2016 WNC High School Football Preview

© IWANNA, USA LLC | August 23, 2016

39TH ANNUAl WNC HIGH SCHool

2016 preview WNC TEAM PREVIEWS ROSTERS + SCHEDULES LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS IWANNA’S BEST IN THE WEST

ERWIN’S

FERGUSON

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE’S

ROBINSON

BREVARD’S

ELLENBERGER

MURPHY’S

CURRY

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

TAble oF CoNTeNTS ToUCHdoWN 5| MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC

65| WESTERN NC ATHLETIC

6| MAC PLAYER PROFILE:

66| WNCAC PLAYER PROFILE:

16| 2016 SCHEDULE POSTER 28| SOUTH MOUNTAIN

75| 2016 BEST IN THE WEST

33| WESTERN HIGHLANDS

30| APPALACHIAN STATE

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

TANNER ELLENBERGER

DAMIEN FERGUSON

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

34| WHC PLAYER PROFILE: TREY ROBINSON

48| SMOKY MOUNTAIN

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

49| SMC PLAYER PROFILE:

college previews UNIVERSITY

47| MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 60| BREVARD COLLEGE 86| WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

JOEY CURRY

39TH ANNUAL WNC HIGH SCHOOL GENERAL MANAGER / PUBLISHER

© IWANNA, USA LLC | August 23, 2016

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PATRICIA M. BETTS 2016 preview WNC TEAM PREVIEWS ROSTERS + SCHEDULES LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS IWANNA’S BEST IN THE WEST

PRODUCTION/IT MANAGER

JEFF RUMINSKI CREATIVE DIRECTOR & CONTENT EDITOR

CARRIE HARDER PRODUCTION

DAVID DENTON RACHEL HOEFT DEBI MANFRE RANDY WHITTINGTON ERWIN’S

FERGUSON

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE’S

ROBINSON

BREVARD’S

ELLENBERGER

MURPHY’S

CURRY

CONTRIBUTORS

DANIEL ABIDE LIFETOUCH INC PETE ZAMPLAS Cover designed by Carrie Harder A Publication of

22 GARFIELD STREET, SUITE 100 ASHEVILLE, NC 28803 828.274.8888 IWANNA.COM IWANNA 39th Annual High School Football Preview, a publication of IWANNA, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of IWANNA 39th Annual High School Football Preview may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

4-A 3-A ac reynolds • asheville high • enka Erwin and A.C. Reynolds are atop the 4-A/3-A Mountain Athletic Conference with Asheville, T.C. Roberson and others in pursuit. rwin has senior skill superstars more proven than ACR’s new talent nucleus. The Warriors eye the Rocket blueprint from ’15, for soaring from seven wins to sheer dominance. But even after ACR’s Rico Dowdle advanced to the SEC, Reynolds is a mammoth roadblock.

The two teams clash Sept.

23 — at ACR. A week before, Erwin goes to Franklin to prep for Rocket ruggedness. The Warriors close the regular season by hosting Asheville, in another showdown. AHS hosts ACR, a year after an historic demolition and to start the

post-Danny Wilkins era.

Reynolds rehearses against Erwin’s elite speed Aug. 26, with Shelby, then hosts Erwin Sept.

23 in another Super Bowl. Both MAC powers get many picks as top dog. Erwin could feel more urgency, finally seeing its chance. Any overconfidence plays into ACR hands. Leave it to a product named Reynolds to “foil” Erwin’s challenge and “wrap up” another throne. ACR is in the preseason top ten of N.C. Prep’s 3-A statewide poll.

“You gotta go with the returning champs, Reynolds, then Erwin,” new Roberson head coach J.D. Dinwiddie said. “Then it’s a fight between us and Asheville.” Enka Coach Jeff Frady suggests “Erwin is the most experienced. They’re number one” Erwin Coach Mike Sexton assures ACR with its big line “will be fine,” adding

•

erwin • mcdowell • north buncombe • tc roberson

showdowns of super offenses may tilt to the better defense.

He sees Asheville having a smooth transition, since new head coach David Burdette was “there every step of the way” as Wilkins’ defensive coordinator.

Burdette sees ACR as strong yet less invincible, losing its two running stars, six top tacklers and “leaders.” The current QB shined as a sub. But “we were scheming to stop Rico, not him. How does he react on 60 snaps, not five, and when he’s ‘the man’?”

Reynolds Coach Shane Laws scoffs that it’s simply a “one or two team race. There may be some surprises.” He said TCR and McDowell’s “new leadership may juice them up.”

North Buncombe Coach Curtis Cagle foresees ‘an “interesting race. Everybody lost a lot of firepower. There were three changes in coaches.”

McDowell’s Andy Morgan comes in for one year, before MHS leaves the MAC. He was at TCR for years. “You always have to look at the big three — Asheville, Erwin and Reynolds.

It’s almost like playing in the SEC. You’d better fix mistakes, or else you can get so overwhelmed.”

ERWIN (7-5; 5-1) is excited about an encore of the dynamic passing connection of QB Damien Ferguson (5-11, 170 jr. to C.J. Thompson (5-11, 155 sr.) and Kealin Goode (5-9, 160 sr.). TB Isaiah Poore (5-10, 180 jr.) runs behind pulling guards Gamo Khan (6-4, 320 sr.) and Angel Nunez (5-8, 280 sr.).

Coach Mike Sexton’s “inspired” and talented crew is on a mission.

A.C. REYNOLDS (11-2; 6-0) unleashes another ultra-athletic combo in TB Sean Jones (60, 198 sr.) and and QB Nate

St. Onge (5-11, 175 jr.). Jake Setterlind (6-6, 305 jr.) and C Kyle McWhirt (6-2, 275 sr.) blast holes. OLB Andreas Hill (6-1, 215 sr.) and DE Will Israel (6-2, 220 sr.) spark the defense, which Coach Shane Laws notes is extra “strong up front.” Count on more carnage.

ASHEVILLE (9-3; 4-2) features Makaius Brewer (6-1, 181 sr.) as prime target of QB Devon Davidson (6-0, 175 sr.).

TB Ahmad Shivers (5-5, 160 sr.) and WR Deandre Gaskin (6-2, 225 sr.) are other weapons in the new spread. LT-ILB Andrew Leota (6-3, 221 jr.) is among twoway stars. Micah Robertson (56, 165 sr.) is the top tackler. New head coach David Burdette foresees special “memories.”

T.C. ROBERSON (5-7; 2-4) has game-changers in massive LT-DL Dayquan Watkins (6-7, 350 sr.) and MLB Logan Wells (continues on page 6)

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ac reynolds • asheville high • enka (continued from page 5)

(6-1, 210 sr.). Key Rams include TBs Dez Moorman (5-10, 170 sr.) and Jerome Pulley (5-9, 175 sr.), WR Barshia Young (6-0, 175 jr.) and DE Greg Johnston (6-3, 225 jr.). New head coach J.D. Dinwiddie vows the Rams will“ bust our tails” — and bash many foes’ behinds, too.

NORTH BUNCOMBE (75; 3-3) features WR Blake Mathews (6-3, 180 sr.), also WR David Elkins (6-0, 170 sr.) and RB Nick Lisenbee (5-7, 155 jr.). DT Jacob Villemagne (5-11, 220 sr.) is a stopper.

Coach Curtis Cagle said the Blackhawk O-line with seniors Austin Ponder (6-2, 265 sr.),

•

erwin • mcdowell • north buncombe • tc roberson

Andrew Beck (5-10, 290 sr.) and Jackson Ramsey (6-0, 208 sr.) is the squad’s “heart.”

ENKA (1-10; 0-6) has new QB Avery Holbrook (5-10, 170 sr.), TBs Donyaill Gaines (5-9, 154 sr.) and Austin Clark (5-7, 140 jr.), WB Chase Bennett (5-10, 170 jr.), RG Aaron Norton (6-2, 200 sr.) and DT Colby Swofford

(5-9, 230 jr). Coach Jeff Frady wants the Jets to “jump” up the MAC ranks.

McDOWELL (2-10; 1-5) runs behind guards Jeffrey Burch (65, 290 sr.) and Tre Spearman (65, 275 sr.). QB Ben Ballew (6-0, 215 jr.) throws to Tyler Banks (58, 165 sr.) and Chase Justice (511, 165 sr.). MLB Isham Martino

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(6-2, 215 sr.) spurs the defense.

New head coach Andy Morgan touts his Titans as a “surprise.” written by pete zamplas

erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS • erWIN WArrIorS

a Horror Series for erwin Foes, Thriller for WNC Fans Damien Ferguson has the rifle arm and go-getter determination to lead Erwin Warriors to an historic season, and to pass for more career yards than any other WNC high school player ever. amien, the TV series based on the horror films, debuted in 2014. It is in its third year, just as the 6-1, 185-pound senior is in his third season leading Erwin. He burst onto the scene in 2014 as a sophomore, an all-WAC star. He won his first nine varsity games, for the team’s best start in any season.

Ferguson passed for nearly 2,600 yards along with 24 touchdowns and picks for a 3-to1 TD-INT ratio, in ’14. Then in ’15, he threw for nearly 3,000 yards (2,993, the most among WNC returnees) in 2015, for a two-year total of 5,590. He tossed 27 TDs, vs. 11 picks.

Ferguson is clearly on track to set the WNC career yardage record. He needs 2,300 yards this season to surpass the 7,895 of 2010 Tuscola alum Tyler Brosius.

The 6-4 Brosius, 24, pitched in the Braves’ A-level Carolina Mudcats when injured in a team bus crash last year. Prior Erwin QB Austin Brown came within 116 yards of Brosius’ mark. Brown had almost 5,000 passing yards after two years, Ferguson nearly 5,600.

“Damien has such good arm strength and great accuracy” from “good balance and passing release,” Erwin head coach Mike Sexton said. “He’s very poised.

He’s learned how coverages work.

He knows schemes better. He’s gotten stronger, as well.”

Ferguson is a vocal leader. OC Bucky Tarr urges a “short memory” on mistakes, Sexton noted. “You have to come out every series, and be a leader. Damien takes his responsibility very seriously.”

Enka Coach Jeff Frady said “he’s

a definite playmaker, a special talent as a good runner and great passer. He’s the total package. It seems the game has slowed down for him.” “If he has to run, he can make plays with his feet as well,” Reynolds Coach Shane Laws said.

“He’s done a good job for them.

He makes good decisions with the football. To play quarterback in that system, you have to be intelligent, put the work in and know what you’re doing. He’s obviously done that.”

Ferguson said he admires Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, for adapting to what defenses yield most. “It’s not about himself” passing more. “I strive to be a good team player. As captain, I want to do what’s right and for them to know I won’t let them down.”

The MAC pre-’15 player of the year carries on lineage of Erwin QBs under Sexton, starting with Robbie Nallenweg in 2008. Then came the Brown brothers — Garrett for two years, then Austin for three seasons — and now Ferguson for three seasons. “He falls right in line with the rest of them,” Sexton said.

Paramount for Ferguson is team achievement, starting with winning the tough MAC and the dream of securing Erwin’s firstever football state title. Brown led Erwin in ’12 to its first MAC 3-A title in a dozen years.

Like Brown in his senior year of 2013, Erwin is again ahead of Reynolds and Asheville in a MAC coaches’ preseason poll.

Erwin was also top 10 in 3-A in pre-’13, and Brown was N.C. Preps all-state. But Erwin (9-2 in ‘13) was KOed in round one of playoffs. Potential doesn’t always materialize, especially if joined by overconfidence.

Still, recognition and respect can be a positive catalyst. “It feels great. We deserve the praise and hype,” Ferguson said with

dAmIeN FerGUSoN a chuckle. “As sophomores, we didn’t get out of the first round of playoffs. We’re learning year by year.” He has won 16 games in two years. Senior year is a special, as in Friday Night Lights and other films on prep football, he said. “We grew up dreaming about making something out of our senior year.

We want to progress far in the playoffs.” After Reynold’s super ‘15, “now we have the chance to be the dominating team, to set team scoring records.”

Though Erwin has to play at Reynolds, Ferguson counts on his doing much better than their game in ’15. On a gimpy ankle, when rushed “I scooted too early out of the pocket” to avoid hits.

He realizes mistakes ahead of OC Kevin “Bucky” Tarr quizzing him on sidelines, and when

next in “I fix it.” Coach Sexton is a “motivating coach, a Vince Lombardi type,” he said. “You look to him for inspiration, to get off the ground. He’ll talk you through everything. If we’re down by 50, he still tells us to try harder. We take pride in our name. Warriors never quit!”

He is eldest of three sons. His parents Norman and Christy taught him pride, to avoid partying or other peer pressure.

Memory of Kyri Logan, a teammate fatally shot in February, “pushes us to work harder every day,”Ferguson said. “It’s not just for us, or a championship. It’s for Kyri. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt, if we play to the best of our ability, we can win the MAC and state.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS

Roster

# NAME POS 2 Kejuan Watkins DB/WR 3 R’mani Lynch WR 4 Charlie Lehman LB 5 Dre Dowdle DB 6 Shaqwan Jones RB 7 Andrew Wall TE/P/K 8 Darian Caldwell RB 9 Josh Proffitt LB 10 Kaedin Robinson DB/RB 11 Keyal Talbert SB/FS 12 Nathan St. Onge QB/DB 14 Alex Flinn TE/QB 15 Conor Sullivan DB/TE 17 Cedric Thompkins LB 19 Gabriel Barros DB 20 Coleman Minter DB 21 Andrew McKay DB 22 Caleb Becker DB 23 Will Israel DL 24 Eli Hembree TE/DL 25 Thomas Corbin LB 26 Chayce Plummer LB 30 Christian Drane WR/DB 32 Derek Borden DB 33 George Martinez DL 36 Coby Jones RB/DL 40 Cameron Wingate DB 44 Frank Torres DT/DE 45 Ethan Blakey K 52 Tyler Diaz DT 54 Noah Austin DT 55 Elijah Klepac LB/OL 56 Shi Macpherson DL 58 Tyler Wilson DL 64 PJ Campbell OL 65 Austin Boyd T/C 68 Matt Miller T 71 CJ Elmous OL 72 Jacob Setterlind G 74 Kyle Mcwhirt T/C 75 Travis Ball OL 77 Taylor Buckner G 88 Talon James DE/TE 99 Leonardo Chavez DT

Coach laws Head Coach: Shane Laws Nickname: Rockets School Colors: green, gold, & white

2015 Record: 11-2 (6-0 MAC) address: 1 Rocket Dr, Asheville, NC 28803

A.C. Reynolds looks for an encore to an epic season, reloading its high-octane offense with another 1-2 punch at tailback and quarterback and relying on its rugged defense. nfortunately for foes, Shane Laws’ Reynolds stays in the MAC and did not graduate to the NFL or SEC — though 2015 quarterback Rico Dowdle is a USC Gamecock after scorching WNC defenses.

Reynolds won the 4-A football state title in 1999, 2002, then ’09 under Laws who is in his 10th season in charge.

Last year’s title run was shortcircuited in round two, a week after pasting 71 points. The

AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS Photos by lifetouch photography

offense averaged 49 points, surpassed 50 points seven times and 40 in three other games. Margins in three MAC wins in a row were 61, 57 then 43. ACR unleashed a schoolrecord 56 first-half points on Hendersonville, scoring on all eight first-half drives. Historic was the 54-21 blowout of Asheville Oct. 2, by scoring the most points ever in that arch-rivalry. It followed a 3518 win at Enka, which sparked not a letdown but a shocking

mauling.

Dowdle rushed for 2,545 yards, and TB A.J. Logan topped the 1,000 mark.

Converted QB Dowdle threw for 1,434 yards. His 62 total touchdowns set a WNC mark.

Talk about a hard act to follow.

New QB Nathan St. Onge (5-11, 175 jr.) flashed an impressive preview, in relief during blowouts. He heaved a long TD pass vs. HHS, and often dashed into open space.

He was a starting receiver in

’15. “He’s such a good athlete — an excellent runner who can throw the ball,” Laws said.

“He’s intelligent, in picking up the offense and in making good decisions.” Accuracy and consistency in throwing is the next step. “We’re getting there,” Laws said. “He has poise to handle negatives” and pressure as a new focal point.

The scoreboard keeps electrifying with workhorse TB Sean Jones (6-0, 198 sr.), a second-half nightmare for

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HT. WT. CLASS 5’8 141 11 6’3 175 12 6’1 185 12 6’ 170 11 6’ 198 12 6’ 190 12 5’6 160 11 5’10 159 12 6’3 180 11 5’7 156 12 6’ 168 11 6’2 190 10 6’ 192 12 6’ 201 12 6’ 142 11 6’ 170 11 6’3 116 11 5’10 165 11 6’3 215 12 6’2 193 10 5’8 145 11 6’ 200 11 6’3 160 12 6’ 175 11 6’2 205 10 5’9 200 10 5’6 150 12 6’3 230 11 6’ 202 11 5’10 200 12 6’ 200 12 5’10 185 11 5’10 185 11 6’1 220 10 6’ 200 12 6’3 235 12 5’10 220 12 6’6 225 10 6’6 308 11 6’3 290 12 5’10 190 11 6’2 280 11 6’4 215 11 6’ 260 12

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 West Forsyth

A

08/26/16 Shelby

H

09/02/16 Owen

H

09/09/16 Watauga

H

09/16/16 Hendersonville

A

09/23/16 Erwin*

H

09/30/16 Asheville*

A

10/14/16 Enka*

H

10/21/16 McDowell*

A

10/28/16 Roberson*

H

11/04/16 North Buncombe*

A

*Conference Game

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

AC reYNoldS roCkeTS • AC reYNoldS roCkeTS • AC reYNoldS roCkeTS • AC reYNoldS roCkeTS • AC reYNoldS roCkeTS

blowout victims in ‘15. He averaged 9.5 yards a run. “When he was in, he made plays,” Laws said. “He’s a freak athlete. It’s rare to combine his power and incredible speed (in the low 4.4s). He’ll get the ball a lot this year. It’s Sean’s time to shine.”

Next in is TB Kaiden Robinson (6-1, 185 jr.); then quick Keyal Talbert (5-7, 175 sr.) and Darien Caldwell (5-9, 165 jr.) with “jitterbug” moves, Laws said.

Wide receivers include

Cameron Roberts (5-9, 170 sr.), Eunique Waters (6-2, 175 sr.), and Andrew Moore (6-1, 180 sr.).

Slot receivers are Andrew Wall (5-11, 190 sr.) who punts, backup QB Alex Flinn (6-2, 180 so.), and TE Eli Hembree (6-2, 185 so.).

A large O-line returns guards Jake Setterlind (6-6, 305 jr) and Taylor Buckner (6-2, 280 jr.), and C Kyle McWhirt (6-2, 275 sr.). LT Austin Boyd (6-2, 245 sr.) was the first reserve in ’15. The RT is C.J. Elmous (6-5, 220 so.) or Matt

Miller (5-10, 222 sr.). The new kicker is Ethan Blakey (5-10, 190 jr.) or Wall.

