his reads,” Cagle said. “He’s more confident. He has improved arm strength and accuracy. He’s finally learning touch.” His top target by far is allMAC Ricky Thrash (6-0, 175 sr.).
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NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS
NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS “His nickname is ‘Wiggle.’ He’s got moves,” Cagle said. Thrash topped WNC returnees by catching 94 passes for 978 yards in ’14, notching five scores. Other receivers are SE Blake Matthews (6-3, 185 jr.); slot man Dawson Davis (5-10, 165 sr.), Jeremy Peterson (5-11, 175 sr.), and Austin Shepherd (5-9, 152 sr.) who was the team’s top TD pass catcher with 10 in ’13. Flex tight end Mason Isgrig (6-3, 215 sr.) is a “load” to bring down, Cagle said. The Hawks again import a tailback in swift Colby Maltry (5-10, 175 sr.). He ran for ten TDs and 452 yards for Erwin in ‘14. “He’s fast and quick,” Cagle said. “He reads his blocks well. He’ll put his foot into the ground (to cut upfield), and go. He’ll catch the ball out of the backfield.” Tough Nick Lisenbee (5-8, 150 so.), a 1000-yard JV runner in ’14, is the “next one in line,” Cagle said. The critical O-line returns two who shined as sophomore tackles in Austin Ponder (6-1, 245 jr.), now the new center, and
Andrew Beck (6-1, 285 jr.). Former JV standouts David Maynor (6-1, 200 jr.), Austin Barnett (6-0, 205 jr.) and John Kiger (6-0, 200 jr.) get their chance. “We’ll find out who can dig out that trench,” Cagle said of the team work ethic. Kicker Tommy Apostolopoulos (6-1, 170 sr.) can kick it to the Parthenon. His field goal range is 45 yards; he booted a 53-yarder at a college camp. The defense is 4-3, 4-2-5 versus the spread. Top returning tacklers are MLB Sammy MacDonald (6-1, 225 sr.) with 84 (7.0), all-MAC DE Peter Simonovich (6-2, 205 sr.) with 75, and “Jack” LB-strong safety Logan Anderson (5-8, 155 sr.) with 55. D-linemen include DE Isgrig and DL Chase Casteel (6-2, 235 sr.). “We lost most everybody off our defense, especially DBs,” Cagle said. “Our returning skill is our strong point,” Coach Cagle said. “We’re good decision-makers. We have to develop a line to go in front of them.” He said of the MAC’s fourteam upper echelon, “we want to join that group.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS
MCDOWELL TITANS Coach Carson Gowan HEAD COACH: Carson Gowan NICKNAME: Titans SCHOOL COLORS: blue & gray 2014 RECORD: 2-10 (1-5 MAC) ADDRESS: 600 McDowell High Dr, Marion, NC 28752
McDowell pins hopes on a dynamic quarterback, hoping to reclaim some magic of two years ago.
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he Titans compiled a sparkling 8-4 mark and won half of their MAC games in 2012. But they dipped back down to two wins in each of the last two seasons. Carson Gowan returns eight of 11 starters on offense, in his eighth year leading McDowell. He hopes the Titans pull out close games. They lost four of them in 2014, including by two (3634) to TCR. But they prevailed in their regular-season finale, beating Enka 33-28. “It’s like winning a bowl, to head into the off-season with a victory” in the MAC fresher than the playoff loss that ensued, Gowan said. He has
MCDOWELL TITANS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
about 40 on varsity, as 100 came out in summer. MHS again runs about two-thirds of the time to “control the game,” often in the I with a tailback and fullback. Still, star Quarterback Casey Ray (5-9, 185 sr.) set school marks by throwing for 1,781 yards and 348 in the loss to TCR. “Casey is a savvy kid,” Gowan said. “He’s a good athlete who can get out of trouble (pass rush). He has good vision, recognizes defenses, and can make (rushers) miss. He’s a legit 4.7 guy.” As for his passing, “His accuracy has always been pretty good. His arm strength has improved. He can deliver it 45 yards down the field, effortlessly.” Tailback duty is split between Gavyn Malone (5-9, 160 sr.)
and fast Steven Moss (5-9, 165 sr.). Malone led MAC runners in rushing yards in pre-conference play, in ’14. “Both have some speed,” Gowan said. “They’re the slashing runner, who sees the field and makes you miss. They also have good feet in tight spaces,” pivoting into lateral moves. The fullback is Tanner Allen (6-0, 215 sr.) from Roberson, and at times huge Ricky Amador (5-9, 270 so.). He provides “The Fridge”-like red-zone blocking and “isolations blocking linebackers,” Gowan said. “He also has good enough feet, to catch ball and get you five yards.” “Our primary target” is surehanded WR Ethan McMahan (59, 160 jr.). He caught 36 passes for 604 yards () and three scores
SCHEDULE
Rutherfordton-Spindale Central 08/28/15 Avery County 09/04/15 Tuscola 09/11/15 Mitchell 09/18/15 Owen 09/25/15 Roberson* 10/02/15 North Buncombe* 10/09/15 Erwin* 10/16/15 Asheville* 10/23/15 A.C. Reynolds* 10/30/15 Enka* 08/21/15
A H A H H A H A H A H
*Conference Game
in ’14. WR Chase Justice (5-11, 165 jr.) also runs routes well. Freshmen twin WR-QB Adam Randolph and Andrew Randolph (both 6-0, 170) may get varsity
# 1 3 4 5 6 12 13 14 20 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 40 41 42 44 50 55 61 66 67 73 74 78 80 81 82 83 86 89
ROSTER
NAME POS CLASS HT. WT. Gavyn Malone RB, DB Sr. 5-7 144 Tanner Allen FB, ILB Sr. 6-0 233 Tyler Banks WR, OLB Jr. 5-8 160 Ethan McMahan WR, DB Sr. 5-10 163 Casey Ray QB, DB, P Sr. 5-11 170 James Young WR, DB Jr. 6-4 170 Adam Randolph WR, DB Fr. 5-10 145 Aikman Kazee WR, DB Sr. 5-7 145 Chase Justice WR, DB Jr. 6-1 150 Matthew Moss RB, DB Jr. 5-10 170 Terion Camp RB, DB Jr. 5-11 160 Hunter Randolph WR, DB Sr. 5-9 180 Micah Detwiler WR, CB Jr. 5-9 155 Micheal Evans RB, DB Sr. 5-10 150 Jake Rogers WR, DB Jr. 6-2 180 Jordan Sexton TE, DE, LS Jr. 6-2 190 Ben Ballew QB, ILB So. 6-0 183 Zeb Greene FB, ILB Sr. 5-9 190 Juan Bustos WR, ILB Jr. 6-0 170 Kaali Tobe FB, ILB Jr. 5-9 180 Damon Mcneely FB, ILB Jr. 5-10 210 Tre Barrier FB, OLB Jr. 6-0 155 Riley Harting TE, ILB, K Sr. 5-10 235 Devon Patton TE, OLB Sr. 6-0 185 Ricky Amador FB, ILB So. 5-9 260 Preston Branch G, ILB Jr. 6-0 205 Tre’ Spearman OL, DL Jr. 6-4 241 Corwin Gardin OL, DL Jr. 6-0 215 Hunter Mcmahan OL, DL Sr. 5-11 200 Corey Ledford OL, DL Jr. 6-1 350 Isaiah Burch OL, DL Jr. 6-3 290 Blaise Parker OL, DL Sr. 6-0 265 Taylor Miller OL, DL Jr. 5-10 250 Andrew Randolph WR, DB Fr. 5-10 145 Tanner Thomas WR, DB Jr. 5-9 145 Chase Campbell OG, DE Sr. 6-4 220 Andrew Cowles WR, DB Jr. 6-4 160 Ricky Bustos K Sr. 6-0 145 Isaiah Smith TE, DE Sr. 6-3 215
COACHES
Head Coach: Carson Gowan
action, initially mostly with Adam at free safety. The tight end, Isaiah Smith (6-3, 225 sr.) or Riley Harting (5-10, 205 sr.), is a “‘dragger’ on the bootleg, across zone coverage. He’ll do some deep routes, clearing out a safety for Ethan.” Big Titan returnees are strong center Blaise Parker (6-0, 265 continues on page 26
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MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS
MCDOWELL TITANS sr.), RG Hunter McMahan (5-10, 195 sr.) and LT Isaiah Burch (64, 280 jr.). Parker benched 225 pounds more than any recruit, at a recent combine. Chase Campbell (6-1, 210 sr.), LG Lucas Holloway (5-10, 210 sr.),
and RT Corey Ledford (6-1, 330 jr.) contend for time. Gowan said this unit “moves people (foes) around.” The 4-2-5 defense’s starters include LB Devon Corpening (6-1, 180 sr.), DL Tre Spearman
(6-4, 245 jr.), SS-OLB Aikman Kazee (5-7, 140 sr.), and CB Tyler Banks (5-8, 165 jr.) who is the reserve QB. “We have to play real tough with the inside seven, to control the line. We have some size to do that,” Coach
Gowan said. Team speed is up. “We’ve never had a 4.4 guy in Pisgah National Forest,” at least not in his neck of the woods and wearing a Titan uniform. He said McDowell will find out how improved it is when “the bombs
start dropping” in the regular season.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
R-S CENTRAL • CHASE • EAST RUTHERFORD • SHELBY • BURNS • CREST • KINGS MOUNTAIN • DRAUGHIN • EAST BURKE
SOUTH MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC 2-A CONFERENCE 3-A SHELBY GOLDEN LIONS
CREST CHARGERS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
South Point Ashbrook Draughn* Roberson R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby*
*Conference Game
H A H A A H A H A H A
T
wo reigning state champions in 3-A Crest and 2-AA Shelby topped the 3-A/2-A South Mountain Athletic Conference, and loom again as frontrunners. Crest was unbeaten at 8-0, beating Shelby 21-13 at home to win the conference crown. That was Shelby’s lone SMAC defeat. Both had 16 wins overall, which is twice as many as the next two teams. Rutherfordton-Spindale (R-S) Central and Kings Mountain tied at 5-3, a game ahead of Burns and East Rutherford (both 4-4). Lagging behind were East Burke at 2-6, Draughn a game back and winless Chase chasing the field.
CREST CHARGERS:
HEAD COACH: ............Will Clark NICKNAME:.................. Chargers COLORS: .... Green & Vegas Gold 2014 RECORD:.16-0 (8-0 SMAC) ADDRESS: ................. Shelby, NC
Crest returns its superstar
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Freedom A.C. Reynolds South Point R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Draughn* Crest*
*Conference Game
A H A A H A H A H A H
runner and quarterback from an undefeated state championship squad, with a new head coach and plenty of confidence to repeat in 2015. Head coach Will Clark replaces Mark Barnes, who went out in style. After finishing its first two SMAC seasons perfect at 8-0, Crest brushed aside all five playoff challengers in 2014 to end up 16-0. The Chargers yielded no more than a touchdown to any of playoff foes. They zapped Roberson 55-0 earlier, and Chase 44-0 in state semifinals. They shut out six of eight opponents. in a devastating midseason stretch. Thus playing Crest in playoffs is as nerve-wracking as a root canal for a cavity-stricken tooth — without novocaine. The Charters jolt the competition again by returning senior RB Tre Harbison (511, 210 sr.). He rushed for 36 touchdowns and 18430 yards
R-S CENTRAL HILLTOPPERS
BURNS BULLDOGS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Q Foundation Huss Central Cabarrus Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central*
*Conference Game
H A A A H A H A H A H
(7.0 ypc.). He also caught 12 passes, averaging 16.6 yards. QuarterbackWillie Green (6-0, 205 sr.) threw for 23 TDs versus seven picks, and 2,283 yards to average 16 per completion. His longest was an 86-yard play. Traquan Hopper caught 50 passes for 723 yards. He graduated. But back are the next two receivers. Tyshun Odom (60, 175 jr.) caught 30 passes for 463 yards (15.4 ypc.), and six TDs. Quentin Thompson (5-11, 165 sr.) made 24 catches, averaging a team-best 16.6 yards. He tied Traquan Hopper with a teammost seven TD receptions. WR Preston Huskey (6-0, 175 sr.) and WR-QB Devonte Huskey (5-10, 152 sr.) combined for 33 catches. Premier senior blockers include tackle Juwarren Manning (6-5, 275), guard Chris Jones (6-3, 275) center Michael Wilson (6-2, 190), and tackle Kollin Byers (6-4, 240). Defensive stars include LB
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
McDowell Cramer Polk Shelby* Draughn* Crest* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns*
*Conference Game
H H A H A H A H A H A
Aaron Ramseur (6-0, 200 sr.) with 81 tackles, MLB Malik Hopper (5-9, 222 sr.) with 91 tackles. NG Jordan Eaker (6-4, 285 sr.) is literally big prospect, as the 9-1 JV restocks the varsity lineup. The Chargers play at Shelby Nov. 6, in a regular-season ending showdown. Crest ended 2014 ranked fifth overall in the state, and is rated eighth ahead of this season. Crest’s record in recent years is 122-50 overall, and 57-19 in the SMAC.
SHELBY GOLDEN LIONS: HEAD COACH: ........Lance Ware NICKNAME: ......... Golden Lions COLORS: .......... Black, Old Gold 2014 RECORD: .16-2 (7-1 SMAC) ADDRESS: ................ Shelby, NC
Shelby Golden Lions are reigning 2-A state football champs and have won six state titles, returning their top two receivers but otherwise reloading as usual to try to overtake veteran Crest.
EAST BURKE CAVALIERS 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Hibriten Patton Freedom East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain*
*Conference Game
H H A A H A H A H A H
Head coach Lance Ware;s vaunted spread has a new field Gen. Lee in Darquez Lee (6-2, 220 sr.). He was backup last year to R.J. George. George tossed 28 TD passes. He graduated. Juwan Sims (5-7, 169 jr.) and Malik Sarratt (5-11, 177 so.) add depth. Good news is the return of Jayden Borders (5-11, 175 jr.) and Kavacia Shell (5-8, 170 sr.). Borders caught 83 passes for 1100 yards (14 ypc.) and 10 TDs. Shell notched scores, along with 30 catches (17 ypc.). Chad Reid ran for 1528 yards and 18 TDs, and graduated. Next in line as a great Golden Lion back is top returning rusher Xavier Brooks (5-7, 180 so.). As a freshman, he reached the end zone seven times and rattled off 452 yards (6.8 ypc.). Biggest Lions are OL Avery Mauney (6-3, 305 sr.), DL Patrick continues on page 29
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LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS
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APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS HEAD COACH:. Scott Satterfield NICKNAME:...........Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS:.black & gold CONFERENCE:.............. Sun Belt CLASSIFICATION:.NCAA Div. I FBS 2014 RECORD:..............7-5 (6-2)
E
xpectations are high for Appalachian State football in 2015, as the Mountaineers carry the nation’s fifth-longest winning streak into the season and return 20-of-22 offensive and defensive starters from last year’s 7-5 squad. Additionally, as if there needed to be another reason to ramp up the anticipation for the 2015 campaign, the Mountaineers have completed their NCAAmandated two-year transition from NCAA Division I FCS to Division I FBS and are eligible to earn the program’s first-ever NCAA bowl berth. Appalachian State brings a six-game winning streak into the much-anticipated 2015 season, which is the fifth-longest in FBS behind only defending national champion Ohio State (13-straight wins), Boise State (9), TCU (8) and Memphis (7). The Mountaineers’ six-game winning streak to close out the 2014 campaign all came in Sun Belt Conference action, which propelled App State to a 6-2 Sun Belt record and third-place finish in its first year in the highly competitive league. The combination of 20 returning starters and last year’s red-hot finish has led to several national publications picking the Mountaineers to win
the Sun Belt in 2015. Although Appalachian’s schedule is not nearly as favorable as defending conference champion Georgia Southern, which avoids playing traditional league powers UL Lafayette and Arkansas State for the second-straight season, the Mountaineers do get the benefit of facing Georgia Southern, UL Lafayette and A-State at home this season. App State went 2-1 against the powerful trio on the road last season, including back-toback season-defining wins at Arkansas State (37-32 on Nov. 15) and UL Lafayette (35-16 on Nov. 22). WRITTEN BY MIKE FLYNN, SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY For more information on Appalachian State Athletics and to purchase tickets, log onto appstatesports.com
COACHES HEAD COACH:......... Scott Satterfield DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS: ..............Nate Woody CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR (RUNNING GAME)/ OFFENSIVE LINE: ... Dwayne Ledford CO-OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR (PASSING GAME)/ QUARTERBACKS: ......... Frank Ponce CORNERBACKS: ...........Bryan Brown RUNNING BACKS: ................Stu Holt DEFENSIVE LINE/ SPECIAL TEAMS: .............. Mark Ivey INSIDE LINEBACKERS: ..Dale Jones SECONDARY/RECRUITING COORDINATOR: ............... Scot Sloan WIDE RECEIVERS: ........Justin Watts STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: .Mike Sirignano GRADUATE ASSISTANT DEFENSE: ...................... Chris Collins GRADUATE ASSISTANT TIGHT ENDS: ...............Taylor Cornett GRADUATE ASSISTANT OFFENSE: ..........................Alex Farah GRADUATE ASSISTANT DEFENSE TEAMS: .......... Allen Smith
Junior RB Marcus Cox (Photo credit: Appalachian State Athletics/Bill Sheffield)
SCHEDULE
09/05/15 09/12/15 09/26/15 10/03/15 10/10/15 10/17/15 10/22/15 10/31/15 11/05/15 11/14/15 11/28/15 12/05/15
Howard Clemson Old Dominion Wyoming Georgia State* UL Monroe* Georgia Southern* Troy* Arkansas State* Idaho* UL Lafayette* South Alabama*
* Conference Game
Senior DB Doug Middleton (photo credit: Appalachian State Athletics/Allyson Lamb)
H A A H A A H H H A H A
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R-S CENTRAL • CHASE • EAST RUTHERFORD • SHELBY • BURNS • CREST • KINGS MOUNTAIN • DRAUGHIN • EAST BURKE
CHASE TROJANS
ROSTER # NAME POS HT WT CLASS 2 Isaiah Lewis WR 5’10 175 So 3 Alex Gray DB 6’3 210 Jr 3 Deltron Hopkins WR 5’8 160 Fr 4 Jaylan Barbour WR 5’10 180 Fr 4 Mondo Williams DB 5’11 175 Jr 5 Mykelti Armstrong WR 6’2 195 Fr 5 Latrell Gibbs DB 5’10 170 So 6 Kennan Gilchrist OLB 6’2 210 Jr 6 Shaedon Meadors WR 6’2 180 So 7 Malachi Jones WR 6’2 215 Sr 8 Josh Boyd RB 5’10 180 Fr 9 Austin Exford DB 6’2 195 Fr 10 JP Caruso QB 6’1 210 Fr 10 AJ Howard DB 5’11 190 So 11 Taylor Lamb QB 6’2 200 So 11 Devan Stringer OLB 5’11 200 So 12 Daniel David QB 6’1 192 Fr 12 Jordan Ford DB 6’2 200 Jr 13 Mock Adams WR 6’4 187 Fr 13 Dante Jones WR 5’11 185 So 14 Marcus Cox RB 5’10 200 Jr 16 Jake Easter QB 6’2 186 Fr 16 Treyon Garnett DB 6’1 195 So 17 Curtis Fitch QB 6’0 195 Fr 17 Tae Hayes DB 5’11 175 Fr 18 Marlin Johnson WR 6’2 225 Fr 18 Brandon Pinckney DB 6’0 185 So 19 Nikia Cathey RB 5’9 175 Fr 20 Terrence Upshaw RB 5’10 210 So 20 Justin Wilson DB 5’10 180 Fr 21 Doug Middleton DB 6’0 210 Sr 22 Brad Absher WR 5’10 170 Fr 22 Dustin Anderson OLB 5’10 200 Jr 24 Akeem Davis OLB 6’2 200 Fr 25 Jalin Moore RB 5’11 200 Fr 26 Josh Thomas ATH 6’0 205 Fr 28 Ricky Fergerson RB 5’8 170 Sr 29 Aaron Krah DB 5’11 185 Sr 30 Osvaldo Sombo OLB 6’2 240 Sr 31 Rashaad Townes OLB 6’2 220 Jr 33 Eric Davidson RB 5’10 195 Sr 34 Desmond Franklin ATH 6’2 190 Fr 35 Toronto Thomas ILB 6’0 235 Jr 36 Olawale Dada DL 6’0 235 Jr 37 Teh’Ron Fuller ILB 6’2 225 Fr 39 Junior Sigalo DB 6’0 185 Fr 40 Nathaniel Norwood DL 6’2 240 Jr 41 Michael Rubino PK 6’3 205 Fr 42 Antonious Sims DL 6’3 250 Jr 43 DJ Ward ILB 5’11 245 Sr 44 Alanmicheal Harkness DL 6’3 260 Fr 45 Eric Boggs ILB 6’3 235 So 46 Bill Cecil ILB 6’0 210 So 47 Okon Godwin OLB 6’2 240 Fr 48 Dezmin Reed OLB 6’2 230 Jr 49 Ronald Blair DL 6’4 270 Sr 50 Beau Nunn OL 6’4 305 So 51 Caleb Fuller ILB 6’0 240 So 52 Tobias Edge-Campbell OL 6’2 300 Fr 53 Cody McKinney ILB 5’10 215 Jr 54 Darian Small DL 6’2 315 Jr 55 Edward Davis ILB 6’0 224 Fr 56 Thomas Bronson DL 6’3 265 Sr 57 Elias McMurry LS 6’1 235 Fr 58 Anthony Flory ILB 6’2 225 Fr 59 Zach Matics P/PK 6’2 195 Sr 60 Jesse Chapman OL 6’1 275 Sr 62 Hunter Cline OL 6’1 280 Fr 63 Tyler Norris OL 6’5 260 Fr 64 Bo Alexander OL 6’5 285 Fr 66 Jamie Collmar DL 6’2 295 Jr 67 Shaq Counts OL 6’2 295 Sr 68 Brody Barrett DL 6’3 305 Fr 70 Colby Gossett OL 6’6 315 So 72 Tyson Fernandez DL 6’2 320 Jr 73 Davante Harris OL 6’6 290 Sr 74 Victor Johnson OL 6’5 260 Fr 75 Parker Collins OL 6’3 280 Jr 76 Madison Malone OL 6’5 275 Fr 77 Alex Taylor OL 6’9 294 Fr 78 Chandler Greer OL 6’5 280 Fr 79 Owen Painter OL 6’5 285 Fr 80 Hunter Nunn TE 6’3 225 So 81 Bobo Beathard WR 5’10 190 Sr 82 Zireycus Letman WR 6’3 195 Jr 83 Simms McElfresh WR 5’10 180 Sr 84 Montez McGuire WR 6’1 225 Sr 85 Barrett Burns TE 6’4 245 Jr 86 Levi Duffield TE 6’2 205 So 87 Collin Reed TE 6’3 235 Fr 88 Jaquil Capel WR 5’11 190 Jr 88 John Law ILB 6’0 230 Jr 89 Michael Moll TE 6’1 210 Jr 90 Tashion Singleton DL 6’3 260 Jr 91 Bentlee Critcher P/PK 6’1 190 Jr 94 Devin Slate LS 6’2 260 Sr 95 Devin Papenheim DL 6’6 225 Fr 96 Isaac Edwards LS 6’1 240 Sr 97 Myquon Stout DL 6’1 285 Fr 98 Mason Moore PK 6’4 200 So 99 Stephen Burns DL 6’2 270 Sr
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Polk Cherryville Bessemer City Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford*
*Conference Game
E RUTHERFORD CAVALIERS A A A H A H A H A H A
continued from page 26 Hill (6-1, 300 sr.), center Jake Appling (6-4, 275 sr.), DT O.J. Ross (6-2, 275 jr.), OL Darius Clark (6-2, 270 jr.) and Darrius Archie (6-0, 270 jr.), guard Rakeem Sweezy (5-11, 265 sr.), DL-OL Gesus Hartgrove (6-0, 265 jr.) and OL Turner Smith (6-2, 265 so.). Shelby opens with Polk then at 3-A power A.C. Reynolds in a monumental clash that reveals how prolific this year’s Lions truly are.
BURNS BULLDOGS:
HEAD COACH: .Robert Senseney NICKNAME: ................. Bulldogs COLORS: ........ Blue, Vegas Gold 2014 RECORD: . 4-7 (4-4 SMAC) ADDRESS: ........... Lawndale, NC
Burns slipped far from an 11-2 season with a 7-1 SMAC mark in 2013, and hopes to bounce back. Head coach Robert Senseney managed a .500 SMAC mark, in his Bulldogs debut. He won three of his first four conference matchups, including by a TD at East Rutherford. QB Cameron Barbee (6-2, 180 jr.) leads the offense. The tallest Bulldog is 6-8, 214-pound senior TE-DE Seth Mullinax. Burns won the SMAC in such years s 2010 and ’11, behind running of Bulldogs career rusher (4,627 yards) Darius Ramey. The Cleveland County player of the year in 2011 ran for 1,928 yards, fifth best in county history as Burns reached the West Region finals. Ramsey is a Western Carolina Catamount senior, and led the team in rushing starting as a freshman. This preseason, staff emphasized timing of passing in seven-on-seven drills then scrimmages. The defense practiced swarming better than ever to the ball carrier.
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East Henderson North Gaston Roberson Kings Mountain* East Burke* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase*
*Conference Game
H A H A H A H A H A H
RUTHERFORDTONSPINDALE CENTRAL HILLTOPPERS HEAD COACH: ....... Mike Cheek NICKNAME: ............. Hilltoppers COLORS: ................. Blue, White 2014 RECORD: .8-5 (5-3 SMAC) ADDRESS: .... Rutherfordton, NC
R-S Central hopes to do better than .500 again in the conference. The Hilltoppers had a crisp 8-5 mark, and were 5-3 in the SMAC. They opened by winning by 11 at 4-A McDowell. They got on a roll, winning five out of six including a 21-14 OT thriller at Kings Mountain. That put them in third in the SMAC, ahead of K.M. R-S beat Burns, and won a playoff game. QB Tyrese Tate (5-10, 165 jr.) leads the way. Top returning tacklers include SS Nick Johnson (5-9, 180 sr.) with 83, MLB Brice Hamrick (5-10, 180 sr.) with 74, NG Kanaan Brock (6-1, 270) with 45, and DE Ramon Rodriguez (61, 190 jr.) with 66 and four tackles for losses.
EAST BURKE CAVALIERS HEAD COACH: ........ Tom Brown NICKNAME: ................ Cavaliers SCHOOL COLORS: ............ Blue 2014 RECORD: .3-8 (2-6 SMAC) ADDRESS: . Connelly Springs, NC
East Burke hopes to perk up in SMAC play. The Cavs’ two conference wins were over Draughn and Chase by one point, to finish just ahead of them in standings and improve in the SMAC by one game. Junior Joe Duckworth is the quarterback. RBs include seniors London Page, Brent Carrol and Jake Prestwood. Senior middle linebacker Jake Drum leads the defense.
KINGS MOUNTAIN 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
North Gaston East Gaston Forestview East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase* East Burke*
*Conference Game
DRAUGHN WILDCATS H A H H A H A H A H A
CHASE TROJANS
HEAD COACH: ..... Daniel Bailey NICKNAME: ................... Trojans COLORS: ........ Blue, Vegas Gold 2014 RECORD: .1-10 (0-8 SMAC) ADDRESS: ......... Forest City, NC
Chase like Draughn had only one victory last year, and was winless in the nine-team SMAC. The Trojans twice came close on the road, falling by a mere point at East Burke on Halloween and by a field goal at Draughn. Quarterbacks from last year’s varsity who might take over the reins include senior Gus Owens (6-1, 180) and big Zeke Brandle (6-4, 225 jr.). The Trojans under Coach Daniel Bailey hope to recapture some of their magic of last decade.
EAST RUTHERFORD CAVALIERS: HEAD COACH: ........ Clint Bland NICKNAME: ................ Cavaliers COLORS: .................. Red, Black 2014 RECORD: . 6-6 (4-4 SMAC) ADDRESS: ......... Forest City, NC
East Rutherford is known for multi-sport athletes, and hopes its skill level takes it up a notch. Clint Bland’s Cavaliers beat Tuscola early, then R-S Central 16-6 and Chase 24-7 on the road to close the regular season. QB Juwan Blanton (5-11, 165 jr.) and MLB-FB Zavie Lowrance (6-0, 210 jr.) return. Leave it to the Cavs to designate a handful of players’ positions as “athlete.” They include Calvin Camp (5-10, 170 sr.), Noah Mungo (6-0, 165 sr.), Jarvis Hutchins (6-2, 175 sr.), and Tyrese Carson (5-11, 165 jr.).
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West Lincoln Freedom Patton Crest* R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby*
*Conference Game
A H A A H A H A H A H
KINGS MOUNTAIN MOUNTAINEERS:
HEAD COACH: ........ Greg Lloyd NICKNAME: ......... Mountaineers COLORS: ...... Black, Vegas Gold 2014 RECORD: . 8-5 (5-3 SMAC) ADDRESS: . Kings Mountain, NC
If anything bad could happen toKings Mountain regroups, after having more senior starters than most in the SMAC last year. Greg Lloyd’s Mountaineers with QB Brandon Bell opened by winning at Hunter Huss by 3421. They destroyed Draughn 620. They also shut out Burns, 280, and were fourth in the SMAC. Their season came to a crashing halt in Mills River, where West Henderson ran roughshod past them in a playoff opener. With Bell graduated, junior Darrin Burns is in line after serving as the backup in ’14. Seniors Chance Fedrick and Dylan Fredrick are among returning running backs.
DRAUGHN WILDCATS:
HEAD COACH: ... Scott Lambert NICKNAME: ................. Wildcats COLORS: ....... Vegas Gold, Black 2014 RECORD: .1-10 (1-7 SMAC) ADDRESS: .............. Valdese, NC
Jimmy C. Draughn High School hopes to avoid another drawnout, frustrating season. The lone victory was by 3-0, to cast Chase into the cellar. Scott Lambert is now the coach, replacing Allen Wittenburg. Bryson Lambert (5-11, 1655 jr.) as Coy Lambert’s backup in ’14 backup has a good shot to succeed him as the QB. MLB Kevin White (5-8, 205 sr.) returns for his last hurrah for the Wildcats.
- Written by Pete Zamplas
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FIND THE WORDS HIDDEN VERTICALLY, HORIZONTALLY & DIAGONALLY THROUGHOUT THE PUZZLE ~ ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 45
FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH BACKFIELD
ENCROACHMENT
INTERCEPTION
QUARTERBACK
BLITZ
END ZONE
KICKOFF
RECEIVER
BOMB
FIELD
LINEBACKER
RUSH
BOWL
FLAG
LINEMAN
SAFETY
CARRY
FRANCHISE
MIDFIELD
STADIUM
CHECK
FULLBACK
OFFENSIVE
TACKLE
COVER
GOAL
OFFSIDE
TOUCHDOWN
DEFENSE
GUARD
OVERTIME
UMPIRE
DOWN
HOLDING
PASS
WIDEOUT
DRAFT
HUDDLE
PLAYBOOK
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Western Highlands & Smoky Mountain Conference
August 18, 2015
Summaries and Pre-Season Predictions along with Team Previews, Rosters & Game Schedules
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HIGH SCHOOL
FOOTBALL
WESTERN HIGHLANDS 2-A CONFERENCE 1-A
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2015 PREVIEW
IWANNA® Football Preview
IN THIS SECTION
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POLK COUNTY • HENDERSONVILLE • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE • MITCHELL • OWEN • AVERY • MADISON
endersonville leads a handful of Western Highlands 2-A/1-A contenders lauded for explosive quarterbacks and winning traditions.
Four teams are led by exciting, proven QBs. HHS’ Mike Schmidt and Polk’s Jamal Wheeler are seniors, while Heritage’s Trey Robinson and Mitchell’s Ben Young emerged as freshmen in
2014. All are decisive weapons who can tilt the power balance, in likely another hotly-contested year. Schmidt “can throw it all over the yard,” Madison Coach
Mark Gosnell said, “and they (Bearcats) have athletes who can fly.” Heritage Coach Joey Robinson said “they can sure sling the ball. Schmidt is a special player.” Mitchell Coach
Travis Pitman likes Schmidt’s “instincts. “He delivered the ball within two seconds. We couldn’t get to him. Because of him, I see ‘Hendo’ as one of the better continues on page 34
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POLK COUNTY • HENDERSONVILLE • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE • MITCHELL • OWEN • AVERY • MADISON continued from page 33 teams around.” “Wheeler is a playmaker,” HHS Coach Eric Gash said. Gosnell said “Polk also has a great quarterback. Mitchell and Heritage return everybody. We’re very balanced, aside from (frontrunner) Hendersonville.” Pitman also picks Polk second, for “overall athletes.” Mitchell is on the radar, returning the most (five) all-WHC talent, a huge line and scoring depth. “Mitchell can be the team to beat,” new Owen Coach Nathan Padgett said. “Mitchell’s going to be very good,” Gash said, citing MHS first. Heritage Coach Joey Robinson agreed. “Mitchell returns so many players.” Heritage “always has backs with good vision,” Polk Coach Jamie Thompson noted. “They flash through a hole, falling forward.” Gash said “Heritage is always loaded, a hard ‘out.’” “Kenny Ford was incredible. I’m going to miss him,” Heritage Coach Joey Robinson said of the
retired coach. Though Owen loses the legendary coach, WNC career rusher Jager Gardner and most starters, Ford’s successor Nathan Padgett carries on Owen’s ferocity. Avery also has a new coach. Area football fans can focus on four WHC powers in two Thursday night games televised by WMYA “My 40,” as state prep football first gets televised this year. Polk hosts Mitchell Oct. 8. HHS hosts Owen Oct. 22. “Our kids are talking about it,” MHS’ Pitman said. “It’s great for kids to showcase their talent on TV” to college scouts. Robinson said “our conference champion will be the one making the fewest turnovers and ‘discipline penalties.’” Thompson also sees five teams in a wideopen “dogfight.” HENDERSONVILLE (7-5; 3-3 WHC) will ride the Mike Schmidt (6-3, 188 sr.) to Michael Cook (5-11, 165 sr.) aerial show, and workhorse TB Terrold Gary (5-9,
173 sr.). Blaine Sharpe (6-1, 250 jr.) leads the Bearcat defense, while CB-FL Tykel Landrum (5-7, 165 so.) is a two-way playmaker. Coach Eric Gash seeks to “build on successes” in a WHC title quest. POLK COUNTY (9-4; 5-1) can wheel ‘n deal on offense with QB Jamal Wheeler (6-0, 190 sr.), TB Storm Wheeler (5-10, 180 jr.) and FL-HB Sjakur Wingo (5-11, 175 sr.) slicing through foes and MLB-FB Khiree Green (6-1, 240 sr.) a basher. RG Fred Salerno (6-2, 230 sr.) bolsters a new line. Polk is a perennial contender. Coach Jamie Thompson said the ’15 Wolverines have talent to “keep that tradition alive.” MOUNTAIN HERITAGE (6-7; 3-3) features dual-threat QB Trey Robinson (5-11, 198 so.). Cougars snarl on defense with versatile DE-OL-FB Isaac Allen (6-1, 245 sr.), NT-OL Nate Higgins (6-0, 275 sr.) and LBs Adam Shuford and Levi Robinson (6-0, 185 sr.).
Coach Joey Robinson said “Our overall team speed is as good” as ever.
“people will be coming for us. We’ll be prepared, play hard, and compete.”
MITCHELL (8-5; 3-3) could simply Leave it to Beaver, twoway star RB-ILB Dalton Beaver (5-9, 185 sr.), but prefers to share end zone glory with RB Jake Robinson (5-10, 185 sr.), QB Ben Young (6-0, 190 so.) and Tre Carson (6-4, 180 sr.). Will Atkins (6-3, 260 sr.) is on a mountainous Mountaineer line weighing 315, 290, 260, 250 and 225. Coach Travis Pitman sees no limit in this “special year,” vowing “we will win some big games.”
MADISON (2-9; 0-6) has a college-sized line led by Brent Turner (6-1, 265 jr.), blocking for HBs Mason Edwards (6-0, 195 sr.) and Junior Denton (59, 180 jr.). QB Colby Edwards (6-1, 185 jr.) looks to Travis Hollifield (6-0, 190 sr.). Coach Mark Gosnell likes overall speed and strength, eager to get into the WHC competitive “mix.”
OWEN (12-1; 6-0) launches a new error for Coach Nathan Padgett and new skill such as QB DeMarcus Harper (5-11, 180 sr.), TB-FB Cyrus Hooper (5-9, 170 jr.) and Sidney Gibbs (5-9, 160 so.). OT-DL Dexter Andrews (6-5, 235 sr.) and guard Justin Wilson (510, 210 sr.) anchor the Warhorse line. Coach Nathan Padgett said after an unbeaten WHC season,
AVERY COUNTY (5-8; 1-5 WHC) has a new head coach, Jason Phelps. Returnees include QB Christian Hicks (511, 175 jr.), WR Luke Crowe (6-3, 200 sr.), Jonathan Guerra (5-11, 190 sr.), Ryan Sheppard (6-0, 215 sr.) and MLB Jennings Evans (6-1, 215 sr.) The Vikings look to get into ship-top shape for WHC battles.. - Written by Pete Zamplas
HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS
MIKE SCHMIDT Blasts Area Foes With Intellect, Calm & Pinpoint Passing Mike Schmidt
Mike Schmidt, like his baseball Hall of Fame namesake, delivers the home run ball — long scoring passes to Hendersonville Bearcat receivers, in an encore to a magical season.
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chmidt passed for 3004 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2014, setting those Hendersonville High School marks in his first full year as trigger man. Entering this season as the area’s top passer is “ more of a blessing and honor, than a target,” he said. “It gives me a peace of mind. It’s what I worked hard for — and can achieve again.” Schmidt (6-3, 190 sr.) threw for the second-most yards ever in a
WNC game with 495 (within 12 of the record), in a wild 46-43 loss at Mountain Heritage. He tallied 464 aerial yards in a 57-54 barnburner defeat at Owen. He surpassed 300 yards in six games — half of the time — and averaged 273 yards per contest. The prospective engineer surely engineers exciting moments for Bearcat fans and area football onlookers. He loomed as backup again to dual threat QB Cole Cleary in ’14, until Cleary’s preseason injury opened the door. Cleary returned as a receiver initially, and stayed there as Schmidt sparkled. Cleary led the nation in receiving yardage for much of the year. He accounted for most (a WNC-record 1,818) of Schmidt’s passing yards and TDs. Cleary now plays for Wofford College. A pivotal reason Cleary found daylight amidst multiple coverage is Schmidt hit him in stride, with precision and zip on the ball. He has “uncanny accuracy,” and good arm strength, HHS head coach Eric Gash said. Schmidt’s accuracy ratio was nearly four to one, with 30 TDs to eight interceptions. His consistency from belief that “passing is calming. You control where you put the ball.” He is also
calm “when it opens up to run.” Schmidt has smooth mechanics. “They came naturally, from throwing balls in other sports,” he explained. “I’ve played baseball as long as I can remember.” He is a superb line-drive hitter, also a basketball small forward. Michael Cook looms as new goto receiver. “I’m putting the same trust in Michael Cook as in Cole last year,” Schmidt said. “We’ll spread the ball out to others.” A prime asset is Joe Montanalike cool. “He’s confident, cool, calm and collected under pressure,” Gash said of Schmidt. Gash praises Schmidt’s “calming voice,” also intuition on the best approach. “If we need extra oomph, he’ll do that. If a moment of levity is needed, he’ll interject a joke.” Schmidt equates a final drive to calmly executing, as if in practice. “I take it as a challenge to do our two-minute drill. I put all trust in our system.” He reasons “let hard times motivate us. Clean up mistakes, from close games we lost. Execute one more off drive we can punch it in, or one more defensive stop we can make.” HHS offensive coordinator Jim Sosebee “gets me comfortable in the pocket, to trust my receivers
to be in the right place at the right time,” Schmidt said. “The ‘cop-out’ plan is to take a sack, or throw it away to avoid the threat. I can’t think about hit blind side. I’m not thinking about a bad outcome. I’m thinking about positives.” Coach Gash lauds Schmidt for “making suggestion on plays. He understands the game, and lets it come to him. He’s a brilliant kid.” He gets all A’s. His elder brother Bradley Schmidt was salutatorian this spring, a HHS receiver, and reminded “not to try to do too much.” Mike Schmidt eyes ACC schools N.C. State, Wake Forest and Clemson for engineering and also the Naval Academy for football. “I’m a math-minded, science kind of guy. Academics is the first priority.” His mother Kim Schmidt teaches Family Consumer Science vocational classes in HHS. “She reminds me what I’m playing for — that I’m privileged to step out onto the field.” His civic service is via Kiwanis and the Key Club (he was V.P. last year.) He coaches local Special Needs Baseball youth to “give back.” He “structures” homework
time. He gets “efficiency” from his father Scott Schmidt, an electrical engineer. Coach Gash, also a minister, also inspires. “He’s awesome, with inspirational messages,” Schmidt said. “He stresses being a good young man, putting faith and family first, and playing for a greater good.” The team is about “Bearcat pride and family,” he said. “We play as brothers. We’re from a small school, in a tightknit group. We have each other’s backs.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
2015 BEARCATS SCHEDULE 08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
Murphy West Henderson East Henderson North Henderson AC Reynolds Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery* Mitchell* Owen* Polk*
*Conference Game
A H A H A H A H A H A
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POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES
POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES ROSTER
# NAME 1 Jaymes Wingo 2 Chandler Patrick 3 Landon White 4 Storm Wheeler 5 Khiree Green 6 Josh Chupp 7 Jamal Wheeler 9 Dillion Overholt 10 JD Edwards 11 Dillion Knighton 12 Davis Derkach 14 Austin Wilson 17/53 Luke Sellers 22 Elijah Sutton 23 Ryan Fox 24 Shakur Wingo 26 Malik Miller 31 Wyatt Derkach 52 Dustin Calvert 55 Wesley Mullis 54 Marquise Lipscomb 57 Hunter Roberts 60 Fred Salerno 61 Braden Miller 65 Alex Leake 66 Gabe Lail 67 Devin Panchynshn 77 Donivan Twitty 78 Hayden Shumate 80 Marlon Longshore 88 Zach Foy
Coach Jamie Thompson HEAD COACH: Jamie Thompson NICKNAME: Wolverines SCHOOL COLORS: blue & platinum 2014 RECORD: 9-4 (5-1 WHC) ADDRESS: 1681 NC 108 Hwy E, Columbus, NC 28722
Polk County returns its sensational dual-threat quarterback, to try to get back on top of the conference.
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amie Thompson is in his second year as head coach, after 11 seasons as Jim Ollis’ defensive coordinator under Jim Ollis. He proudly notes that since Polk joined the WHC a decade ago in 2005, it has won the most (five) crowns. That is two more than nextbest Hendersonville (HHS). The last two titles (2010, ’13) were outright. Last year, the Wolverines were WHC runner-up and fell only to Owen. They beat Heritage by 28, and won by 26 at
COACHES
POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES Photo by Pete Zamplas
Mitchell and by three at HHS in the regular-season finale as Jordan Smith ran wild. They won a playoff game. They run the option, now some flexbone, pro I and shotgun. Merely three starters return on offense, but they are pivotal. Don’t blink, or you’ll miss quarterback keepers. QB Jamal Wheeler (6-0, 190 sr.) has a 4.35 combine sprint time, and darts through defenses. Wheeler accelerates quickly on those wheels. “He even outran Shelby. When he brings it, he’s gone,”
Thompson said. “He has that ‘it factor.’ He can turn nothing into a huge play. He’s dynamic athletically. And he’s added 15 pounds of muscle.” He said the lefty “can throw the ball well. His accuracy has improved.” Wheeler’s challenge is to “not try to win the game on every play, to be patient,” the coach said. But he leads. “He makes everybody play with more confidence.” TB Storm Wheeler (5-10, 180 jr.), also all-WHC, is fast (4.5) and strong. He power cleans 285. Backup TBs are freshman Elijah
POS HT. WT. CLASS WR/DB 6’ 175 11 RB/LB 6’ 185 11 WR/DB 5’10 170 11 RB/DB 5’11 192 11 FB/LB 6’1 240 12 WR/DB 5’10 175 11 QB/DB 6’2 195 12 QB/WR/DB 6’2 170 10 TE/LB 6’1 190 12 RB/DB 5’7 140 10 K/WR/DB 6’3 190 12 RB/LB 5’10 165 10 TE/OL/DL 6’ 205 9 RB/DB 5’11 175 9 RB/DB 5’11 175 11 RB/DB 5’11 175 12 WR/DB 6’2 175 11 RB/DB 5’11 165 10 OL/DL 6’ 180 12 OL/DL 6’3 230 12 OL/DL 5’8 240 11 OL/DL 5’10 240 11 OL/DL 6’2 230 12 OL/DL 5’11 200 10 OL/DL 6’ 280 12 OL/DL 5’11 215 11 OL/DL 5’10 215 10 OL/DL 6’2 280 11 OL/DL 6’ 210 9 WR/DB 6’1 175 12 TE/LB 6’1 170 11
Sutton (5-11, 175) and Ryan Fox (5-11, 175 jr.). Succeeding Smith as FB are quick Chandler Patrick (6-0, 185 jr.) and “bruiser” Khiree Green (6-1, 240 sr.), who squats 550. When in the flexbone, the second halfback is HB-FL Shakur Wingo (5-11, 175 sr.), a “Barry Sanders type with great vision,” Thompson said. Wingo is usually the flanker. SE Dillon Overholt (6-2, 170 so.), the backup QB, has 4.65 speed. TEWR J.D. Edwards (6-1, 190 sr.) is another target. The new line has RG Fred
Head Coach: Jamie Thompson Assistants: Mark Duncan, Zach Searcy, Josh Hill, Phillip Miller, Pat McCool, Todd Philpott, Njele Singogo, Wink Mintz, Chandler Miller
Salerno (6-2, 230 sr.), LT Wes Mullis (6-3, 230 sr.), LG Marquise Lipscomb (5-8, 240 jr.), center Devin Panchynshn (5-10, 215 so) and big RT Donivan Twitty (6-2, 280 jr.) whose brother D.J. Tweety was a recent star. Thompson said, “We’ll know more about these guys when the bullets start flying.” Six Wolverines return in the base 50 defense. The line includes DTs Salerno and Panchynshn, NG Braden Miller (5-11, 200), rush DE Dustin Calvert (6-0, 180 sr.) or Davis Derkash (6-3, 190 sr.) who is the kicker, and DE-OLB Storm Wheeler. All-WHC ILB Green “holds thee middle down,” Thompson said, while quick LB Patrick “makes plays from one side to the other.” DBs include OLB-SS Wingo, CBs Jamal Wheeler and Sutton, and Overholt again at free safety. “We’re quick in the secondary, and strong elsewhere,” Thompson said. “We’ve been a good-tackling team for a long time. We played great defense, except against Owen. We need to make fewer mistakes, in giving up the big play” to win the WHC. Coach Thompson points to the Victory Walk sign by the fieldhouse, on Polk tradition. It asks “how do you want to be remembered?” He said, “with each changing of the guard, it’s your turn to keep that tradition alive.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS
HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS Coach Eric Gash HEAD COACH: Eric Gash NICKNAME: Bearcats SCHOOL COLORS: red & white 2014 RECORD: 7-5 (3-3 WHC) ADDRESS: 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28791
Hendersonville looks to hit a home run in the Western Highlands Conference race with quarterback Mike Schmidt, namesake of the Hall of Fame baseball slugger, and a host of other talented Bearcats.
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HS looks to pull out close contests after losing by 3 points three times — 57-54 at Owen and 46-43 at Heritage in wild road shootouts — 20-17 to Polk. Too often “our best defense was our offense,” head coach Eric Gash quipped about his debut season. Seven Cat starters are back on offense, five on defense. Cole Cleary graduated, after leading U.S. high schoolers in receiving yards for most of 2014. But another passing comb is intact, in the spread and one-back set.
HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
Mike Schmidt (6-3, 188 sr.) passed for 3004 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2014, setting school marks and outdoing all other returning QBs in WNC. He surpassed 460 yards in both shootout losses. He completed 56 percent of his 27 passes, and threw merely nine picks. An aspiring mechanical engineer, he adeptly engineers two-minute drills. Schmidt is sharp, mobile, among five fastest Bearcats and ran for six TDs. “We’ll use plenty of zone-reads, and sprint outs” giving Schmidt time to find an open receiver, Gash said. Able backup Alex Williford (6-0, 195 so.) completed 10 of 14 passes for two TDS in subbing against tough Asheville. HHS ran the ball in about half of its plays. TB Terrold Gary (59, 173 sr.) “bounces off tackles well,” Gash said, and is strong and fast (4.6). He scored nine
times, gained over 700 yards, and averaged 5.1. He caught 18 passes. “Deacon Gary” urges the Cats to “get this done.” Quick John Salguero (5-7, 160 jr.) and Shawn Pearce (6-0, 200) are backups. WR Michael Cook (5-11, 165 sr.) is the new go-to receiver, as a proven big playmaker. He averaged 25.8 yards, totaling 542. He scored on one-third of his receptions in ’14, tying him for second most among WNC returnees. Slot starters are swift Tykel Landrum (5-7, 165 so.) who caught 28 passes for 4 TDs, Leon Cooks (60, 180 jr.), and Gary with an empty backfield. HHS typically lines up four receivers. The other WR may be Cole Cochran (6-2, 180 jr.), top ’14 JV target. The mobile offensive line is likely LT James Jackson (60, 215 sr.), RT Sam Holste (5-10, 220 sr.), RG Wyatt Holbert (6-1, 240 so.), LG Will Avery (5-10, 180 sr.), and center Chance Wilson (5-
7, 240 sr.). Gash espouses “‘quick hitters’ into the zones, throwing off “pursuit angels.” Kicker Drew Eudy (5-8, 160 jr.), “Golden Toe,” drilled field goals of 45 yards. In the 4-2-5 defense, the mantra is “reckless abandon. Arrive violently — within reason and the rules. Find the football.” Gash said. He said to expect “more man-to-man,” with star free safety Tykel Landrum coming to the rescue. He led the WNC with seven picks, as a freshman, returned them well and made 55 tackles. “He has intuition and anticipation,” Gash said. Top returning tackler Blaine Sharpe (6-1, 250 jr.) tallied 88. The other ILB is Dominique Daniels (6-1, 245). OLBs are Taerek Daniels (5-10, 195 jr) and Colin Mesa (6-2, 170 jr.). The D-line has Sam Lucas (6-2, 180 jr.), Greyson Rogers (5-10, 200
# 2 3 4 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 18 20 21 22 24 33 42 44 50 53 54 55 57 58 59 61 62 63 70 73 75 88
ROSTER
NAME Quintin Wright Jhon Salguero Alex Williford Demetrius Smith Tykel Landrum Cole Cochran Leon Cooks Taerek Daniels Michael Cook Colin Mesa Samuel Lucas Drew Eudy Michael Schmidt Terrold Gary Ethan Berry Cole Mcmurray Terry Mccurdy Tully Graziano Mcguire Hunter Shawn Pearce Maleik Robinson Will Avery Jacob Gash James Jackson Griffin Boeke James Dillon Greyson Rogers Sam Ledford Chance Wilson Wyatt Holbert Dominick Daniels Michael Crotts Blaine Sharpe Noah Wagstaff
POS RB/S RB/LB QB/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/OLB WR/DB WR/OLB WR/DE K/DB QB/OLB RB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/OLB OL /LB OL/DE OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DE OL/DE OL/LB OL/LB OL/DT C/DT OL/DL OL/DT OL/DL OL/DT WR/DB
HT. WT. CLASS 5’11 155 10 5’8 160 11 6’ 180 10 5’9 155 11 5’9 150 10 6’3 205 11 6’ 165 11 5’8 185 11 6’ 165 12 6’2 160 12 6’3 170 11 5’8 150 11 6’2 180 12 5’10 192 12 5’10 160 12 5’9 155 9 5’7 145 11 5’8 160 12 5’11 180 10 6’0 185 10 6’3 240 12 6’0 205 12 6’4 220 12 6’0 210 11 6’2 205 12 5’11 185 11 5’11 200 11 6’0 245 11 5’8 245 12 6’2 240 10 6’0 240 11 6’2 270 12 6’1 265 11 6’3 170 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Eric Gash Assistants: Jason Stanley, Dustin McAbee, Marvin Featherstone, Mark Cook, Jim Sosebee
jr.), junior James Dillon, Pearce and Williford. DBs include fastest (4.5) Cat Demetrius Smith (59, 175 jr.) and fellow CB Ethan Berry (5-9, 170 sr.). “Give it your all” is among slogans. Gash said that heading into WHC action, “we want to build on successes.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS
MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS Coach Travise Pitman HEAD COACH: Travise Pitman NICKNAME: Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS: purple & white 2014 RECORD: 8-5 (3-3 WHC) ADDRESS: 416 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705
Mitchell County returns most of its skill, gaining nod of rival schools as a prime WHC title contender.