The speedy Rocket 4-2-5 base defense sports DEs Will Israel (6-2, 220 sr.) and Talon James (6-3, 215 jr.), and DTs Leo Chavez 6-0, 240 sr.) and Frank Torres (6-3, 230 jr.). LBs are MLB Chase Plummer (6-1, 200 jr.) and OLBs Josh Proffitt (5-9, 165 sr.), Charlie Lehman (5-11, 180 sr.), and Conor Sullivan (5-11, 185 sr.). DBs are SS Robinson, FS

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE

AC REYNOLDS

Andrew McKay (6-2, 175 jr.); and at CB Rico’s brother Dre Dowdle (5-11, 175 jr.), Coleman Minter (5-9, 170 jr.) and Kejuan Watkins (5-8, 150 jr.).

“Erwin and Asheville are games you have to win” to conquer the MAC, Coach Laws

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noted. The Rockets have a solid shot to win both, and repeat as champions. written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS

Roster

Coach burdette Head Coach: David Burdette Nickname: Cougars School colors: cardinal, black, white

2015 Record: 9-3 (4-2 MAC) address: 419 McDowell St,

Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Cougars proudly carry on after the close of the Danny Wilkins era, with longtime defensive coordinator David Burdette moving up to extend a tradition of excellence while spreading out the offense. ilkins won more (162) football games than any Cougar head coach, averaging 10 wins in his 16 years leading AHS. He coached for 37 years overall. His Cougars won the 2005 state 3-A title, 12 MAC crowns with 10 of them consecutive. AHS stuck with its pro-styled power running rare in the era of spreads. Wilkins will still go to some AHS games, in commenting for WWNC radio. Retired as an educator,

ASHEVILLE COUGARS he now works full-time for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) ministry.

Smash-mouth persists in attitude, Burdette stressed, but not in pounding out run after one. The spread option AHS now uses is what OC Charlie Metcalf adapted from Shrine Bowl coaching in ’15. Burdette notes it gives four optional plays, picking the one for the best “mismatch” against the defensive formation.

Burdette, 46, a 1988 AHS grad, was AHS defensive coordinator since 2011 and joined Wilkins’ new staff in 2000. “Danny’s been a steady force,” Burdette said. “He’s very organized. We played disciplined football.”

Wilkins said his 19-year colleague “knows about film study and preparation. He’s passionate.” Burdette said he’ll “control emotions” during

Photos by daniel abide

games, to better gauge the “big picture.” But he initially remains D-coordinator, too. As such “I’ll still get in their face, to challenge them to do the best they can. I’m a perfectionist, by nature.”

Asheville opened 2015 in a battle of running teams, thumping Franklin by two touchdowns. AHS surpassed 50 points in the two weeks after a rough loss at Reynolds, showing pride and resilience.

Merely three starters return both on offense and defense, but they are stars. All-MAC quarterback Devon Davidson (6-2, 180 sr.) passed for 1632 yards and 13 scores, but also 10 picks in 2015. “He’s extremely smart and competitive. He’s accurate when he stays within himself. He’s forced the ball before. Every bravado quarterback likes to show off his arm. It’s a matter of getting

the ball to the right spot. You don’t have to throw it so hard every time. He’s improved by leaps and bounds, in finding secondary targets and what the defense gives us.” He’ll run more. In the spread “we use similar reads, and pass routes we had out of the I.” Cougar tailback has been a prime gig. Reggie Battle gained 1449 then 1520 yards (and 20 TDs), but has graduated. Now Ahmad Shivers (5-5, 160 sr.) will get nearly 90 percent of carries, Burdette said. “He’s quick (4.5) as lightning now, in accelerating. We’re getting him the ball in space.” He ran for six scores and 8.2 yards a carry, in ’15. RB-slot Kaejan Griffin (5-6, 153 sr.) is the main backup.

Makaius Brewer (6-1, 181 sr.) is among WNC’s best receivers, Burdette said. “He’s strong catching the ball, and fearless across the middle. He’s hard

# NAME POS 1 Makaius Brewer WR/OLB 2 Demarius Weston WR/CB 3 Devon Davidson QB/S 4 Deandre Gaskin WR/DL 5 Taejan Griffin RB/OLB 7 Daniel Green WR/CB 9 Three Hillier QB/OLB 10 Taquandre Bates RB/ILB 11 Kaejan Griffin WR/S 12 Trevon Robinson WR/CB 14 Corey Clement WR/OLB 15 Dana Campbell WR/S 18 Colby Barton WR/CB 19 Alec Horne WR/S 21 Ahmad Shivers RB/OLB 23 Kodi Codrington WR/CB 24 Davis Brooks K 25 Keith Mosely RB/ILB 26 Micah Robertson WR/S 28 Abdell Robinson WR/CB 32 Taevon Edgerton WR/ILB 37 Marquel Bryson WR/FS 40 Jordan Robinson RB/ILB 50 Jourdan Bailey OL/ILB 51 Andrew Leota OL/ILB 52 Alex Jones OL/DL 60 Cullen Henderson OL/DL 61 Logan Parker OL/DL 68 Marvin Pearson OL/DL 70 Noah Britton OL/DL 71 Chris Sorrells OL/DL 72 Jonah Tisdale OL/DL 73 Kaliq Moore OL/DL 74 Jayden Abernathy OL/DL 75 Will Buchanan OL/DL 76 Joe Prock OL/DL 80 Mitchell Tucker WR/S

HT. WT. CLASS 6’1 181 12 5’7 155 12 6’1 182 12 6’2 225 12 5’6 147 12 5’10 156 12 5’7 165 9 5’10 182 11 5’6 153 12 5’9 149 10 5’11 177 11 5’9 158 11 5’6 150 12 5’7 143 12 5’5 160 12 5’7 119 11 5’9 150 12 5’8 160 10 5’6 165 12 5’11 163 11 5’6 174 12 6’2 145 11 5’9 174 10 5’7 172 11 6’3 221 11 5’11 240 12 5’11 238 11 6’2 176 11 6’1 238 12 6’2 310 12 6’2 259 11 5’11 192 10 6’ 237 10 5’7 231 10 6’3 273 10 6’1 252 11 5’9 145 11

coaches David Burdette, Charlie Metcalf, Gene Hammonds, Bill Silver, Jesse Swain, Scott Buchanan, Mike Zybioski, Jordan Phillips, Rahkeem Morgan, Craig Loveland, Brandon Whiteside, Aaron Powell, Zach Gibson, Dustin Mcintee

to bring down. He has (4.5-6) speed to get deep balls, too.

He and Devon have a good connection. Other targets are Dana Campbell (5-9, 158 jr.), Deandre Gaskin (6-2, 225 sr.), Micah Robertson (5-6, 165 sr.) and prospect Tre’Von Robinson (5-9, 149 so.).

“Relentless” LT Andrew Leota (6-3, 221 jr.) “will lay you out” as a blocker, Burdette said.

“He’s even better on defense.

He gets after it. He’s a leader.”

The mobile line is AHS’ fastest in years with strong LG Kaliq Moore (6-0, 237 so.), RT Marvin Pearson (6-1, 238 sr.), RG Jonah Tisdale (5-11, 192 so.), and center Chris Sorrells (6-1, 230 jr.). “They’re extremely strong, and quick” for the spread, Burdette said.

On defense, FS Robertson is the top returning tackler with 100 (8.3 tpg.) CBs Demarius Weston (5-7 155 sr.) and Daniel Green (5-10, 156), and at SS Taejan’s twin Kaejan Griffin (5-6, 153 sr.). The 3-4 defense remains, hinging on ILBs Leota and ILB Corey Clement (5-11, 177 jr.) and OLB Brewer (82 tackles, 6.8 tpg.). Alex Jones (511, 240 sr.) is on the D-line. “We have more size in the interior this year, and speed outside,” Burdette said.

“We have plenty of playmakers,” Coach Burdette said. The Cougars can make “special memories.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS

Roster

Coach frady Head Coach: Jeff Frady Nickname: Jets School colors: blue & white 2015 Record: 1-10 (0-6 MAC) ADDRESS: 475 Enka Lake Rd, Enka,

NC 28728

Enka Jets are eager to steer a new flight pattern — onward and upward. he action film 300 was about outnumbered Spartan warriors, fighting to the end. Any remake of 300 can be about the number of Enka students coming out for football. Rather, 100 then 115 in two years for fourth-year head coach Jeff Frady.

Enka held high-powered Erwin to merely 20 points in ’15, shutting out the Warriors until the final four minutes as among six games “lost in the fourth quarter,” Frady said. Winning close contests is a priority.

The Jets did in the opener, a dramatic two-OT 48-47 win over Owen for their sole win.

New quarterback Avery

ENKA JETS Photos by lifetouch photography

Holbrook (5-10, 170 sr.) was a starting receiver for three years, and now throws the passes.

He is an accurate passer who “makes very intelligent reads,” Frady said. “Kids follow him.

He makes good decisions, on and off the field. He scripts the game in his mind, like writing play. He visualizes success.”

Tough, he also plays safety. His understudy is Taden Clubb (5-8, 150 so.).

Enka may shift to two-thirds of plays in “more power spread,” Frady said. “We won’t spread it out all over the place.” Tailback talent is versatile with chores

split by fastest Jet Donyelle Gaines (5-9, 154 sr.), elusive Austin Clark (5-7, 140 jr.) who reads D’s and cuts well, and “pounder” Colby Warren (5-8, 160 jr.).

Wideouts are Seth Phillips (510, 165 sr.), Jay Walton (6-3, 190 jr.) and Will Redmon (6-1, 180 jr.). Sure-handed slot WBs are “outlet receiver” Chase Bennett (5-10, 170 jr.) and Garrett Banks (6-0, 200 sr.). “Chase can turn around backwards, and catch it with one hand,” Frady said. At TE are Dylan Sprouse (6-3, 205 sr.) and Anthony Johnson (6-2, 214 jr.).

Enka returns seven starters on defense, six on offense — with four on a large “aggressive” line, Frady said. LT Zach Rice (6-1, 240 sr.), LG Jamison Matthews (5-10, 260 sr.), RG Aaron Norton (6-2, 200 sr.) and RT Logan Fender (5-10, 270 so.) are joined by athletic C Blaine Greene (510, 230 jr.). New kicker Mitchell Warren (5-9, 165 sr.) has 40-yard range.

The base 4-2 defense’s starters include ILB Alex Taylor (6-0, 230 sr.), rover Zane Turner (5-9, 160 sr.), Jumbo Jet Sam Spear (6-4, 300 jr. and, “strongest” Jet Colby Swofford

# NAME POS 1 Cameron McClellan WR-DB 3 J Walton WR 4 Colby Warren RB-DB 5 Wyatt Carter WR-DB 6 Kevin Hines WR-DB 7 Josh Roberts HB-LB 8 Taden Clubb QB-DB 9 Isaiah Buchanan WR-DB 10 Donyelle Gaines RB-DB 11 Avery Holbrook QB-DB 12 Chris Corcione WR-DB 15 Zach Bernette WR-DB 16 Mason Bull WR-DB 20 Austin Clark RB-DB 21 Chase Bennett HB-LB 22 Mitchell Warren K 25 Will Redmon WR-LB 26 Michael Childers WR-DB 31 Christian Lipe WR-DB 34 Daniel Ross HB-LB 35 Zane Turner WR-DB 40 Dylan Sprouse TE-DL 42 Alex Taylor OL-LB 43 Hogan Rayle TE-LB 44 Walker Brown RB-LB 50 Blaine Greene OL-DL 51 Jamison Mathews OL-DL 52 Joe Brown OL-DL 53 Colby Swofford OL-DL 54 Aaron Norton OL-DL 56 Brendan McGee OL-DL 58 Justin Parker OL-DL 60 Sam Spear OL-DL 63 Gibson Mcintire OL-DL 64 Hunter Kinlaw OL-LB 65 Brody Moss OL-DL 66 Christian Ensley OL-DL 67 Zach Rice OL-DL 71 Enrique Gonzalez OL-DL 72 Dylan Wilson OL-DL 74 Logan Fender OL-DL 75 Austin Hollar OL-DL 80 Anthony Johnson TE-LB 85 Garrett Banks HB-LB 88 Seth Phillips WR-DB 90 Christian Artus OL-DL

HT. WT. CLASS 5’8 155 11 6’3 190 11 5’7 160 11 5’9 160 11 5’9 160 11 5’9 180 11 5’8 150 10 5’10 155 12 5’10 175 12 5’11 170 12 5’8 160 12 5’7 150 12 5’8 160 11 5’7 150 11 5’9 170 11 5’9 165 12 6’ 185 11 5’9 160 11 5’8 140 11 5’10 170 12 5’7 155 12 6’3 205 12 5’10 210 12 6’ 185 11 5’8 160 12 5’10 230 10 5’11 260 12 5’9 215 12 5’9 225 11 6’1 230 12 5’10 230 11 6’1 280 11 6’4 320 11 5’11 215 11 5’10 205 11 6’2 210 11 5’9 210 12 6’1 240 12 6’ 240 12 6’ 220 12 5’10 270 10 5’9 240 11 6’3 220 11 5’10 200 12 5’10 165 12 5’9 230 11

(5-9, 230 jr) at DT, DE Joe Brown (5-9, 215 sr.), and CBs Cameron McClellan (5-9, 160 jr.), and Chris Corcione (5-8, 160 sr.). LBs are “making better reads,” and overall “scheme and technique is sounder” with “Rugby-style tracking” gang-tackling, Coach Frady said. Scanning the MAC seven-team landscape, he reasons we can “jump up to fifth” atop the lower tier.” written by pete zamplas

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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 • eNkA JeTS

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/116

West Forsyth Shelby Owen Watauga Hendersonville Erwin* Asheville* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*

ENKA JETS

ASHEVILLE COUGARS A H H H A H A H A H A

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Franklin Newton-Conover Pisgah Southern Lee AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*

A H A A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

*Conference Game

Brevard Tellico Plains Mitchell Union County Fannin County Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain* Cherokee* Hayesville*

CHEROKEE BRAVES H A H H A H A A H A H

*Conference Game

Murphy West Henderson East Henderson North Henderson AC Reynolds Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery* Mitchell* Owen* Polk*

H A H A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Andrews Rosman Madison Enka Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*

*Conference Game

A H H A A H A H A H A

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/15/16 09/23/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Trinity Academy Mitchell Choctaw Central Cosby Smoky Mountain Murphy* Swain* Rosman* Andrews* Robbinsville* Hayesville*

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS A H A A A A H A H A H

08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Copper Basin Union County Enka Rosman* Swain* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews* Cherokee*

West Henderson North Buncombe Rosman Brevard Pisgah Polk County* Hendersonville* Owen* Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage*

A A H H A H H A A

*Conference Game

MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS H A A A H H A H A H A

*Conference Game

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/20/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

East Rutherford Roberson Hendersonville Polk County Pisgah* North Henderson* Brevard* Smoky Mountain* Franklin* Tuscola* West Henderson*

*Conference Game

H H A H A A H A H A H

MURPHY BULLDOGS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Hendersonville Franklin Carolina Wildcats North Georgia Gilmer Cherokee* Robbinsville* Andrews* Hayesville* Swain* Rosman*

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16

Rutherfordton-Spindale Central H Avery County A Tuscola H Mitchell A Owen A Roberson* H North Buncombe* A Erwin* H Asheville* A A.C. Reynolds* H Enka* A

*Conference Game

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

A H A H A H A H A H A

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/08/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Smoky Mountain Charlotte Country Day Christ School Rabun Gap Andrews* Murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Cherokee* Swain*

Pisgah Madison Mountain Heritage West Henderson Mitchell Enka* McDowell* Roberson* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds*

A H A H H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/30/16 10/06/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

West Wilkes Cherokee Andrews McDowell North Buncombe Owen* Polk County* Hendersonville* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery County*

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS H A A H A H H A H A A

*Conference Game

EAST HENDERSON EAGLES A A H H A A H H A A H

Davidson Day Mountain Heritage Ooltewah Science Hill Franklin AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Asheville*

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS

H A A A A H H A H A

*Conference Game

ROSMAN TIGERS 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 11/04/16

Brevard Madison Mountain Heritage Trinity Academy Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain* Murphy*

H H A H A H A H A H

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/20/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Asheville Murphy Swain County Erwin Brevard* Pisgah* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* East Henderson* West Henderson* Tuscola*

*Conference Game

David Crockett Erwin North Buncombe Rosman West Henderson Hendersonville* Polk County* Owen* Mitchell* Avery* Madison*

H A H H A H A A A H H

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16

Enka Tuscola AC Reynolds McDowell Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Hendersonville* Polk County*

H A A H H A H A H A

*Conference Game

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Roberson Polk County Swain County Hendersonville West Henderson* East Henderson* Tuscola* Franklin* Pisgah* Brevard* Smoky Mountain*

*Conference Game

Chase North Henderson R-S Central Landrum East Henderson Madison* Mountain Heritage* Mitchell* Avery* Owen* Hendersonville*

A H A H A A H A H H A

*Conference Game

NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS H A A H H A H A H A H

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/06/16 10/14/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

H A A H A A H H H H H

PISGAH BLACK BEARS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

North Buncombe Enka Asheville Madison East Henderson* Franklin* West Henderson* Tuscola* North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Brevard*

*Conference Game

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/15/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Robbinsville Swain Enka Cherokee Tuscola* West Henderson* Franklin* East Henderson* Brevard* Pisgah* North Henderson*

*Conference Game

A H H A A A H A H A H

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Hapeville Charter Smoky Mountain North Henderson Franklin Tuscola Hayesville* Cherokee* Andrews* Rosman* Murphy* Robbinsville*

H A H H A H A A H A H

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS 08/19/16 08/25/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Madison Hendersonville North Buncombe Mountain Heritage North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Pisgah* Brevard* Tuscola* Franklin* East Henderson*

A H A H H A H A A H A

*Conference Game

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS H A H A A H A H A H A

North Henderson East Henderson East Rutherford Freedom Crest McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds* Enka*

*Conference Game

POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES

*Conference Game

FRANKLIN PANTHERS H A A H H H A H A A H

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS

*Conference Game

OWEN WARHORSES

ROBERSON RAMS

*Conference Game

*Conference Game

MADISON PATRIOTS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 11/03/16

MCDOWELL TITANS

*Conference Game

*Conference Game

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS 08/19/16 08/25/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 11/04/16

Owen Pisgah Smoky Mountain Hayesville Brevard North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*

*Conference Game

ANDREWS WILDCATS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

ERWIN WARRIORS

A H A H H H A A H A A

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Patton Owen McDowell Swain County Smoky Mountain* Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*

*Conference Game

H H A H A H A A H H A

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS

Coach Sexton Head Coach: Mike Sexton Nickname: Warriors School colors: red & white 2015 Record: 7-5 (5-1 MAC) address: 60 Lees Creek Rd,

Asheville, NC 28806

Damien III is the action drama about Erwin Warriors whose superstar quarterback ignites a high-octane offense in his encore season and spooks the opposition. amien Ferguson (61, 180 sr.) is in his third year at QB. He won his first nine varsity games, in 2014, for the team’s best start in any season. Then the all-WAC star threw for nearly 3,000 yards (2,993, the most among WNC returnees) in 2015, for a two-year total near 5,600. “He’s learned how coverages work,” head coach Mike Sexton said.