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his is a special year” that could rival the 12-2 squad in 2011, Coach Travis Pitman said. “We can compete for the conference championship. The Mountaineers return five all-conference players, which is most in the area other than Asheville’s six. They return 10 of 11 on offense, and eight on defense from an eight-win squad. They won four in a row, starting with 26-22 over Heritage 26-22 and lastly a home playoff 35-14. Pitman, a 1995 alumnus, is in his second year as head coach and 15th overall. He was offensive coordinator. Quarterback Ben Young (6-
MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
0, 190 so.) made all-WHC as a freshman. He threw for 1,202 yards. Pitman may turn Young loose to pass more, about 40 percent versus 25 last year, and deeper. “Ben has a great arm,” Pitman said. “He’s trying to be more accurate” He tossed two more INTs (13) than TDs (11), and completed fewer than half of passes. “Ben is better in reading coverages, to know our routes and where to get the ball,” Pitman said. “His footwork is improved. If forced to run, he’s capable. He’s quick.” Young ran for over 100 yards versus Avery, 368 yards (4.1 ypc.) overall with seven scores. The Bakersville Boys have such balance that last year nine players scored on offense, in the first four games alone. Their multiple Wing T deploys three backs including a
wingback, when the QB is under center. A “busy beaver” who dams hopes of foes to stymie Mitchell is allWHC multi-talented TB-FB Dalton Beaver (5-9, 185 sr.). This is his fourth year starting on varsity. He ran for 1,017 yards, averaging 6.5 a carry, and scored nine TDs in ’14. The two-way star was Mitchell’s top tackler for the last two years. He is a state wrestling champion. When running the ball, “he’ll smash you over,” Pitman said. “He also gets through the hole.” Power runner Jake Robinson (5-10, 185 sr.) also rushed for nine TDs, with 603 yards (5.9 ypc.). Cy Thomas (5-8, 174 sr.) added 444 (5.2 ypc.). Sharing WB are Braxton Tehandon (5-8, 170 sr.), who ran for 364 yards (6.7 ypc.), and Brody Smith (6-0, 170 so.) “Both
see holes, are nimble and quick athletes, and catch well,” Pitman said. FB Ben Robinson (6-0, 200 so.) provides size. All-WHC Tre Carson (6-4, 180 sr.) caught 33 passes for 450 yards (13.6 ypc.) and six TDs. “Great hands” abound with WR Caleb Street (62, 170 sr.) and Justin Greene (6-2, 175 jr.) and TE Alex McKinney (63, 230 jr.), who is all-WHC, Pitman said. “We’re better route runners, and with timing.” Four return up front. They are LT Todd Self (6-3, 290 jr.), LG Jamison Burleson (6-0, 225 sr.), all-WHC RG Will Atkins (6-3, 260 sr.) and RT Jade Osbon (6-7, 315 sr.). The new center is Dustin Sparks (5-10, 240 jr.) or Alex Parker (5-10, 250 sr.). “This is one of our largest lines,” Pitman said. “It’s the most athletic and strongest group.”
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ROSTER
NAME Jake Robinson Peyton Greene Brody Smith Braxton Tehandon Dylan Jarrett Solomon Duncan Logan Garland Ben Bonner Drey Phillips Dalton Beaver Cy Thomas Ben Young Ben Robinson Caleb Street Tre Carson Jesse Pitman Jacob Yelton Trevor Self Jamison Burleson Will Atkins Dustin Sparks Jesse Pressley Garrett Buchanan Alex Parker Jade Osbon Todd Self Casey Brown Campbell Barnes Justin Greene Alex McKinney
POS HT. WT. CLASS RB/OLB 5’9 190 12 REC/DB 5’8 155 12 REC/DB 5’11 160 10 REC/DB 5’9 155 12 RB/DB 5’9 150 11 REC/DB 6’ 160 12 REC/DB 5’10 155 12 K 5’7 135 10 REC/QB/DB 6’1 150 12 RB/LB 5’10 170 12 RB/LB 5’9 165 12 QB/DB 6’ 190 10 RB/LB 6’ 190 10 REC/DB 6’2 155 12 REC/DB 6’3 185 12 QB/DB 6’3 165 10 RB/LB 5’9 160 11 TE/LB 6’ 190 10 OL/DL 5’10 215 12 OL/DL 6’1 240 12 OL/LB 5’9 220 11 OL/DL 5’9 205 10 OL/DL 5’10 190 10 OL/DL 5’9 215 12 OL/DL 6’6 320 12 OL/DL 6’3 290 11 TE/OLB 5’10 170 11 REC/OLB 6’ 170 12 REC/DB 6’1 165 11 TE/OLB 6’2 225 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Travise Pitman
Beaver gnaws at ball carriers in the 4-2-5 defense, making 90 tackles (8 tpg.) in ’14. The other ILB is Thomas, Ben Robinson, or Jacob Yelton (5-10, 175 jr.). Brody Smith or Jake Robinson is the sole OLB-DE. DE Atkins made 82 tackles, free safety Solomon Duncan (6-1, 165 sr.) 57. “We set up schemes to cover all gaps,” Coach Pitman said. “This is to force the ball outside, and surround with multiple tacklers. We rally to the ball.” He sees Mitchell squarely in the top four. He vowed “we will win some big games.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS
MADISON PATRIOTS
# 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 11 12 15 20 21 22 32 33 40 44 52 54 56 58 62 63 68 72 77 80
Coach Mark Gosnell HEAD COACH: Mark Gosnell NICKNAME: Patriots SCHOOL COLORS: red, white, & blue 2014 RECORD: 2-9 (0-6 WHC) ADDRESS: 5740 US Highway 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753
Madison pins hopes largely on its gargantuan and veteran front line.
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he Patriots were winless in the WHC, but they won at Rosman and bashed West Greene (Tenn.) 49-24. They came close four times. They fell by two to West Henderson in the opener, then by three at North Buncombe. They ending 2014 within three of Mitchell, and six at Heritage. Madison returns eight starters on offense, and seven on defense. This is the fourth year with the “pistol” shotgun offense with “halfbacks side by side beside the quarterback,” Coach Mark Gosnell noted. He is in his sixth year at the helm. QB Colby Edwards (6-1, 185 jr.) threw for over 930 yards in a half-season, after breaking
MADISON PATRIOTS
POS WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB QB/DB TE/LB QB/DB WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB FB/DL TE/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB FB/DL RB/LB WR/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/LB
HT. WT. CLASS 5’11 165 12 5’11 180 11 5’10 145 11 61’ 170 11 6’2 215 12 5’8 160 11 5’10 165 12 5’10 175 12 5’9 145 11 5’9 150 12 6’ 190 12 5’10 150 11 6’ 185 12 6’ 190 12 6’ 250 11 6’ 170 11 5’11 180 11 5’10 185 11 5’11 245 11 5’9 285 11 6’ 265 11 6’1 185 12 5’10 230 10 6’3 280 10 6’1 280 12 5’11 315 12 5’10 165 11
COACHES Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
his hand in week two. He had a sterling 4-1 ratio of 12 TD passes to three picks. “He’s an all-around great quarterback,” Gosnell said. “Colby is a competitor, yet also calm. He’s very smart. He throws extremely well and deep, dropping back and on ‘play action’” after fake handoffs. His elder brother, tailback Mason Edwards (6-0, 195 sr.), rushed for 14 touchdowns and 1,271 yards (5.3 ypc.) mixing “power-speed,” Gosnell said, while TB Junior Denton (5-9, 180 jr.) has “flashy speed.” Players return for all three starting receiver spots. Travis Hollifield (6-0, 190 sr.) is in the slot. WR time is split between returnees Dawson Coates (5-8,
ROSTER
NAME Tyler Easterly Junior Denton Tyler Smith Colby Edwards Phillip Gray Jordan Baker Colby Wyatt Austin Payne Josh Yontz Tanner Payne Wesley Barnett Dawson Coates Travis Hollifield Mason Edwards Devin Nash Derek Gonzalez Dakota Surrett Austin Shelton Logan Roberts Brandon Chandler Brent Turner Andrew Rice Keagan Foley Brason Payne Jacob Buck Walker Snelson Sam Fox
170 jr.), Austin Payne (5-9, 180 sr.) and Tyler Easterley (6-0, 178 sr.) and transfer Tyler Smith (5-11, 170 jr.) from Knoxville, Tenn. “This is a very skilled and quick group, and our deepest,” Gosnell said. The college-sized line returns four in center Brent Turner (6-1, 265 jr.), RG Walker Snelson (6-1, 295 sr.), LT Jacob Buck (6-2, 280 sr.) and RT Brason Payne (6-3, 270 so.). LG Logan Roberts (6-0, 250 jr.) joins them. “This is a very strong group, with good footwork,” Gosnell said. Turner has started on varsity since freshman days. “He’s very strong. He has good feet,” Gosnell said. “He’s going to bloom. He makes all of our calls.” He is also the kicker and punter. The 3-5 defense sports OLBs
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
West Henderson North Buncombe Rosman Brevard Pisgah Polk County* Hendersonville* Owen* Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage*
A H H H A A H A H A H
*Conference Game
Wesley Barnett (6-0, 190 sr.), MHS’ top returning tackler with 71, and Dakota Surrett (5-11, 180 jr.), MLB Roberts, and ILBs Phillip Gray (6-2, 215 sr.) on the
Head Coach: Mark Gosnell Assistants: Richard Williams, Chaz Howell, Bruce Edwards, Jeff Suttles, Aaron Pike, Gareath Weston, Dustin McIntee, Rick Matthews, Josh Matthews, Tyler Rogers, Dalton Ledbetter, Chris Williams
strong side and Edwards on the weak side. CB Denton made 66 tackles. Coates and Smith are also CBs. Austin Payne is the free safety. Hollifield is a strong safety-LB. DE Devin Nash (6-0, 250 jr.) anchors the D-line. “We have good team speed, and we’re physically strong,” Gosnell said. “Our big guys move; they don’t stand around. I’m excited about the kids we return, and what we can do.” In the WHC, “I hope we’re there, in the mix.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS
MARS HILL UNIVERSITY LIONS HEAD COACH:.......... Tim Clifton NICKNAME:........................ Lions SCHOOL COLORS:.. Gold, Royal Blue CONFERENCE:..... South Atlantic CLASSIFICATION:.NCAA Division II 2014 RECORD:..... 4-6 (3-4 SAC)
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he Mars Hill football team enters the 2015 season looking to turn the negatives from a tough loss at the end of a 2014 into an experience that will lead into a positive. The Lions finished 4-6 overall and 3-4 in the South Atlantic Conference after a 38-35 loss to Tusculum in the season finale. “I don’t think we finished as strong as we would have liked”, Clifton said. “Losing the last game was tough; it’s one that I thought we let it get away from us. One of the things that we worked on in spring practice was preventing turnovers. You can’t win in this league turning the football over. We had a fairly young team last year and I feel like we have a really good group coming back. I’m looking forward to moving on and going forward this year.” If the Lions are to improve upon their 4-6 record from 2014, coming together from a group of individuals into a team will go a long way toward that goal. “Our biggest goal heading into the season is to gel as a team. In this day and time it’s all about individuals and we have to figure out how to turn ‘me’ into ‘we’. We’re going to have some athletic ability but the biggest key is whether we can come together. We’ll need to weather the storm early in the year, traveling to Western Carolina and Chattanooga before facing
Redshirt Senior Running Back Shaikel Davis (Photo by Cindy Whitt)
Limestone and Carson-Newman. I would say this is the toughest schedule we’ve ever had since I’ve been here.” The Lions will have three consecutive home games beginning on September 19 against Limestone before facing Carson-Newman and North Greenville in consecutive weeks. Clifton sees the home games as a chance for his team to build momentum as the Lions have a 132-102-1 record playing at Meares Stadium and Ammons Family Athletic Center. “I do like the three home games in a row. I wish we could play five in a row if that were possible,” said Clifton. “We’re going to need some momentum after two tough road games to start the season and we’ll need to play like we have in the past at home in order to take advantage of this.” As the Lions begin to arrive in mid-August, Clifton knows
the Lions have a few issues to address in preseason camp as 09/05/15 Western Carolina A well as one uncontrollable factor 09/12/15 Chattanooga A that will be pivotal to reaching the 09/19/15 Limestone H team’s goals. 09/26/15 Carson-Newman* H “We’re going to have to replace 10/03/15 North Greenville H two players on the left side of our 10/10/15 Newberry* A offensive line and develop some 10/17/15 Catawba* A depth on the defensive line and 10/24/15 Lenoir-Rhyne* H the secondary,” Clifton said. “The 10/31/15 Tusculum* A biggest key to success in Division 11/07/15 Wingate* H II football is staying healthy. It’s 11/14/15 Brevard* A * Conference Game all about how many you have left standing at the end of the year. The team that is the healthiest the SEC or the South Atlantic at the end of the season and has Conference. Having a guy that talent is usually the team that has an opportunity to play in the NFL is awesome for us and for wins it.” One player who Mars Hill will Denzell. We’re proud of what he be without in 2015 is offensive accomplished here and what lineman Denzell Goode, who was he could accomplish at the next drafted in the seventh round of level.” Clifton returns for his 23nd the NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts as a junior. Goode earned year at Mars Hill surrounded by a All-Conference19 andTeams All-Region Across in coaching staff that has had very turnover during his tenure. 2014. 12 NCAA Div. little II Sports “To make it in the NFL is so “Having a coaching staff that’s Baseball: difficult, whether you M played in been together for a long time Basketball: M,W makes it easier for me in that I Cross Country: M,W don’t have to look over anyone’s Football: M shoulder. They’re going to take Golf: M,W care of the players and prepare Lacrosse: M them for not only the games Soccer: M,W on Saturday but for the game Softball: W of life. I’m fortunate, and Mars Swimming: M,W Hill University is very fortunate, Tennis: M,W to have these men. They are Track & Field: M,W great coaches, but even better Volleyball: W individuals.” Mars Hill opens the 2015 season at Western Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.
SCHEDULE
BY STEVEN GRANDY, ASSISTANT SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, MARS HILL UNIVERSITY For more information on Mars Hill Lions Athletcis and for ticket information, log onto marshilllions.com
Senior Defensive Lineman Johnny Maxey (Photo by Cindy Whitt)
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NAME POS HT WT CLASS Shaikel Davis RB 5’10 170 Sr Jamel Harbison WR 5’11 190 R-So Chris Trimmings WR 5’11 185 So Jeremy Hughes RB 6’0 200 R-Jr Trent Miller QB 6’2 210 R-So David Campbell DB 5’11 170 R-So Dimitri Holmes WR 5’10 165 Sr Chris Leamon OLB 6’1 190 Fr Trey Clark DB 6’0 190 R-So Zach Lappin QB 6’1 195 R-So Nicolas Sanders DB 6’1 180 R-So Lyle Allen QB/TE 6’3 200 Sr Keshaun Taylor WR 6’1 180 Fr Ralph Joseph DB 6’0 175 Fr Eliott Polycarpe DB 6’2 190 R-Fr Rashard Simmons DE 6’5 235 Sr Matt Layman QB 6’3 230 Sr John Augustin RB 5’10 185 Fr Marvin James DB 5’9 175 R-Sr Foluke Gordon-Lamar RB 6’1 220 R-Jr Raheam Buxton DB 6’0 175 So Carl Mattox DB 6’1 190 So Robert Morgan, Jr DB 5’10 160 So Darius Jones DB 5’10 180 R-So Chris Reeder DB 6’2 175 R-So Dakota Hines K/P 5’9 180 Fr Jerode Jackson DB 5’11 165 Fr Tre Hunt LB 6’0 215 Jr Darius Forrest WR 6’0 190 So Iman Smith LB 6’0 200 R-So Marquez Williams RB/FB 6’0 235 R-Fr Malik Sims LB 6’0 210 So Joshua Dawkins DB 6’0 175 Fr Paul Bynoe DB 6’0 185 So Ron Alston DB 5’10 175 Fr Blake Moffitt K 5’8 160 Sr Andrew Bocci RB 5’9 180 Fr Chris Russo FB 6’0 230 So Bernard Smalls, Jr RB/LB 5’11 200 So Jasper Mason LB 5’11 215 Sr Michael McDavid, Jr LB 6’2 215 R-So Drew Huskey LB 5’10 190 R-So Jamel Brintley DE 6’2 225 So Drew Martin LB 6’0 215 Sr Blake Transiskus LS 5’10 165 Fr Bryce King OL 6’4 300 R-Fr Curtis Taylor LB 6’2 220 Jr Ricky Hawks LB 5’11 230 So Tyler Guy Parrish DL 6’3 240 So Lane Burnett DE 6’0 240 Fr Chris Wilson LB 6’2 215 Sr Colby Price OLB 6’2 215 Fr Tremaine Goddard LB 5’11 230 Jr Joe Hillin OL 5’11 300 R-So Colby Tochterman OL/DL 6’2 280 Fr Trevor Gilmore OL 6’1 260 Jr Shane Hawkins DT 5’11 250 So Major Duckett OL 6’1 265 R-Sr DeAndre Harper OL 6’0 290 Jr Hunter Payne C/LS 5’10 260 Fr Chris Bumgarner OL 6’2 293 Fr Richard Taylor OL 6’4 275 Jr Carson Hall OL 6’6 260 So Ryan Shiver OL 6’3 290 R-Fr Christiaan Davis DL 6’3 300 Jr Denzell Goode OL 6’7 320 R-Jr Nick Allison OL 6’4 290 R-Sr Tyler Stewart K 6’0 165 Fr Hezekiah McKinnon WR 5’10 180 Fr Michael Ashley P 5’11 190 R-Jr Markece Cunningham DE 6’2 245 So Ben Barber TE 6’4 225 R-Fr Shaquille Gatlin WR 5’10 180 Sr Matthew Maennle WR 5’11 175 So Levi Cummings WR 6’1 165 Fr Marquavis Myers RB 5’9 175 Fr Brendan Linder TE 6’3 250 R-Jr Chris Daniels DE 6’2 265 R-So Davion Cunningham DE 6’3 240 Fr Johnny Maxey DL 6’5 305 Sr Johnathan Jones DL 6’2 260 R-Sr Tavares Parks DL 5’11 240 Fr Desmond Spikes DL 6’4 230 Sr David Green DL 5’11 255 So Jerome Maybank DL 6’4 330 R-Jr
COACHES HEAD COACH:................ Paul Hamilton ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: ...........Kevin Barnette OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: ........Jonathan Sarratt DEFENSIVE LINE: ............Chuck Phifer LINEBACKERS/RECRUITING COORDINATOR: ................Tom Weaver OFFENSIVE LINE: ................Jim Beatty WIDE RECEIVERS: .......Jermaine Gales
C t
Lio of
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OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES
OWEN WARHORSES Coach Nathan Padgett HEAD COACH: Nathan Padgett NICKNAME: Warhorses SCHOOL COLORS: maroon & white 2014 RECORD: 12-1 (6-0 WHC) ADDRESS: 99 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Charles D. Owen Warhorses follow a dream season by closing the Kenny Ford legacy, launching Nathan Padgett’s era with the same dedication and ferocity.
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s prolific as Jager Gardner was running for nearly 7000 yards these past four seasons to set a WNC record, his graduation this spring was overshadowed by Ford retiring after 29 seasons and a school-record 230 wins. Fiery Ford fired on all cylinders as an intense motivator, from practice to hopping onto the edge of the field for plays. QB Sam Drummond, WR Zee Johnston and 10 other seniors also moved on. Merely three starters return on offense and two on defense. Those owin’
OWEN WARHORSES Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
Owen payback for decades of hard hits will still be met by usual grit. Padgett, a 1994 Owen grad, was a lineman for Ford in the “trenches,” and knows all about Owen dedication and fierceness. He typified Owen’s “hard-nosed, blue collar kid. Tough, with dignity. My spin on our guiding principles are ‘pride, tradition, family and discipline.’ We are a family, here in the (Swannanoa) Valley.” He is a lifelong resident. He’s coached football for nine years, the last five as a Roberson D-line coach and JV head coach. “Coach Ford and I share many passions and character traits,” Padgett said. “We prepare. But we have different styles. I’m vocal — though not to his extent.” Padgett individualizes motivation. “What works for one kid doesn’t work for another. Know your players. Rather than chew them out like
crazy, it works better with some to pull them to the side.” Twenty freshmen came out. Owen remains a multiple I offense under coordinator Anthony Lee. “We can spread, or pound, pound, pound,” Padgett said. Ford went out grandly. The 2014 squad tied the Owen record for varsity football wins in a season with 12, and won its first WHC title since dominating with five in a row in 2002-06 in the prePolk WHC era. Owen last year held off Hendersonville 57-54, then blasted Polk 35-0 in a battle of WHC unbeatens on Halloween. The Warhorses stampeded foes by an average of 45-21. They scored 88 (an Owen record) then 56 in playoffs. They were an unbeaten top West 2-A seed, until losing in round three. New quarterback DeMarcus Harper (5-11, 180 sr.) is a “dual
threat,” Padgett said. TB-FB Cyrus Hooper (5-9, 170 jr.) and Sidney Gibbs (5-9, 160 so.) can share lead back duty, Padgett said. “They both have speed. Cyrus has power, Sidney great vision. He’s one cut, and go.” His uncle Shawn Gibbs was the prior Owen career rusher. Receivers are WRs Colby Maloney (5-10, 160 sr.), Kaleb Waycaster (5-10, 150 sr.) and Bricen Fowler (5-10, 150 sr.); and TEs Thomas Hughey (5-11, 190 sr.) and Antonio McDowell (6-0, 195 so.). All-WHC tackle Dexter Andrews (6-5, 235 sr.) and guard Justin Wilson (5-10, 210 sr.) are joined by center-G Landon Hollar (5-9, 200 sr.), center Casey Young, (5-7, 195 jr.), G Colbyn McIsaac (6-3, 285 jr.), and/or G-T Chris Carter (5-11, 205 sr.). Jacob Robinson (5-8, 145 jr.) kicks. The defense is similar with a
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ROSTER
NAME DeMarcus Harper Colby Maloney Kaleb Waycaster Waleed Kahlil Tyler Hensley Bricen Fowler Kendrick Weaver Jacob Robinson Harrison Vess Cyrus Hooper Antonio McDowell Sam White Sidney Gibbs Tyler Sexton Elijah Ammons Thomas Hughey Trevin Nichols Landon Hollar Colbyn McIsaac Chris Carver Casey Young Dexter Andrews Jorge Reynoso Gabe Fuller Alonso Gutierrez Aaron Sprouse Jordan King Wyatt Reese Justin Wilson Alex Huntsinger
POS QB/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB K TE/DL RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/LB TE/LB OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DL
HT. WT. CLASS 5’11 170 12 5’10 170 12 5’11 160 12 5’ 7 145 11 5’10 150 12 5’10 140 12 5’10 170 9 5’10 155 11 5’10 190 12 5’11 195 11 6’ 220 10 5’10 175 11 5’9 180 10 5’10 155 11 5’7 140 11 6’ 215 12 5’11 235 11 5’9 180 12 6’2 190 11 6’ 200 12 5’5 200 11 6’5 255 12 6’3 210 11 5’9 235 12 5’8 170 11 5’10 170 11 6’3 250 12 6’ 245 12 6’ 240 12 6’2” 155 12
COACHES
Head Coach: Nathan Padgett Mac Anderson, Nathan Arvey, Calvin Cross, Anthony Lee, Nathan Lyda, Clint McElrath, Jack Slaughter, Matt Turner
multiple 40 front, varying from three to six on the line. DL Andrews made 67 tackles. The other returning starter is free safety Harper. The “rover” is Gibbs or Hooper. “We have speed. You have to sprint allout, to the ball,” Coach Padgett said. The ’14 season was “phenomenal,” he said. “But this is a new chapter. How will it read?” He sees the “target on our back People will be coming for us. We’ll be prepared, play hard, and compete.” - Written by Kevin Carver
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AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS
AVERY VIKINGS
AVERY COACHING STAFF
AVERY VIKINGS
Head Coach: Jason Phelps Assistants: Mark Aldridge, Sherman Andrews, Derrick Calloway, Stacey Clark, Martin Horney, John Phillips, Chris Pittman, John Porter
#2 - Cameron Smith, #4 - Luke Crowe, #5 - Ryan Sheppard, #6 - Billy Corrigan, #7 - Leo Cervantes, #8 - Chandler Stansberry, #9 - Brett Smith, #11 Derel Player, #11 - Ethan Johnson, #16 - Austin Volsky, #20 - Brent Hammer, #23 - Christian Hicks, #24 - Steven Sanchez, #25 - Dalton Hughes, #27 Braeden Riley Deaton, #52 - Jonathan Guerra, #59 - Jennings Evans, #61 - Austin Hicks, #72 - Jose Cruz, #77 - Buster Hartley , #78 - Bryce McKinney, #81 - Jonathan Reynolds, #85 - Heath Woody, #89 - Brendan Smith
HEAD COACH: Jason Phelps NICKNAME: Vikings SCHOOL COLORS: red & black 2014 RECORD: 5-8 (1-5 WHC) ADDRESS: 401 High School Road, Newland, NC 28657
Avery County chooses to accept a mission with a Phelps, new head coach Jason Phelps.
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ission Impossible has been in cinemas this summer. The TV version starred Peter Graves as unit leader Jim Phelps. Avery’s Phelps arrived to Newland as the new coach on July 17. Athletic Director Jay Smith likes Phelps’ energy, discipline and fundamentals. Phelps has coached for over 20 years, since 1994. He was a head coach for a half-decade at BartlettYancey then Fred T. Foard, then was Bunker Hill defensive coordinator. The Watauga County native played for Appalachian State and coached there under esteemed Jerry Moore.
Phelps replaces Darrell Brewer, who averaged six wins in 11 seasons. He twice reached the third round of 1A playoffs. He tied for the WHC crown in 2005 and ‘07. He had passing combs of Garrett Sutphen to Josh Johnson, later Alex Villanueva to Andy Gonzalez. Last year, the Vikings won a playoff game 23-15 at East Surry before bowing out to Swain. Their sole WHC win was 17-0 over Madison, to finish ahead of the Patriots in standings. Avery’s signature win among its five
SCHEDULE
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Hampton McDowell Watauga Cloudland North Wilkes Owen* Hendersonville* Polk County* Madison* Mountain Heritage* Mitchell*
*Conference Game
H A H A H H A H A H A
victories was 24-21 over much larger 4-A McDowell. Two dozen are listed on the preseason varsity roster — 16 returnees and eight new Vikings. Returnees include quarterback Christian Hicks (5-11, 175 jr.); WRs Luke Crowe (6-3, 200 sr.), WR Chandler Stansberry (6-0, 175), Brent Hammer (6-0, 160 sr.), Heath Woody (5-11, 185 jr.) and Brett Smith (5-11, 175 jr.); and running backs Jonathan Guerra
(5-11, 190 sr.), and Steven Sanchez (5-9, 145 so.). Linemen back are Ryan Sheppard (6-0, 215 sr.), Austin Volsky (6-2, 230 sr.), senior Jose Cruz and juniors Austin Hicks (511, 250), Buster Hartley (6-0, 225) and jumbo Viking Bryce McKinney (6-1, 335). Defensive returnees include MLB Jennings Evans (6-1, 215 sr.) and junior DB Breeden Riley Deaton. New Vikings on the varsity roster
include Leo Cervantes, Billy Corrigan, Dalton Hughes, Ethan Johnson, Derel Player, Brendan Smith, Jonathan Reynolds and Cameron Smith. Avery seniors took the stage Aug. 8 at the second annual Football Frenzy, answering local youths’ questions. When they take the field, they sail on a new era in Viking football. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS• MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS Coach Joey Robinson HEAD COACH: Joey Robinson NICKNAME: Cougars SCHOOL COLORS: Green & white 2014 RECORD: 6-7 (3-3 WHC) ADDRESS: 333 Mountain Heritage Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714
Mountain Heritage is whittling off a bit of its rushing heritage, to turn loose its strong-armed young quarterback.
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he Cougars held off Hendersonville 46-43, to open the WHC season en route to third place. “That was our signature win — one of our best in a long time,” head coach Joey Robinson said. “What a crazy game. They passed for 495 yards. We rushed for over 400. We blocked a field goal at the end, to win it.” The year before, MHHS won at HHS for the first time ever. The Cougars travels there this season, but get the other three contenders at home. MHHS set a state mark for all schools with 6,254 rushing yards — half by Casey Randolph — on the 2009 state runner-up. This was in their gap-creating Wing
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS Photos courtesy of Mountain Heritage High School
T spread, a triple option with shotgun snaps. Robinson was West linebackers coach in the East-West All-Star Game July 22. He returns nine of 11 starters on offense, and eight on defense. The QB is again his widelyacclaimed son, all-WHC Trey Robinson (5-11, 198 so.). So balanced, he rushed for 1358 yards and 10 TDs, and threw for 1368 and 15 scores. He nearly equaled MHHS’ passing yards in four prior years. He went to the NUC Sports Ultimate 100 top prospect camp July 25 in Texas. He is the placekicker, and has a 4.6 GPA. Trey Robinson bulked up by 18 pounds, and is faster, Coach Robinson said. “His arm strength is as good as any quarterback I’ve had. He just has to read and execute better” with less “forcing” of passes that led to 10 picks. The coach noted MHHS passed 30 percent of plays in ’14 — double the usual — and will
likely “throw quite a bit more off play action.” There are two wing/halfbacks. One is athletic Cole Burleson (6-1, 175 jr.), who as a receiver caught three TD passes versus Owen. Sharing the other wing is another slasher in Britt Burleson (5-11, 185 sr.); also Justin Keener (5-7, 150 jr.), Josh Meadows (5-6, 145 sr.) and Dathan Robinson (510, 175 so.). “They’re tough kids, elusive backs with good vision,” Robinson said. They fill the void of grad Joey Brown, a 1000-yard rusher. The lone WR is A.J. Hensley (6-0, 175 sr.). The blocking TE is Bryson Cooper (6-0, 185 sr.) or Michael Austin (5-10, 225 jr.). All but one return up front. The anchor is strong all-WHC OL-FB Isaac Allen (6-1, 245 sr.), a redzone FB blocker. He might the run the ball again, Robinson said. Also back are tackles Andrew Autrey (5-11, 220 sr.) and Noah Blalock (5-9, 270 sr.), center Alex Welsh
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David Crockett Erwin North Buncombe Rosman West Henderson Hendersonville* Polk County* Owen* Mitchell* Avery* Madison*
A H A A H A H H H A A
*Conference Game
(5-11, 205 sr.) and guard Tyler Brown (5-11, 170 sr.). “They’re athletic. We pull on about every play,” Robinson said. The defense has a 3-5 base, and features two-time all-WHC DE Allen. “Isaac’s as good a defensive lineman as there is in the league. He’s unbelievably strong. He runs a 4.9 He’s explosive” despite getting double-teamed. NT-OL Nate Higgins (6-0, 275 sr.) and DE Austin are also up front.
ROSTER # 1 2 4 5 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 28 32 34 42 44 50 51 52 53 65 67 69 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 79 81
NAME AJ Hensley Britt Burleson Josh Meadows Weston Deyton Michael Austin Cole Burleson Dathan Robinson Dawson Branton Bryson Cooper Trey Robinson Justin Keener Alston Randolph Michael Bingham Seth Randolph Wesley Randolph Brandon Buchanan Derrick Thomas Levi Robinson Adam Shuford Corey Presnell TJ Henson Andrew Autrey Devon Woody Tyler Brown Alex Welsh Austin Rocha Kane McCandless Nathan Higgins Noah Blaylock Bubba Seaton Trevor Hughes Zeb Virnelson JT Isham Issac Allen Issac Quintero Caelan Holmes Michael McCoy
POS HT. WT. CLASS WR/DB 6’0” 170 12 RB/DB 5’10” 185 12 RB/DB 5’5” 135 12 RB/DB 5’10” 175 12 TE/LB 5’10” 225 11 QB/DB 6’2” 165 11 RB/LB 5’10” 170 10 QB/DB 6’0” 180 10 QB/TE/LB 6’0” 190 12 QB/DB 5’11” 195 10 RB/DB 5’7” 145 11 WR/DB 5’11” 160 10 RB/DB 5’8” 160 11 RB/LB 5’8” 185 10 RB/DB 5’10” 180 12 RB/LB 5’9” 165 11 RB/LB 5’9’ 175 10 RB/LB 6’0” 185 12 RB/LB 5’9” 205 11 RB/LB 5’10” 165 11 RB/LB 5’9” 160 12 OL/DL 5’10” 205 12 TE/DE 6’5” 220 11 OL/LB 5’9” 170 12 OL/DL 5’8” 195 12 OL/DL 6’2” 255 11 OL/DL 6’1” 200 10 OL/DL 6’1” 270 12 OL/DL 5’9” 275 12 OL/DL 5’11” 215 12 OL/DL 6’3” 220 10 OL/DL 6’0” 200 9 0L/DL 6’1” 260 10 OL/DL 6’2” 245 12 OL/DL 5’8” 165 10 OL/DL 6’0” 160 11 WR/DL 6’3” 180 10
COACHES Head Coach: Joey Robinson
MHHS returns all three ILBs — all-WHC MLB Adam Shuford (5-9, 205 jr.), who led with 129 tackles, Brown, and all-WHC Levi Robinson (6-0, 185 sr.) who had 105 tackles and four sacks. OLBs are Britt Burleson and Corey Presnell (6-0, 160 jr.), also Wesley Randolph (5-11, 185 sr.). DBs include CB Alston Randolph (6-1, 160 so.) and SS Wes Deyton (5-10, 170 sr.). “Our overall team speed is as good as it’s been in a really long time,” Coach Robinson said. He said the key is to “eliminate discipline penalties,” for a drive toward the WHC peak. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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SMOKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE 1-A
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SWAIN COUNTY • MURPHY • ROBBINSVILLE • ANDREWS • HAYESVILLE • ROSMAN • CHEROKEE
Robbinsville Knights conquered all challengers to their Camelot perfection, winning the 1-A state title with a veteran nucleus’ brutal rushing attack.
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ow the Smoky Mountain Conference’s other RHS, Rosman, relies on this formula in a quest to surpass the usual SMC title suspects to reach its destiny. This may end up another R-rated show. This year, if the RHS duo blended offenses, it’d be Rosman’s quartet of star backs behind the Robbinsville front five. Yet Robbinsville is able to reclaim titles with its own reloaded skill, that line and sterling defense. As always, Swain and Murphy are in the elite. A young Cherokee squad may prove the future is now. Andrews and Hayesville look to improve. Rather than revive the three-way tie atop the SMC of 2008 and ’09, Robbinsville leapfrogged Murphy and Swain. The Sweetwater Road crew snared a sweet win by two TDs at Swain, and beat Murphy twice at home as a 21-13 third-round win propelled a playoff joust. The Knights bludgeoned Alleghany 31-7, then rocked Plymouth 21-18
ANSWER KEY TO
for the crown. “Robbinsville lost a lot (of skill), but has their whole line back,” Swain Coach Neil Blankenship said. “It starts up front. You win with your line. Murphy reloads with athletes. Rosman has one of the most dangerous backfields around.” Murphy Coach David Gentry also sees a legit Rosman bid. “Their tough kids block and run hard. They have extra talent and experience, with the three top running backs in this league.” Cherokee Coach Kent Briggs said “Rosman is built for this year, with a bunch of physical seniors.” He gives Murphy and its quarterback the nod for first. Andrews Coach Avery Cutshaw noted Rosman “returns their entire backfield.” Cutshaw is among several seeing Swain on top, after “they went deep into the playoffs.” Hayesville Coach Mitch Myers said “Swain returns more skill than Murphy.” He said Robinsville’s “defensive perimeter is solid. The surprise is Rosman. That (Tanner) Green was hurt, but he’s a dandy. You can’t zero in on one back.” Robbinsville Coach Dee Walsh said “Swain and Murphy ‘reload’ and have numbers, for one-way players. Swain returns more who played.” He noted Briggs “has gotten the kids involved. Andrews is also athletic.” Rosman Coach Freddie Whitman was impressed the
FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH ON PAGE 30
other RHS “beat a good (but injured) Murphy team all to pieces.” He sees such Cherokee rising talent that “the rest of us might soon play for second.” He praised Hayesville rushing, adding “there’s not a ‘gimme’ on the schedule.” SWAIN (11-4; 4-2) reloads around star receiver Jordan Cody (5-11, 185 sr.) on offense, and Maroon Devil Angel Bowers (6-0, 185 sr.), who led WNC with nine picks in ’14. RBs Chris Miller (5-7, 150 jr.) and Derek Fortner (5-8, 175 sr.) get their chance, behind Jake Marr (6-3, 240) and other blockers. Coach Neil Blankenship promises the usual “hard-nosed, physical football” and “defensive intensity.” MURPHY (10-4; 5-1 SMC) returns QB Dalton Kent (6-0, 220 sr.) and unleashes Kadrain McRae (5-9, 165 so.) as new main Bulldog back, behind blockers Wesley Graves (6-1, 340 sr.) and Isaac Stafford (5-10, 170 jr.). ILB Ozzy Corrales (5-8, 190 sr.) leads the defense. Coach David Gentry said “ These kids know what it takes, to win.”
ROSMAN (6-7; 3-3) blasts foes with tenacious Tiger running of HBs Gage Orr (5-11, 170 sr.) and Tanner Green (6-0, 205 sr.), FB Landon Shipman (6-0, 220 sr.) and QB Joshua Rice (5-11, 165 sr.). Andreas Villagomez (6-3, 275 jr.) anchors the line. Tiger Coach Freddie Whitman senses that literally and in a title quest, “we’re going to make a run.” ROBBINSVILLE (16-0; 6-0) definitely can repeat, with Austin Hedrick (6-3, 323 sr.) leading a veteran line. RHS turns to such new talent as RBWB Lane Millsaps (5-7, 165 sr.), FB Colby Hemphill (6-0, 225 jr.) and RB-WR Paden Welch (5-9, 165 sr.) with QB Colton Millsaps (6-0, 175 sr.) running the Black Knight show. Coach Dee Walsh said the Knights are knocking heads, eager to “compete well” yet again.. CHEROKEE (3-9; 1-5) took it up a notch in Coach Kent Briggs’ debut. He is reviving this power with young talent, starting with QB Tye Mintz (6-0, 165 so.) tossing to Jason McMillan (511, 155 sr.) and Darius Blanton
(5-7, 155 sr.). Braves LBs Kennan Panther (5-11, 215 sr.) and Logan Teesateskie (5-10, 210 sr.) combined for 353 tackles last year, ranking 1-2 among WNC returnees. Briggs vows “we’ll be more competitive.” ANDREWS (3-9; 2-4) utilizes skill of RB-QB Taylor Parker (58, 165 jr.) and scatback Dillan Ward (5-8, 195 sr.), behind blocking of huge Wildcats Tyler Holloway (6-3, 285 sr.), center Willie Parker (5-8, 280 sr.), and Knox Chapman (5-11, 250 jr.). Coach Avery Cutshaw said, “we can compete well with the toptier teams.” HAYESVILLE (2-9; 0-6 SMC) hopes to rebound with RB Josh Harris (5-10, 240 jr.), QB Kyle Rhinehardt (6-0, 180 jr.), SE Noah Finnegan (5-11, 165 sr.), and TE-RT Jacob Matheson (6-3, 205 sr.) and with RT Parker Moore (5-10, 242 sr.) up front. Yellow Jackets Coach Mitch Myers said in the SMC, “We expect to be a whole lot more competitive” and “gain on them.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN
GAGE ORR The Rage of Rugged, Rambling, Rushing Lore
Gage Orr
Gage Orr typifies the average-sized Rosman runner with gigantic drive to succeed, as he helps lead a veteran rushing crew to perhaps the program’s best success in years.
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ll-SMC Orr (5-11, 170 sr.) ran for 1,484 yards on 220 carries, averaging 6.75 yards per rush in 2014. He rushed for more yards than any other returning rusher in a WNC public school, and second overall behind only Christ School’s Sage Holley’ (1,545). Rice’s 14 rushing TDs are fourth best among all returning WNC backs. The halfback also caught 11 passes (10.3 ypc.). “Gage hits the holes,” and is fierce, RHS head coach Freddie
Whitman said. “You couldn’t knock a chunk off him with a hammer.” Swain Coach Neil Blankenship, who has a stingy defense, observed “Gage is hard to tackle. He’s hard-nosed. He’s also very quick. He’s elusive.” Orr shrugs his role as a star back. “Our linemen make big holes — and I hit them” quickly. Orr and other third-year starters are determined to go out on top, as seniors. Rosman has not yet won a state title, and last took home the Smoky Mountain Conference (SMC) title in the last millennium (1998). RHS has had talented senior backfields in recent years, but this might be the best bunch. Slick Orr and vocal QB Joshua Rice led the way most of ’14, after bigger backs Tanner Green and Landon Shipman were injured. All four are rarin’ to go. Coach Whitman is “very particular,” Orr said admiringly. “Everything has to be perfect.” Above all, “he always has faith in us.” Tiger Tenacity ‘n Toughness is heralded in this close-knit rural school. “We try to keep that tradition going,” Orr said. “To be a Tiger, you have to have a lot of pride and heart. We give our best on every play — 110 percent effort.” Orr likes contact. “The fun of the game is hitting.” He is
perceptive and agile, as a roving free safety. “You can see the whole field. When you ‘read’ the play and see it develop, you want to be the first one there to get the tackle or interception.” He often does. He picked off four passes in ’14. By cutting in front of the receiver, he made an INT to “seal the deal” of a 27-18 triumph over Andrews. He said ahead of crucial plays, “we just look at each other. We know what to do — to score, or get the stop on defense.” In Rosman, many fans sound out along the fence. Though “focused” on game action, such cheering seeps and pumps us up.” Then “in the store on Saturday, everybody’s there to congratulate you on the game.” His cousin Justin Fisher is a RHS receiver. Tiger players often fish and “hang out at the lake,” Orr said. RHS fell by only two TDs in playoffs to Robbinsville which won it all. “We have just as good a chance, to go as far as they did,” Orr said. It’s a yearly dream to beat the other RHS and perennial powers Swain and Murphy. Senior Tigers crossed off a bucket list item two years ago, by being the first Rosman team ever (in nine tries) to beat intracounty rival Brevard in football. “It’s a good accomplishment. We
played with or against them (in youth ball), growing up. To know you’re a part of that feels pretty good.” Orr noted “every victory shows you put out hard work, in practice and in executing in the game.” Orr made the regional track meet in spring, and is RHS’ sprint relay anchor. “I like the pressure it puts on you, in running last,” he said. “It’s usually a close race.” we had two long distance to state. i made it to regionals. Gage Knows Bo: “Bo Jackson is my hero for his effort, and persistence” despite injuries. Orr roots for the Carolina
Panthers and UNC Tar Heels: “Carolina all the way!” His parents are Brandon and Rolanda Orr. His sister Sydney Orr, a RHS sophomore, plays softball and volleyball. Gage Orr spends summers in construction work and enjoys “building stuff. I want to design the buildings, in nature” as a structural engineer or architect. For now, his designs are on a SMC championship. “People say we are the dark horse. Anything can happen,” Orr said. “As long as we give 100 percent, we can beat anybody.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS
MURPHY BULLDOGS
SCHEDULE
Coach David Gentry
MURPHY BULLDOGS
HEAD COACH: David Gentry NICKNAME: Bulldogs SCHOOL COLORS: black & gold 2014 RECORD: 10-4 (5-1 SMC) ADDRESS: 234 High School Cir, Murphy, NC 28906
Murphy Bulldogs growl as a top 5 preseason pick in 1-A.
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he Bulldogs won it all in 1-A two seasons ago. They rate fourth in N.C. Prep’s 1-A poll for 2015. They demolished arch-rival Swain 38-14. They scored 48 or more points in seven of nine games, including two playoff blowout wins. Bowing out in the third round, at Robbinsville, snapped Murphy’s four-year streak of reaching the 1-A title game (winning twice). Head coach David Gentry has won six state titles — in 1986, ’87, 1991, 1996, 2011 and 2013. He has won more games than any football coach in WNC history — 356 in 43 seasons — and averages 8.28 wins. This is his 33rd year leading Murphy. He is so synonymous with the school, that Gentry and Murphy are both
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Hendersonville Franklin Carolina Wildcats North Georgia Gilmer Cherokee* Robbinsville* Andrews* Hayesville* Swain* Rosman*
H A H A H A H A H A H
*Conference Game CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Dalton Kent, Shannon Wilson, Wesley Graves, Ozzy Corrales
six letters ending in “y.” Murphy’s new main back is Kadrain McRae (5-9, 165 so.). He ran for 646 yards (7.9 ypc.) and nine touchdowns, caught 54 passes for 192 yards and had nearly 900 all-purpose yards, in 11 games as a freshman in ‘14. “He’s quick, and reads defenses real well,” Gentry said. He succeeds grad Deion Johnson, who totaled 1.432 yards and 1,866 all-purpose yards (143 ypg.). He emerged after Gaige Cox tore his ACL early on. With one standout back and a star quarterback, Murphy’s “tendency” is to use the wing spread shotgun with one back and four receivers more than usual versus the three-back Wing T, Gentry said. He estimates a run-pass ratio varying from two to one to three to one. Strong-armed Dalton Kent
(6-0, 220 sr.), the Duke of Kent, returns as Field General of Murphy. He threw for 1,092 yards, and 10 TDs versus four INT in nine games before breaking his ankle. “We would have won the state, if we still had Gaige and Dalton,” Gentry figures. Kent passed for 1,814 yards, 19 TDs and merely three picks in ‘13. He’s gained 40 pounds in a year. “He has an even stronger arm — a great arm,” Gentry said. He said Kent is accurate with a “quick release” vital to spread controlled passing. Also, “he’s a physical quarterback. The added weight hasn’t slowed him down.” Frontrunners at receiver include Anthony Connors (5-11, 155 sr.), Ian Davis (6-0, 180 jr.), Colton Posey (5-11, 165 jr.), and TEs Matt Lovingood (6-0, 190 sr.) and Hagan Newton (6-2, 180 so.).
Three adept Bulldog blockers return in RT Isaac Stafford (5-10, 170 jr.), center Wesley Graves (6-1, 340 sr.), and guard Shannon Wilson (5-9, 200 sr.). Joe Deetz (6-3, 270 jr.) is the new, huge left tackle. Placekicker Joey Helton (5-4, 120 sr.) replaces Foster Stroup. Stroup kicked an extra point in the East-West All-Star Game July 22. He nearly made a 56-yard field goal in ’14. On defense, Murphy usually uses a 4-4-3, or five-man front to thwart runs. Strongside all-SMC ILB Ozzy Corrales (5-8, 190 sr.) piled up 146 (10 tpg.) tackles, DE Adam Powell (6-0, 240 jr.) had 101 (7.2), and DE Wilson 97 (7.0) as an allSMC ILB. “Ozzy is a real tough kid. Adam can be dominant,” Gentry said. Other key D-men include DE Stafford, OLBs Lovingood and Storm Worley (6-1, 182 sr.), and
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ROSTER
NAME Joey Curry Jacob Seay Bryce Clapsaddle Dalton Kent Brady Graves Naeem Ahmed Kendall Keating Matthew Lovingood Hagan Newton Anthony Connors Joey Helton Alex Seabolt Ian Davis Colton Posey Ethan Sneed Colby Hensley Tanner Creelman Michael Morrow Jamie Lawson Adam Beal Cole West Kadrian McRae Chase Roberts Austin Rich Ozzy Corrales Gage Wiley Shannon Wilson Cory Farmer Luke Newton Cody Cantrell Chase Teesateskie Kyle Beaver Joseph Deetz Alex Blount Evan Sneed Jake Hincke Billy Campbell Jackson Sullivan Wyatt Rayburn Wesley Graves Will Cooper Adam Powell Isaac Stafford Tyler Ballew Eric Messer Wyatt Hopkins Storm Worley Trae Carson Travis Seabolt
POS HT. WT. CLASS QB 6 185 10 RB/FS 5’8 149 12 WR/DB 5’11 170 12 QB 6 237 12 WR/C 5’9 125 10 RB/C 5’9 143 12 WR/DB 5’11 130 10 TE/LB 5’11 192 12 WR/DB 6’2 179 10 WR/DB 5’10 150 12 K 5’5 125 11 FB/LB 5’10 158 12 WR/C 6 165 11 WR/C 5’11 158 11 WR/C 5’9 123 11 RB/DB 5’9 168 11 RB/DB 5’9 141 10 RB/DB 5’10 156 11 WR/DB 5’7 141 12 WR/DB 6 153 12 K 5’7 118 11 RB/DB 5’10 163 10 RB/LB 6 180 9 OL/LB 5’7 156 11 RB/DL 5’7 191 12 OL/LB 5’6 136 11 OL/DL 5’8 185 12 OL/LB 6’1 178 10 OL/LB 5’8 185 11 OL/DL 5’9 187 10 OL/DL 6 226 10 OL/DL 5’10 192 10 OL/DL 6’2 257 11 OL/DL 6’1 206 10 OL/DL 6’2 164 10 OL/DL 6 212 10 OL/DL 6’1 246 10 OL/DL 5’8 264 10 OL/DL 6 290 10 OL/DL 6’1 353 12 OL/DL 6’6 274 9 OL/DL 5’11 236 11 OL/DL 5’10 257 11 OL/DL 6 292 10 TE/DL 5’11 182 12 TE/DL 6 192 12 TE/LB 6’2 184 12 TE/LB 6’1 179 11 TE/DL 6’1 177 10
DBs Posey, Davis, Connors, and Adam Beal (5-11, 140 sr.). “We lost great speed, but we’re fairly quick” on defense, Gentry said. Murphy nearly beat brutallyrunning Franklin, falling 27-24 in ’04 to set the tone for SMC wars. “Our kids know what it takes, to win,” Gentry said. “I have a good feeling.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS
SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS ROSTER
Coach Neil Blankenship HEAD COACH: Neil Blankenship NICKNAME: Maroon Devils SCHOOL COLORS: maroon & white 2014 RECORD: 11-4 (4-2 SMC) ADDRESS: 1415 Fontana Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713
Swain County aims high as usual in the SMC and 1-AA playoffs, after reaching state semifinals the past two years.
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wain has won 39 times (16, 12, 11) to average 13 a season over Coach Neil Blankenship’s first three years as newest captain of the SS Maroon Devil. The Devils ran the table unbeaten in the tough SMC three times in the last half-decade, and won the title three of the last four years. In 2014, they peaked late after finishing a rare third in the SMC by falling to Robbinsville and Murphy. They won the state 1-AA title in 2011. This time, they host Murphy.
SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS Photos courtesy of Joanna McMahan
Four starters return both on offense and defense, compared to seven a year ago. The main antagonist for foes is all-SMC Jordan Cody (5-11, 185 sr.). “He’s a weapon, every time he catches the ball,” Blankenship said. “He makes plays. He has an instinct for the ball. He’s quick and elusive.” The quick slot and wide receiver averaged 20 yards a reception as he 36 passes for 718 yards and five touchdowns in 2014; he snared 35 for 656 yards in ’13. He amassed 1,953 all-purpose yards. He rushed
for 283 (8.3 ypc) and three TDs. The dazzling kick returner averaged an impressive 23 yards running back punts with four TDs, and 22.5 yards on kickoffs with yet another score. He totaled 17 TDs, with four on defense. He punted (32.1 ypp.). Throwing him the ball is either Trent Wright (5-11, 170 sr.) or Kobe Stephenson (5-10, 195 jr.), at quarterback. “Both have good arm strength,” Blankenship said. “Trent is a better runner.” He threw for 549 yards and five touchdowns versus three picks. The coach said the main
SCHEDULE
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Hapeville Charter Smoky Mountain North Henderson Franklin Tuscola Hayesville* Cherokee* Andrews* Rosman* Murphy* Robbinsville*
A H A A H A H H A H A
*Conference Game
key is timing, in running the splitback veer option. Stephenson began ’14 as the QB, hurt his shoulder, then after his return the two rotated. Besides Cody, the other targets are WR Christian Norton (5-9, 175 sr.), a good route runner and catcher, and TE Caleb Woodard (60, 200 sr.) who mostly blocks. The two main backs are quick and strong RB Chris Miller (5-7, 150 jr.) and shifty Derek Fortner (5-8, 175 sr.). Miller rushed for 614 yards (6 ypc.) and seven TD, as a sophomore in 2014. Fortner ran for 429 yards (5.43 ypc.) and six scores. Brody Sitton (5-8, 160 sr.) backs them up. Up front, returning starters are all-SMC OT Craig Cutshaw (5-10, 220 jr.), along with seniors Jake Marr (63, 240) at tackle, guard Ross Ensley (5-9, 190). “They’re strong and quick, and come off the ball well.” Defensively, Swain often deploys a 4-2 with five DBs or 3-5 to cover spread perimeters. Top returning tacklers are ILB Ensley with 118 (8.4 tpg.), junior DE Johnny Woodard with 73 and free safety Cody (60).
# 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 20 23 25 30 31 32 34 37 40 42 44 47 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 65 66 67 68 70 72 73 75 77 78 80 82 84 85
NAME Angel Bowers Brier Younce Chris Miller Christian Norton Cooper Reinert Grant Shuler Dylan McLeod Keshaun Beaner Tanner Wiggins Brodie Bowman Kobe Stephenson Chandler Norton Trent Wright Trae Bradley Dylan Smith Clayton Catolster Jordan Cody Brett Bivins Logan Loftis Jordan Watty Derek Fortner Jeremiah Hampton Jalen Catt Tanor Parton Brody Sitton Caleb Woodard Gary Teesateskie Ice Littlejohn Ross Ensley Leason Mashburn Logan Gunter Cameron Chambers Corbin Wildcatt JT Langston Jared Hair Issiah Bradley Tanner Millsaps Billy Manley Jonathan White Kollyn Edwards Milton Woodard Ryan Long Johnny Woodard Craig Cutshaw William Paul Jake Marr Trey Spates Nick Thompson Harlan Moody Cameron Ponchot Seth Parker Holden Petty
HT. 6’ 6’ 5’6 6’ 5’8 6’2 5’9 6’ 5’8 5’9 5’9 6’ 6’ 5’8 5’9 6’ 6’ 5’7 6’3 6’1 5’9 5’10 5’7 6’ 5’10 6’ 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’10 5’8 6’2 5’11 6’3 5’11 5’10 6’1 5’8 5’11 5’9 5’11 5’10 5’10 6’2 6’ 6’1 6’2 5’8 6’3 5’10
WT. CLASS 175 12 140 10 160 11 180 12 150 12 190 11 130 10 195 10 150 10 155 10 210 11 215 12 175 12 165 11 185 11 165 11 180 12 165 12 185 10 185 10 195 12 165 12 180 11 140 10 175 12 215 12 200 10 190 10 190 12 250 10 205 10 220 12 250 11 210 12 235 10 300 10 250 10 190 11 210 12 165 10 190 12 200 12 200 11 230 11 195 10 265 12 225 10 180 10 175 12 130 10 175 10 180 10
COACHES Head Coach: Neil Blankenship Assistants: Jeff Marr, Eric Stephenson, Scotty McMahan, Ian Roper, Travis Brooks, Nathan Medlin, Travis Stephenson, Tony Cochran, Ryan McMahan, John Roper, Adam Jaimez
Other likely starters include OLBs Fortner and Sitton; and NT Corbin Wildcatt (5-9, 235 jr.), DT Cutshaw and DE Woodard up front. All-SMC CB Angel Bowers (6-0, 185 sr.) led WNC with nine interceptions in ’14. “He does a good job covering. When its there, he makes the play,” Blankenship said. He said “we return a lot. But we lost a lot leadership. We have to find our identity.” Swain’s winning identity is “hard-nosed, physical football in running the veer and with defensive intensity.” The coach concluded, “We have a chance to be real good.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS
ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS Coach Dee Walsh HEAD COACH: Dee Walsh NICKNAME: Black Knights SCHOOL COLORS: black, silver, & white 2014 RECORD:16-0 (6-0 SMC) ADDRESS: 301 Sweetwater Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771
Reigning 1-A state champion Robbinsville was dominant throughout the state in 2014, like Robin Hood slinging his way through Sherwood Forest.
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he Black Knights are apt to again pierce the enemy, returning their five blockers for new starting skill talent. The Knights rushed for 4,950 yards (averaging 309) and 66 scores in a perfect 16-0 season. They were topranked much of last year, and enter this season in the top five of N.C. Prep’s preseason 1-A poll. The Knights won their first state title in 22 years, but 13th ever to further set WNC’s standard. “This made the community so happy,” head coach Dee Walsh said. Walsh is in his 12th year leading his alma mater. His RHS record is 112-54, an average mark of 10-4.5. In ’14, the Knights conquered both main rivals. They won by two touchdowns at Swain, by 21-7. They beat Murphy twice at home, 31-20 then 21-13 in playoff round three. Tightening defense as
ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS Photos by Daniel Abide
priority one, the Knights held foes to single digits six times including twice in five playoff victories. Overall they averaged a 33-13.75 score, winning by nearly 20. They topped 40 points in seven of their first 10 gridiron clashes. On offense, “we want to be balanced,” Walsh said. “To keep (run-gearing) defenses honest, we may throw more this year” than 10-20 times per game in ’14. “But if we’re ahead, we’ll run” behind an experienced and strong line. Reigning SMC Lineman of the Year Austin Hedrick (6-3, 323 sr.), the quick tackle, made N.C. Preps 1-A all-state. “Big A” impressed at a Shrine Bowl combine in December. “He’s both very muscular and athletic,” Walsh said. He dead-lifts 550, others 500. Hedrick is of guard height for college. Walsh said colleges eye Hedrick as a nose tackle. He may play on RHS’ D-line with C-OT Toby Hedrick (6-4, 255 sr.) subbing on offense. Also back are sturdy quick guard Case Hooper
(5-11, 235 jr.), smart strong tackle Kadin White (6-1, 230 sr.), and powerful G Logan Odom (6-1, 230 jr.). Graduated are quarterback Skyler Matheson, a West all-star OLB July 22, and SMC top back Cruz Galaviz who dashed for about 2000 yards in the multiple veer option. New QB Colton Millsaps (6-0, 175 sr.), a DB in ’14, “manages the game” and vaunted run attack, Walsh said. “He’s intelligent, very athletic, and throws a good ball,” Walsh said. The backfield can have two halfbacks in the veer option, tailback, Power I trio with fullback carries, or spread backs wide in the shotgun. New starting RB-WB Lane Millsaps (5-7, 165 sr.), is RHS’ top returning rusher, with 526 yards (6.7 ypg.) and nine TDs. “He’s real strong, for his size,” and breaks tackles well, Walsh said. “He’s fast, and quicker.” Millsaps had three TDs among 19 catches. The seven starters on offense include FB Colby Hemphill (6-0, 225 jr.).
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/10/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Smoky Mountain Charlotte Country Day Dade County Rabun Gap Andrews* Murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Cherokee* Swain*
A H A H H A A H A H
*Conference Game
He rushed for 439 yards (5.7 ypg.) and two TDs. Three receivers often line up at once. The returnee is quick, reliable Reese Postell (5-8, 145 sr.). Others include athletic RBWR Paden Welch (5-9, 165 sr.), sharp Tyler Brooks (5-8, 175 sr.), leaping Chandler Jumper (6-1, 175 jr.) who lives up to his name, and nimble TE Reese Adams (6-4, 205 so.). The defense again is a 4-2-5, or 4-4 versus the spread. Half of starters return. Two reached 100
# 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 32 33 44 50 52 54 55 56 60 61 65 71 72 74 77 80 81 82 86 88
ROSTER
NAME Reece Postell Elijah Wachacha Brannon Trull Reno Wachacha Kyler Brooks Will Crisp Alex Bridges Lane Millsaps Colton Millsaps Freddie Romero Paden Welch Tyler Moose Ian Wiggins Tank Rattler Colby Lynn Dayne Buchanan Chad McCoy Jacob Bradley Colby Hemphill Cameron Black Case Hooper Corbin Nunez Blake Sawyer Josiah Phillips Kyle Ingersoll Logan Odom Kadin White Toby Hedrick Wess Hooper Payton Rogers Austin Hedrick Brady Lovin Chandler Jumper Hunter Orr Will Hooper Reece Adams
POS WR/DB QB/LB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/LB RB/DB QB/DB K/LB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/RB WR/DB RB/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE
HT. WT. CLASS 5’10” 145 12 6’ 200 10 5’8” 155 11 5’9” 191 12 5’11” 170 12 6’ 130 10 5’10” 155 10 5’9” 160 12 5’11” 170 12 5’9” 170 10 5’8” 165 12 5’10” 135 11 6’ 180 10 5’6” 165 10 5’11” 125 10 6’ 135 10 6’0” 207 12 5’8” 155 12 6’0” 225 11 5’11” 195 10 6’ 255 11 5’10” 205 11 6’1” 190 10 5’10” 265 10 5’11” 162 11 6’ 240 11 6’ 230 12 6’4” 255 12 5’11” 175 10 5’10” 265 10 6’3” 310 12 5’8” 140 11 6’1” 150 11 5’9” 140 10 5’8” 145 11 6’3” 200 10
COACHES
Head Coach: Dee Walsh Assistants: Mitch Beasley, Cullin Buchanan, Lucas Ford, David Mauldwin, Cayman Brooks, Tony Gibson
tackles in ’14. All-SMC OLB Welch’s 153 (11.8 a game) ranks in the top five, among WNC returnees. AllSMC DB Millsaps had 100 (7.7), DE Hemphill 58, run stopper Austin Hedrick 57, and Jumper 46. The two ILBs, both fierce, are likely Reno Wachacha (5-9, 180 sr.) and Chad McCoy (6-0, 195 sr.). Brooks helps man the secondary. As new offensive skill gels, Walsh wants the defense to carry RHS. “Defense makes you champions. It’s what we committed to last year, and now again.” Coach Walsh said the Knights are “dedicated and hit real hard” and will “compete well” in the ferocious conference. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS
HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS
HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS Photo courtesy of Clay County Progress
HEAD COACH: Mitch Myers NICKNAME: Yellow Jackets SCHOOL COLORS: black & Vegas gold 2014 RECORD: 2-9 (0-6 SMC) ADDRESS: 205 Yellow Jacket Dr, Hayesville, NC 28904
Hayesville looks to rebound, with fine skill on offense.
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he Yellow Jackets took a step back, going winless in the SMC after an even mark in 2012. Their closest SMC contest was the opener, a 20-point loss. But this was a transition adjusting to new head coach Mitch Myers’ system.
Quarterback Kyle Rhinehardt (6-0, 180 jr.) has a strong arm. “We hope to be more consistent with passing,” Myers said. one or two RBs at a time. The power tailback is stocky HB-FB Josh Harris (5-10, 240 jr.). “Josh is hard to tackle,” Myers said. “He has strong hips and legs, and good hands.” The Jackets often ran one back, but Myers said they may use more two-back sets and split a halfback wide in the Wing T. HBs are fastest Jacket Brian Smith (5-7, 140 so.) and shifty Colton Thomas (5-8, 160 so.). The FB is quick John Leek (5-9, 165 sr.) or strong Logan Cowart (6-3, 210 so.) Split end Noah Finnegan (5-
11, 165 sr.) “runs disciplined routes, and catches the ball well.” Flanker-HB Braxton Cox (5-10, 175 sr.) is a major target. Returning line starters are TE-RT Jacob Matheson (6-3, 205 sr.), who wrestles, and RT Parker Moore (510, 242 sr.). LT Dylan Curtis (5-11, 185 sr.) played often. Other likely starters are RG Logan Thurmond (6-0, 240 jr.), center Zack Raxter (5-9, 205 jr.) and LG Brad Jones (6-1, 212 jr.). HHS has “one of the smaller lines in the SMC this year,” Myers said. “But we’re much more athletic and experienced, than last year.” Teams with more depth and weight “wore us out” in ’14, he said. “We’re gaining in strength. We have a new weight
SCHEDULE
08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Copper Basin Enka Andrews* Rosman* Swain* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews* Cherokee*
H A H H H A A H H
*Conference Game
program.” The 4-3 multiple defense’s top returning tacklers are quick MLBDE Matheson with 81 (7.4 tpg.), and Harris and OLB John Leek each
# 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 11 15 18 20 23 25 32 40 41 44 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 59 60 62 63 64 68 70 78 79
NAME Owen Gibson Chayton McClure Brian Smith Dalton Taylor Colton Thomas Nathan Barolet Noah Finnegan Kyle Rhinehardt Thomas Cothren Cory Deese Braxton Cox Jacob Matheson Hunter Hughes Josh Harris Ralph Pelletier Logan Cowart John Leek Adrian Arteaga Jace Cotton Zach Raxter Logan Thurman Cordell Lands Josiah Finnegan Dalton Long Carlos Olvera Christian Arteaga Christian Sawyer Bronson Kirby Brandon Lance Dylan Curtis Parker Moore Abraham Beltran Brad Jones
HT. 5’11 5’11 5’7 5’11 5’9 5’10 6’ 6’1 5’8 5’8 6’ 6’3 5’8 5’9 5’7 6’3 5’10 5’9 5’10 5’9 6’1 5’11 6’ 5’9 5’10 5’10 5’8 6’ 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’10 6’2
WT. CLASS 170 12 150 11 155 10 165 11 165 10 165 10 161 12 183 11 140 10 150 10 178 12 210 12 130 10 260 12 150 10 230 10 165 12 205 12 150 10 205 11 240 11 210 11 170 11 185 10 220 12 186 11 175 10 210 11 290 10 180 12 245 12 325 12 210 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Mitch Myers
with 54. OLBs-DEs Cordell Lands (6-1, 210 jr.) and Bronson Kirby (5-11, 205 jr.) may also start. DBs are safeties Smith and Thomas, and CBs Rhinehardt and Finnegan (who punts). Lineman Adrian Ortega (5-10, 210 sr.) kicks. “We expect to be a whole lot more competitive,” Myers said. “We’re improved on offense. We hope to execute better. Our kids are disciplined. They have a good attitude.” In the SMC, he said, “We hope to gain on them.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN
ROSMAN TIGERS Coach Freddie Whitman
HEAD COACH: Freddie Whitman NICKNAME: Tigers SCHOOL COLORS: orange & black 2014 RECORD: 6-7 (3-3 SMC) ADDRESS: 749 Pickens Highway, Rosman, NC 28772
Rosman Tigers unleash their wishbone triple option with talented and experienced runners, prowling toward the top of ‘ole Smoky.
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We’re very excited,” said sixth-year Tiger head coach Freddie Whitman, who played for a Rosman state runner up squad in 1984 and coached on another one in ’97. RHS evened its SMC mark at 3-3, by beating Cherokee, Andrews and Hayesville. Rosman looks for its first SMC football title since 1998, and first state crown. The 30-man squad returns nine of 11 starters on offense and defense.
ROSMAN TIGERS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
These Tiger backs rushed for over 3,000 yards in each of the last two years, and totaled nearly 4,500 yards in ‘14, Whitman said. Returning star backs averaged nearly 8, 7 and 5 yards a carry. All-SMC Gage Orr (5-11, 170 sr.) ran for 1,484 yards on 220 carries (6.75 ypc.), and 14 touchdowns. He rushed for more yards than any other returning WNC public school player did, in ‘14. He also caught 11 passes (10.3 ypc.). “Gage hits the holes,” Whitman said. “He’s an extremely strong, very tough runner. You couldn’t knock a chunk off him with a hammer.”
Biggest RHS back Tanner Green (6-0, 205 sr.) varies his punishment — either through or around foes. “He’s unbelievable,” Whitman said. “When he’s healthy, he’s as good as any runner in the mountains. He rushed for 10 scores, and 787 yards (7.8 ypc.) before a knee injury. The wishbone deploys two split backs. Fiery quarterback Joshua Rice (5-11, 165 sr.) leads the attack, for the third year just as predecessor Duran Scruggs did. In ’14 Rice sizzled by rushing for 1,002 yards (5.0 ypc.) and 13 TDs. “He’s a typical Rosman runner — he runs
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 11/06/15
Shannon Forest Brevard Madison Mountain Heritage Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain* Murphy*
H A A H A A H A H A
*Conference Game
it hard. He plays bigger than he is,” Whitman said. “He’s very dedicated. He runs our wishbone triple option very well.” RHS usually runs 80 percent of the time, in the option or double wing. “We’re hoping to throw more,” Whitman said. “Josh did a good job of throwing — when we wanted to throw.” He threw for 519 and three scores. Rice was scorched with 10 picks — many on obvious passing downs. A key is reducing turnovers. The fourth Rosman runner is athletic fullback Landon Shipman (6-0, 220 sr.). “He’s unbelievably strong, and fast,” Whitman said. Shipman wrestles, and was third in the state at 220. The lone wideout is physical WR Adrian Villagomez (6-3, 185 sr.), Alex Whitmire (5-8, 150 jr.) or TE-WR Tyler Petit (5-10, 170 sr.). The offensive line returns three. Center Andreas Villagomez (6-3, 275 sr.), 90 pounds heavier than his twin, was fourth in the state in wrestling. Guard David Burrell (5-9, 185 sr.) and tackle Manuel Suarez (5-7, 215 sr.), also the kicker, are back. New starters are likely tackle Nick McCall (5-
# 3 4 5 7 8 10 14 23 25 26 32 34 42 44 53 56 58 61 67 72 73 74 77 82 84 87
ROSTER
NAME POS CLASS HT. Tanner Whitman QB, OLB 11 Alic Whitmire WR, CB 11 Colton Holbrook RB, SS 11 5’9 Gage Orr RB, SS 12 5’11 Evan Owen WR, CB 11 Josh Rice QB, FS 12 6’ Tyler Petit TE, CB 12 5’10 Jonathan Holliday HB, CB 10 Christopher Daves G, OLB 11 Justin Fisher WR, DB 12 Landon Shipman FB, MLB 12 6’1 Neil Tesnow SS, SB 11 5’10 Tanner Green SB, FS 12 6’0 Ethan Shook FB, MLB 10 5’10 Matt Cole LB, OL 12 Jacob Hall OLB, G 12 5’9 David Burrell T, G, DE 12 5’11 Nich Mccall G, DE, MLB 12 5’11 William Revis T, DT 12 6’1 Ryan Anders DL, OL 12 Andres Villagomez T, DT 12 6’3 Logan Hall DL, OL 12 Gabe Hoffman DL, OL 12 Steven Brissey WR, CB 12 Adrian Villagomez WR, DE 12 6’1 Hunter Johnson TE, DL 12 Elijah Darnell 12 Jacob Cauble 10
WT. 135 155 160 165
225 205 205 193 175 175 165 231 269
160
COACHES
Head Coach: Freddie Whitman Assistants: Josh Galloway, Sam Head, Dusty Robinson, Wesley Whitman, Packy Chapman, Jeff Rice
11, 190 sr.) and RG Jacob Hall (510, 185 sr.). “We trap,” Whitman said. “We get in people’s way, go downfield and get after the linebackers.” In Rosman’s classic pro 4-3 defense, a talented linebacking trio is MLB Neal Tesnow (6-0, 210 sr.). with 76 tackles (5.8 tpg.) and OLBs Jacob Hall (72) and Shipman. Up front, big Andreas Villagomez (70) gobbled up ball carriers 70 times and Burrell 53. DTs Gabe Hoffman (6-3, 230 sr.) and Austin Roberson (5-8, 230 jr., soph DE Ethan Shook, Saurez and OLB-DE Green are factors. The secondary has CB Tanner Whitman (5-8, 160 jr.), third in the state in wrestling; mixes in CBs Orr, Jonathan Holladay (5-8, 150 so.) and Mark Holliday; and has safeties Rice and Whitmire. Eying the SMC’s usual top three, “I throw us right in the middle with them,” Coach Whitman said. “I say we’re going to make a run.” -Written by Pete Zamplas
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ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS
ANDREWS WILDCATS
# 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 12 13 15 17 20 21 24 31 35 41 44 51 52 54 58 63 64 72 74 76 77 82 83 85 87
Coach Avery Cutshaw HEAD COACH: Avery Cutshaw NICKNAME: Wildcats SCHOOL COLORS: red, black and white 2014 RECORD: 3-9 (2-4 SMC) ADDRESS: 50 High School Dr, Andrews, NC 28901
The Andrews Wildcats sport a mammoth line, but also have a new quarterback.
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he Wildcats reached playoffs for the fourth time in five years. They beat Hayesville by 24 and Cherokee by 22, in Smoky Mountain Conference play. Their lone winning mark in the last 19 years was earlier this decade — 8-5 in 2011. Fourth-year Coach Avery Cutshaw had Jacob Moore as his sole quarterback last season. Moore has now graduated. This year’s QB contenders are RBQB Taylor Parker (5-8, 165 jr.), Dylan Phillips (6-0, 170 so.) and Matthew Barton (6-0, 160 so.). Parker has great vision, fast
ANDREWS WILDCATS
Photos courtesy of Blue Denim Photography
initial burst and lateral moves and cutbacks, Cutshaw said. He ran for 537 yards (4.7 ypc.) and six scores last year. Andrews changes from two backs to “more one-back sets,” Cutshaw said. “We’ll spread out receivers more.” The main runner may be Parker, or else scatback Dillan Ward (5-8, 195 sr.). He ran for 316 yards (4.3 ypc.) last season. “He runs between tackles. He has deceiving speed. He’s stronger. You can’t arm-tackle him. He’ll stick it in there, and get tough yards.” Tall passing targets are Tyler
Rose (6-4, 175 sr.) with “great soft hands,” and TE-WR James Hoke (6-4, 220 sr.). The huge yet mobile line returns left guard Tyler Holloway (6-3, 285 sr.), center Willie Parker (5-8, 280 sr.), and Knox Chapman (5-11, 250 jr.). New starters may be Oren Jones (6-1, 175 sr.), Zane Wood (6-0, 200 so.) or Pierce Christiansen (6-2, 295 jr.). “We have more overall size and depth on the lines.” Top returning tacklers are LB Ward (67/6.7 tpg), DL Willie Parker (57), Drew Pyle (6-0, 165 jr.) with 57, and LB Grayson
Parker (5-8, 175 sr.) with 54. LB Derek Bateman (6-0, 180 sr.) is also back. The multiple defense often uses a five-man front. “All of our linebackers are back,” Cutshaw said. “That’s a big plus. They’ve been in the fire for over a year.” He said of the daunting task in the SMC, “You go in with the attitude you can beat anybody you play. If we stay healthy, we can compete well with the top-tier teams.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
ROSTER NAME Cameron Debty Taylor Parker Tyler Rose Matthew Barton Ethan McCubbin Derek Bateman Gray10n Parker Dillan Ward Drew Pyle Jacob Larey Andrew Horton Dillan Phillips James Hoke Jonah Craig Cody Smith Will Hogan Abe Christen10n Jacob Payne Colten Weaver Knox Chapman Oren Jones Nick Dennard Tyler Holloway Pierce Christen10n Trevor Larey Dillon Coffey Josh Giffin Willie Parker Zane Wood Mitchell McGaha Jack Newton Dalton Tillet Kylan Thomps0n
POS TE/DE QB/DB WR QB/DB RB/DB LB/RB LB RB/LB DB DB LB QB TE/DE DB/RB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE DB LB OL/DL OL/DL LB/OL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE TE/DL WR
HT. WT. CLASS 6’ 250 12 5’8 155 11 6’2 170 12 5’11 160 10 5’9 145 10 6’ 180 12 5’9 170 12 5’9 195 12 6’ 160 11 5’10 145 11 5’10 175 10 5’11 160 10 6’3 245 12 5’10 175 12 6’1 145 10 5’11 145 11 6’3 250 10 6’ 155 12 5’11 175 10 5’11 215 11 6’ 170 12 5’10 180 10 6’2 280 12 6’2 295 11 6’1 175 11 6’ 210 12 6’ 225 11 5’10 295 12 6’ 220 10 6’ 175 10 6’ 180 10 6’ 175 12 5’11 150 11
COACHES
Head Coach: Avery Cutshaw Assistants: Logan Clonts, Tyler Edwards, John Holland, Jason Johnson, Dane Rickett, Joel McLelland, Jamie West
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15
Brevard Tellico Plains Mitchell Union County Hayesville* Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain* Cherokee* Hayesville*
*Conference Game
A H A H A A H H A H A
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CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE
CHEROKEE BRAVES
# 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 18 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 32 34 36 42 43 48 50 54 55 58 62 64 66 72 75 77 79
Coach Kent Briggs HEAD COACH: Kent Briggs NICKNAME: Braves SCHOOL COLORS: maroon, green bay gold 2014 RECORD: 3-9 (1-5 SMC) ADDRESS: Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719
Cherokee Central Braves are poised to move back up the SMC ranks, in their second year under former Western Carolina Catamount head coach Kent Briggs.