ERWIN WARRIORS Photos by lifetouch photography

“We have been blessed with some tremendous skill kids.

His receiving corps from last year is even better, and we have good additions.” Thus, look for Erwin to stretch to eight its consecutive winning

seasons under Sexton. Six starters return on offense, and three on defense.

Both swift slot receivers wreck havoc on Erwin’s new turf. Playmaker C.J. Thompson (5-11, 155 sr.)

caught 72 passes for 10 TDs in ’15. He is Erwin’s fastest (4.5s). “He’s dynamic in the open field,” Sexton said. “If it’s a one or 80-yd pass, every time he touches it he can take it to the end zone.” Kealin

Goode (5-9, 160 sr.) caught 63 passes for six scores.

“Kealin runs great routes, has good hands and is strong for his size,” Sexton said. “He’s a great leader.” The two “impact” wideouts are Trey

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

WARRIORS!

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS

Martin (5-9, 165 sr.) who “can fly as well,” and sharp new starter Bryan Anuel (6-1, 170 jr.) with “long reach and great hands.”

TB Isaiah Poore (5-10, 180 jr.) scored on nine runs, and gained 670 yards (6 ypc.). TB Quentin Smith (5-10, 200 sr.) vies for much time. “Both have great speed,” Sexton said.

“We can run inside or outside.

They can go out as receivers.

It’s a gift from Santa Claus to be both strong up the middle and quick outside.”

A large Warrior line returns RG Gamo Khan (6-4, 320 sr.)

and LG Angel Nunez (5-8, 280 sr.), who pull often. New are feisty center Matthew Shook (5-10, 210 sr.), and tackles Dillon Luther (6-1, 270 so.) and Jackson Gouge (6-0, 230 so.).

The 3-4 base defense returns ILBs Keylen Johnson (5-8, 197 jr.), Chris McDonald (5-10, 200 sr.). OLBs are Tanner Wilson (6-3, 215 sr.) and Blaze Biddix (6-2, 210 jr.). DT Ethan Silver (6-2, 240 sr.) and DE Ethan Lunsford (6-0, 245 jr.) are up front. The new secondary has CBs Isaiah Towe (5-8, 150 sr.) and Za Plummer (6-0, 165 sr.).

Safeties are Alex McGlothlin

(5-10, 165 sr.) and Jacob Silver (6-2, 245 jr.).

“We’ll hang our hat on quickness, and attitude,” Sexton said. The team honors late teammate Kyri Logan, a big guard fatally shot in a suspected homicide in February, with helmet stickers and putting his no. 74 on cleats. Players still mourn, but are “also inspired,” Coach Sexton said. “This is a tightknit group” with many special missions. written by pete zamplas

Roster

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Davidson Day

H

08/26/16 Mountain Heritage

H

09/02/16 Ooltewah

A

09/09/16 Science Hill

H

09/16/16 Franklin

A

09/23/16 AC Reynolds*

A

09/30/16 Enka*

H

10/07/16 McDowell*

A

10/14/16 Roberson*

H

10/21/16 North Buncombe*

A

11/03/16 Asheville*

H

*Conference Game

# NAME POS CLASS HT. 2 Damien Ferguson QB, DB Sr. 5-11 3 Kealin Goode SB, CB Sr. 5-7 4 Quentin Smith RB, DE Sr. 5-10 6 Isaiah Poore RB, OLB Jr. 5-10 8 Cj Thompson WR, SS Sr. 5-11 9 Trey Martin WR, CB Jr. 5-9 14 Bryan Anuel WR Jr. 6-1 16 Za Plummer Sr. 20 Keylen Johnson MLB Jr. 5-8 22 Alex Mcglothlin FS, WR Sr. 5-10 26 Isaiah Towe C, WR Sr. 5-7 28 Blaze Biddix Jr. 6-0 29 Zack Thompson WR, SS Sr. 33 Tanner Wilson G, DT Sr. 6-3 48 Chris Mcdonald Sr. 51 Bradley Griffin DT, G Jr. 5-10 55 Ethan Silver C, DT Sr. 6-2 56 Matthew Shook C, NG Sr. 5-6 60 Angel Nunez G, NG Sr. 5-8 68 Gamo Khan C Sr. 6-4

Dillon Luther 6-1

JACOB SILVER 6-1

Jesse Hembree Jr. 5-11

Kendell Dover

Simeon Thompson So. 5-5

WILL DORSEY Jr.

ZACK SMITH

WT. 185 150 200 180 155 165 165 197 165 146 180 200 205 240 200 265 320 265 145 165 130

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS • MCDOWELL TITANS

Roster

Coach morgan Head Coach: Andy Morgan Nickname: Titans School colors: blue & gray 2015 Record: 4-8 (1-5 MAC) address: 600 McDowell High Dr,

Marion, NC 28752

McDowell has a new coach, skill stars and versatile spread offense. ndy Morgan succeeds Carson Gowan, whose high point in eight years was 8-4 in 2012. The lone MAC win in ’15 was over Enka. “I’m a fiery guy,” said Morgan, 40. He was a McDowell football assistant coach in 1998-2003. He coached the Titan track team to its first-ever conference title. He’s been at T.C. Roberson since, leading mostly the offense.

MHS returns seven of 11 starters on offense, and six on defense. The Titans, who ran the I, now spread it out. “It’s a numbers game,” Morgan said.

“If you leave seven in the box, we’ll throw and stretch the field vertically and horizontally. If

MCDOWELL TITANS Photos by lifetouch photography

you spread out with us, we’ll play smash-mouth football. A misconception is the spread is soft. No, we’ll mash you. We’re big up front.” The pace is brisk, with no huddles.

MHS returns nearly 1500 yards in its tailback tandem of Terrion Camp (5-11, 150 sr.) and Matthew Moss (5-10, 180 sr.); both gained about six yards a carry. Camp runs a 4.55. “We’ll run a lot of inside and outside zone,” Morgan said. “They set up blocks patiently, then turn it on to hit the hole. They have speed around the corner. So we’ll run a lot of veer, pitching it to them.” H-backs are Isham Martino (6-2, 215 sr.) and

Andrew Davis (5-11, 220 so.).

Ben Ballew (6-0, 215 jr.) emerged at QB, to succeed Casey Ray. “Ben has a good arm, and makes good decisions,” Morgan said. He looks to WR Chase Justice (5-11, 165 sr.) who caught 23 passes, and twins WR-QB Adam Randolph (6-0, 175 so.) and Andrew Randolph (6-0, 175 so.). The two slot targets are Tyler Banks (5-8, 165 sr.) who gained over 20 yards a catch, and J.C. Olivo (5-8, 155 so.).

The huge line shifts a duo from tackle to guards inside -- LG Jeffrey Burch (6-5, 290 sr.) and Tre Spearman (6-5, 275 sr.). Mobile center Corey

Ledford (6-2, 385 sr.) and LT Dillon Moore (5-10, 235 jr.) start. Options are Taylor Miller (5-11, 250 jr.), and “Fridge”-like blocking RT Ricky Amador (5-9, 275 jr.) who pressed 185 pounds 36 straight times. “It’s about taking good angles,” Morgan said.

He brings a 4-3 defense from TCR. MLB Martino won the Highland Games wrestling adult title this summer. Starters include OLB Kaali Tobe (5-9, 180 sr.), DT Amador and Kevin Thomas (6-0, 220 jr.), DE: Alex Marsh (6-2, 225 sr.), CB Micah Detwiler (5-10, 175 sr.) and SS Tyler Banks (5-8, 165 sr.).

“Talent is fine here. The kids

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 1 Trevor Pear10n WR/DB 5’10 150 11 4 Tyler Banks 5 Ben Ballew QB/MLB 6’ 215 11 6 Julio Olivo WR/DB 5’7” 160 10 12 Brandon Effler WR/DB 6’ 175 10 13 Adam Randolph WR/QB/DB 6’ 175 10 14 Malcolm Wallace WR/DB 5’11 160 11 20 Chase Justice WR/DB 6’1 170 12 21 Matthew Moss RB/DB 5’10 180 12 22 Deandre Collins WR/DB 5’8 170 11 23 Terrion Camp RB/DB 6’ 172 12 24 Christopher Barrier WR/DB 6’ 173 12 25 Micah Detwiler WR/DB 5’10 175 12 26 Gage Honeycutt RB/DB 5’9 180 10 28 Jordan Sexton TE/OLB 6”2 205 12 31 Juan Bustos WR/OLB 6’ 195 12 32 Kaali Tobe 185 33 Ishman Martino RB/MLB 223 12 34 Andrew Davis RB/OLB 5’11 220 10 40 Nicholas Smith RB/OLB 5’11 170 11 50 Tre’ Speaarman OL/DL 6’5 275 12 51 Ryan Snoddy OL/DL 6’3 230 11 52 Noah Lunsford OL/DL 6’ 205 11 54 Dillon Moore Ol/DL 5’10 235 11 55 Ricky Amador OL/DL 5’11 275 11 56 Damon McNeely OL/MLB 5”11 225 12 60 Edward Angeles OL/DL 6’1 275 12 61 Richard Gardin OL/DL 6’1 255 12 64 Eric Miller OL/DL 6’1 215 11 66 Isaac Alli10n OL/DL 5’8 180 11 67 Corey Ledford OL/DL 6’2 385 12 68 Devin Sisk OL/DL 5’9 260 11 70 trey Beverly OL/MLB 5’10 205 11 71 Kevin Thomas OL/DL 6’ 220 11 72 Jared Lonnon OL/DL 6’3 230 12 73 Jeffrey Burch OL/DL 6’4.5 290 12 74 Coby Conley OL/DL 6’2 295 11 78 Taylor Miller OL/DL 5’11 250 12 80 Andruw Randolph WR/DB 6’ 178 10 81 Austin Prince WR/DB 5’10 168 11 85 Jonathan Kitchens TE/DL 6’6 240 11 86 Cole England K/P 6’1 155 11 87 Andrew Cowles WR/DB 6’4 175 12 88 Chase Baird K 5’8 140 11

just need fundamentals, and greater confidence,” Coach Morgan said. “ They’re doing a great job of pacing themselves one day at a time. Win today, over the next two hours.” He said “with our athletes and physicalness, we’re going to surprise some people with how competitive we can be” in the MAC. written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS

Roster

# NAME 3 SPENCER BUCKNER 4 BLAKE MATHEWS 6 LEVI WHITE 7 CONNOR DAVIS 8 BROCK MACE 9 EMORY PENNELL 11 AUSTIN REEVES 12 NICK LISENBEE 19 LEVI OGDEN 22 DAKOTA VOSBURG 24 HAYDEN DeHART 25 DILLON AKINS 32 CORBIN SLUDER 33 DILLON ROBINSON 34 ANTHONY CAMACHO 40 BRITTEN BARRY 43 COLETON SPRINKLE 45 TANNER RAMSEY 48 AYDAN ARROYO 50 AUSTIN McWHIRT 52 NIC CASTELLUCCI 53 JOHN KIGER 55 MATT RUIZ 63 ANDREW BECK 64 CHRIS DILLS 65 JACKSON RAMSEY 68 REESE GERMAN 70 AUSTIN PONDER 72 JONATHAN VASQUEZ 74 ZACK BUCKLEW 75 JACOB VILLEMAgnE 88 JOHNNY LAWS 89 RYAN REVIS 94 DAVID MAYNOR

Coach Cagle Head Coach: Curtis Cagle Nickname: Black Hawks School colors: black, sapphire 2015 Record: 4-7 (3-3 MAC) address: 890 Clarks Chapel Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787

North Buncombe head coach Curtis Cagle has coached his most talented squad ever this summer. agle led the West in the East-West All-Star game in Greensboro July 20. The stars are new graduates, in a last hurrah. They include his star quarterback, Chase Parker.

He threw for 2487 then 2117 passing yards in the last two years, in the shotgun spread.

The Blackhawks again were .500 in the tough MAC. A key win was over Roberson. “We did very well,” Cagle said. “We

CLASS 11 12 11 10 12 10 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 12

coaches HEAD COACH: CURTIS CAGLE ASSISTANT COACHES: CHRIS SHERRILL, ROGER HARRIS, TOBY ANDERSON, JEREMY CAGLE, CHRIS HIGHTOWER, GARY MASSEY, DARYL FOX, CARLOS PEREZ, CHUCK MYERS, ADAM ATKINSON

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS Photos by daniel abide

competed hard. We had our chances” in two near upsets. The Hawks were within two of a huge upset, falling 36-34 at Erwin.

And a team they did upend in ’14, Pisgah, edged them by a point in the opener. They twice won big — by 35 and 31 points.

North Buncombe returns six starters on offense, five on defense.

Big-play receiver Blake Mathews (6-3, 180 sr.) finds the end zone. He scored on 12 of his 35 receptions in ‘15, which is better than one of every three

catches. He racked up 1016 yards, averaging a sensational 29 yards per catch. “Blake has great hands,” Cagle said. “He doesn’t let the ball get to his body. So it makes for a soft catch. And so when he’s hit in traffic, the ball doesn’t bounce off his body.

His size, strength and speed are huge in double coverage.”

The “catch” is that he was part of a star tandem with grad Ricky Thrash, who as the proven deep threat was double-covered more. Possession WR David Elkins (6-0, 170 sr.) could be the

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS

next Robin sidekick to Batman.

“He ran track, and got faster,” Cagle said. Then once again, Cagle said, “you can’t double two. If you double one, we’ll just go to the other.”

Play-calling will be more creative, especially until the new QB matures. “Blake and David are good athletes, who run well,” Cagle said. “We have to figure how to get the ball into their hands. Whether it’s out of the backfield, or sending them in motion” for pitchouts or direct snaps. A main way remains to “throw to them short, and let them run. Or find them deep.”

Mathews creates chances. He took two interceptions and two punt returns to the house. His 16 total TDs was second in the MAC to only ACR star Rico Dowdle.

Mathews is eyed by opposing defenses, and by Duke for the next level.

“We need others to step in, and play huge roles,” Cagle said. That starts at quarterback.

Contenders are Brock Mace (510, 190 sr.) , Connor Davis (6-1, 160 so.) who was the backup, and ’15 JV starter Caden Higgins (5-6, 140 so.). “Brock has the strongest arm,” Cagle said. “Their accuracy is similar.

When the bullets fly, you have to make throws under extreme pressure. Connor was a very excitable, unsure freshman” in limited action. “Caden seems

very relaxed. The game should come to him naturally.”

NBHS has up to five receivers at once, and may start deploying two backs at once with one crossing in motion. Quickcutting RB Nick Lisenbee (5-7, 155 jr.) is “seeing holes much better,” Cagle said. He ran for six TDs, and 4.4 yards a pop.

A major strength is up front.

“We have five experienced people in front of the (new) quarterback. He can trust that line, and settle in much quicker.”

The unit is Austin Ponder (6-2, 265 sr.), Andrew Beck (5-10, 290 sr.), David Maynor (6-1 1/2, 212 jr.), Jackson Ramsey (6-0, 208 sr.) and John Kiger (6-1, 225 jr.).

The key is being “aggressive, in getting off the ball.” New kicker Johnny Laws (5-9, 160 sr.) can boom 45-yarders.

The defense is 4-3, 4-2-5 versus the spread. Returning starters are OLB Dakota Vosburg (6-1, 185 sr.), MLB Dillon Robinson (57, 193 sr.), DT Jacob Villemagne (5-11, 220 sr.), and safeties Elkins and SS Spencer Buckner (6-0, 190 jr.). “Are they hitters? I know at least a few absolutely will be,” Coach Cagle said. “They’re intelligent, and fundamentally sound. They’ll do their job, and find their identity.” He sees Hawks as they gain experience forging more success from “the fire” of the MAC. written by pete zamplas

25

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS

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Roster

# NAME POS CLASS 1 Barshia Young WR/DB 11 2 Devon Wiley WR/DB 11 3 Tavon Scott WR/DB 12 4 Zabian Grant WR/DB 12 6 Jerome Pulley RB/LB 12 7 Logan Wells RB/LB 12 8 LeJuan Rush RB/LB 12 9 Davis Phillips WR/DB 12 10 Jordan Jackson WR/DB 12 11 Dakota Jackson WR/DB 11 12 Micah Jenkins WR/DB 12 14 Bryson Case RB/LB/P 12 15 Ty Gossett QB 10 21 Mikal Timpson WR/DB 12 22 Kai Anthony RB/LB 11 23 Jackson Gibson WR/DB 12 24 Tristan McAfee WR/DB 10 25 Shaq Gist RB/LB 11 28 Quanzae James RB/DB 12 33 Zack Myers RB/LB 11 34 Dez Moorman RB/DB 12 44 Greg Johnston OL/DL 11 50 Matthew Mendez OL/DL 11 51 Jack Bruce OL/DL/K 12 52 Brodie Sanford OL/DL 11 53 Ryan Ruff OL/LB 12 54 Jamil Lloyd OL/DL 12 55 Seth Rowe OL/DL 11 58 Blake Yeager OL/DL 12 60 Vladislav Rakhouski OL/DL 11 62 Davon Hazel OL/DL 11 64 Logan Lynch OL/DL 11 65 Jordan Mitchell OL/DL 11 76 DayQuan Watkins OL/DL 12 77 Mark Rivera OL/DL 11 78 Orian Dunbar OL/DL 12 80 Jake Cannon WR/DB 11 82 Lars Lewis WR/LB 12 84 Jordan McNell WR/DE 11 85 KJ Johnson WR/DB 11 88 Seth Hutzler WR/DB 12

Christian Zapherson OL/DL 11

Coach dinwiddie Head Coach: JD Dinwiddie Nickname: Rams School colors: navy blue & Vegas gold

2015 Record: 3-9 (2-4 MAC) ADDRESS: 250 Overlook Rd,

Asheville, NC 28803

“If you can beat them, join them and lead them.” hat should be the motto of T.C. Roberson’s new head coach, Jason “J.D.” Dinwiddie. His former team, North Henderson, opened last season with a 14-7 victory over TCR. Roberson’s motto can be “if you can’t beat them, get their coach.”