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CHS has won merely two SMC contests in the last five years. But the Braves clobbered Hayesville by 20, 34-14, in winning three of four early games. They beat Choctaw on the final play. They opened with a close road shootout defeat, within a touchdown of Tuscola. Varsity numbers are up. Two years ago, injuries left Cherokee with merely 14. That doubled last year, and now rises to about 35 from 270 total students. Reversing a trend, two who start
CHEROKEE BRAVES Photo courtesy of Michelle McSwain
are back in Cherokee. “We’re stronger and faster,” Briggs said. “We have confidence we will be successful. I know we’ll be more competitive. We want a chance to win every game.” The ’15 squad is young, but very talented, Briggs said. A halfdozen starters on both sides are freshmen, or sophomores — yet the quarterback and other sophs started as varsity freshmen in ’14. Briggs said “our sophomore group is one of (the SMC’s) very best.” QB Tye Mintz (6-0, 165 so.) “took our JV team to four OTs against Murphy, before losing for the title,” Briggs said. On varsity,
Mintz threw for 417 yards. He completed just over half (34 of 66) of his passes, for five touchdowns and two picks. He both threw for and ran for a TD against Robbinsville, the eventual state champ. “He finished the season for us, and with a lot of confidence,” Briggs said. “He played very well. Strong-armed Mintz was invited to the NUC Sports Ultimate 100 top prospect camp in Texas, based on his strong regional combine in Atlanta. His father is girls’ basketball coach Chris Mintz. Backup QB Luke Woodard (5-8, 170 jr.) is from Swain. In CCHS’ spread, three
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Trinity Academy Mitchell Choctaw Central Smoky Mountain Murphy* Swain* Rosman* Andrews* Robbinsville* Hayesville*
H A A H H A H A H A
*Conference Game
receivers start at once. All-SMC Jason McMillan (5-11, 155 sr.) caught 29 passes for 415 yards and
ROSTER
NAME Tye Mintz Taylor Wachacha Shane Swimmer Isaiah Evans Darius Blanton Luke Woodard Jason McMillan George Swayney Anthony Toineeta Holden Straughan Dez Crowe Ty Bradley Eli Arch Steven Meuse Jaylen Evans Dodge Crowe Dawson Wilnoty Steven Swayney Kennan Panther John Tramper Logan Teesateskie Michael Arch Jack Layno Zak Perez Will Davis Jay Swimmer Demetryus Bradley Kendall Driver Danny French Isaiah Armachain Byron Locust Justin Brady Malakai Ramirez
POS QB/S WR/DB WR/DB TB/DB WR/DB QB/S WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/OLB WR/OLB WR/DB WR/OLB WR/DB RB/DB RB/OLB FB/LB RB/DB FB/LB TE/DL RB/LB RB/OLB OL/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL
HT. WT. CLASS 6’0 165 10 5’6 145 12 5’6 150 10 6’1 180 9 5’6 150 12 5’8 170 11 5’11 155 12 5”9 150 10 5’9 160 11 5’10 175 10 5’8 12 5’2 100 10 6’0 165 12 5’5 150 11 5’9 175 12 5’9 200 11 5’8 195 11 5’6 155 11 5’11 215 12 6’0 190 11 5’10 210 12 6’0 165 12 5’9 220 9 5’10 250 10 5’6 255 10 5’10 290 11 5’10 245 10 6’3 290 11 5’10 305 12 5’10 185 9 5’11 290 10 6’0 270 12 6’0 290 12
COACHES Head Coach: Kent Briggs
six scores. Other likely WRs are Darius Blanton (5-6, 150 sr.) and Shane Swimmer (5-6, 150 so.) from Swain. Freshman tailback Isaiah Evans (6-1, 180) was a slashing JV star runner in ’14. “He can be a phenomenal player, within two years,” Briggs said. Steve Swayney (5-6, 155 jr.) and “downhill” runner Jaylen Evans (5-9, 175 sr..) also get carries. Dawson Wilnoty (5-8, 195 jr.), Logan Teesateskie (5-10, 210 sr.) and Kennan Panther (5-11, 215 sr.) will share H-back duties. Up front, four starters last year were freshmen or
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SWAIN COUNTY • MURPHY • ROBBINSVILLE • ANDREWS • HAYESVILLE • ROSMAN • CHEROKEE
CHEROKEE BRAVES sophomores. Returnees include strong tackle Jay Swimmer (510, 290 jr.) who made a splash in ’14, Will Davis (5-6, 255 so.) and G-T Byron Locust (5-11, 290 so.). “They’re stronger, and better in technique,” Briggs said. Contenders for starts are tackle Malakai Ramirez (6-0, 290 sr.), junior Kendall Driver (6-3, 290 jr.), Zak Perez (5-10, 250 so.) and Demetryus Bradley (5-10, 245 so.). Cherokee mainly deploys a 3-4 defense, featuring linebackers who are WNC’s top two returning tacklers. Panther, the sole all-SMC Brave, registered a whopping 190 tackles and 15.8 per contest. Teesateskie made 163 tackles (13.5 tpg.).
Other main tacklers are DL Davis (82/7.5) and Locust (65), McMillan (73) and LB Winolty (64). DBs such as Mintz and Taylor Wachacha (56, 145 sr.) have “real potential,” Briggs said. Briggs sees the middle of the SMC pack as realistic territory for Cherokee, plus chance to pull big upsets. “Our keys are up front” with little depth, and the new secondary, Briggs said. “We have skilled people, who are competitive. Much depends on how quickly our younger players develop. We’re an X factor.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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Western North Carolina Athletic Conference
August 18, 2015
Summaries and Pre-Season Predictions along with Team Previews, Rosters, and Game Schedules PLUS Iwanna’s Best in the West
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HIGH SCHOOL
FOOTBALL
WESTERN NC ATHLETIC 3-A CONFERENCE 2-A
2015 PREVIEW
IWANNA® Football Preview
IN THIS SECTION
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BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON A dandy race shapes up in the 3-A/2-A Western North Carolina Athletic Conference, with Franklin possibly no longer at NFL level and Pisgah’s Bears hungry to overtake the Panthers.
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uscola looks to ratchet back up the ranks, with talent from junior varsity. The three Henderson County teams are also picked by coaches to improve. Smoky Mountain turns to a new quarterback. Brevard has a super young QB, and
renews power football with a new head coach. North Henderson Coach Jason Dinwiddie sees “more of a tossup” this time. “Franklin will reload to an extent, but lost many good players. Pisgah and Tuscola are going to be better.” New Brevard Coach Craig
Pritchett sees no “dominant frontrunner.” “I don’t think Franklin will drop,” Smoky Coach David Napert predicts. But he sees Pisgah fully able to dethrone FHS. “Pisgah came on stronger than everyone late last year, after they eased up on the
spread and went back to ‘run the ball at you.’” Tuscola Coach Tommy Pursley declares Franklin “the favorite. They have the best program.” West Henderson Coach Paul Whitaker said“until someone beats them. they’re frontrunners continues on page 58
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BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON continued from page 57 once again. The rest of us have to get better, to try to wrestle it from them.” Franklin Coach Josh Brooks candidly asserts, “We’re the champions, (unless and) until someone beat us.” But he salutes his top rival Pisgah for annually being “at the top.” Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell has the more experienced offensive line, but both fronts are huge. He said, “They always have good backs. Their question marks are like ours — a new quarterback and running backs.” Both hail East Henderson has a legit contender, returning key skill. “Athletically, East can compete against anyone,” Brooks said. “They were young.” Chappell, Eagles’ coach for a decade, hails the “best set of skill players coming back, and a good transfer linema.” He among many eye Tuscola as upper-tier, with ’14 champion JV stars promoted. He praises North Henderson’s third-year
skill starters. East Henderson Coach John McMillan sees preseason progress by North and Brevard. “Everyone else is also getting better,” besides East. He said “West (Henderson) got several wins, and still believes.” West “lost all four of those runners,” Brooks said. “But you can win with good defense in the mountains. The entire conference is better.” Chappell said, “The middle of the pack is stronger. There’s still predominantly two top teams. But it’s not as top-heavy. Someone (among contenders) is bound to slip up. There are too many solid middle teams.” McMillan said, “You’d better show up, or you’ll head home with your tail between your legs.” PISGAH (10-3; 6-1 WNCAC) counts on such linemen as DT Drayton Kirkpatrick (6-0, 270 sr.), LT Ben Wright (5-11, 250) and huge RT David Mackey (61, 315) and RG John Albritton
(6-3, 276). Look for the Bears to gobble up yardage, such as by TB Daniel VanVarenbergh (5-9, 160 sr.). Coach Brett Chappell said “I like who we have coming back” — and team title potential. FRANKLIN (11-1; 7-0) now has TB Kelton Lowry (6-1, 190 sr.) slicing and RB Hunter Gibbs (5-10, 175 sr.) plowing behind blocks of LT Wyatt Burnette (6-3, 280 sr.) and RG Blake Raymond (6-1, 233 sr.). Jackson Perrone (6-0, 165 sr.) shifts from WR to QB. “We expect to do well,” Coach Josh Brooks said. “Expectations and preparation” have “intensified.” TUSCOLA (5-7; 4-3) pins hopes for further improvement on FB Caleb Ferguson (5-10, 170 jr., HBs Roman Jenkins (5-10, 160 jr.) and Joe Napert (6-1, 175 jr.), and new QB Zack Webster (6-1, 175 sr.). LG Jordan Davis (6-1, 293 sr.) anchors a mountainous Mountaineer 280-plus trio. Coach Tommy Pursley said JV ’14 champs “used to winning” spur varsity talent and confidence.
EAST HENDERSON (3-8; 3-4) has weapons with WRs Nykeem Brooks (5-11, 165 sr.) and Josh Glynn (5-10, 150 sr.) and TBs Nick Lyons (5-10, 152 sr.) and Cole Revis (6-0 1/2, 181 sr.). LB-OL Andrew Morgan (6-1, 220 sr.) is also a dual-way standout. Coach John McMillan is intent the Eagles superbly “compete, and are in games.” NORTH HENDERSON (2-9; 2-5) sports Trevor Craft (6-1, 180 sr.) passing to WR Ashton Woodring (6-2, 220 sr.), a bigger line and RB Jacob Garrett (5-9, 180 sr.). Defensive playmakers include MLB Cole McCarson (6-2, 210 sr.) and Austin Vanhoy (5-5, 150 jr.). Coach Jason Dinwiddie hopes the Knights start 2015 as they ended ’14: “We put it together, and clicked.” WEST HENDERSON (8-5; 5-2) was the WNCAC feel-good story, returns its defense and moves up JV talent such as QB Brandon Whitaker (5-9, 150 jr.). Davis Fisher (6-3, 225 sr.) is line fixture. The veteran defense is
led by ILBs Stephen Perron (60, 205 sr.) and Tanner Bullock (6-0, 200 sr.), and safety Tristan Thomas (6-3, 195 sr.). Coach Paul Whitaker counts on the Falcon D-unit to “shine this year, and keep us close in games.” BREVARD (0-11; 0-7) returns the aerial combo of Tanner Ellenberger (6-2 1/2, 200 jr.) to Nick Cabe (6-1 1/2, 180 jr.), and unleashes WB-WR Ari Williams (6-1, 180 so.). RT Zack Davis (6-5, 300 sr.) and Caleb Gilbert (6-2, 280 sr.) are among big Blue Devils up front. Tough new Coach Craig Pritchett sees progress once “we go all out.” SMOKY MOUNTAIN (2-10; 1-6 WNCAC) has a new QB in Chase Fisher (6-2, 195 sr.) but returns dual threat Jayce Wolfe (5-8, 165 sr.) and guards Jacob Gass (5-10, 195 sr.) and Shane Burch (6-3, 270 jr.). Carson Shuler (510, 185 sr.) leads the Mustang defense. Coach David Napert urges players to “step up, and prove ourselves.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST
ROBO-TACKLING STEPHEN PERRON Carries On Falcon Resurgence
Stephen Perron
Stephen Perron captains West Henderson’s defense, which returns 10 of 11 starters and is the heart of the Falcon’s follow-up to a breakthrough season.
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est finished third in the WNC Athletic Association at 5-2, 8-5 overall for a remarkable seven-win improvement over their unlucky ’13. The Falcons easily won a playoff game. Though their running offense gained headlines, the defense shined such as in a 3-0 loss to second-place Pisgah. Perron (6-0, 200 sr.) was instrumental. The inside linebacker led West with 133 tackles, averaging 10 per contest in his varsity debut. “The Falcon Way” swoops back to Mills River. “We’re building off of it this year, expecting
victory every game,” Perron said. “We’ll carry confidence to win, and swagger.” There was an aura a half-decade ago in 2010, when the “Two Kevins” (Thomas, Thompson) rumbled at will. “It’s a grit factor,” Perron said. “I’d watch them blow away other teams, pounding them. It was special to watch.” He said “respect is earned. You work your butt off for it.” Perron learned about all-out effort from his brother Jonathan, now at UNC-Chapel. They played together at linebacker, in the final game two years ago. Jonathan was a senior, and Stephen a sophomore called up from a talented JV. He recalled how “We both had sacks.” The Falcons beat East Henderson Eagles in the Bird Bowl, pitting two teams yearning for their first win on the field. West salvaged pride, and it sparked the soaring Falcon turnaround in 2014. When the game is on the line and the other team is driving, inner strength shows. “Strategy helps, but grit gets the job done,”
Perron said. “It’s who wants it more. Who’s going to take it. We’ve been hungry at Rugby (Middle) and at West.” West head coach Paul Whitaker said Perron is among catalysts with his play, and emotionally. Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell coached East Eagles, now Pisgah. He said Perron “has very good instincts, a nose for the ball.” Franklin Coach Josh Brooks called Perron “a guy who made a ton of tackles. When you’re tackling Jeremiah (Young, FHS’ big back) all of the time, I got respect for ‘ya as a hardnosed player.” Perron shook his head about the contact whenever “I met Jeremiah in the hole. We knew they’re ‘smash mouth.’ We needed to step up, and fight in the trenches.” In inspiring teammates, Perron is the most vocal. He’s an admitted trash-talker like the Oakland Raiders he admires. “I keep my mouth running. I feed off of it, if I get a reaction out of someone.” West thumped Kings Mountain in that playoff 41-27,
leading decisively 41-13. “We hit them and let them know they’re in the (rugged) mountains, in the cold.” Perron said. They cussed in return. “We had them in second quarter. Their body language changed. I could tell they were taking it personally. They yelled at each other, and looked uninterested.” The key for the team far ahead is not to get too overconfident and let up, to “keep your foot on the gas.” He said DL David Fisher, safety Tristan Thomas and others also setting a hard-hitting tone. It’s crucial. “Last year our great offense bailed out the defense,” Perron said. “This year, with a new backfield, if our offense struggles our defense needs to make plays — stops and some turnovers. We will make those plays.” Perron is 13 pounds heavier, stronger, and hailed for weight training. Whitaker is an organized preparer. From home on mobile devices “we’ll watch film Saturday morning, on the game and what to expect from the next
team,” Perron said. He uses an iPad. At halftime, assistant Daniel Holbrook often shows Falcons first-half lessons on an iPad. Perron is on the student government. His GPA is 3.8 unweighted, 4.5 weighted. He eyes a business major, and “leadership role” and ideally playing college football. His father Pete Perron is vice-president of a drug distribution firm. His mother Suzanne Perron teaches Spanish at West. She founded a 5K run, to benefit muscular dystrophy research. Stephen said “It’s really rewarding knowing you help other people, and put a smile on someone’s face.” He also hopes to brighten the Friday nights of Falcon fans, in an encore season. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS
FRANKLIN PANTHERS Coach Josh Brooks
HEAD COACH: Josh Brooks NICKNAME: Panthers SCHOOL COLORS: red & white 2014 RECORD: 11-1 (7-0 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 100 Panther Dr, Franklin, NC 28734
Franklin Panthers are looking forward eager to maintaining their championship pedigree, rather than behind their shoulders at a pack eager to finally catch them.
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he Panthers rate eighth in N.C. Prep’s preseason 2-A poll. They were unbeaten in the WNCAC and 11-1 overall for the second year in a row. “We’ve lost only one conference game in four years, to East (and then-Coach Brett Chappell) in 2012,” FHS head coach Josh Brooks points out. Last year, the Panthers broke open a close game at Pisgah, to beat Chappell 26-3 in the WNCAC showdown. They won three playoff rounds, in yet another long playoff run. They have knocked on the title
FRANKLIN PANTHERS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
door. Their sole crown is in 1976, in 2-A. They were 3-A in recent years. Brooks is in his 10th year at the helm. He was a West assistant coach, in the East-West All-Star Game July 22. FHS graduated 22 then 23 seniors in the last two years. “We’re not going to just lay down and quit. Expectations and preparation haven’t changed. If anything, it’s intensified.” They surpassed 40 points eight times, thanks to punishing running of Jeremiah Young. His terror of foes finally concludes. He ran for about 2100 yards and nearly 4000 and 60 TDs in two years. “Jeremiah
seemed like a darn fifth-year senior,” rival Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell quipped. “Seems like he’s been there forever. And they were so dominant up front.” FHS has had a big super runner for three years in a row. In ’12, Marquel Manning led WNC and ran for a FHS-record 2,364 yards and 33 TDs. The new batch of backs and entire team fit FHS’ mode, Brooks said. “We’re very strong, very physical.” Count on them for many good gains. But “none are built to take the physical pounding Jeremiah could take for 25 carries continued on page 60
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Asheville Murphy Swain County Erwin Brevard* Pisgah* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* East Henderson* West Henderson* Tuscola*
*Conference Game
A H H A A H A H A H A
# 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 41 45 50 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 63 64 65 67 70 71 72 73 75 77 78 80 81 88
ROSTER
NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Kyle Norton WR/FS 5’10 165 12 Chris Storer WR/DB 5’11 170 12 Logan Collier WR 6’1 170 11 Joey Gibson WR 5’5 140 11 Ethan Volk WR/DB/P 5’10 175 12 Zach DelaCruz OLB 6’ 180 10 Cody Hodgin WR 5’10 140 11 Jordin Nugent WR/DB 5’7 140 11 David Ramey FB/SS 5’6 160 11 Carrington Houston SS 5’9 165 10 Andrew Moore QB/P 6’5 170 10 Robert McAllister WR 5’10 150 10 Kyle Knop K 6’ 155 11 Reagan Lieu DB 5’10 150 12 Matt Metcalf WR 5’11 170 11 Grant Vanhook WR 6’ 135 11 Chandler Harkins RB 5’9 150 11 Clay Gibson DB 5’9 150 11 Jackson Perone WR/DB/QB 6 ’ 165 12 Nicholia Lamb TB 5’11 170 11 Dakota Henry TE/LB 5’10 180 12 Ashton Fox LB 5’11 170 11 Clayton Phillips TE/B 5’10 165 12 Shawn McCrary DB 5’11 160 11 Ethan McCall WR 5’11 145 11 Hunter Gibbs LB/RB 5’11 180 12 Kelton Lowry FS/TB 6’ 190 12 Trevor Justice TE 6’1 180 11 Logan Tallent NG 5’10 185 11 Austin Miller B 5’11 200 12 Dillon Daves LB/FB 5’10 190 11 Quintin Crawford WR 5’10 175 12 Byron Shields KAT 6’2 175 10 Brock Kloeppel TE/B 6’ 190 10 Issac Mullins KAT 6’1 180 10 Seth Ledford KAT 6’4 220 12 John Wilson DL 5’8 275 11 Isaac Wallace OL 5’9 260 12 Ted Queen DL 5’3 225 12 Chris Zuniga OL/DL 6’1 220 11 Maurice McDay NG/G 5’9 215 11 Kendrick Bryson DL 6’6 240 12 Dalton Hathcock DB 6’ 125 11 Matt Storer OT/DT 6’1 270 11 Daniel Pickens CENTER 6’1 235 10 Blake Raymond G/DT 6’1 235 12 Dylan Owenby OL 6’3 290 11 Jacob Clouse OL 6’ 220 10 Josh Chastain OT 6’ 230 11 Hunter Jamison OL 6’1 230 10 Colton Cochran CENTER 6’1 305 10 Garrett Sanders G 5’10 180 11 Ryan Collins OL 5’10 190 12 Wyatt Burnette OT/DT 6’3 280 12 Edgar Chavez K 6’ 180 11 Panther Rookie TE 6’2 220 9 Bailey Watts WR 6’ 150 9
COACHES Head Coach: Josh Brooks Assistants: Robert Browning , Mike Wood, Tim Hawkins, Tony Plemmons, Jay Brooks, Bob Kuppers, Seth Adams, Kelly Corbin, Jeff Cloer, Lynette Gibson, Warren Winchester, Eric Hooper, Danny Reitmeier
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FRANKLIN PANTHERS
continued from page 59 a game,” Brooks said. Thus it takes a group effort. Elusive TB Kelton Lowry (6-1, 190 sr.) is a “slashing runner,” on reverses and “counters” against the flow, and a slot receiver. He ran for five TDs. Lowry averaged six hards a pop, and “hard-nosed” RB Hunter Gibbs (5-10, 175 sr.) 5.3 yards to go with nearly 400 yards. When a third back is deployed, it is blocking FB Dillon Daves (5-10, 190 jr.). Athletic new QB Jackson Perrone (6-0, 165 sr.), formerly a WR, “makes good decisions. He’s a good runner, and an efficient passer,” Brooks said. His top targets are likely WRs Ethan Volk (5-10, 165 sr.), and WR Jordin Nugent (5-6, 160 jr.). The line is new, but big. LT Wyatt Burnette (6-3, 280 sr.) returns. “He understands our blocking schemes, and pass protections,” Brooks said. “He can communicate our checks. and help instruct the younger guys.” New starters are RG Blake Raymond (6-1, 233 sr.), C-RT Matt Storer (6-2, 270 jr.) and C Colton Cochran (5-10, 300 so.). Blocking is “about minimizing mistakes,” Brooks said. “Get your butt between the defender and the running back.” Six starters return on the multiple 50 base defense. AllWNCAC LB Gibbs led returnees with 64 tackles. Raymond again is the strong tackle. New starters include OLB Clayton Phillips (5-10, 165 sr.). Brooks calls it the “most explosive secondary we’ve had in a long time” with FS Lowery, strong safety Volk, CB Perrone (56 tackles) and CB Regan Lieu (59, 160.). In the WNCAC, Brooks sees his Panthers again ahead of Chappell’s Bears. “Our success helps us with expectations. We expect to do well. We’re the champions, (unless and) until someone beat us.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
August 18, 2015
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
PISGAH BLACK BEARS
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PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS
PISGAH BLACK BEARS Coach Brett Chappell HEAD COACH: Brett Chappell NICKNAME: Bears SCHOOL COLORS: red & black 2014 RECORD: 10-3 (6-1 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 1 Black Bear Dr, Canton, NC 28716
Pisgah Bears are hungry to bite off the biggest piece of the WNCAC pie, with an experienced offensive line led by two seniors weighing over 275 pounds.
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isgah beat all in the conference but Franklin for the second year in a row, and returns seven starters on offense and five on defense all eager to dethrone the Panthers and ward off others. Pisgah has had instant success with thrower McKinley Brown then runner Lucas Hall as oneyear new quarterbacks. Now comes a two-year stretch with junior Houston Rogers (5-11, 150 jr.). He led JV for two seasons. Like Hall, he’s best running. “He’s agile, can move around, and has leadership,” Chappell said.
PISGAH BLACK BEARS Photos by Daniel Abide
The new “offset I” lead back is likely TB Daniel VanVarenbergh (5-9, 160 sr.), who gained 5.4 yards and totaled 411. He has “very good downhill speed,” Chappell said. “Shiftier” TB Isaiah Fisher (5-10, 165 jr.) also gets carries. All-WNCAC FB Michael Parrott (5-10, 227 jr.) opens up holes, and rushed for 515 yards (4.5 ypc.). Top WRs are Trey Morgan (6-3, 190 jr.) with 33 catches for six touchdowns and swift leaper Jesse Martinez (6-0, 175 sr.), who had 16 catches and also 14 ypc. He punts. Josh Wilson (6-2, 185 jr.) is the tight end. Pisgah’s obvious asset is the line. Four returning senior starters
are RT David Mackey (6-1, 315), RG John Albritton (6-3, 276), allWNCAC LT Ben Wright (5-11, 250) and center Ashton Rhinehart (60, 210). New is LG Ashton Hill (511, 225 so). The key is to strongly surge ahead, “get a good push up front for the running game. That’ll help our new quarterback take control of the offense.” A big loss is grad Mason Fox, who kicked a school-record 53-yard field goal versus Brevard. The multiple 50 defense DL returns two all-WNCAC trench stars in DE Wright and DT Drayton Kirkpatrick (6-0, 270 sr.) , plus DT David Mackey, and adds DE Riley James (5-10, 220
SCHEDULE
08/21/15
North Buncombe
A
08/28/15
Enka
H
09/04/15 Asheville
A
09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
H H A H A A A H
Madison East Henderson* Franklin* West Henderson* Tuscola* North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Brevard*
*Conference Game
jr.). Star linebackers are ILBs Jeff Albritton (6-0, 210 jr.) and ILB Lakotta Burnette (6-0, 225
ROSTER
# NAME CLASS 1 Jared Clark 11 2 Garrett Jones 12 3 Jordan Jones 11 4 Isaiah Fisher 11 5 Christian Jones 11 8 Houston Rogers 11 10 Tanner Lanning 11 11 Michael Trantham 12 12 Will Cody 11 13 Jesse Martinez 12 19 Aaron Hyman 12 20 Daniel VanVarenbergh 12 21 Trey Morgan 11 22 Jacob Kielson 12 24 Tanner Fox 11 25 Bryce Burgess 12 30 Carlos Mendoza 11 32 Aidan Rogers 12 33 Hunter Brown 11 34 Logan Rich 12 35 Michael Parrott 11 44 Camden Moore 11 45 Lakota Burnette 11 47 Aaron Thompson 11 49 Jeff Albritton 11 51 Ashton Hill 10 52 Drayton Kirkpatrick 12 54 Ashton Rhinehart 12 55 Tyler Pace 11 56 Jared Robertson 11 63 Hunter Rowland 12 64 Isaac Pless 11 69 Gage Deaver 11 70 Ben Wright 12 72 Dante Buchanan 11 75 John Albritton 12 77 David Mackey 12 79 Riley James 11 80 Eli Medford 11 85 Josh Wilson 11
COACHES Head Coach: Brett Chappell
jr.) and OLB Garrett Jones (5-10, 170 sr.). Jones made 105 tackles (8 tpg.). Morgan and Fisher are safeties. CBs are Christian Jones (5-10, 160 sr.) and Martinez. “Our defense has good experience. We made big plays. We’re excited, to get them all working on the same page.” continues on page 63
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TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS
TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS Coach Tommy Pursley HEAD COACH: Tommy Pursley NICKNAME: Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS:black & Vegas gold 2014 RECORD: 5-7 (4-3 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 564 Tuscola School Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786
Tuscola looks to reassert itself as a conference contender, with a gigantic line and more skill in Tommy Pursley’s second year as head coach.
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e’re much better this year, as a team,” he said in his first preseason in Waynesville. Pursley was hired in mid-July of last year. Already, he observed, the Mountaineers are stronger, quicker, more experienced and confident than they were at the start of his first season. He looks for that to translate to more victories. In flipping its WNCAC mark to 4-3, THS won three of its four super-close games — 34-31 over Smoky in OT then 35-32 over
TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
Brevard and soonafter 38-34 over East Henderson. Talent is up from a JV that beat Franklin for the WNCAC title. Pursley hopes to line his troops up more in the triple option flex bone, and keep defenses guessing “You can simulate it, and actually run it or complimentary plays.” The new Mountaineer QB is quick Zack Webster (6-1, 175 sr.), described as a “really good leader. He’s a tough kid with speed, and runs.” Backup QB Grayson Perkins (5-10, 205 so.), who led JV in ’14, has star potential. “He can run you over,” Pursley said. “He throws well,
and makes good decisions.” He averaged nearly 30 yards a completion. Team MVP Caleb Ferguson (5-10, 170 jr.), as a quick allWNCAC FB, ran for over 900 yards (6 ypc.) and six scores as a dual threat. THS deploys two wingbacks at once. Fast Roman Jenkins (5-10, 160 jr.) gained over 1500 yards on JV. Longstriding HB Joe Napert (6-1, 175 jr.), son of the Smoky Mountain coach, switches from receiver. “They use their speed to get to the edge, such as on a sweep.” Receivers are fastest Mountaineer Josh Allison (5-9, 160 jr.), James Silvers (6-1, 175
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Patton Owen McDowell Swain County Smoky Mountain* Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*
A A H A H A H H A A H
*Conference Game
sr.) and TE Eli Trantham (6-1, 215 jr.). Tuscola returns five starters
COACHES Head Coach: Tommy Pursley Assistants: Michael Belue, Josh Gibbs, Dennis Hefner, Greg Parrott, J.t. Postell ,Ethan Rhinehart, J ustin Rhinehart, Barron Rogers, Aaron Smith, A ndrew Sutton
on each side, with three on the gigantic O-line which Pursley calls “our strength.” All-WNCAC LG Jordan Davis (6-1, 293 sr.), RG Dillon Justice (6-0, 290 jr.) and center Jose Castillo (5-10, 300 jr.) are joined by LT Austin Goforth (6-1, 245 so.) and the unit’s fastest in big RT Mitchell Leveritte (6-2, 280 jr.) who moved back from Florida. “We come off the ball running
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August 18, 2015
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PISGAH BLACK BEARS
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
PISGAH BLACK BEARS
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jr.) and Taylor Austin (5-9, 240 jr.). “We had trouble stopping people,” Pursley said. “But we’re bigger, stronger, faster and more experienced.” Mix in those ’14 JV stars “used to winning,” and team talent and confidence is rising, he said. “Tuscola since the midNineties has been inconsistent in football. We want pride, to win seven games even in years with not as much talent and more when we have it.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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up front. There’s no lateral or retreat” to pass block, Pursley said. The “shade 50” defense resembles a 4-4. All-WNCAC safety Webster registered 107 tackles (9 tpg.) in the regular season. “He’s quarterback of our defense. He makes coverage calls.” Starters include LBs Jeremy Jacobs (5-10, 185 jr.) and Jacob Penland (5-11, 210 sr.), CB Anthony Agate (5-9, 175 jr.), and DTs Tregg Rice (6-0, 310
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Pisgah opens its WNCAC season hosting East. Pisgah got shut out at West last year. That contest again is a Bear “trap,” sandwiched between Franklin and Tuscola. “We play the four best teams first,” Chappell noted. He plays at Franklin, where he nearly won (except for a penaltynullified TD and missed chip shot field goal) in his encore East season in 2012. Versus Franklin, “the team with the better front always seems to win. Last year, they were dominant up front.” But he said, “I like who we have coming back” such as on the line. The big bad Bears lurk in the WNCAC woods, ready to claw and devour. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES
EAST HENDERSON EAGLES ROSTER
Coach Mac McMillan HEAD COACH: John “Mac” McMillan NICKNAME: Eagles SCHOOL COLORS: green & white 2014 RECORD: 3-8 (3-4 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 110 Upward Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726
EAST HENDERSON EAGLES East Henderson returns to the spread attack to better utilize big-play skill that forged a perennial contender, hoping to revive its new line and overall team prospects.
H
ead coach John “Mac” McMillan got thumbs ups for guidance and fairness, since taking over last year. In mid-2014, the Eagles won three WNCAC games in a row. They were 11-2 in ’12, and have groomed new talent. “Our seniors were very successful as JV kids,” Mac noted. “Their experience is a big asset” with merely three starters back on offense, four on defense. Three seniors contend at quarterback. Who prevails
Photos by Pete Zamplas
will guide play-calling, Coach Mac said. “We’ll cater to their strengths.” Strong-armed QB Trace Goldsmith (6-2, 210 sr.) surges on keepers — up the middle or on roll-outs. Rival coaches call him gritty. QB-RBWR Austin Pritchard (5-8, 145 sr.) started 11 games in ’14. He is quick on sprint-outs. Versatile, he shines at receiver. He caught a touchdown pass in an early seven-on-seven drill. QB-LB Kyle Frady (6-2, 232 sr.) bulked up by 35 pounds. He is expected out for a game or two. Lanky lefty QBDB Preston Owens (6-1 1/2 jr., 153 jr.), who led JV in ’14, rolls out well but trails the seniors, Mac said. QB mobility is critical. “If the quarterback keeps on the move, our (new) linemen don’t
have to hold blocks as long and the defense won’t put eight in the ‘box.’ Now “we’ll spread out our athletes,” with usually one back, Coach Mac said. Look out again for a speed-power rotation with fast TB Nick Lyons (5-10, 152 sr.) and former fullback Cole Revis (6-0 1/2, 181 sr.). Revis bashed for 601 yards (5.6 ypc.). Lyons dashed for 561 (5.8 ypc.), and five scores. Pritchard may be in the mix. Mac said, “We’ll keep giving it to the ‘hot hand.’” Major playmakers lead the receiving corps. Lyons when not a back is in the slot. In ’14, he scored on (six) one-third of his receptions, and averaged 19 ypc.. Swift WR Josh Glynn (5-10, 150 sr.) tallied 14.7 yards on his 23
catches. Nykeem Brooks (5-11, 165 sr.), a former RB with a speedpower mix, has WNCAC “ player of the year” potential, Mac said. Also look for tall Blake Hyder (6-3 1/2, 176 sr.), quick Bo Shealy (510, 145 jr.) and TE Daniel Parker (6-1, 180 jr.). The lone returning line starter is Andrew Morgan (6-1, 220 sr.). Starter candidates include Jay Spencer (6-2, 190 sr.), Luke McCall (6-4, 200 jr.), transfer Clark Rummage (6-3, 255 jr.) from Florida, Caleb Wycoff (6-1, 200 sr.), Tyler Buckner (6-2, 253 sr.) and Alex Castillo (5-9, 225 sr.). There is much more size up front this year. The kicker may be Zuli Perez (5-5, 122 jr.). The defense shifts to a 4-4 multiple, from 3-5-3. Tough
# 1 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 28 33 39 44 48 52 53 55 57 58 62 65 66 68 69 70 72 73 76 77 80 85 99
NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Preston Owens QB/DB 6’1.5 153 11 Trace Goldsmith QB 6’1.5 210 12 Nick Lyons RB/DB 5’10 152 12 Dekel Robinson WR/DB 5’7 125 11 Beau Shealy RB/DB 5’10 145 11 Daren Osbourne TE/WR/DE/LB 6’3 197 11 Kyle Frady QB/LB 6’2 232 12 Blakley Hyder WR/FS 6’3.5 176 12 Austin Prichard QB/DB 5’8.5 150 12 Josh Glynn WR/DB 5’10 150 12 Josh Romero WR/DB 5’10.5 153 12 Chris Fuge WR/DB 6’0 185 11 Taylor Noble WR/DB 5’9 147 11 Nykeem Brooks WR/DB 5’10 150 12 Coal Webb WR/LB 6’0 185 12 Daniel Parker TE/LB 6’1 180 11 Angelo Johnson WR/DB 5’8 142 11 Zach Barwnell RB/LB 5’8 161 12 Aaron Owensby RB/LB 5’9 160 12 Cole Revis RB/LB 6’0 181 12 Sean MaHaffey RB/LB 5’7 166 11 Caleb Wycoff OL/DL 6’1 200 12 Jay Spencer OL/DL 6’2 190 12 Alex Castillo OL/DL 5’9 225 12 Luke McCall OL/DL 6’4 200 11 Coleman Ridenhour OL/DL 5’10 154 11 Andrew Morgan OL/LB 6’1 220 12 Dakota Buckner OL/DL 5’10 232 11 Jared Ward OL/DL 6’3 203 12 Trace Garren OL/DL 5’11 240 11 Clark Rummage OL/DL 6’3 255 11 Ethan Eubanks OL/DL 6’1 191 12 Josh Todd OL/DL 5’7 198 12 Marshall Frank OL/DL 5’7 223 11 Tyler Buckner OL/DL 6’2 252 12 Adrian Gonzalez OL/DL 6’4 388 11 Gavin Anglin WR/DB 5’9 156 11 Bo Dalton TE/WR/ROV 5’11 152 12 Selvin Mojica DL/K 5’9 215 11
COACHES
Head Coach: John “Mac” McMillan
Revis and Morgan are back at LB, with Brooks and all-WNCAC Lyons in a hard-hitting secondary. The degree of blitzing versus staying back in coverage hinges on new starters’ skill sets, Mac noted. Overall keys are to “play hard every play, and eliminate mistakes,” Coach McMillan said. “Then we’ll compete, and be in the games.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS
NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS
ROSTER
Coach Jason Dinwiddie HEAD COACH: Jason Dinwiddie NICKNAME: Knights SCHOOL COLORS: purple & Vegas gold 2014 RECORD: 2-9 (2-5 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
North Henderson Knights can be as exciting as ever in passing the ball — with a strong-armed quarterback, converted bullish receiver and aggressive play-calling. “We’re going to open it up, say ‘the heck with it!’ and go for broke,” Coach Jason Dinwiddie
NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS Photos courtesy of Pete Zamplas
said, praising quarterback Trevor Craft (6-1, 180 sr.) and weapons around him and a huge line. “We’ll be aggressive, and throw and run when we feel it. Last year, we had to be more conservative with a young line” and merely three seniors.
The ’14 season was winless, until a gallant effort against Pisgah then two wins to end on a good note. “North hasn’t won the last two in a while,” Dinwiddie noted. “We put it together, and clicked.” NHHS returns six starters on each side of the ball.
QB Craft, an all-conference talent, has “come a ways” in reaching a greater level, fourthyear head coach Dinwiddie said. “He’s a fierce competitor. He’s had the arm strength. He throws a good ball. His accuracy is better. And if teams blitz, we can take advantage of it. Bring it.” Above all, he said, “we’re retooling his footwork, to help with his accuracy” and as a strong and fast (swiftest at 4.63) runner. “He has freedom to ‘tuck and run,’ if the pass isn’t there.” He is the kicker. Though go-to receiver Dalton Whitaker graduated, a star steps in. WR Ashton Woodring (6-2, 220 sr.) shifts from QB to a big, tacklebreaking receiver a la HHS’ Cole Cleary. Woodring is a “big, strong, tough kid with good hands” who runs a 4.8, Dinwiddie said. “We have a good weapon, on the short side of the field.” North spreads three main receivers. WRs Devon Graham (6-2, 161 jr.) and quick Miguel Lammons (5-8, 150 jr.) split time. His brother Darren Lammons (57, 145 so.) is “athletic in space” in the slot. He also punts. One or two backs can line up wide. Gutty RB Jacob Garrett (5-9, 180 sr.) gained 20 pound. Senior Drew Mitchell, Colby Thomas (56, 145 jr.) and Austin Vanhoy (5-5, 150 jr.) are also “tough as nails.” The sturdy Knights’ roundtable has RT Damian Murphy (5-11, 270 jr.), LT Eric Reyes (5-9, 245 sr.), LG Brandon Johnson (5-11, 220 sr.)
# NAME 1 Darren Lammons 5 Drew Mitchell 6 Grant Corn 7 Devon Graham 8 Ashton Woodring 9 Cameron Queen 10 Colby Thomas 11 Bobby Staton 12 Miquel Lammons 14 Trevor Craft 15 Chase Hollifield 17 Austin Vanhoy 21 Jacob Garrett 24 Mikey Smithers 32 Michael Pace 45 Eli Holbrook 51 Stevie Frickel 53 Jesus Perez 54 Cole McCarson 55 Cameron Bumgarner 60 Nate Athy 61 Daniel Dowling 62 Hunter Rogers 64 Eric Reyes 65 James Boyd 66 Matthew Fowler 70 Brandon Johnson 71 Tyler Owens 72 Vanndel Gray 74 Dakota Gifford 75 Jacob Freeman 76 Damian Murphy 81 Jeremiah Closius
POS RB/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DE WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB TE/LB RB/LB TE/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB
COACHES
Head Coach: Jason Dinwiddie Assistants: Jason Stanley, Dan Jystad, Stanly Brigman, Dustin Young, Parker Haake, Cody Searcy
and center Ethan Fowler (6-2, 320 sr.). “We have more size,” Dinwiddie said. North shifts to a 4-3 defense, featuring all-WNCAC MLB Cole McCarson (6-2, 210 sr.). He made 87 tackles (8 tpg.) in ’14. OLBs are Woodring and Mitchell. The D-line includes DE Daniel Dowling (6-1, 250 sr.) and Matthew Fowler (5-8, 225 sr.). The “cover two” secondary is led by CB Garrett (63 tackles) and tough free safety Vanhoy with 73 tackles — many to stymie drives. “Austin runs around, gets in there and hit. He has a nose for the ball,” Dinwiddie said. North will be more “aggressive” on defense as well, but not blitz much, he said. Defenders may shuffle about at the snap. “We’ve been ‘read and react.’ We’ll be more active up front, and ‘gap-exchange’ them.” More consistently, “we have to get more hats to the football and gang tackle.” He sees the ’14 strong finish as a “springboard” for a turnaround this year. - Written by Pete Zamplas
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BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS
BREVARD BLUE DEVILS Coach Craig Pritchett HEAD COACH: Craig Pritchett NICKNAME: Blue Devils SCHOOL COLORS: blue & white 2013 RECORD: 0-11 (0-7 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 747 Country Club Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Brevard returns its young phenom quarterback, with a new coach who is touting rugged running and other basics of Brevard years’ past.
C
raig Pritchett takes over from Jason Lippard, after BHS’ two winless seasons in three years. The hurry-up spread is scrapped. “We’ll change the culture, and go back to the physical run game” and rush twothirds of the time behind a large line, Pritchett said. “We want to mow ‘em over, with our line. That opens up play action, and big plays.” Pritchett has a master’s degree in kinesiology (muscular movement). He is pushing weight training. To cure a porous defense, simpler schemes “let them play fast and furious. Wrap up, run your feet and finish your tackle. Cause turnovers.”
ROSTER
# NAME 4 Raymond Montandon 5 Lane Pressley 6 Hamilton Lopez 7 Kyle Williams 8 Jordan Morris 9 Samuel Kicklighter 10 Tanner Ellenberger 13 Luke Ellenberger 16 Daniel McJunkin 24 Chase Crump 28 Langston Wilkes 32 Jesse Lowery 33 Tanner Pettit 50 Rome Robinson 52 Riley Smith 53 Nathan Golden 54 Ashton Landreth 55 Taevon Hunter 57 Earon Wilkes 64 Corey Mackey 66 Kohl Padgett 74 CJ MeGown 75 Caleb Gilbert 76 Xzayva Walker 77 Christian Williams 79 Zack Davis 84 Kyle Williams 85 Nick Cabe 88 Jared Johnson
COACHES
BREVARD BLUE DEVILS
Head Coach: Craig Pritchett
Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
He took his alma mater of Ridgeland to the Georgia 4-A title game in 2012. Pritchett was an academic all-America MLB at Tusculum who “relied on brains” onfield. BHS athletic director Mick Galloway calls him a “winner” who trains hard and gets BHS back to “smash-mouth” play. BHS returns seven starters on offense, four on defense. Returning QB Tanner Ellenberger (6-2 1/2, 200 jr.) has a rocket arm. “I have super confidence in his passing ability, to get the ball there,” Pritchett said. “Tanner’s a competitor” Also, “he’s super smart (4.29 GPA). He’s
POS CLASS RB/OLB 12 RB/DB 11 WR/DB 12 WB/DB 11 WR/DB 12 K/P 11 QB 11 WR/DB 9 WB/OLB 11 WB/OLB 12 WR/DB 12 RB/DB 11 RB/ILB 11 OL/DL 12 OL/ILB 11 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 10 OL/LB 11 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 11 OL/DL Sr TE/DE 10 WR/DB 11 TE/DE 10
increased his speed and agility. He’s the prototypical drop-back passer. But he can sprint to the perimeter, and run. He’s as big as most linebackers.” Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell sees a “dandy arm.” Look for a hybrid Wing T with workhorses FB Tanner Pettit (5-10, 180 jr.) and speedy Langston Wilkes (5-9, 160 sr.) at one of the two wings. Wilkes “burns the doors off, with his 4.4 speed” while Pettit has “elusive quickness,” Pritchett said. The other starter is likely WBWR Ari Williams (6-1, 180 so.) with 4.5 speed. “He gets to the hole, and vertical (upfield). He
can outrun people to the edge.” Carries also go to two WBs in strong Daniel McJunkin (5-8, 165 jr.) and quick Lane Pressley (5-9, 165 jr.). All-WNCAC receiver Nick Cabe (6-1 1/2, 180 jr.) paces WNC returnees with nine receiving TDs in ’14. He gained nearly 800 receiving yards (14.5 ypc.), on 51 catches in the spread. “He’s a great technician,” Pritchett said. Other long-striding targets are WR Jordan Morris (6-1, 175 sr.), Hamilton Lopez (6-0, 175 sr.) and TE Jared Johnson (6-2, 210 so.). Three Devils are back from a huge line. They are the three strongest Devils — RT Zack Davis
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/223/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Andrews Rosman Madison Enka Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*
H H A A H H A A H H A
*Conference Game
(6-5, 300 sr.), guard Caleb Gilbert (6-2, 280 sr.), and G-T Rome Robinson (5-11, 290 sr.). Mobile Riley Smith (5-11, 185 jr.) is likely the new center. Kohl Padgett (5-10, 230 so.) may start. They go from warding off pass rushers to driving ahead to block for runs. “With their size, when they get a hand and pad level down, they’re hard to handle,” Pritchett said. He sees 40-plus field goal range in new PK-punter Samuel Kicklighter (6-1, 175 jr.) The base defense remains a 4-4 “cover three,” with steppedup “focus on tackling,” Pritchett said. Starters include ILB Earon Wilkes (5-10, 190 jr.). “We have size to control the line of scrimmage, to bounce plays outside to our speed,” Coach Pritchett said. Above all, he said, “We need some success early. When we go all out, the rest will work itself out.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS
BREVARD COLLEGE TORNADOS HEAD COACH:..... Paul Hamilton NICKNAME:.................. Tornados SCHOOL COLORS:.White, Royal Blue CONFERENCE:..... South Atlantic CLASSIFICATION:.NCAA Division II 2014 RECORD:.... 1-10 (0-7SAC)
F
acing a challenging schedule highlighted by two televised games and a trip to Division I Southern Utah, the Brevard College football team will look return to its winning ways when the 2015 season kicks off in Richmond, Virginia on September 5. The 2014 Tornados were responsible for matching or surpassing a staggering 58 NCAA-era school records, including 41 individual marks. Brevard led the nation in red zone efficiency, finished second in time of possession and third in fourth down conversions, and had the sixth-most prolific rushing offense in Division II at 321.6 yards per game. OFFENSE The good news for Brevard is that four of the five starters on the offensive line, along with starting tight end Brian Matias and experienced backup Austin Wright, return from last year’s squad. The line is highlighted by sophomore left tackle Josh Turner, who was selected first team all-conference last season and is on the preseason first-team squad entering fall practice. Left guard Rodney Garrett, center Dylan Dunbar, and right guard Branden Dagley combine with Turner to make the offensive line the most experienced unit on the team— veteran right tackle Darrin James is the only new starter on the front of the formation. The Tornados are forced to deal with the loss of the entire backfield, however, after the graduation of all four primary ballcarriers from a season ago. The quartet of Jordan Ollis, Kelvin Jeter, Tanner Wright, and Andre Overholt accounted for 83 percent of Brevard’s total offense and 34 of the team’s 38 touchdowns. But despite the significant losses, the cupboard is far from bare. Sophomore Kevin Rucker will be one of several players competing for a starting role in preseason camp after limited touches last season. T.J. Lett, a junior, and converted cornerback Anthony Washington will
SCHEDULE 09/05/15 09/12/15 09/19/15 09/26/15 10/03/15 10/10/15 10/17/15 10/24/15 10/31/15 11/0715 11/14/15
Virginia Union Bowie State Wingate* Southern Utah Tusculum* Carson-Newman* Limestone Newberry* Catawba* Lenoir-Rhyne* Mars Hill*
A H A A H A H A H H H
* Conference Game
be given a look in preseason practice as well, with freshmen Kobe Garrett, Tyler Garland, and Jacques Ash expected to contend for playing time. Brevard will be aided by the offensive line’s experience at the quarterback position as well. Tyler Gregory enters the preseason as the projected starter after redshirting last season. He progressed well through the spring and could add a passing dimension to complement Brevard’s deadly rushing attack. Kevin Herbst, a junior who has 812 yards of total offense and seven touchdowns in 14 career games, may also figure heavily into the Tornados’ offensive plans. While players at other positions have talent that has thus far gone untapped, two of Jordan Ollis’s former understudies return at the fullback position. Arvin Berry is Brevard’s leading returning rusher, picking up 262 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 5.0 yards per carry last season. Xavier McEachern suffered through an injury last season but has a career average of 4.5 yards per carry in two seasons. Head coach Paul Hamilton says that the tandem of Berry and McEachern make fullback “as strong a position on this team that we have going into the preseason, without a question.” With the Tornados expected to place a higher level of emphasis on the passing game, the wide receiver corps will enjoy an expanded role in the 2015 offense. Senior Zac Queen is the team’s leading returner after hauling in eight passes for a team-high 179 yards and two touchdowns a season ago. Marlowe Macklin II, a natural receiver that was injured last season, is also expected to contribute, along with junior
Junior Kicker Alex Noboa. Photo by Neil Hayes.
Henry Smith. Hamilton calls newcomers Trevor Small, Charles Frederick, and Darius Wade “the best group of receivers we’ve ever signed,” emphasizing that this year’s passing offense will better complement Brevard’s punishing rushing attack. DEFENSE The Tornados struggled defensively last season, but new defensive coordinator Thomas Neel, who spent eight years coaching at perennial Southern Conference powerhouse Wofford, has brought a new mentality to the unit. Hamilton remarked that he could see the defense playing with confidence throughout spring practice, and eight returning starters make the defense a veteran group. The return of preseason second team all-conference defensive lineman Landon Allen from injury will reinvigorate the defense. The defensive end was fourth on the team with 61 tackles in a breakout 2013 campaign. He logged seven tackles for loss that accounted for a team-high 39 yards and can move into the top 10 in Brevard’s NCAA-era record book with 34 tackles this season. Chris Hamrick, Larry Cann III, and Henry Pryor will also return to the defensive line in Brevard’s 3-4 scheme. The team’s biggest loss on the defensive side of the ball comes at the linebacker position after the graduation of Michael Gruber, the Tornados’ all-time leading tackler who was a finalist for several national awards and was selected to two postseason all-star games. Fellow inside
linebacker Jack Woerner was also lost to graduation. Modzelle Atkins, who netted 6.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles from his outside linebacker position last season, will move inside. Jackson Vause and Jason Nieradka, who combined for 61 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season, are expected to occupy the outside positions. The addition of Marchello Lewis and the return of Mitch Watson from injury will strengthen the unit considerably. Hard-hitting free safety Marcus Lunsford, who was second on the team with 76 stops and 38 unassisted tackles last season, will head up the secondary. Junior college transfer Gionni Gibbs seems likely to secure the starting job
opposite him, but newcomers Ty’Reik Faulks and Ashud Moore will make a push for the position in preseason camp. At cornerback, junior college transfer Amir Williams will likely take over the spot vacated by Anthony Washington’s shift to the offense. Jeremy Chandler, who led the team in pass breakups in 2014 and had an interception, could occupy the other starting role. SPECIAL TEAMS One of Brevard’s strongest returning assets is the leg of Alex Noboa, a preseason first team all-conference kicker who was named to the Fred Mitchell Award watch list last month. He was 7-for-8 on field goal attempts and converted on 97.7 percent of his extra point continued on page 75
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SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS
ROSTER # NAME 1 Cyrus Lanning 5 Jayce Wolfe 7 Cole Hooper 10 Zack Beck 11 Zane Sink 12 Sean Stribling 14 Connor Moore 19 Matthew Ridley 20 Chase Fisher 21 Nick Napert 25 Gage Kosnik 28 Devin Macke 29 Ken Smith 30 Josmar Gonzalez 34 Michael Ashe 39 Carson Shuler 41 Bryan Morgan 43 Kevin Allred 55 Lee Setzer 56 Dillon Moore 58 Devon Stephens 60 Lane Roberson 61 Shane Frizzel 64 Cole Burch 66 Derek Balliot 70 Bryce Redgan 72 Josh Sellers 73 Jacob Mashburn 75 Jacob Gass 77 Parker Williamson 84 Eli Cole 85 Chase Fisher 88 Colton Danner
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS HEAD COACH: David Napert NICKNAME: Mustangs SCHOOL COLORS: blue & platinum 2014 RECORD: 2-10 (1-6 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 100 Smoky Mountain Dr, Sylva, NC 28779
Coach David Napert
Smoky Mountain is turning a page, looking forward with a new quarterback era.