He went 14-31 in four years at NHHS. In ’15, he had a winning mark overall and in the WNC Athletic Conference. Ironically, in realignment next year, North follows its former coach into the MAC. Prior TCR coach Chris Deal was 3-9 last year, and 8-16 overall in two seasons of sub.500 MAC marks.

ROBERSON RAMS “I’m excited. This is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. TC has a solid tradition in many sports. We expect to get back” into the MAC elite.

The perpetually athletic Rams shared the overall MAC title in 2012 at 5-1 (9-2 overall), then drifted downward.

Last year, TCR opened MAC play by again beating McDowell — the MAC’s other 4-A school — to automatically qualify for playoffs. Next year, playoff

Photos by daniel abide

competition zooms for TCR as it slides back to 3-A and stays in an all-3-A MAC that boots 4-A McDowell. TCR also beat Enka.

Its first three MAC losses were by merely three, four (to lofty Erwin) then seven points.

Dinwiddie deploys an entertaining spread offense.

He said new quarterback Ty Gossett (6-2, 220 so.) has picked it up. “Ty is smart, and has a good arm.”

Athletic tailback Dez

Moorman (5-10, 170 sr.) topped 750 yards (6.7 ypc.), and ran for nine TDs. He is due back from an accident for the MAC season. Until then, carries go to powerful Jerome Pulley (5-9, 175 sr.), slasher Shaq Gist (6-0, 185 jr.), Tristan McAfee (6-0, 180 so.) and Lejuan Rush (5-10, 210 sr.). “They’re tough, hardnosed,” Dinwiddie said.

Receivers include Barshia Young (6-0, 175 jr.), Mikal Jenkins (6-1, 160 sr.), Jackson

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 North Henderson

A

08/26/16 East Henderson

H

09/02/16 East Rutherford

H

09/09/16 Freedom

A

09/16/16 Crest

A

09/23/16 McDowell*

A

10/07/16 North Buncombe*

H

10/14/16 Erwin*

A

10/21/16 Asheville*

H

10/28/16 AC Reynolds*

A

11/04/16 Enka*

H

*Conference Game

continues on page 29

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS • roBerSoN rAmS

Gibson (5-10, 145 sr.), Seth Hutzler (5-10, 150) and lanky West Henderson import Davis Phillips (6-4, 170 sr.).

The Rams return a huge talent up front, in all-MAC RT Dayquan Watkins (6-7, 350 sr.).

“He can dominate. He’s very skilled and strong, and in his best shape, Dinwiddie said. At LT is Brodie Sanford (5-11, 270

jr.), or Jack Bruce (6-2, 215 sr.) who classic rock fans figure can “Cream” on-rushing foes.

Guards are Seth Rowe (6-1, 228 jr.), Anthony Mendez (5-7, 206 jr.) at LG, and Orion Dunbar (510, 230 sr.) or Jordan Mitchell (5-10, 215 jr.) on the right side.

The center is Jamil Lloyd (5-8, 220 sr.) or Ryan Ruff (5-11, 230 sr.).

The 4-3 base defense stars MLB Logan Wells (6-1, 210 sr.). He is fourth best among WNC returnees in tackles (141), making 11.8 per game. “Logan is one of the most aggressive kids I’ve ever coached. He’s awesome,” Dinwiddie said.

Seth Griswold took his 162 tackles to Christ School. But LBs Kai Anthony (5-10, 185 jr.) and

Zach Myers (5-7, 180 jr.) step up. Myers, among others, is “strong as an ox, and has a nose for the ball,” Dinwiddie said.

D-only likely starters include DEs Greg Johnston (6-3, 225 jr.) and Jordan McNeill (6-4, 210 jr.), and safeties Mikel Timpson (6-1, 170 sr.), Bryson Case (6-1, 190 sr.) and Micah Jenkins (55, 145 jr.). “We’re stout” on D,

Proud to support

27

Dinwiddie said. “We’re strong and physical on the front end, athletic on the back end. We can be very aggressive.”

In the overall MAC race, “I’m hoping it’s us” on top, Coach Dinwiddie said. “Our kids are improving. We gotta earn that respect and recognition. We’re going to bust our tails for it.” written by pete zamplas

TC ROBERSON RAMS

28

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

2-A 3-A r-S CeNtrAl • CHASe • eASt rUtHerFord • SHelBY • BUrNS • CreSt • kINgS moUNtAIN • drAUgHN • eASt BUrke The South Mountain Athletic Conference’s Dynamic Duo are each preseason picks to repeat as state champions. rest in 3-A and threetime 2-A reigning champ Shelby are each top choices of N.C. Preps.

The Cleveland County arch rivals dominate the SAC, and their annual showdown is must-see football for “SMAC Talk” rights.

Crest hosts, in the regularseason finale Nov. 4. Crest won 40-33 at Shelby last Nov. 6, after winning 21-13 at home in ‘14.

Still, Shelby beat all others, in ‘15. The Golden Lions surpassed 40 points five times including in the 57-21 title win over Kinston and in blasting powerful A.C. Reynolds 56-39 early; those teams meet again, at ACR in week two.

Crest went unbeaten for the second straight year overall, and has for all four of its SMAC seasons. The Chargers won by an average count of 41-15, in ‘15. One of their two 50plus showings was in crushing Durham Southern 55-21 to win the 3-A championship. Both Cleveland County teams have all-state stars this year, and year produce D1 and even pro talent.

Kings Mountain (6-2) and East Burke (5-3) also had winning seasons in the SMAC and overall.

HeAd CoACH: LanCe Ware NICkNAme: goLden LionS SCHool ColorS: oLd goLd, bLaCk 2015 reCord: 15-1 (7-1 SMaC) AddreSS: 230 e dixon bLvd, SheLby,

nC 28152

SHelBY goldeN lIoNS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/01/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Freedom A.C. Reynolds South Point R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Draughn* Crest*

*Conference Game

H A H H A H A H A H A

SHELBY has a duo that is allstate for the entire state and all levels this preseason, as chosen

by N.C. Preps.

They are WR Jayden Borders (5-11, 175 sr.) and LB Dax Hollifield (6-2, 225 jr.). Borders has already the career receiving yard leader for Shelby and Cleveland County. He was Shelby’s first 1000-yard receiver ever in ’14. He grabbed 84 passes for 1173 yards. Then last year he gained nearly 1700 yards on 90 catches. He boosted his average gain by five yards, to 19. More than one-fourth of his receptions in ’15 went for TDs -- 24, more than double his 10 in ‘14. His 80-yard TD pass play lit the fire over Kinston. Borders was A.P. all-state for last year.

Top runner Xavier Brooks (5-7, 180 jr.) returns. He ran for 1376 yards (7.2 ypc.) and for 17 TDs, as a sophomore. RB Juwan Sims (5-9, 206 sr.) ripped off 18 yards a carry, and as a sub QB threw for seven TDs in ’15. The mostly brand new QB, Malik Sarratt (60, 190 jr.), succeeds QB Darquez Lee. Lee threw for 4562 yards and for 60 TDs vs. merely 13 picks. He hit on five TD passes in the title victory. He threw for seven scores vs. East Burke, six twice, and five TDs four other times.

Big Lions include DL O.J. Ross (6-3, 276 sr.), these OL -- Daniel Floyd (6-2, 280 sr), Darius Clark (6-2, 270 sr.), Turner Smith (6-4, 285 jr.), and Darius Archie (60, 283 sr.); and two-way Gesus Hartgrove (6-0, 260 sr.).

Hollifield and eight sacks. DL Michael Carson (5-10, 175 sr.) had 12 sacks and 113 tackles.

Damonte Poole had 12 picks; he graduated.

This could be the year for Shelby to finally get by Crest.

Golden Lions Coach Lance Ware won 31 times in the last two years, and is gunning for the school’s seventh state title.

HeAd CoACH: WiLL CLark NICkNAme: ChargerS SCHool ColorS: green, vegaS goLd 2015 reCord: 16-0 (8-0 SMaC) AddreSS: 800 oLd boiLing SpringS

rd, SheLby, nC 28152

CreSt CHArgerS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

South Point Ashbrook Draughn* Roberson R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby*

HeAd CoACH: CLint bLand NICkNAme: CavaLierS SCHool ColorS: red, bLaCk 2015 reCord: 5-7 (3-5 SMaC) AddreSS: CavaLier dr.,

HeAd CoACH: toM broWn NICkNAme: CavaLierS SCHool ColorS: bLue 2015 reCord: 8-6 (5-3 SMaC) AddreSS: 3695 e burke bLvd,

ForeSt City, nC 28043 A H A H H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

CREST graduated its deadly 1-2 punch. QB Willie Green threw for 3655 yard, 33 TDs and merely eight picks. He ran for two TDs. Tre Harbison ran for 2078 yards and 37 TDs. He caught six TD passes. They tallied 78 TDs, and 6281 total yards.

The consolation is top receiver Tyshun Odom (6-0, 172 sr.) is back.

He had 1438 total receiving yards, on 72 receptions to average 20 per catch. He scored 15 TDs on passes — nearly one per game. Mini splitback Jarius Strong (5-5, 130 sr.) caught 28 passes.

Cameron Peeler (5-11, 165 sr.) was even in yards passing and running as a backup QB in ’15, and could get the keys this time.

The Crest defense pastes foes with pre-’16 all-state LB Justin Foster (6-5, 255 sr.). He made 12 tackles for losses, three INTs and three sacks. LB Tavian Brintley (6-3, 215 sr.) had two sacks, and FS M.J. McLuney (6-0, 169 sr.) also topped 60 tackles. Crest graduated Tyriek Ramseur and DeQuondre Wilson and their 13 picks, and Aaron Ramseur’s 160 tackles and seven sacks. But the family legacy continues with MLB B.J. Ramseur (5-10, 210 so.).

Also look for impact from RB Isaiah Jennings (5-6, 143 jr.), WR Wesley Bullard (5-10, 155 sr.), tackle Bryson Ervin (6-4, 275 sr.), and LB Devon Hunt (5-11, 186 jr.).

Second-year head coach Will Clark carries on a legacy. Crest has won 3 of every 4 games in recent years for a markof 138-50, including 65-19 in the SMAC.

ConneLLy SpringS, nC 28612

e rUtHerFord CAVAlIerS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

East Henderson North Gaston Roberson Kings Mountain* East Burke* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase*

A H A H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

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.

Demetrius Mauney (6-0, 190 so.) ran for nearly 500 yards (six per carry) as a freshman. He succeeds grad Kam Garrison (945 yards) as lead back.

Cameron Simmons (6-11, 170 so.) is in line to be the QB. Brandon Unangst (6-6, 300 jr.) gives foes much angst. Other linemen are Jadacus Logan (6-2, 300 so.), Isaac Toney (6-4, 230 jr.) and Hunter Cain (6-0, 265 sr.) and Bryson Sipes (5-9, 230 sr.).

On defense, Mauney tied for the most (74) tackles. He had 3.5 sacks, as a linebacker. MLBFB Zavie Lowrance (6-0, 210 sr.) added 66 tackles and three sacks. Jarvis Hutchins, a ’16 grad, was credited with 12 INTs -- one per game. ◆

eASt BUrke CAVAlIerS 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/4/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Hibriten Patton Freedom East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain*

A A H H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

EAST BURKE improved by five games overall, and three conference wins.

QB Joe Duckworth (6-3, 175) threw for 1689 yards. But no. 13 tossed 21 intercepts, against merely 11 TDs. He is the teams’s top returning rusher, with 321 yards. Workhorse Brandon Clark ran for 1900 yards and 25 TDs. Ryan Newell caught 65 passes and was second with 1816 total yards. Both graduated.

Linemen include Dustin Barnes (6-4, 285 sr.), Tristian Shoup (6-1, 275 sr.), Cody Townsend (6-3, 250 sr.), Josh Langer (6-3, 270 jr.) and Jonathon Palmer (6-2, 285 jr.).

RB-LB Chandler Rowe (5-9, 175 sr., ILB Bristol Cope (6-0, 195 sr.), OLBs Taiven Canipe (6-0, 175 sr.) and Tirstan Canipe (5-8, 165 jr.) are other keys. ◆

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29

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

2-A 3-A r-S CeNtrAl • CHASe • eASt rUtHerFord • SHelBY • BUrNS • CreSt • kINgS moUNtAIN • drAUgHN • eASt BUrke

HeAd CoACH: greg LLoyd NICkNAme: MountaineerS SCHool ColorS: vegaS goLd, bLaCk 2015 reCord: 12-3 (6-2 SMaC) AddreSS: 500 phiFer rd, kingS

Mountain, nC 28086

North Gaston East Gaston Forestview East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Chase* East Burke*

ForeSt City, nC 28043

A H A A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

KINGS MOUNTAIN boosted its wins by 50%, going 12-3, and is picked for third again in the SMAC in such polls as NC Preps.

Greg Lloyd’s Mountaineers have skill pieces. QB Darren Burns (6-1, 215 sr.) threw for 2614 yards, 22 TDs but 13 picks. Jacob Merchant (6-2, 185 sr.) caught 58 passes for 1065 yards and seven TDs. Stocky RB Darian McClain (5-8, 193 sr.) ran for 672 yards (4.7 ypc.).

Big men include G-DT Colin Franks (6-0, 253 jr.) and center Cooper Short (6-0, 240 sr.).

Jerdon Pressley (6-0, 210 jr.) made 12 tackles a game as a sophomore. Jair McCluney, a 1000-yard rusher, and sackmaster (19) Dre’shaun Bell both graduated. ◆

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Polk Cherryville Bessemer City Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford*

HeAd CoACH: david devine NICkNAme: buLLdogS SCHool ColorS: bLue, vegaS goLd 2015 reCord: 3-7 (1-7 SMaC) AddreSS: 307 e StageCoaCh trL,

HeAd CoACH: Mike Cheek NICkNAme: hiLLtopperS SCHool ColorS: bLue, White 2015 reCord: 6-6 (3-5 SMaC) AddreSS: hWy 221,

LaWndaLe, nC 28090

rutherFordton, nC 28139

CHASe troJANS

kINgS moUNtAIN 08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 11/04/16

HeAd CoACH: danieL baiLey NICkNAme: troJanS SCHool ColorS: bLue, vegaS goLd 2015 reCord: 2-9 (0-8 SMaC) AddreSS: 1603 ChaSe high rd,

H H H A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

CHASE was again winless in the nine-team SMAC, and chases most of the field.

Daniel Bailey’s crew did win two of its first three in ’15, by 47-6 at Cherryville than 21-8 at Bessemer City, and came within three of being Draughn. Pundits pick Chase to avoid the cellar this time.

QB contenders include Austin Beheler (5-8, 190 sr.) who’s also a RB, and Xavier Williams (5-11, 165 so.) who made varsity as a freshman.

Trojan linemen include DL Zach Anderson (6-4, 295 sr.) and Zeke Brandle (6-5, 255 sr.), and OT Wade Sneed (6-4, 265 jr.).

Robert English, a 360-pounder, graduated.

The Trojans open at home versus Polk, on Aug. 19. ◆

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

McDowell Stuart Cramer Polk Shelby* Draughn* Crest* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns*

A A H A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

RUTHERFORDTON-SPINDALE CENTRAL also returns skilled players.

RB Tyrese Tate (5-10, 165 sr.), QB Juicy Ervin (5-10, 185 sr.) and WR Chris Miller (5-8, 165 sr.) lead the way.

Big-boppin’ Hilltoppers are NG Ethan Spivey (6-0, 349 sr.), DT-C Kanaan Brock (6-0, 285 sr.) and tackle Xavier Trice (6-1, 270 sr.).

R-S won 31-13 at neighboring at Polk early last year, and hopes for another good start at McDowell Aug. 19. ◆

08/19/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16 11/04/16

Carolina Wildcats Central Cabarrus Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central*

vaLdeSe, nC 28690

drAUgHN WIldCAtS

BUrNS BUlldogS

r-S CeNtrAl HIlltoPPerS

HeAd CoACH: SCott LaMbert NICkNAme: WiLdCatS SCHool ColorS: vegaS goLd, bLaCk 2015 reCord: 5-6 (3-5 SMaC) AddreSS: 709 LoveLady rd ne,

H A H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

BURNS with its quarterback is projected by some for the SMAC upper half, after slipping far since an 11-2 season with a 7-1 SMAC mark in 2013.

Cameron Barbee (6-2, 180 sr.) returns at QB. Key Bulldogs include WR Raheem Epps (6-3, 192 sr.), RBs Chris McClure (6-0, 165 sr.) and Magale Burris (5-11, 200 sr.), OG Matt Kay (5-11, 220 sr.) and MLB T.J. Roberts (6-1 220 jr.).

David Devine has taken over from Robert Senseney, as head coach. ◆

08/19/16 08/26/16 09/02/16 09/09/16 09/16/16 09/23/16 09/30/16 10/07/16 10/14/16 10/21/16 10/28/16

West Lincoln Freedom Patton Crest* R-S Central* Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Burns* Shelby*

H A H H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

DRAUGHN drones on.

The Wildcats come off three exciting close SMAC wins -- over R-S, at Chase and at Burns (1413) by a total of seven points.

MLB Graham Martin (6-0, 225 sr.), DE Dawson Sigmon (6-3, 205 sr.), OL-DL Andrew BlairShatley (6-3, 290 sr.), QB Bryson Lambert (6-0, 165 sr.), RB Austin Brigman (5-10, 160 sr.), FS-RB Cooper Abernathy (6-2, 210 sr.) are among those who can lead Draughn in the tough SMAC battles. ◆ written by pete zamplas

30

LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

appalachian state mountaineers head coach:. Scott Satterfield nickname:...........Mountaineers school colors:.black & gold conference:.............. Sun Belt classification:.NCAA Div. I FBS 2015 record:............11-2 (7-1)

I

n 2015, the Apps finished with an 11-2 mark to set the new mark in the Sun Belt for most wins, while the 11 victories are a new record for victories by a team in its first season as a full-fledged member of NCAA Division I FBS (previously Division I-A) after transitioning from Division I FCS (previously I-AA) and the first team to win a bowl game in its initial season as a full-fledged FBS squad.

The Mountaineers are coming off a thrilling 31-29 come-frombehind victory in the Camellia Bowl over Ohio. With 17-of-22 offensive and defensive starters returning, including the backfield of Taylor Lamb and Marcus Cox, along with defensive mainstays in John Law, Eric Boggs and Alex Gray, the Apps are set to reach new heights in 2016. Appalachian was selected as the preseason favorites in the Sun Belt during media day after the successful 2015 campaign. The

Black and Gold will have to face the new-level expectations that the team may have never faced before.

App State has a daunting nonconference schedule against historic five-time National Champion Miami (FL), which will be the biggest home game in program history at Kidd Brewer Stadium. But before, the Apps will travel to Knoxville for their first-ever matchup against potential College Football Playoff participant, Tennessee. Appalachian will play ODU at home and a road contest at Akron. Looking at conference play, the Apps won’t play defending league champion, Arkansas State.

However, road contests at UL Lafayette and conference archrival Georgia Southern are on tap for this season. The Mountaineers dominated the Eagles and Ragin’ Cajuns last season at home, 31-13, and 28-7, respectively. Appalachian will have questions at wide receiver after the departures of Malachi Jones, Simms McElfresh and Bobo Beathard. Shaedon Meadors, who struggled with an injury at the end of the season, will be a big-play threat for Lamb, while Ike Lewis, Jaquil Capel and tight end Barrett Burns will look to spearhead the aerial

attack. The Apps are deep at running back with Cox, Jalin Moore, Terrence Upshaw and Josh Boyd. Cox will look to stamp his name in the record books as he’s just 716 yards away from setting the all-time rushing record of 4,804 yards set by John Settle. Moore established himself as the second back after emerging onto the scene late last season, including a freshmanrushing record of 244 yards against Idaho.

Upshaw and Boyd will add even more depth to the talented stable of tailbacks.

For the offensive line, the Apps will look to replace James Chapman and Davante Quarterback Taylor Lamb. Photo by Allyson Lamb Harris. Parker Collins, Davante Harris and Beau Nunn anchored a line that helped the rushing attack end up with the sixth-best rushing attack 09/01/16 Tennessee A in the nation and one of the most 09/10/16 Old Dominion H efficient passing games in the country. On defense, 09/17/16 Miami H NFL products Ronald Blair 09/24/16 Akron A and Doug Middleton leave the team but there looks to 10/01/16 Georgia State* H be no skipping a beat with 10/12/16 UL Lafayette* A eight starters returning.

10/22/16 Idaho* H Law and Boggs will man the linebacking core while 10/27/16 Georgia Southern* A Tyson Fernandez and Nate 11/05/16 Texas State* H Norwood look to cause pressure in the trenches.

11/12/16 Troy* A After suffering an injury in 11/19/16 UL Monroe* H fall camp last season, and 11/26/16 New Mexico State* A was slated to start at corner, Brandon Pinckney is back * Conference Game to shut down opposing receivers. Tae Hayes and Mondo Williams will also Rubino getting the nod for field be counted on to man the goals replacing Zach Matics. Rubino outsides.

Kicking wise, redshirted last season. The Apps Bentlee Critcher is back are fully aware of the sky-high for his final season as expectations, and they’ll be ready to the punter with Michael LB John Law. Photo by Allyson Lamb meet them.

SCHEDULE

Coaches Head Coach: Scott Satterfield Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers: Nate Woody Co-Offensive Coordinator (Running Game)/Offensive Line: Shawn Clark Co-Offensive Coordinator (Passing Game)/Qbs: Frank Ponce Cornerbacks: Bryan Brown Rbs/special teams: Stu Holt Defensive Line: Mark Ivey Inside Linebackers: Dale Jones Secondary/Recruiting Coordinator: Scot Sloan Wide Receivers: Justin Watts Strength & Conditioning: Mike Sirignano Grad Asst - Offense: Alex Farah

Written by Chase Colliton, Assistant Strategic Communications Director, Appalachian state university For more information on Appalachian State Athletics and to purchase tickets, log onto appstatesports.com

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ROStER Wt CLASS 180 Jr. 200 Fr. 225 Sr. 160 So. 180 So. 175 Sr. 225 Sr. 185 Jr. 215 Fr. 200 So. 185 So. 200 So. 205 So. 195 Jr. 200 Jr. 195 Fr. 190 Jr. 205 Fr. 185 Jr. 205 Sr. 200 Fr. 190 Fr. 190 Sr. 195 So. 175 So. 173 So. 180 Fr. 185 Fr. 195 Fr. 175 Fr. 210 Jr. 175 Fr. 200 Fr. 205 So. 194 Fr. 195 Fr. 200 Jr. 185 Fr. 230 Jr. 230 Fr. 200 Fr. 230 Sr. 190 Fr. 230 So. 180 So. 247 Sr. 210 Fr. 260 Sr. 210 Fr. 235 So. 260 So. 235 Jr. 200 Fr. 225 Jr. 250 So. 230 Sr. 300 Jr. 241 Jr. 295 So. 200 Fr. 315 Sr. 280 Fr. 270 Fr. 280 Fr. 220 Fr. 260 Fr. 300 Fr. 300 Sr. 305 Fr. 315 Jr. 320 Sr. 280 Fr. 290 Fr. 295 Sr. 280 So. 305 Fr. 280 So. 225 Jr. 210 Fr. 200 Jr. 180 Sr. 200 Fr. 250 Sr. 220 Jr. 240 Fr. 235 Sr. 226 Fr. 241 Fr. 200 Sr. 275 So. 240 So. 250 Fr. 240 Sr. 245 Fr. 275 Fr. 265 Fr.

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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33

HIGH SCHOOL

Western Highlands & Smoky Mountain Conference

Summaries and Pre-Season Predictions along with Team Previews, Rosters & Game Schedules

FOOTbALL

2016 PREVIEW

IN THIS SECTION

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

2-A 1-A AVERY

•

HENDERSONVILLE

Mountain Heritage is the consensus frontrunner with Hendersonville, Mitchell and Polk other top contenders in the explosive Western Highlands 2-A/1-A. hose teams each have a superb junior midway into an illustrious career.

Heritage, Mitchell and HHS

•

MADISON

shared the 2015 overall title at 6-1 — two games up on Polk. This is the bon voyage season for HHS, which in ’16 goes to the WNCAC. These teams have staged exciting high-scoring battles in recent years. For instance, Heritage outscored HHS 46-43 in ’14; in ’15, the Bearcats prevailed 48-44. MHHS shellacked rival Mitchell, which in turn beat HHS 56-40 in what seems a roundrobin tourney. Heritage hosts

•

MITCHELL

•

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE

HHS Sept. 23, but has to go to Mitchell Oct. 21.

Mitchell went furthest in playoffs last year, to the 1-AA title game. While Heritage and Mitchell return star quarterbacks, HHS and Polk graduated their super QBs but have new skill. Owen’s star back misses the season.

“Heritage is the frontrunner,” Mitchell Coach Travis Pitman said. He sees HHS and Polk “reloading” with new QBs, while

•

OWEN

Avery brings up two stars. Polk Coach Jamie Thompson also gives “the nod” to Heritage, for “returning key players” more than most. He likes HHS’ veteran D-line. A wild card is Mitchell.

“They were so senior-laden and lost a ton, but return studs.”

Heritage Coach Joey Robinson sees another “battle” among the top four, with HHS his top threat. New HHS head coach Jim Sosebee, who was OC, knows WHC wars. Though

•

POLK COUNTY Mitchell returns far less than Heritage, the team did so well in playoffs. And “Polk is Polk” — always formidable.

Owen Coach Nathan Padgett sees MHHS a cut above with many “weapons.” He then sees two three-team tiers — each “up for grabs.” Avery Coach Jason Phelps points to “overpowering” fronts and skill of the top three.

New Madison head coach Ben

(continues on page 34)

34

AVERY

•

HENDERSONVILLE

continued from page 33 Rhodarmer notes, among sites, “Avery’s tough to play in. Top to bottom, it’s tough.”

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE (11-3; 5-1) is poised for an historic season behind QB Trey Robinson (6-0, 198 jr.) and RBs Dathan Robinson (5-10, 170 jr.), Junior Denton (5-10, 189 sr.) and Cole Burleson (6-2, 170 sr).

The Cougar defense is led by LBs Adam Shuford (5-11, 205 sr.) and Corey Presnell (6-0, 170 sr.), and INT king Burleson. Coach Joey Robinson said now he has “by far the most weapons.”

HENDERSONVILLE (7-6; 5-1 WHC) returns Tykel Landrum

•

MADISON

(5-10, 170 jr.) and WB-TB Leon Cooks (6-0, 215 sr.), as targets for new Bearcat QB Bud Williford (5-11, 195 jr.). TB Tyrese Hunt (5-11, 225 so.), runs behind RT James Jackson (6-0, 215 sr.) and others. DT Blaine Sharpe (6-2, 275 sr.) is a third-year D-catalyst. New head coach Jim Sosebee is determined to extend his offense’s success and HHS’ winning “tradition.”

MITCHELL (14-2; 5-1) returns the top WHC passer, Ben Young (6-1, 200 jr.), from the Mountaineer squad that did best in history. He looks to WRs Brody Smith (6-0, 175 jr.) and Jesse Pitman (6-4, 170 jr.) and

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

•

MITCHELL

•

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE

TE Alex McKinney (6-3, 235 sr.). Jacob Yelton (5-11, 175 sr.) is among runners. LT Todd Self (6-3, 300 sr.) spurs a large line.

Coach Travis Pitman sees his crew firmly “in the mix” for the WHC crown.

POLK COUNTY (5-7; 3-3) has a storm brewing with TB Storm Wheeler (5-10, 180 sr.), FB Jaymes Wingo (6-0, 200 sr.) and new QB Dillon Overholt (62, 170 jr.) gaining yards behind LT Donivan Twitty (6-2, 280 sr.) and RG-DE Devin Panchynshyn (5-10, 225 jr.). TE Josh Chupp (510, 190 sr.) is a key target.

Coach Jamie Thompson tabs the Wolverines as a major

•

OWEN

“factor” in the WHC race.

MADISON (2-9; 2-4) has QB Colby Edwards (6-3, 195 sr.) connecting with Dawson Coates (6-0, 170 sr.) for long gains. Main RBs are Derek Gonzalez (6-0, 180 sr.) and Dylan Hilemon (510, 170 jr.). ILB Austin Shelton (5-10, 245 sr.) is a defensive star.

A huge line led by RG Logan Roberts (6-1, 260 sr.) is a “work in progress,” new head coach Ben Rhodarmer said. Its fruition shapes Patriot success.

OWEN (1-9; 1-5) turns to QB Kendrick Weaver (5-10, 185 so.), TB Cyrus Hooper (6-0, 200 sr.), and WRs Waleed Khalil (5-8, 155 sr.) and Tyler Sexton

•

POLK COUNTY

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(5-10, 160 sr). Casey Young, (55, 210 sr.) and Colbyn McIsaac (6-1, 185 sr.) return up front.

Coach Nathan Padgett said, “I see us and Avery and Madison competing against each other.”

AVERY COUNTY (1-10; 0-6 WHC) unveils QB Van McCollum (6-1, 170 jr.) and RB Sam McCollum (5-10, 150 so.), to go with RB Steven Sanchez (5-9, 170 jr.), WRs Brett Smith (60, 185 sr.) and Christian Hicks (59, 180 sr.), and OG Austin Hicks (5-9, 260 sr.). Vikings Coach Jason Phelps is confident “we’ll do really well this year.” written by pete zamplas

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS

Ignites Cougar Attack, Title Quest

Cougars cover much ground in the wild, and on area football fields with top cat Trey Robinson igniting a ferocious rushing assault. kill and grit earned him honors as 2015 Western Highlands Conference offensive player of the year last year, and WHC coaches’ collective preseason choice as their best overall player.

The six-foot, 198-pound junior quarterback burst out in 2015 to lead the WHC by rushing for 2264 yards (7.1 ypc.) and 30 touchdowns, scoring on average more than twice per game on keepers. He averaged 23 carries, as a busy and key cog in the rushing assault.

“There’s nothing like running the ball” into open field for huge gains and scores, he said of his biggest thrill in football.”

The best is yet to come. Trey is “ a half-step faster (upper 4.6s at a combine at Wofford), and a lot stronger,” said his father and head coach, Joey Robinson.

Joey was a QB, at Appalachian State. Trey followed his brother, Trevor Robinson, as MHHS QB.

By Trey’s second preseason, 2015, his father said Trey’s “arm strength is as good as any quarterback I’ve had.”

Trey said “I enjoy throwing.

Our goal this year is to even out my passing and rushing more.” That would revert more to his freshman season. MHHS

passed 30 percent of plays in ’14 — double the usual — and used “play action” fake handoffs to set up passes, Joey said.

Trey was quite balanced in both throwing and running for just over 1350 yards. He passed for 15 TDs, and ran for 10 scores.

He nearly equalled MHHS’ passing yards from four prior years. Though in ‘15 his passing yardage eased to just over 1000 yards, he nearly doubled his rushing production.

The blonde bomber again threw 15 TD passes last year, but cut picks from ten to seven.

“Reading defenses better” resulted in fewer turnovers, he realized. Trey looks to keep improving and with his “short game” touch.

In 2015, Trey ran for twice as many TDs as he threw. He totaled 45 scores, for 3.2 TDs per game. He stays on the field after TDs as the placekicker, or to snap the ball and go for two points as MHHS often does.

Trey matured during such clutch plays, Coach Robinson said. “We forgot a lot of times he was a sophomore, and put a lot on his shoulders.” He responded, his father said. “In big games and on big plays, he seems to thrive.” Trey is intense, yet focused such as tuning out

an enemy crowd and avoiding trash talking.

“He’s one of the biggest competitors we’ve ever had,” Joey said. “He likes to win” and so do his peers.

“Dad is not a fan of lazy and selfish people,” Trey said. “He pushes us hard in practice. He gives us a chance to win every game.” Trey watches game film. Father and son in ’15 scouted side by side, one game at the edge of Hendersonville’s field. Up close, “you can see their attitudes when they get off the field,” Trey observed. “You see their team chemistry, how they play together.”

The highlight was beating Mitchell and its own then-super soph QB, Ben Young. “We got up on them early. It shocked them,” Trey said. “We weren’t cocky about it. But we knew early it was our best effort.”

Rival coaches praise Trey Robinson. Avery Coach Jason Phelps said Trey will “lower shoulder his, and run over people.” Polk Coach Jamie Thompson said “he’s been tough since he was a freshman, when we knocked the snot out

trey robinson

Photo by lifetouch photography

of them. He kept on coming.

He’s a great runner with good vision, a tough kid who keeps getting four more yards. And he rallies them, as a leader.”

Trey’s favorite player is Stanford’s stocky power runnerreceiver Christian McCaffrey.

Rare for a sophomore, in ’15 he was A.P. national player of the year and Heisman runner-up in setting a FBS mark with 3864 total yards. “He’s a really tough dude,” Trey said. “He gives it his all.”

Trey “would love to play pro football. My main goal is to play college football. I can see myself coming back and coaching somewhere.” He has

a 4.57 weighted GPA, gets mostly A’s, and most enjoys history.

He wants to make history, by propelling MHHS to its first state title in any sport. “Gosh, we talk about it all of the time.

We have since I was five, and the water boy in 2009.” That year, his hero Casey Randolph led MHHS to the state final but lost. Though Trey has another year after this one, “I play each year as if it’s my last. I play for my seniors. I want them to get as many wins as we can.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS • AVERY VIKINGS

# 1 2 4 5 9 9 10 10 11 12 14 16 18 20 21 22 23 25 28 29 36 44 50 53 57 58 61 65 70 77 78 81 82

COACH PHELPS HEAD COACH: jason PhelPs NICKNAME: vikings SCHOOL COLORS: red & black 2015 RECORD: 1-10 (0-6 whc) ADDRESS: 401 high school rd,

newland, nc 28657

As Michael Phelps racks up even more swimming gold medals in the Olympics in Rio, Avery County head coach Jason Phelps looks to make a real splash in the WHC with a new brother tandem in the backfield. his is his first full preseason. He arrived in Newland in midJuly of last year. Avery returns merely three starters on offense, and four on defense.

They will operate out of a wing T spread. “We have to run the ball” especially as new starters get acclimated, Phelps said.

“We’re getting there. We’re much improved, with a year under our belts in the system.

I’m excited about our many young skill players.”

AVERY VIKINGS Optimism starts with new quarterback Van McCollum (61, 170 jr.), the JV QB and varsity backup in ’15. He completed 14 of 20 passes for one score, in limited action. He was the fourth best rusher, averaging nearly eight years a carry.

“He’s elusive. When he gets into open field, he has great breakaway speed,” Phelps said.

He was a far better runner than thrower, but his arm strength and accuracy is improving.

Two running backs are in at once. One is Van’s brother, Sam McCollum (5-10, 150 so.), with similar skills. “Sam sees the field extremely well,” as plays develop. both run a 4.6. Fastest (4.5-6) Viking Steven Sanchez

Photos by lifetouch photography

(5-9, 170 jr.) is a more “downhill runner” who can burst through.

He kicked three field goals over 40 yards.

Top possession receiver Brett Smith (6-0, 185 sr.) caught 31 passes for six TDs, and averaged 15 yards per reception. Christian Hicks (5-9, 180 sr.), was a RB in ’15.

Hicks and basketball standout forward Andy Dominguez (6-2, 175 sr.) are “big-play” receiving threats. Andy is brother of Alex Villanueva, star QB a decade ago. James Eury (5-9, 170 sr.) and TE Blake Williams (6-1, 185 jr.) are options. “All catch and run well,” Phelps said.

The Viking ship’s hull is manned by returning guard

Austin Hicks (5-9, 260 sr.).

Joining him are gigantic center Bryce McKinney (6-2, 350 sr.), tackles Buster Hartley (63, 230 sr.) and David Greene (6-4, 250 jr.) and at guard Rom Robinson (6-0, 180 jr.) or Ashton Haggins (5-10, 185 jr.). “They’ve gotten stronger,” Phelps said. “We were weaker than most opponents up front.

We’re working to remedy that.”

The 3-4 base defense’s linebacking returns OLB Ethan Johnson (5-10, 175 sr), and adds OLB Josh McClellan (6-0, 175 jr.), ILBs Williams and Cole Singleton (5-10, 185 so.). AllWHC CB Christian Hicks leads the secondary. “We have much speed on defense. Our team is

ROSTER

NAME POS MASON DANiELS Wr/CB SAM MCCOLLuM rB/CB vAN MCCOLLuM qB STEvEN SANCHEz rB/CB BrETT SMiTH Wr/P COLE SiNgLETON MLB/fB CALEB PriTCHArD qB/fS ANDy DOMiNguEz Wr/fS TAHA NAvEED fB/CB HuNTEr HiCkS Wr/CB ETHAN jOHNSON OLB/fB jAMES Eury Wr/CB BrAEDON riLEy’DEATON zACH NELSON fB/OLB LuCAS ANDrEWS rB/MLB NOAH gArLAND Wr/SS CHriSTiAN HiCkS CB/rB DALTON HugHES Wr/CB CHAPPy jOHNSON OLB/rB HAyDEN NANCE Wr/CB DuSTiN EuDy rB/OLB jOSH MCCLELLAN OLB WiLL vOLSky Wr/OLB NATHAN LiNkOuS T/DT SHANE SiNgLETON g/C/DE MiCHAEL MOSEr DE/T AuSTiN HiCkS g/DT HEATH WOODy T/DE jACOB PuCkETT Ng/T BuSTEr HArTLEy g/DT BryCE MCkiNNEy T/Ng jONATHAN rEyNOLDS Wr/CB BLAkE WiLLiAMS OLB/TE ASHTON HAggiNS AuSTiN DuNCAN BrENNAN rAMSEy BuBBy HALL DALTON MCkiNNEy DAviD BECk ELi HAyES ELi TOWLE jESSE jONES jONAS BOWMAN OLB LOgAN HiCkS rOM rOBiNSON TyrEE jACkSON zACk CArMiCHAEL

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CLASS HT. SO. 5’6 SO. 5’11 jr. 6’0 jr.