S
MHS beat winless Brevard, to avoid the WNCAC cellar. The conference season began with an OT loss to Tuscola. The Mustangs hope to pull out such close contests, and build momentum. They return six starters on offense, five on defense. Head coach David Napert sees more “focus. We had a rededication back in January,
Photos courtesy of Lifetouch
and went back to work. They’re hungry.” A focal point of the offense again is athletic, big-play FL-RB-QB Jayce Wolfe (5-8, 165 sr.). He “can be the top receiver in the area,” Napert said. The star basketball point guard has 4.6 speed. “He’s as fast as he needs to be,” to outrun pursuers, Napert said. “ Two or three people covered him. So we
POS CLASS RB/DB 10 WR/DB 12 QB/DB 11 RB/DB 12 K/P 12 WR/DB 11 WR/DB 11 RB/DB 11 WR/LB 12 TE/DL 12 WR/DB 10 K/P 10 WR/DL 11 RB/LB 12 RB/LB 11 RB/LB 12 RB/LB 11 TE/LB 12 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 WR/DB 12 QB/DB 12 TE/LB 12
COACHES Head Coach: David Napert Assistants: Eric Pratt, Ty Dengler, Jaimie Extine, Mike Sartain, Tony Quinn
need get to Wolfe the ball in many ways” with creative play calling. TB Matthew Ridley (5-8, 180 jr.) got many carries later last season. “He’s an Emmitt Smith
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SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS
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SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS type. He’s a downhill runner. He has that glide. He’s patient in the zone, to see the holes. The tough FB/H-back is Carson Shuler (5-10, 185 sr.). Much hinges on development of new QB Chase Fisher (6-2,
195 sr.), a former receiver. He displayed arm strength and accuracy in drills. He succeeds three-year varsity standout Zeb Speir. “Chase is not as strong as Zeb. But he’s accurate. We’re keeping it simple.” Smoky passed
PROUD SUPPORTERS OF
SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS
more with Speir, but is apt to revert back to ball control. Its ratio had been up to 90-10. Still, there are targets in fast WRs Eli Cole (6-2, 185 sr.) and star high hurdler Conner Moore (6-1, 180 jr.), and sure-handed TE-WR Nick Napert (6-2, 200 sr.), the coach’s son. Up front, all-WNCAC guard Jacob Gass (5-10, 195 sr.) is the strongest Mustang and “real intense,” Napert said. Gass wrestles, and is a baseball slugger. Guard Shane Burch (63, 270 jr.) is “our best puller.” Center Derrick Balliot (5-11, 210 jr.), and tackles Devon Stevens (6-2, 225 jr.) and Dillon Moore (6-1, 250 sr.) started late in ’14. The 4-3 base relies on LBs Shuler, vocal leader Carlos Pantoja (5-11, 185 sr.) and Kevin Allred (5-11, 185 sr.) who made 64 tackles. Josh Sellers (6-3, 255 jr.) is on the D-line. “The bright spot was our defense improved a lot last year. We’re more physical and athletic than we’ve been in three years,” Coach Napert said. But in the WNCAC, “We’ll be an underdog again. The pressure is to step up, and prove ourselves.” - Written by Pete Zamplas-
SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/04/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Robbinsville Swain Enka Cherokee Tuscola* West Henderson* Franklin* East Henderson* Brevard* Pisgah* North Henderson*
*Conference Game
H A H A A A H H A H H
attempts last season while also handling kickoff duties. The Tornados will be forced to replace Andre Overholt, a mainstay in Brevard’s return game for many years. He departs as the Tornados’ alltime leader in both kick return and punt return yardage. Sophomore Arvin Berry’s three career kick returns for 58 yards are the most of any returning player, while the Tornados are unlikely to have any player with collegiate punt returning experience on the roster this fall. The return game will likely be entrusted to freshmen, but Amir Williams and Anthony Washington may be pressed into duty as well. Brevard also enters the season without a set punter. Freshman Dayton Rodgers and sophomore Tyler Beam are expected to compete for the position in preseason camp. SCHEDULE After playing arguably the most difficult schedule in Division II last season, the Tornados’ 2015 slate is another extremely challenging one. The Tornados face 10 fellow Division II schools and will travel over 2,000 miles to square off with a Division I team in Southern Utah. The Tornados will play two difficult games to begin the season with a road trip to twotime national champion Virginia Union and home date with Bowie State on tap. A road contest at Wingate opens the conference slate before the long trip to Cedar City, Utah closes out a grueling month of September. “Our players are excited about the schedule we have lined up this season,” said Hamilton. “Right now the process of preparing for our first game against Virginia Union is our biggest concern. We’re going to put the best team we’ve got on the field on September 5, and we’ll evaluate after that game and hopefully find that we’re right where we need to be.” BY RANDALL STEWART, BREVARD COLLEGE ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS DIRECTOR
# 1 2 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 37 38 39 40 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 67 68 70 72 73 75 76 77 79 80 81 83 84 85 86 88 89 90 91 93 97 98 99
NAME POS Tyler Gregory QB Jeremy Chandler DB Kelvin Jeter Slot Andre Overholt Slot Marcus Lunsford DB Anthony Washington DB Tanner Wright QB/P TJ Lett Slot Reese Schlabach QB Octavius Rice DB Lucas King Slot Alex Noboa K Kevin Herbst QB Ethan Rogerson QB Garrett Nestor P/K Lyndon Young OLB Shon Swett DB Glen Hilliard DB Raheem Sheppard Slot Casey Shubert DB Kevin Rucker Slot Shed Pate DB Michael Little OLB Modzelle Atkins OLB Anthony Benjamin Slot Sawyer Heery K Xavier McEachern FB Arvin Berry Slot Teddy Manfre P/K Isaac German FB Juan Hicks Slot Clint Spinks DB Raquan Brown Slot Jason Nieradka OLB Brian Matias TE Jordan McMillan OLB D’Vaungh Kelley OLB Jack Woerner Slot Sean Lee DE Eddie Slye ILB Axel Easter ILB Sam Miller Slot Jordan Ollis FB Peter Woerner DL/LS Michael Gruber ILB Landon Allen DL Adam Casey DL Darrin James OL Larry Cann III DL Jackson Vause OL Mitch Watson OLB Chase Robertson OL Dale Huffman DL Joseph Applebaum OL Dylan Dunbar OL Cody Anderson OL Ethan Woodie OL Rodney Garrett OL Dusty Williams OL Lucas Hamrick OL Noah Balcom OL Scott Shinn LS Dylan Hornor OL Matthew Parce OL Josh Turner OL Branden Dagley OL Richard Torres, Jr DL JC Freeman OL Cameron Martin TE Zac Queen WR Henry Smith WR Alex Drasser WR Tyler Beam P/K Cory Foster WR Marlowe Macklin II WR Austin Wright TE Chris Hamrick DL Dezmond Leach DL Michael Dunn LS Tyler Flowers DL Henry Pryor DL Reuben Demosthene DL
HT WT CLASS 5’11 185 Fr 5’11 175 Jr 5’7 160 Sr 5’11 175 Sr 6’3 215 Jr 5’9 180 Jr 6’3 205 Sr 6’2 185 So 5’11 170 Fr 5’8 175 Fr 5’11 170 So 5’10 165 Jr 6’1 210 So 6’3 185 So 5’11 170 So 6’1 205 Fr 5’11 180 So 6’0 180 Jr 5’7 160 So 5’10 170 So 5’8 170 Fr 5’11 170 So 6’1 195 Fr 5’10 205 Jr 5’8 160 Fr 6’0 135 Fr 5’6 215 Jr 5’8 185 Fr 5’8 155 Fr So 5’8 180 Sr 6’0 190 So 5’8 200 Fr 6’1 220 Fr 6’2 235 Jr 5’11 195 Fr 6’0 200 Fr 6’1 195 Sr 6’3 240 Jr 6’0 210 So 6’0 225 Fr 5’5 175 Fr 5’10 230 Sr 6’0 235 Sr 6’3 240 Sr 5’11 230 Sr 5’11 235 Jr 6’3 270 Sr 6’1 250 So 6’4 250 Jr 6’1 200 So 6’2 275 So 5’9 230 Jr 6’2 255 So 6’2 270 Jr 6’4 340 Sr 6’2 270 Sr 6’0 300 So 6’3 285 Jr 6’2 260 So 6’1 260 Fr 5’9 235 Fr 6’3 275 Sr 6’2 220 So 5’11 240 Fr 5’11 285 So 5’11 290 Sr 6’3 290 Fr 6’4 220 So 6’1 210 Jr 6’0 170 So 5’11 160 So 5’11 170 Fr 6’3 176 Fr 6’2 170 So 6’3 225 So 6’4 250 So 6’2 250 Fr 6’0 240 Jr 5’10 235 Fr 6’2 285 Fr 6’3 240 Jr
COACHES HEAD COACH: ............ Paul Hamilton DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR/ SECONDARY/DBS: ...... Thomas Neel SLOTS/WIDE RECEIVERS/ RECRUITING COORDINATOR:..............Vince Reese FULLBACKS/STRENGTH & CONDITIONING: ............Jerel Drew SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR: ........... Michael Bayne LINEBACKERS: .....Randy Thompson OFFENSIVE LINE: .......... Kevin Canty DEFENSIVE LINE: ...... Jamere Hogue STUDENT ASSISTANT/ TIGHT ENDS: ................... Cam Martin
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WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST
WEST HENDERSON FALCONS SCHEDULE
08/21/15 08/28/15 09/11/15 09/18/15 09/25/15 10/02/15 10/09/15 10/16/15 10/23/15 10/30/15 11/06/15
Coach Paul Whitaker HEAD COACH: Paul Whitaker NICKNAME: Falcons SCHOOL COLORS: blue, red, & white 2014 RECORD: 8-5 (5-2 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 3600 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791
West Henderson created a stir with its running offense in a resurgent 2014, but this time the Falcons hope to soar with a veteran defense.
T
en of 11 defensive starters return from a squad finishing third in the WNCAA, behind powers Franklin and Pisgah, with a crisp 5-2 mark West was 8-5 overall. That was a remarkable seven-win improvement over unlucky ’13. The Falcons flew over Kings Mountain, leading 41-13 and winning 41-27 in a 3-A playoff. “Paul Whitaker, in his sixth year leading West, looks to carry momentum. Others agree. “They had a very successful season,” said Franklin Coach Josh
Madison Hendersonville North Buncombe Mountain Heritage North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Pisgah* Brevard* Tuscola* Franklin* East Henderson*
H A H A A H A H H A H
*Conference Game
COACHES
WEST HENDERSON FALCONS
Head Coach: Paul Whitaker Assistants: Frank Gerard, Steve Geyer, Jim Griffin, Daniel Holbert, Barry Lance, Ben Pierson, Martin Talbert, Jay Young Photos by Pete Zamplas
Brooks, who won the WNCAC. “We played them in the last week of October for first place. Building off last year’s success will make that team hungrier for more success — and better.” West graduated all but three starters on offense, including Cody Jackson, Brendan Goings, Dustie Fender and William Crouch in the backfield. “Out defense will have to keep us close and be our heartbeat, until our younger guys gel and get up to varsity speed” on offense, Whitaker said. Thus “we may be more run-oriented. It’s our forte, anyway, to control the clock.” He said West favors the run 70-30 in flexbone triple option, with some spread. “By
conference play, we hope to get to a 60-40 ratio. So defenses can’t key on you.” New quarterback Brandon Whitaker (5-9, 150 jr.) is the coach’s talented youngest son. “We don’t want to put it all on his shoulders, early.” He led JV to marks of 9-1 then 8-2. “He has a good grasp of the formations,” and is getting quick with decisions, the coach said. “Helping him most is our supporting cast of backs. This is their third year together. They’re eager to continue their success.” Two halfbacks/wings start. Landon Owen (5-9, 150 jr.) and James Murray (5-10, 180 jr.) “have great vision, and set up well behind blocks,” Whitaker said. Pushing for
playing time are “bowling ball” Kyle Stocks (5-9, 175 jr.), a ’14 JV star, and fastest Falcon Tyreke Dunbar (5-7, 145 sr.) who fills the Jackson role “on the perimeter and with short screens.” TE/Hback Tristan Thomas (6-3, 195 sr.) emerges. Athletic SE Tyler Sem (511, 155 sr.) is backed by basketball player Davis Phillips (6-4, 165 jr.). Returning linemen are LT Josh Wesson (6-2, 255 jr.), LG Emet Gomez (5-8, 197 jr.) and LG Davis Fisher (6-3, 225 sr.). Joining them are adept RT Sam Gentry (6-3, 235 jr.) and/or Alex Browning (6-3, 235 jr.) and Zeke Jones (6-0, 220 sr.). The defense has a 3-5 base front. ILBs are Stephen Perron (6-0, 205 sr.) who made 133 tackles (10 tpg.)
and Tanner Bullock (6-0, 200 sr.) who had 116 (9 tpg.), and Shaq Rospel (5-10, 195 jr.), OLBs are Owen (96 tackles; 7.4 tpg.) and OLB-safety Murray. Safety Thomas made 94 tackles (7.2 tpg., 9.1 in ‘13). CBs are Dunbar and Dante Padilla (5-9, 150 sr.). The D-line includes Fisher and Clay Privette (5-8, 240 sr.). “We’re looking for our defense to shine this year, and keep us close in games,” Coach Whitaker said. “They’ve been through the Friday night battles.” He said “the kids know how good they are. Our goal is trying to be the conference champions.” - Written by Pete Zamplas
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LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CATAMOUNTS HEAD COACH:.......... Mark Speir NICKNAME:............. Catamounts SCHOOL COLORS: .gold & purple CONFERENCE:............. Southern CLASSIFICATION: ... NCAA Div. I 2014 RECORD:.7-5 (5-2 SOCON)
E
xcitement and expectations abound for Western Carolina as it enters the much anticipated 2015 football season, the fourth under head coach Mark Speir. The Catamounts rode the wave of momentum from last year’s 7-5 record, the best by a WCU football team in over a decade, into a productive off-season, and the experienced pride of Catamounts is ready to take the next step in 2015. WCU looks to build upon the plaudits of the 2014 Catamounts who posted the program’s first winning regular season since 2005 – and just the second finish above .500 for the program since 2001. WCU scored seven victories, matching its most since winning that same number back in the 2001 season and finished tied for second in the Southern Conference standings – its highest finish since 1986 and just the fourth runner-up finish for WCU in the SoCon since joining the league in 1977. Success from 2014 and anticipation of 2015 parlayed into a preseason national ranking of No. 23 by Athlon Sports in its preseason publication released
during the summer – the first preseason ranking by any publication since 1994 when the Catamounts were preseason No. 17 in The Sports Network polling. Those expectations were echoed during the Southern Conference’s annual football media day held in Spartanburg, S.C., in late July. WCU was picked as the runner-up in the preseason media poll, and was tabbed third in the tabulation of the league’s head coaches. The two prognostications were the highest for a Catamount football team in preseason in over 20 years. Western Carolina returns one of its most experienced teams to the gridiron in recent memory with a combined total of 21 players with starting experience between offense and defense. The roster includes 14 seniors including eight on offense and six on defense. Eight studentathletes were named preseason All-Southern Conference by the league’s head coaches including two on the first team and six seniors on the second team. Every player on the offensive side of the football started a season ago while the defense lost two players, but returns 10 players with significant starting experience. WCU also returns three specialists that saw action a season ago, losing just one to graduation.
Junior Spearman Robinson. Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Photographer.
Senior Quarterback Troy Mitchell. Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Photographer.
WCU’s offense includes the eight returning seniors and a combined six players that earned All-Southern Conference plaudits a season ago. The list is headlined by senior quarterback Troy Mitchell, who appeared on STATS’ preseason watch list for the 2015 FCS Offensive Player of the Year. His offensive prowess includes 1,548 career rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns, as well as 5,017 yards through the air and 36 career passing TDs. Mitchell, a second team preseason AllSoCon selection, is poised to eclipse WCU’s career total
offense leader, QB Lonnie Galloway (6,832 yards from 1990-93) and should threaten all-time leading passer, QB Mike Pusey’s (1977-79) records for passing yardage (6,160) and passing touchdowns (43). Mitchell is flanked by a wealth of talent and a dangerous offensive arsenal. Senior tailback – and Academic All-America selection in 2014 – Darius Ramsey keys a two-headed running back monster that includes sophomore speedster, Detrez Newsome. The two combined for 1,251 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns as a part of all-conference seasons a year ago. Ramsey enters his fourth year with 1,831 career yards and 12 career rushing scores. Perhaps WCU’s deepest, talented and most-heralded position comes on the perimeter with the wide receiving corps. The Catamounts boast two receivers that have posted double-digit TD receptions in consecutive years. Redshirt senior Karnorris Benson matched a program-record with 12 receiving touchdowns in 2013, while redshirt junior Spearman Robinson scored 11 through the air a season ago, garnering him first team All-SoCon preseason honors in 2015. WCU’s receivers also features the SoCon’s returning leader in receptions per game,
SCHEDULE 09/05/15 09/12/15 09/19/15 10/03/15 10/10/15 10/17/15 10/24/15 10/31/15 11/07/15 11/14/15 11/21/15
Mars Hill The Citadel* Tennessee Presbyterian Mercer* Wofford* Samford* Chattanooga* Furman* Texas A&M VMI*
H A A H H A H A H A A
* Conference Game
team leader junior Terryon Robinson who made 56 catches for 654 yards in 2014 with a TD. Up front at the point of attack, WCU has four seniors along the offensive line – two of which earned All-SoCon honors a year ago in Jake Thornton and Josh Wineberg, who was additionally recognized in the 2015 preseason. They are flanked by classmates Hunter Kirby and Tyler Philpott in comprising the most-experienced and biggest group Speir and his staff have had in Cullowhee. Defensively, the Catamounts have six seniors that should factor into starting and receive ample playing time, with five players returning after garnering accolades from the Southern Conference a season ago. The unit is led by senior Serntonuse Harris, who is returning to his defensive continued on page 78
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ROSTER
Junior Trey Morgan. Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Photographer.
continued from page 78 back position this year after spending 2014 in a linebacker role. A second-team All-SoCon selection, Harris is WCU’s second-leading returner in terms of tackles, just behind redshirt sophomore linebacker Daniel Riddle who had 74 stops a season ago while appearing on the Jerry Rice Award watch list. Senior A.J. McKoy and Tyson
Dickson will also factor in at linebacker, combining for 57 stops in 2014. Junior Trey Morgan is among the highlights of WCU’s secondary, having started all 24 career games over his first two seasons for the Purple & Gold. Morgan, an All-SoCon selection in 2014 and first team preseason in 2015, paced the league in interceptions with a team-high
six, adding a team-high eight passes defended. He is flanked by senior Jaleel Lorquet, who has two career interceptions, at the other corner position, with junior Fred Payne expected to see time at both corner and the safety position. Up front, the defensive line is senior-laden with three penciled in among the starting four. Defensive ends Caleb Hawkins – a preseason AllSoCon selection – and John McBeth are joined by redshirt senior Helva Matungulu, also a second team preseason honoree, to anchor the defensive front. That trio combined for 103 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss a season ago, highlighted by Hawkins’ 54 tackle and teamleading 11.0 TFL totals in his AllSoCon season. Western Carolina football’s 11-game, 2015 schedule features five home dates at E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field in Cullowhee, and two games against a pair of teams from one of the nation’s premier NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conferences – the SEC. The schedule opens on Labor Day weekend by hosting mountain-neighbor, Mars Hill –
# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 14 15 16 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 24 24 25 26 27 28 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 49 50
NAME POS HT WT CL Kalen Whitlow QB 6’1 180 FR Jaleel Lorquet DB 5’10 175 SR Fred Payne DB 5’10 185 JR Sertonuse Harris DB 6’0 200 SR Terryon Robinson WR 5’11 190 JR C.J. Goodman Jr. RB/WR 5’11 185 JR Logan Chester WR 6’3 205 FR Spearman Robinson WR 6’4 215 JR Wes Holcombe QB 6’1 185 SO Troy Mitchell QB 6’0 205 SR Jordan Mathis WR 5’10 185 FR Tyrie Adams QB 6’3 175 FR Hassan Belton LB 6’1 215 FR Karnorris Benson WR 6’1 205 SR Garrett Young QB 6’1 180 SO Michael Helms Jr. TE 6’2 235 JR Bobby Gibbs DB 5’10 175 FR Skyler Matheson QB 6’0 195 FR Damian Whitaker LB 6’0 200 JR Bryce Wilson DB 5’10 165 FR Seth Curtis WR 5’10 185 JR D.J. Williams DB 5’10 175 FR Darius Ramsey RB 5’8 185 SR Detrez Newsome RB 5’10 205 SO Mikey White DB 6’3 180 FR Jay Gibbs LB 6’4 230 FR Darius Means WR 5’9 155 FR Kris Smith LB 6’2 200 SO Trey Morgan DB 6’0 175 JR Tyson Dickson LB 6’1 215 JR Tyran Reynolds WR 6’1 190 FR Shawn Swain DB 5’7 160 SO Marvin Tillman DB 6’1 180 FR A.J. McKoy LB 5’10 185 SR Mitchell Chancey LB 6’1 205 FR Chris Seaborn LB 6’2 205 SO Coleman Cunningham LB 5’9 200JR Corey Holloway RB 5’10 215 FR Keion Crossen DB 5’10 165 SO Jeremiah Young RB/LB 6’0 220 FR Tra’von Ricketts DE 6’4 225 FR Parker Swaringen RB 6’1 215 SO Randall Emerson WR 6’2 190 FR Shane Samuels DB 5’7 160 SO Tra Hardy DB 5’11 185 SO Trey Fisher LB 6’0 215 SO A.J. Newman Jr. DB 6’1 190 SO Kendall White LB 5’11 225 SO London Richardson TE/RB 6’0 240 SR Breante Glover DE 6’1 260 FR Jarred Hill WR 5’8 165 FR Roderick Poag TE 6’3 245 SO Myreon Bennett DE 6’5 220 FR Blake Metcalf P/K 6’1 190 JR Fred Mooring DT 6’2 255 JR Walker Lanning OL 6’3 275 FR
including a post-game fireworks extravaganza presented by Ingles and radio partners 99.9 Kiss Country and Star 104.3 – and runs through late November. WCU also plays two games against first-time opponents in two of the nation’s top five college football venues as it relates to seating capacity – Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium (102,455) and Texas A&M’s Kyle Field (102,512). The Catamounts’ SoCon schedule kicks off in week two at The Citadel and includes home games against Mercer (Oct. 10), Samford (Homecoming, Oct. 24), and Furman (Hall of Fame Day, Nov. 7). WRITTEN BY DANIEL HOOKER, ASSISTANT ATHLETICS DIRECTOR FOR MEDIA RELATIONS, WCU For more information on Western Carolina Catamount Athletics including a complete 2015 football and promotional schedule, ways to watch or listen to each broadcast, and to purchase tickets, log onto www. CatamountSports.com
51 Tommy Tate LB 52 Zac Saalweachter OL 53 Andrew Potts OL 55 Spencer Campbell OL 56 Jerod Walls LB 57 Avery Worsham DE 58 Daniel Riddle LB 59 Chandler Addertion LS 60 Zachary Greene DE 61 Jake Thornton OL 62 Ethan James OL 63 Zach Weeks OL 64 Tyler Philpott OL 65 Kaleb Spry OL 66 Ryan Matson OL 67 Brandon Berridge OL 68 Tanner Poindexter OL 69 Chase Stehling OL 70 Dylan Sluder DT 71 Matt DeGraffinreed OL 72 Andrew Miles OL 73 Austin Jacobs OL 74 Hunter Kirby OL 75 Nathan Dalton OL 76 Josh Wineberg OL 77 Sean Biette OL 77 Ryan McLaughlin OL 78 Sheldon Kinard DT 79 Helva Matungulu DT 80 Gary Richardson WR 81 Jacob Robinson WR 82 Tyler Sexton TE 83 Ian Berryman P 83 Hunter Jacobs WR 84 Logan Howard K 85 Steffon Hill WR 86 William Ramsey WR 87 Destry Barnwell P 88 Brad Swan Jr. WR 89 Tim Gawert PK 89 Aaron Pridemore WR 90 Kelvin Ume DT 91 Tyler Junius DT 92 Andrew Mayton DE 93 Caleb Hawkins DE 94 John McBeth DE 95 Daniel Nash DE 96 Tahjai Watt LB 97 Ezavian Dunn DT 98 Derrick Davis DT 99 Phillips Marshall DT Quentin Carver OL Tyler Gillen PK Charles Johnson WR Spencer McCoy LB Tyler Mitchell WR
6’1 230 6’3 305 6’3 310 6’3 265 6’0 215 6’1 220 6’1 225 6’3 230 6’3 240 6’0 265 6’2 265 6’3 260 6’2 300 6’2 285 6’6 320 6’2 290 6’3 300 6’4 280 6’2 300 6’2 295 6’4 310 6’4 280 6’2 290 6’7 305 6’6 285 6’2 255 6’4 270 6’1 265 6’5 280 6’0 180 5’11 165 6’4 240 6’0 185 5’10 180 6’0 195 5’11 190 6’0 200 6’0 185 6’2 185 5’10 175 5’10 180 6’2 285 6’0 275 6’3 260 6’3 255 6’2 260 6’4 235 6’5 210 6’2 315 6’0 285 6’2 260 6’3 295 5’10 195 5’9 170 6’2 215 5’10 155
JR FR JR FR FR JR SO JR FR SR JR FR SR FR FR SO JR FR JR JR SO SO SR FR SR FR SO SO SR JR FR JR FR SO FR JR JR SO FR FR JR JR SO JR SR SR JR SO SO SO FR SO SO FR FR FR
COACHES HEAD COACH:.................. Mark Speir ASSISTANT COACH/OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR/QBS: ......Brad Glenn ASSISTANT COACH/DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: ........... Shawn Quinn ASSISTANT COACH/OL/DIRECTOR OF CAMPS & CLINICS: ..... John Holt ASSISTANT COACH/WIDE RECEIVERS: .................. Tyler Carlton ASSISTANT COACH/TES/SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR: ..... Pat Mills ASSISTANT COACH/DEFENSIVE BACKS: ....................... LaMar Morgan ASSISTANT COACH/DES/ RECRUITING COORD: .... Mark Rhea ASSISTANT COACH/RBS/DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEV: ................ De’Rail Sims ASSISTANT COACH/DTS/PRO LIAISON: .................... Dennis Thomas ASSISTANT COACH/CBS: ..................Chris Polizzi DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPERATIONS: .............. Daniel Gibson
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IWANNA® Football Preview
August 18, 2015
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IWANNA® Football Preview
August 18, 2015
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