Sr. 6’0 SO. 5’8 SO. 6’4 Sr. 6’2 jr. 5’7 SO. Sr. Sr. 5’10 Sr. 5’11 SO. 5’9 fr.

SO. Sr. 5’8 Sr. SO. 6’2 SO. 5’8 Sr. jr.

SO. 6’2 SO. SO. SO. 6’1 Sr. Sr. Sr. 6’0 Sr. 6’2 Sr. 6’2 Sr. 5’8 jr. 6’2 jr. 5’10 fr. fr.

SO. 6’2 jr.

WT. 125 165 170 185 192 185 170 150 160 155 152 180 185 125 170 213 256 220 350 160 180 199 250

SO. fr. fr. fr. 6’2 162 5’10 jr.

SO. 5-5 145 SO.

very athletic, and stronger this year,” Phelps said. “The key is our development up front.”

Coach Phelps said “we want to get better every game. Our goals each day are to learn, have fun, and get better.” In the WHC, if healthy and reaching potential then “we can finish in the middle or even upper tier.

We’ll do really well this year.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS

Roster

# NAME POS 1 shaq rospel LB 2 quintin wright WR/DB 3 jhon salguero LB 4 alex williford QB 5 carson rikard QB 6 Demetrius Smith WR/DB 7 tykel landrum WR/DB 8 Nasir Artis WR 9 Cole Cochran WR 10 Leon Cooks WR/DB 11 taerek daniel LB 12 Garret Norris WR/DB 15 Sam Lucas DE 17 drew eudy K/P 18 Woodson Hunter QB 21 Justin Starnes WR/DB 22 Cole McMurray RB/LB 25 ty’rese hunt rb 30 franklin blackwell RB 33 korbit collins LB 40 savon gash LB 42 Daniel Pearce DB 44 Shawn Pearce DE 52 Gavin Scofield DL 54 James Jackson OL 55 sam holste DL 56 frankie suber OL 58 Jake Barber OL 59 Greyson Rogers LB 61 Sam Ledford OL 63 wyatt holbert OL 64 ethan frish OL 65 Emiliano Martinez OL 70 Dominick Daniels OL 72 mitchell mckenney OL 75 John Cash OL 77 gerry mahle DL 79 McQuire Hunter OL 88 James Alston WR 90 tyrese cauley TE/DE 99 Blaine Sharpe DL

Coach sosebee Head Coach: jim sosebee Nickname: Bearcats School colors: red & white 2015 Record: 7-6 (5-1 WHC) address: 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28791

Hendersonville has a new head coach and quarterback, but returns most starters and has the same thirst for speed and success. im Sosebee succeeds Eric Gash, who is now athletic director after going 14-11 in two seasons. An electrifying crowning point in ’15 was opening the WHC season by outscoring Heritage 48-44 with Sosebee’s spread offense. Sosebee, 48, was HHS assistant head coach. He was its offensive coordinator for the past four years. HHS averaged nearly 5000 yards a season, for the last three seasons. He won three of four games (36-13) at Greenville (S.C.) High in 200509. He has coached for 21 years.

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS Photos by lifetouch photography

Sosebee played receiver for South Carolina, where he has a sports administration degree.

“The kids think I’m fiery,” he said. “I do have some oldschool tough love.” Practicing fundamentals is critical.

“Monday through Thursday, we go as hard as we can. So the games are easier.”

HHS returns nine who started often on defense, seven on offense. The big shoes to fill are of graduated quarterback Mike Schmidt, WHC player of the year now at the Air Force Academy.

He surpassed 3000 passing

yards and 30 touchdowns in each of the last two years, setting school marks and pacing WNC passers.

Schmidt said in his senior year that Sosebee got him to trust receiver routes, think positively, focus on where to throw and not to rush passes. Sosebee said he drills QB “footwork and pocket awareness, and to not panic.

Look at where receivers are supposed to be, not the D-line when you feel them nearing.”

The new QB protege is Bud Williford (5-11, 195 jr.), an understudy for two years. HHS

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Murphy

H

08/25/16 West Henderson

A

09/02/16 East Henderson

H

09/09/16 North Henderson

A

09/16/16 AC Reynolds

H

09/23/16 Mountain Heritage* A 09/30/16 Madison*

H

10/07/16 Avery*

A

10/14/16 Mitchell*

H

10/21/16 Owen*

A

11/04/16 Polk*

H

*Conference Game

HT. WT. CLASS 5’11 220 12 6’ 170 11 5’10 185 12 5’11 195 11 5’10 165 10 5’11 175 12 5’10 170 11 5’9 165 10 6’3 205 12 6’1 215 12 6’0 220 12 5’9 185 10 6’3 210 12 5’9 170 12 5’10 150 9 6’ 170 10 6’ 190 10 5’11 225 10 5’10 185 11 6’1 225 10 6’1 190 11 5’11 180 11 5’10 205 11 5’9 170 11 6’ 215 12 5’10 225 11 5’11 225 11 5’9 195 11 5’10 180 12 6’1 250 12 6’1 260 11 5’10 220 9 5’10 260 11 5’11 270 12 5’10 250 11 6’2 290 11 6’ 235 11 5’11 195 11 6’5 175 12 6’3 250 11 6’2 275 12

coaches Head Coach: Jim Sosebee Assistant Coaches: Mark Cook, Dustin “Mac” McAbee, Marvin Featherstone, Eric Galloway, Steve Cooke, Rod Brown, Kirron Ward, Matt Lobel, Austin Blythe, Tyler Arrowood, Will Roper

adjusts its spread to “fit our talent,” Sosebee said. “We ran more when Cole Cleary was quarterback. Then we threw more, with Michael. Bud’s a combination of both. He’s a hard-nosed, tough runner. He has a strong arm, is improving every day in accuracy, and puts a good spin on the ball.” Also, he said, “He’s smart. He knows the

(continues on page 46)

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS • MADISON PATRIOTS

Roster # NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 2 Trevor Edwards DB/WR 5’11 165 10 3 Colton Coffey DB/RB 5’8 150 10 4 Tyler Smith WR/CB 5’11 12 5 Colby Edwards QB/OLB 6’2 170 12 7 Elan Littrell DB/WR 5’9 155 10 8 Jordan Baker QB/SS 5’8 160 12 10 Cody Lacortw LB/RB 5’10 165 11 11 Mason Suttles DB/WR 5’10 155 11 12 James Fox DB/WR 5’11 155 11 14 Clark Gray DB/WR 6’1 170 10 15 Zeke Fender DB/WR 5’9 155 9 21 Dawson Coates WR/CB 6’ 160 12 33 Devin Nash FB/OLB 6’ 240 12 39 Ty Snelson FB/MLB 6’ 235 11 52 Austin Shelton OL/LB 5’10 215 12 53 Matthew Wallace DL/OL 5’8 215 10 54 Logan Roberts MLB/G 6’ 240 12 55 Conner Foley 5’8 240 9 59 Colby Arnett LB/OL 5’10 215 10 63 Keegan Foley DL 5’11 295 11 64 Bryan Kuykendal DL/OL 6’ 260 10 65 Chase Askew DL/OL 6’ 250 10 74 Andy Hensley DL/OL 6’4 285 11 77 Kennedy Snelson DL/OL 6’1 280 11 78 Austin Matta DL/OL 5’10 340 11 79 Christopher Metcalf OL/DL 6’3 260 9 80 Sam Fox 12 89 Spencer Harris DL/TE 6’3 230 10

Coach Rhodarmer Head Coach: Ben Rhodarmer Nickname: Patriots School colors: red, white, & blue 2015 Record: 2-9 (2-4 WHC) address: 5740 US Highway 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753

Madison turns over its keys to Ben Rhodarmer, a key cog in several prominent area programs, and retools with a humungous offensive line and spread offense. hodarmer was A.C. Reynolds’s offensive coordinator in 2012, and in ’09 was the quarterback coach as ACR won the 4-A state title.

He has led Heritage’s defense, making him familiar with WHC programs. He was at Tuscola.

Most recently he guided Pisgah’s offense, then was Bears defensive coordinator. He has also coached boys’ basketball.

The Canton native played receiver for Mars Hill. “Madison is a very down to earth place — blue collar like Canton,” Rhodarmer said. A silver lining lately was the

MADISON PATRIOTS Photos by lifetouch photography

surprise 2012 Patriot squad that ran through foes, reaching four playoff rounds. He calls it “one of the best teams around here — in a while.”

Rhodarmer stresses basics, and uses tough love. “I hold the guys to a high standard. But I care about who they are outside of football, so they grow into young men. I keep up with them, and try to help.” He got nearly 50 players aboard, since he was hired in April.

The Pats won twice in the WHC last year, after a winless WHC mark in ‘14. Madison returns five starters on each side of the ball. MHS switches from I power running and pistol shotgun for four

years to a “multiple spread that mixes in some power concepts,” Rhodarmer said.

Quarterback Colby Edwards (63, 195 sr.) is a “threat for running out of the shotgun,” he said. He averaged six yards a run, in ’15.

He is very athletic and strong.

Edwards can throw deep. He threw for nearly 1000 yards in ’15. But he needs to cut down his interceptions, which more than doubled TDs by a 13-6 count.

He avoided INTs in summer drills, Rhodarmer said. He said Edwards is a “sponge, soaking up what we’re doing. He’s gotten more accurate, and patient” for

receivers to get open. “He’s taking what’s there” in coverages, and “not forcing throws.”

His targets include swift Dawson Coates (6-0, 170 sr.) for long gains (23.6 ypc), Elan Littrell (5-10, 160 so.) and Tyler Smith (5-11, 170 sr.); also TE-WR-FB Ty Snelson (6-2, 235 jr.). MHS at times uses two tight ends, or two backs at once.

Derek Gonzalez (6-0, 180 sr.) is a “hard-nosed, straight-ahead runner,” Rhodarmer said. “Once he’s revved up, he’s very fast.”

Dylan Hilemon (5-10, 170 jr.) also “moves very well.”

The biggest news is front-page,

so to speak. The new O-line weighs 340, 305, 285, 280 and 260 — more like Tom Brady’s Patriot blockers.

Joining senior RG Logan Roberts (6-1, 260 sr.) are RT Andy Hensley (6-4, 285 jr.), LT Brason Payne (6-4, 305 jr.), LG Kennedy Snelson (6-0, 280 jr.) and stocky center Austin Matta (5-9, 340 jr.). “Their mobility is good, overall,” Rhodarmer said.

“They’re a work in progress.”

The base defense remains 3-5 and sports OLBs Dakota Surrett (511, 180 sr.), MLB Roberts, and ILBs Nelson and Austin Shelton (5-10, 245 sr.) along with DE Devin Nash (6-0, 245 sr.). Defense looms as a major challenge, Rhodarmer said.

His underlying goal is to “get better in practice, each day. Then, the wins take care of themselves.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS

Roster

# NAME POS 2 Landon Miller RB/LB 3 Matthew Buchanan RB/LB 4 Brody Smith WR/DB 5 Jesse Pitman WR/DB 6 Dylan Jarrett RB/LB 7 Noah Pitman QB/DB 8 Preston Roe WR/DB 9 Luis Valezquez K 10 Tyler McKinney WR/DB 11 Yahir Cervantes WR/DB 20 Ben Robinson RB/LB 22 Ben Young QB/DB 44 Jacob Yelton RB/LB 50 Garrett Greene OL/DL 51 Trevor Self OL/DL 53 Dustin Sparks OL/DL 54 Jose Guardian OL/DL 55 Zach Richardson OL/DL 61 Jesse Pressley OL/DL 63 Garrett Buchanan OL/DL 70 Hudson Boone OL/DL 72 Josh Stamey OL/DL 73 Todd Self OL/DL 76 Adam Gilpin OL/DL 77 Matthew Edwards OL/DL 80 Casey Brown TE/DL 81 Chance Cook TE/LB 89 Alex McKinney TE/DL

Coach Pitman Head Coach: Travis Pitman Nickname: Mountaineers School colors: purple & white 2015 Record: 14-2 (5-1 WHC) address: 416 Ledger School Rd,

Bakersville, NC 28705

Mitchell County comes off of its best varsity football season ever, in winning the most (14) games and as Western Regional champion, and returns its talented quarterback to hunt again for trophies. he Mountaineers’ magical 14-2 season was two games better than the 12win squad of 2011, and snared them a share of the WHC title. In the 1-AA finals, Wallace-Rose Hill scored on two early turnovers, and picked off a pass in the end zone late. Thus, reducing turnovers in clutch times is a prime goal this year.

Fun moments was getting on area TV, when edging Polk on the road.

This is 1995 alumnus Travis Pitman’s third season as head coach, after a dozen years as offensive coordinator. At first, he recalled, “many people didn’t think a state title was obtainable,” he said. “Now the players understand we can win a championship, and what it takes to get there. They’ve busted their butts.”

Pitman sensed special destiny last year, when returning 10 of 11 starters on offense. This time, half as many (five) are back. MHS is back under the radar. The team hopes to buck history when, as a small school, it has had twoyear runs with a star nucleus but then fell back with a new crop. The team hopes to excel like an Olympic breaststroker — progress well with a stroke, lose steam only briefly to take a breath, then propel far ahead again.

HT. WT. CLASS 6’ 175 10 5’8 160 11 6’ 175 11 6’3 175 11 5’9 160 12 5’10 172 9 5’11 160 11 5’8 150 11 6’1 160 9 5’9 150 10 6’ 205 11 6’ 190 11 5’10 170 12 5’11 230 10 6’1 210 11 5’9 225 12 5’9 185 11 5’10 160 11 5’10 215 11 5’10 195 11 6’ 255 10 6’1 230 11 6’3 305 12 6’1 180 11 6’ 280 11 5’10 175 12 6’1 185 11 6’3 232 12

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 West Wilkes

MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS Photos by lifetouch photography

The star of stars returns, in quarterback Ben Young (6-1, 200 jr.). He threw for the third-most (2,535) yards as a sophomore in 2015, among returning WNC passers. He had a solid 20-12 ratio of touchdown passes to picks, after throwing more picks than TDs the year before. He completed 57 percent of his 254 passes. He threw for 1,202 yards in ’14, and was all-WHC as a freshman. “He already has 30 games under belt,”Coach Pitman said. “He’s grasped” the system. “He’s put in the work.

He’s gotten stronger, faster and quicker.” He said Young’s reading of defenses improved tremendously by late ‘15. “Ben was grasping at straws to understand coverages, at first.

But later, if a play didn’t get signaled in he knew what should be run.”

The next step is to be a more vocal leader, Pitman said. “Ben’s very fiery. He doesn’t show a lot of emotion. But he gets after it. He put the team on its back, in playoffs. We called on his number to throw and also run the ball.”

The multiple Wing T mostly has two backs in shotgun formation, or else adding a wingback. “We have a fleet of four kids, competing” as backs with diverse skills, Pitman said.

There is “pounder” FB-RB Ben Robinson (6-0, 200 sr.). “Slasher” Landon Miller (6-0, 185 so.) gained 1000 yards on JV, and has “breakout” potential. A

quick trio is “instinctive” Jacob Yelton (5-11, 175 sr.), slick Dylan Jarrett (5-9, 165 sr.) and “savvy” Noah Pitman (5-8, 165 fr.) who is not related to the coach but who “dominated” in middle school.

“Our best athlete” is WR Brody Smith (6-0, 175 jr.), Coach Pitman said. He caught 21 passes. Jesse Pitman (6-4, 170 jr.) leaps well for catches. A third/extra starter is Preston Roe (5-10, 165 jr.), Jerry Cervantes (6-0, 160 so) or lanky Tyler McKinney (6-3, 165 fr.). TE Alex McKinney (6-3, 235 sr.) caught 28 passes (17.8 ypc.) for five TDs. “Alex makes our offense roll, in receiving and blocking,” Pitman said, and had “our best hands.”

Huge, mobile LT Todd Self (6-3, 300 sr.) is “commander” of a mostly new line that also returns guard Dustin Sparks (510, 240 jr.). Newbies are center Trevor Self (6-2, 215 jr.), Todd’s brother; RT Hudson Boone (6-2, 260 so.), and Jesse Pressley (510, 220 jr.) or Garrett Buchanan (5-11, 210 jr.). “They’re very physical,” Pitman said. “They change our schemes” well on the go. Cohesion is the goal. PK Luis Velazquez (5-8, 160 jr.) has range of 35 yards.

In the 4-2-5 base defense, look for a strong line with DTs Todd Self, Josh Stamey (6-4, 250 jr.) and Matthew Edwards (6-2, 290) and DEs Zach Richardson

H

08/26/16 Cherokee

A

09/02/16 Andrews

A

09/09/16 McDowell

H

09/16/16 North Buncombe

A

09/30/16 Owen*

H

10/06/16 Polk County*

H

10/14/16 Hendersonville*

A

10/21/16 Mountain Heritage* H 10/28/16 Madison*

A

11/04/16 Avery County*

A

*Conference Game

(5-10, 180 jr.) and Casey Brown (6-0, 175 sr.); also LBs Matthew Buchanan (5-8, 170 jr.) and Chance Cook (6-0, 180), and DB Colton Marlowe (6-0, 140 jr.).

Coach Pitman sees his Bakersville Boys again firmly “in the mix” for the WHC crown. written by pete zamplas

Mountaineers Noah Pitman (#7) & Ben Young (#22). Photo by lifetouch photography

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS

ROSTER # 2 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 19 20 21 23 34 35 42 50 51 52 55 57 65 74 75 76 77 78 79

COACH RObINSON HEAD COACH: joey robinson NICKNAME: cougars SCHOOL COLORS: green & white 2015 RECORD: 11-3 (5-1 whc) ADDRESS: 333 mountain heritage

rd., burnsville, nc 28714

Mountain Heritage has very likely its best chance ever to land the school its first state championship in a team sport, and to surpass the 2009 squad that made it to the title game and set state rushing marks. his is by far the most weapons we’ve had, and our fastest team speed,” Coach Joey Robinson said about his decade and a half at the helm.

MHHS returns eight starters on offense and seven on defense.

An unbeaten JV squad bolsters ranks, and the team has bulked

NAME juNiOr DENTON jACOB AuTrEy jACOB MASHBurN MikE MCCOy MiCHAEL AuSTiN COLE BurLESON DATHAN rOBiNSON DAWSON BrANTON BrANDON AuMiLLEr TrEy rOBiNSON juSTiN kEENEr ALSTON rANDOLPH MiCHAEL BiNgHAM SETH rANDOLPH jACOB MOrSE ADAM SHufOrD iSAAC SHufOrD COrEy PrESNELL iSAiAH WATTS ADriAN BOONE kEATON HALL DEvAN WOODy EASTON DALE AuSTEN rOCHA zEB virNELSON j.T. iSHAM rOry LEDfOrD kANE MCCANDLESS iSAAC quiNTErO CAELAN HOLMES

POS HT. rB/fS 5’10 SB/CB 5’9 SB/fS 5’8 Wr/OLB 6’3 TE/DL 5’11 Wr/SB/CB 6’2 rB/iLB/MLB 5’10 qB/SB/OLB 6’0 Wr/CB 6’0 qB/fS/OLB 6’0 SB/CB/OLB 5’7 Wr/CB 6’1 SB/CB 5’8 SB/iLB 5’10 TE/iLB 6’2 rB/MLB 5’11 rB/iLB 6’0 TE/OLB 6’0 g/DL 6’1 T/DL 5’10 C/DL 5’9 T/DL 6’5 C/DL 5’10 g/DL 6’3 g/DL 6’1 T/DL 6’1 T/DL 6’0 g/DL 6’1 T/iLB 5’10 C/DL 6’0

WT. CLASS 189 12 170 10 150 10 186 11 250 12 170 12 170 11 190 11 170 10 198 11 155 12 170 11 160 12 185 11 185 11 205 12 170 10 170 12 205 10 235 12 210 10 245 12 200 11 280 12 210 10 275 11 215 11 235 11 190 11 165 12

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS Photos by lifetouch photography

up. The Cougars won 11 games, reached the third round, and averaged 38 points. They bounced back to usual success after a .500 year, and now thirst for history. “This group is cohesive. They know each other well,” Robinson said. “And they hate to lose.”

They were so dominant at times, they beat 1-AA state finalist Mitchell by two TDs (4127) in conference play Oct. 23. The Cougars surged to a

33-0 lead over a team used to whacking foes. “We scored after turnovers, and got up early,” Robinson said. “Our kids were ready to play. The bigger the stage, the better they are.”

He noted that ahead of game day and the kickoff, players confidently “visualize the game, as it can happen.” Raw emotions help at first, he said, but tend to wear off after a quarter. That makes preparation more crucial.

Early on MHHS shut out West

Henderson’s relentless rushing 14-0, and and kept the ball from a fast David Crockett squad from Jonesboro, Tenn. This is a good omen for containing athletic Shelby, reigning 2-A state champ, or Lincolnton if colliding with them in the title hunt.

The Burnsville Bunch singes foes with methodical ball control. In ’09, MHHS set a state mark for all schools with

(continues on page 46)

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 David Crockett

H

08/26/16 Erwin

A

09/02/16 North Buncombe

H

09/09/16 Rosman

H

09/16/16 West Henderson

A

09/23/16 Hendersonville*

H

09/30/16 Polk County*

A

10/07/16 Owen*

A

10/21/16 Mitchell*

A

10/28/16 Avery*

H

11/04/16 Madison*

H

*Conference Game

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES • POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES

43

Roster # NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 0 Andy Rhinehart 1 Jaymes Wingo WR/OLB 6’ 183 12 3 Landon White WR/OLB 5’10 170 12 4 Storm Wheeler RB/OLB 5’11 192 12 6 Joshua Chupp WR/OLB 5’10 175 12 9 Dillon Overholt FS/WR 6’2 170 11 11 Dillon Knighton RB/CB 5’7 140 11 14 Austin Wilson RB/MLB 5’11 185 11 22 Elijah Sutton RB/CB 5’11 175 10 23 Ryan Fox RB/CB 5’11 175 12 26 Malik Miller WR/CB 6’2 175 12 31 Wyatt Derkach FS/WR 5’11 165 11 54 Marquise Lipscomb G/NG 5’8 240 12 61 Braden Miller C/NG 5’11 200 11 66 Gabe Lail DT/G 12 67 Devin Panchyshyn NG/DT 5’10 215 11 77 Donivan Twitty G/DT 6’2 280 12

Coach Thompson Head Coach: Jamie Thompson Nickname: Wolverines School colors: blue & platinum 2015 Record: 5-7 (3-3 WHC) address: 1681 NC 108 Hwy E,

SCHEDULE

Columbus, NC 28722

Polk County once again shifts its offense into Overdrive — led by an Overholt, and star backs. he Wolverines came within a point both of knocking off eventual state finalist Mitchell and also Heritage on the road, in Jamie Thompson’s second year as head coach. WHC Athlete of the Year Jamal Wheeler as a quarterback ran for over 1600 yards, including 307 yards in a wild 43-41 win over Avery.

He is among grads, but the other Wheeler is among seven offensive returnees as Polk has a Storm brewing in the backfield.

TB Storm Wheeler (5-10, 180 sr.) briskly runs in the 4.3s and power cleans 315. “He’s very

POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES fast, and strong to get yards after contact,” Thompson said. “His vision improved tremendously, in cutting.”

Elijah Sutton (5-11, 175 so.) is a solid backup. FB Jaymes Wingo (6-0, 200 sr.), also an allWHC talent, returns. Polk runs an option with some flexbone, pro I and shotgun formations.

New quarterback Dillon Overholt (6-3, 170 jr.), the backup and a receiver last year, runs a 4.55. He has a strong arm, and his “accuracy and timing are sufficient,” Thompson said.

“He can improve more, but he’s coming along well.” Overholt is from a very gifted and fabled athletic family such as QBs and

receivers. Cousins Derrick, Andre, Kara and Krista Overholt all starred for Polk. Derrick, who was a Presbyterian College receiver, returns to coach Polk JV backs and QBs. He will also be on sidelines Friday along with DL coach Tyler Philpott who was a key blocker at Polk.

Dillon’s own siblings include soph Maria, Sophia in grade school, and a baby brother to space apart the Overholt yard gains.

Unless his cousin can slip into a few games, Overholt’s main targets instead are TE Josh Chupp (5-10, 190 sr.) and Landon White (5-10, 175 sr) and Dillon Knighton (5-8, 150 jr.)

Photos by pete zamplas

who both run 4.6, and Chase Bishop (5-8, 160 jr.) who’s a 4.7.

The strong and mobile line returns LG Marquise Lipscomb (5-8, 250 sr.), RG Devin Panchynshyn (5-10, 225 jr.) and big LT Donivan Twitty (6-2, 280 sr.). center Braden Miller (5-11, 200 jr.), Luke Sellers (6-2, 230 so.). “They run well, with quick first steps to pull,” Thompson said. Kicker Wyatt Derkach (511, 165 jr.) succeeds his brother Davis Derkach. Knighton punts.

The Wolverine defense is a 50 base, and returns seven starters. The line includes rush DE Panchynshn, DE Hayden Schumate (5-11, 230 so.), DEOLB Wheeler, NG Miller, and

08/19/16 Chase

A

08/26/16 North Henderson

H

09/02/16 R-S Central

A

09/09/16 Landrum

H

09/16/16 East Henderson

A

09/23/16 Madison*

A

09/30/16 Mountain Heritage* H 10/06/16 Mitchell*

A

10/14/16 Avery*

H

10/28/16 Owen*

H

11/04/16 Hendersonville*

A

*Conference Game

NT Twitty whose father Darius was a Polk hoops star. Others include sharp LBs Chupp and Austin Wilson (6-0, 190 jr.), SS Wheeler, CBs Sutton and Knighton, FS Overholt and “bandit” Derkach. “We’re pretty big, strong and quick up front and speedy in the secondary,” Thompson said.

As usual in the WHC race, Coach Thompson said, “I expect us to play a factor.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES • OWEN WARHORSES

Roster # NAME POS 2 Kendrick Weaver QB/DB/P 3 Trent Smith WR/DB 5 Nolan Presley WR/DB 6 Waleed Kahlil WR/DB 9 Audun Meyers QB/DB 11 Isaiah Hermance WR/DB 13 Jacob Robinson K 15 Blaise Brunson WR/LB 17 Cyrus Hooper RB/DB 18 Alex Huntsinger TE/LB 22 Kristian Michels TE/LB 24 Antonio McDowell RB/LB 28 Sidney Gibbs RB/DB 33 Tyler Sexton WR/DB 34 Elijah Ammons WR/DB 40 Jadon Watson TE/DL 42 Otis Mallory RB/DL 50 Saevion Gibbs OL/DL 51 Trevin Nichols OL/DL 52 Colbyn McIsaac OL/DL 53 Kaleb Woods OL/LB 54 Casey Young OL/DL 56 Jorge Reynoso OL/DL 58 Scotty Wheeler OL/DL 60 Alonso Gutierrez OL/DL 61 Ethan Hamilton OL/DL 64 Shea Franks OL/DL 77 Ari Smith OL/DL

coaches

OWEN WARHORSES Photos by lifetouch photography

Head Coach: Nathan Padgett Nickname: Warhorses School colors: maroon & white 2015 Record: 1-9 (1-5 WHC) address: 99 Lake Eden Rd, Black

Mountain, NC 28711

Charles D. Owen Warhorses are gutting out adversity, as they have done so well for decades. wen inverted its record, going from winning all but once (12-1) in a magical 2014 to winning once (a cathartic 49-6 over Avery) last year. A year ago, the

gut punch was coach Kenny Ford retiring and graduation of Dream Team star trio Jager Gardner, Zee Johnston and Sam Drummond. Gardner sprinted for nearly 7000 yards in four years. His successor, Sidney Gibbs rushed for 1750 yards and 19 scores as a sophomore in ’15. He destroyed Avery with three TDs and nearly 300 yards rushing.

This summer in another and much more shocking star power outage, Gibbs is out for the year with a knee ligament injury from a sevenon-seven drill. The consolation is the junior has another year

HT. WT. CLASS 5’ 10 185 10 5’ 8 165 10 5’ 11 155 11 5’ 8 155 12 5’ 10 130 10 6’ 150 11 5’ 10 155 12 5’ 10 170 11 6’ 200 12 6’ 1 175 12 6’ 1 170 11 6’ 1 235 11 5’ 10 195 11 5’ 10 160 12 5’ 7 140 12 6’ 1 180 11 5’ 10 200 10 6’ 1 265 9 6’ 2 245 12 6’ 1 185 12 6’ 1 195 11 5’ 5 210 12 6’ 3 180 12 6’ 2 185 11 5’ 8 175 12 5’ 10 165 11 5’ 11 250 9 6’ 2 310 9

remaining. “It’s devastating,” Coach Nathan Padgett said.

“But they realize others have to step up — and they are.”

In his first full preseason, he saw “strength and speed gains. With that, they’ve gained confidence.” Padgett, a 1994 Owen grad filling the big shoes of Ford (230 wins in 29 years), is all about “pride, tradition, family and discipline.” He said “our kids have been motivated, and working hard. We’re building on that.” Numbers have gone up about 50 percent from the usual 40, to 58 in ’15 and about that now. With an infusion of young players, Padgett has

stressed blocking and tackling fundamentals. Owen return seven starters on defense, four on offense to take the next step in their development.

Owen spreads or pounds ahead from its multiple I, running about two-thirds of the time. “We like to control the ball,” Padgett said. Cyrus Hooper (6-0, 200 sr.) has first shot as lead back. “He runs hard straight ahead, but he’s also elusive,” Padgett said. FBTB Antonio McDowell (6-1, 235 jr.) returns, after missing ’15 with a collarbone injury.

New quarterback Kendrick Weaver (5-10, 185 so.) is

Head Coach: Nathan Padgett Assistants: Nathan Arvey, Calvin Cross, Anthony Lee, David McDowell, Clint McElrath, Jack Slaughter, Matt Turner

pivotal. He got his feet wet as a sub starting two early varsity games as a freshman QB. “He’s a dual threat. We’ll plan our offense around what he can do,” Padgett said. “We spread the love, so defenses can’t key on one guy.” Main targets are fast Waleed Khalil (5-8, 155 sr.) and Tyler Sexton (5-10, 160 sr), and TE Alex Huntsinger (6-1, 175 sr.).

Up front again are strong “bowling ball” center Casey Young, (5-5, 210 sr.) and guard Colbyn McIsaac (6-1, 185 sr.). joining them are Jorge Reynoso (6-3, 180 sr.), Trevin Nichols (62, 245 sr.) and Saevion Gibbs

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

(6-1, 265) who is Sidney’s big little brother and among 20 freshmen in the program and three big ones on varsity. “We’ll know much more when the bombs start going off,” Padgett said of the new line and overall squad. The solid kicker is Jacob Robinson (5-8, 155 sr.).

The Warhorse multiple 40 defense is led by OLB-S C Hooper and LBs Huntsinger, McDowell, and Kaleb Woods (6-1, 195 jr.). Coach Padgett sees room to move up in the WHC. “I see us and Avery and Madison competing against each other.” written by pete zamplas

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Enka

H

08/26/16 Tuscola

A

09/02/16 AC Reynolds

A

09/16/16 McDowell

H

09/23/16 Avery County*

H

09/30/16 Mitchell*

A

10/07/16 Mountain Heritage* H 10/14/16 Madison*

A

10/21/16 Hendersonville*

H

10/28/16 Polk County*

A

*Conference Game

45

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS

(continued from page 38) read. He gets the ball out on time.” In seven-on-seven drills, the rule is throw the pass within four seconds or it counts as a sack. Williford’s toughness is evident by his all-WHC ‘15 as a D-lineman.

HHS deploys four receivers.

“We return 2,100 yards of receivers,” Sosebee said. More than half (1217) are by Tykel Landrum (5-10, 170 jr.), who’s midway through a brilliant career. Landrum is best among WNC returnees in yards and at 19 per catch in ’15, second with 64 receptions, and tied for the most (10) TDs. The other WR is split between big Cole Cochran (6-2, 205 sr.), who caught 25 passes in ’15, quick Nasir Artis (5-9, 165 so.) and Demetrius Smith (5-11, 175 sr.). Michael Cook graduated.

The two slot spots go to swift Quintin Wright (6-0, 170 jr.) who caught 29 passes (12 ypc.), Smith or all-WHC WB-TB Leon Cooks (6-0, 215 sr.) who shined (11 ypc.) as backup RB. Powerful Tyrese Hunt (511, 225 so.), JV MVP in ’15, succeeds Terrold Gary, as a likely main back. Jhon Salguero (5-10, 185 sr.), Shawn Pearce (510, 195 jr.) and Cole McMurray (6-0, 190 so.) get carries.

Four of five return up front, on a mobile, protective line.

They are RT James Jackson (6-0, 215 sr.), LT Wyatt Holbert (6-1, 260 jr.), LG Dominick Daniels (5-11, 270 sr.) and RG McQuire Hunter (5-11, 195 jr.).

Center Sam Ledford (6-1, 250 sr.) started some. “Golden Toe” Drew Eudy (5-9, 170 sr.) has drilled field goals as far as 45 yards.

The 4-2-5 base defense’s inside is anchored by West Henderson import Shaq Rospel (5-11, 225 sr.), an all-WNCAC LB, and ’15 JV standout Korbit Collins (6-1, 225 so.). The D-line is a strength, Sosebee said. Quick all-WHC DT Blaine Sharpe (6-2, 275 sr.) led HHS with 107 tackles (8.9 tpg.).

Tyrese Cauley (6-3, 250 jr.) is a DT. DEs include lanky Sam Lucas (6-3, 210 sr.) and Taerek Daniel (6-0, 220 sr.). All-WHC Landrum had 98 tackles (7.5 tpg.) and five picks. “We’ll twoplatoon for the front-seven,” Sosebee said.

Coach Sosebeee is determined to “uphold the tradition” of winning. The Bearcats, who next year shift into the WNC Athletic Conference, want to go out on top of the WHC.” written by pete zamplas

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS

(continued from page 42) 6,254 rushing yards — half by Casey Randolph — in their gapcreating Wing T spread triple option with shotgun snaps. A good omen is that the ’15 roster has two Randolphs, also two Robinsons.

All-WHC quarterback Trey Robinson (6-0, 198 jr.) burst out for 2264 yards (7.1 ypc.) and 30 TDs rushing. He passed for over 1000 yards, 15 TDs and seven INTs. “He’s a half-step faster, and a lot stronger,” and focused under pressure, his father said. “We’ve put a lot on his shoulders. In big games and on big plays, he seems to thrive.” He also kicks.

A potent and versatile 1-2 punch at wing/tailback is rugged Dathan Robinson (5-10, 170 jr.) with 757 rushing yards (5.2 ypc.) and seven TDs, and fast Junior Denton (5-10, 189 sr.) who averaged 12.2 yards in running for 803 for Madison in ’15. “Junior can get out and go,” Robinson said. “Dathan is tough. You think he got three yards, but he fights for six.”

Athletic, slashing WB-WR Cole Burleson (6-2, 170 sr.) had a fine (6.3 ypc.) year. Justin Keener (57, 155 sr.) returned two kickoffs for TDs. Other WBs include fast Michael Bingham (5-8, 160 sr.), backup QB Dawson Branton

(6-0, 190 so.), and gutty Seth Randolph (5-10, 185 jr.). Sole WR Alston Randolph (6-1, 170 sr.) makes “big catches,” Robinson said. The blocking TE is Michael Austin (5-11, 250 sr.).

The three OL returnees are pulling guards Zeb Virnelson 6-1, 210 so.) and Austen Rocha (6-3, 280 sr.), and RT Devan Woody (6-5, 245 sr.).

New starters are T-G Kane McCandless (6-1, 235 jr.), and at center T-C Isaac Quintero (510, 190 jr.) or C Keaton Hall (5-9, 210 jr.). “By far, this is our most athletic line ever,” Robinson said. “They’re so explosive.

They move unbelievably well — like tight ends. We’re excited about that.”

The multiple defense has a 3-5 base. Third-year MLB Adam Shuford (5-11, 205 sr.) made 155 tackles. His 11.1 average was fifth best among WNC returnees. Other LBs include OLB Corey Presnell (6-0, 170 sr.) and Michael McCoy (6-3, 186 jr.). Burleson was a premier intercepter in the entire state, with nine in ’15.

Coach Robinson welcomes the consensus frontrunner “bull’s eye. People are coming after us.” In turn, the Burnsville Bunch is eager to go full-blast into history. written by pete zamplas

# NAME POS HT WT CLASS 1 Keshaun Taylor WR Jr. 6-1 180 2 Jamel Harbison WR R-Sr. 5’11 190 3 Jeremiah Hay DB Sr. 5-10 185 4 Chris Moseley DB So. 5-10 175 5 Gilbert Johnson WR So. 6-6 200 6 Joshua Murphy DB So. 6-1 190 7 Austin Brown QB R-So. 5-11 180 9 Chris Leamon OLB Jr. 6-1 190 10 Craig Rucker RB Fr. 5-7 165 11 David Salmon QB Jr. 6-2 210 12 Anthony Carson DB Jr. 5-11 185 13 Nicolas Sanders DB R-Sr. 6-1 180 18 Jacob Johnston QB Fr. 6-4 190 19 Scott Brantley WR Fr. 6-1 200 20 Christopher Ferdinand DB Jr. 6-3 200 21 Khalil Fuller RB Fr. 5-9 175 22 Malik Prescott RB Fr. 6-0 205 23 Cameron Ray DB So. 5-10 170 24 Carl Mattox DB Sr. 6-1 190 25 Robert Morgan, Jr. DB Sr. 5-10 160 26 Jeremy Middleton DB Fr. 6-0 190 27 Germell Jenkins DB So. 6-1 195 28 Ventray Belton DB Fr. 6-2 190 29 Jacari Williams LB R-So. 5-11 210 30 Preston Lockwood DB Fr. 6-0 190 32 Cruz Galaviz RB So. 5-8 180 33 Reggie Battle RB Fr. 5-10 210 34 Calum Kramer P/K Fr. 6-1 215 35 Malik Sims LB Sr. 6-0 210 36 Joshua Dawkins DB Jr. 6-0 175 38 Jerjuan Edwards LB Jr. 5-11 195 39 Yusuf Baskin LB R-Fr. 6-1 190 41 Jamel Hall FB R-Jr. 6-1 250 42 Aundreas Hill LB Fr. 6-0 200 44 Kedar Bryant TE So. 6-3 235 45 Taylor Hardigree LB So. 6-0 220 46 Landon Loukos LB Fr. 6-2 205 47 Jamel Brintley DE Sr. 6-2 225 48 Austin Horne WR Fr. 5-11 185 49 Joseph Bruner K/P Fr. 5-11 160 50 Bryce King OL R-So. 6-4 300 51 Tray Smith LB So. 6-1 215 52 Jaylon Harvey OLB Jr. 6-1 200 54 Ricky Hawks LB Sr. 5-11 230 55 Tyler Guy Parrish DL Sr. 6-3 240 56 Michael Warren DL Sr. 6-5 275 58 Josh Chapman OL R-Jr. 6-1 260 59 Jake Sell OL/DL R-So. 6-1 250 60 Joe Hillin OL R-Jr. 5’11 300 61 Avery Brumlow OL Fr. 6-1 265 62 Andrew Blanton OL R-So. 6-3 285 63 Cole Handte OL Fr. 6-3 290 65 Michael Foster OL Fr. 6-1 280 67 Hunter Payne C/LS Jr. 5-10 260 69 Dylan Blanchard OL Fr. 6-3 250 70 Travis James OL Fr. 6-3 245 71 Eldric Wilson DL So. 6-3 320 72 Chris Russo OL Sr. 6-0 240 73 Brandon Wilson DL So. 6-2 290 75 Michael Baker DL Fr. 6-1 275 76 Deshavius Swint OL Fr. 6-2 315 77 Wesley Stripling OL Fr. 6-4 315 78 Justin Holder OL Fr. 6-3 280 80 D’Amonte Knight WR/DB R-So. 6-0 180 81 Brandon Helms WR Fr. 6-5 210 82 Tyler Stewart K Jr. 6-0 165 83 Markece Cunningham DE Sr. 6-2 245 84 Brenden McWilliams TE R-So. 6-1 200 85 Shadow Christenson WR R-So. 5-10 170 86 Matthew Maennle WR Sr. 5-11 175 87 Pierre Lockwood WR Fr. 6-0 175 88 Tyler Ferguson WR Fr. 5-8 165 89 Jordan Patterson TE R-So. 6-1 245 90 Chris Daniels DE R-Sr. 6-2 265 93 Charles Gilcrest DL So. 6-1 235 94 DaJon Montague DE Sr. 6-3 245 96 Keon Cezar DL Fr. 6-3 240 Detrious Almon DB Fr. 5-7 170 Elijah Beaufort DB Fr. 5-7 180 Bryson Buckner TE/DE Fr. 6-4 230 Isiah Burris WR Fr. 5-9 170 Michael Cantrell ATH Fr. 5-7 175 Reazhom Chapman DB/WR Fr. 5-9 175 Jordan Cody DB Fr. 5-10 185 Dalton Combs QB Fr. 5-10 180 Jermarcus Durham DE/LB Fr. 6-2 220 Noah Eberhardt DB Fr. 5-10 175 Marcus Foster Ath Fr. 5-9 200 Lenorris Gaines WR R-Fr. 5-10 175 Andrew Gilbert OL Fr. 6-2 270 Trace Goldsmith QB Fr. 6-2 200 Keshun Gray DB Fr. 5-9 170 Cole Handte OL Fr. 6-3 290 Terry Harrell, Jr. DL R-Fr. 5-10 250 Dion Hill DB Fr. 5-9 155 Joshua Jernigan ATH Fr. 6-0 180 Trizton Johnson OL Fr. 6-2 300 Tracey Jones DB R-Fr. 5-10 170 Ezekiel King DL Fr. 5-9 240 Daniel Knight DL R-Fr. 510 325 Marquise Lyles LB R-Fr. 5-8 225 David Mackey OL Fr. 6-1 300 Chris Mangum LB So. 5-9 185 Steven Martinez OL R-Fr. 5-11 250 Bobby McBride DL Fr. 5-9 275 Colton Millsaps QB Fr. 5-11 175 Tate Payne DL/OL Fr. 5-8 260 Anthony Phillips DL Fr. 6-2 240 Nolan Purgason TE Fr. 6-4 230 Jake Reneau DL Fr. 6-2 245 Emmanuel Robinson DB Fr. 5-9 170 Chris Smith DL Fr. 6-0 250 Malik Spatcher WR Fr. 5-8 140 Jay Spencer OLB Fr. 6-2 192 Davis Stafford FB/LB Fr. 5-10 215 Cameron Stanley QB Fr. 6-1 190 Jamaad Stephens TE R-Fr. 6-1 225 CJ Tillman DL R-Fr. 5-10 160 ` Coal Webb LB Fr. 6-1 215 Ethan Wilder WR Fr. 6-0 190 Chance Woods OL/DL Fr. 6-0 270

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

47

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 2015 record:..... 6-5 (5-2 SAC)

T

he Mars Hill football team will enter the 2016 campaign looking to build on the momentum established during last year’s four-game winning streak to end the season.

“It always helps to finish strong the previous year. I think we were one of the hottest teams at the end of last year but last year doesn’t mean that much once this season starts“, said head coach Tim Clifton.

After finishing the conference slate tied for second overall at 5-2 in 2015, the team’s highest finish since the 2012 season, the Lions will look to take the next step towards a conference championship and chemistry with one mindset will be a big part in achieving that goal.

“The biggest goal will be taking 120 guys and giving them one heartbeat. Today its’s as much about chemistry as anything else.”

A challenging schedule is staring the Blue and Gold in the eyes, opening the season with a tough road test against Division I-AA Samford. After defending the home turf for the first time in the following week, the next three games will be away from the friendly confines

of Meares Stadium, including a pivotal matchup with Carson Newman to open South Atlantic Conference play.

“The first game will be a huge challenge playing IAA Samford University on September 5th. The SAC is always a challenge, it doesn’t matter which team you play, and you had better bring your best.”

After graduating several key players on defense there will be a lot of new faces that look to make a name for themselves when practice starts in midAugust. Missing on the defensive line for Mars Hill will be Johnny Maxey, who agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.

Maxey ranked in the top two of four separate categories for the Lions, earning him an All-SAC Second Team Defense award, as well as First Team All-Super Region II. “Defensive line will be where we need to find a couple of starters and some guys to give us depth. Johnny Maxey and Christiaan Davis left a big hole in the interior of our defensive line.”

The coaches of the South Atlantic Conference have predicted the Lions to finish fourth in the preseason polls.

Hard work and dedication will be key factors if Mars Hill wants to prove the voters wrong and stand atop the SAC at the end of the year.

Mars Hill Lions (above) and Coach Clifton (below). Photos by Cindy Whitt

Clifton returns to the Hill for his 24th consecutive season with a coaching staff that has reached veteran status. “Having a coaching staff that has been together for a long time makes it easier for me in that I don’t have to look over anyone’s shoulder.

They’re going to take care of the players and prepare them for not only the games on Saturday but for the game of life. These coaches are great coaches, but even better individuals.”

Mars Hill will open the season at Samford on Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m.

by Matt Farris, Asst Sports Information Director, MHU

For more information on Mars Hill Lions Athletcis and for ticket information, log onto marshilllions.com

48

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ANDREWS

•

Murphy and Swain are eager to ascend back to the top of Old Smoky, while Robbinsville Knights come off backto-back dream seasons, others thirst for an upset and Cherokee is poised to make the biggest leap. he preseason state 1-A poll of N.C. Preps has Murphy fourth, Robbinsville fifth, and Swain 11th. “Murphy is loaded,” Cherokee Coach Kent Briggs said in tabbing the Bulldogs, then Robbinsville, then Swain. Robbinsville Coach Dee Walsh agrees “Murphy has the most talent back.” He said Hayesville and Andrews with new coaching regimes have “renewed excitement.”

Both get premier SMC lineage.

Hayesville’s Kenneth Dockery played for Murphy. James

ANDREWS

•

CHEROKEE

•

HAYESVILLE

Phillips returns to his alma mater Andrews, after a long stint at Swain. “The three tradition-rich schools are always in the thick of it,” he said. “My longtime goal is to get Andrews into that conversation.” Dockery gives an edge to Murphy, but stressed how “Robbinsville’s line looks good.”

“Robbinsville won it the last two years” and can ride its strong front, Murphy Coach David Gentry points out. He likes Rosman’s emerging sophomore varsity group.

“Swain’s backs look bigger than anybody on our team,” Rosman Coach Freddie Whitman quipped. “Cherokee could be up there. We could.”

Swain Coach Neil Blankenship said “Cherokee will show some people, if they get rolling with their athletes.”

MURPHY (10-4; 4-2 SMC) has title-worthy elements with RB Kadrian McRae (5-10, 184 jr.),

CHEROKEE

•

HAYESVILLE

•

MURPHY

•

RObbINSVILLE

QB Joey Curry (6-1, 190 jr.) and WR Colton Posey (5-11, 160 sr.) behind tackles Isaac Stafford (5-10, 260 sr.) and Joe Deetz (63, 255 sr.). OLB-T Adam Powell (5-11, 245) sparks a Bulldog defense. Coach David Gentry tells his troops to charge ahead with “purpose.”

SWAIN (8-4; 5-1) has its own title ingredients with RBs Chris Miller (5-7, 165 sr.) and Keshaun Beaner (6-0, 220 jr.), QB Brodie Bowman (5-8, 170 jr.), OT Craig Cutshaw (5-10, 225 sr.), Johnny Woodard (5-10, 230 sr.), and LBOL Ice Littlejohn (5-10, 215 jr.).

Coach Neil Blankenship likes team “speed” and grit.

ROBBINSVILLE (12-3; 6-0) has Logan Odom (6-0, 265 sr.), Case Hooper (6-0, 275 sr.) and Issiah Bradley (6-3, 280 jr.) open holes for FB Colby Hemphill (6-0, 230 sr.) and TB Ian Wiggins (6-1, 185 jr.). MLB-RB Elijah Wachacha (61, 225 jr.) leads the Black Knight defense. Coach Dee Walsh said

•

MURPHY

•

•

ROSMAN

•

with the line and skill, “we’ll be fine.”

CHEROKEE (4-8; 1-5) looms as most improved, as a young unit matures. QB Tye Mintz (6-1, 203 jr.), TB Isaiah Evans (6-1, 205 so.) and FB Dodge Crowe-Moss (5-10, 210 sr.) sparkle behind big Braves blockers Byron Locust (6-0, 270 jr.). G Kendall Driver (6-3, 290 sr.) and Jay Swimmer (6-0, 260 sr.). Coach Kent Briggs sees Cherokee as “very competitive.”

ANDREWS (16-0; 6-0) features RBs Taylor Parker (58, 165 sr.) and Andrew Horton (5-10, 190 jr.); blockers Knox Chapman (6-0, 240 sr.), Pierce Christiansen (6-3, 295 sr.) and Josh Giffin (6-1, 230); and INT machine Drew Pyle (6-0, 170 sr.). New head coach James Phillips wants foes tangling with Wildcats to have a “fight on their hands.”

ROSMAN (7-5; 3-3) promotes WBs Neil Tesnow (6-0, 210 sr.)

RObbINSVILLE

•

ROSMAN

•

SWAIN COUNTY and Tanner Whitman (5-9, 180 sr.) to the forefront, of a young nucleus of QB Luke Stewart (6-0, 180 so.), WB-WR Samuel Chappell (5-10, 150 so.) and a new line. LB-TE Christopher Daves (6-3, 173 sr.) and DT Jonathan Holladay (5-9, 175 sr.) spur the Tiger D. Coach Freddie Whitman assures as usual, “we’ll grind it out.”

HAYESVILLE (3-8; 0-6) sports QB Kyle Rhinehardt (6-2, 185 sr.), WR Alan Gillis (5-11, 161 sr.), and Colton Thomas (5-9, 160 jr.) and sprinter Brian Smith (5-6, 155 jr.) as RBs. Blockers include Logan Thurmond (6-0, 260 sr.), Zack Raxter (5-10, 217 sr.) and Cordell Lands (6-0, 240 sr.). New head coach Kenneth Dockery said the Yellow Jackets are “athletic up front” and hungry for SMC victory. written by pete zamplas

SWAIN COUNTY

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS

Spices Murphy’s Championship-caliber Potential

joey curry Joey Curry curries favor with Bulldog Nation for his immense talent and determination to lead Murphy to the promised land. he Smoky Mountain Conference title is plenty football heaven , and its king of kings has a fast track toward a state title. Quarterback Curry (61, 190 jr.) realizes that though he has another year left, the pinnacle could come sooner and now.

Last year, Curry threw for nearly 1000 yards in a halfseason (six games), after unseating Dalton Kent as QB. Curry tossed nine scoring

passes, against merely one interception. He ran for 538 yards (7 ypc.).

“This kid does it all,” MHS head coach David Gentry said.

“He has a great arm. He sees the field well. He zips the ball into tight places. He throws the deep ball. He can run (with 4.7 speed), and read blocks real well. He’s the best quarterback in this league.”

Competitiveness and leadership are further assets, Gentry said. Curry is “fierce” as an actual bulldog. “He wants to win. He doesn’t like interceptions or incompletions.

Our kids look up to him.” Rival coaches such as Robbinsville Dee Walsh also recognize “such leadership qualities.”

Curry is into tradition of Murphy and his family legacy.

As a lad he marveled at MHS QBs. He wears the no. one that Luke Charles wore. He then saw Seth Curtis at QB. Next was his brother, Michael Curry, in 2012 as a mere sophomore before moving away. Michael is a Georgia Bulldog sophomore catcher.

Joey was at Murphy’s state title defeat in ’12. That got Joey hungry for his own eventual title runs; the junior seeks “two

rings.” Kent led MHS to a state title in the next year, ’13. But two years later, even he rotated series with Joey before giving way to him.

Joey is youngest of four children of Richard and Tawnya Curry. Richard starred in baseball. Joey was 1-A all state in baseball this spring, as a MHS pitcher and shortstop.

MHS went 20-7, and reached four playoff rounds. Richard was a Marine. Joey eyes playing baseball or football for the Naval Academy, and “serving my country” as a Marine helicopter pilot.

He has an all-A 4.0 GPA. “I love American history.” If he could time travel, he’d visit the Eighties for the stronger patriotism under the “great Pres. Reagan. My Dad talks about him. Like now, they were coming off hard times. Then Reagan got elected. I listen to his speeches, on YouTube. I enjoyed what he had to say. He inspired people” with optimism to improve matters.

So does Coach Gentry, for football and life. “Coach can get on you. But he’s like a father,” Curry said. “He inspires.

He makes you want to get out there, and get the job done.”

Gentry challenges to “get better” at practice; if satisfied he concludes “we got better.”

They practice up a hill from the fieldhouse. “Coach says to ‘come down that hill with a purpose.’”

Newly-retired QB Peyton Manning is a role model for how “he communicated with his offensive line, and whole offense. He takes control.”

Manning adjusted play calls after reading defenses. Curry is improving in that area. Early last year “I didn’t care what the defense was doing. I’d simply look for an open receiver, and decide last-second. Then I studied defenses — cover three, cover two. It makes my job 1000 times easier, to read defenses.”

He likes the challenge of synchronizing with the receiver who is in a “dig route,” and delivering the throw. You have to have good chemistry, and be on the same page. He’ll get behind the linebacker or corner, and find a sudden opening. You have to throw it right through a window” to get there as he gets open.

He prefers running not as a keeper, but when rushed to extend the play to “give receivers more time.” That still

49

gives him a chance for a longer gain, than if he ran. But as he scrambles, “everybody might freak out, until they see it gives time for a man to get open 20 yards downfield.”

Curry also likes the Eighties for such hits as The Outfield’s “Your Love” in 1986. Such medium rock mirrors Curry’s emotional balance. As the QB, “you have to stay calm when you throw it. You can’t get down or too excited” play to play, he said. “Let your linemen (in blocking) or defense get excited when hitting people, or recovering a fumble.” As they do, he roots them on.

His oddest moment was his first snap, against Hayesville in mid-’15 once he emerged as the regular starter. Before Coach Gentry could tell him, Curry read in a local paper “Curry is likely to get the nod...’ Wow. I was nervous.” After one snap, “the butterflies were gone.

I settled in. We had a great game, and kept rolling.”

In this season, receivers and other “new people are stepping up,” Curry said. Murphy is ready to take off for a long and fruitful flight, with the future helicopter pilot at the controls. written by pete zamplas

50

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS • ANDREWS WILDCATS

Roster

Head Coach: James Phillips Nickname: Wildcats School colors: red, black and

# NAME 1 Gabe Roach 2 Taylor Parker 3 Zach Shepherd 4 Matthew Barton 5 Mikey Taylor 7 Eric Maennle 8 Cody Mathis 9 Jonathan Ogilvie 10 Kylan Thomp10n 12 Drew Pyle 13 Jacob Larey 15 Andrew Horton 17 Dillon Phillips 20 Jack Newton 21 Trevor Larey 24 Cody Smith 33 Jennings Cooper 35 Abe Christensen 39 Caleb Roberts 44 Colten Weaver 51 Knox Chapman 52 Hunter Rickett 54 Nick Denard 63 Pierce Christensen 70 Luke Spivey 77 Zane Wood 82 Mitchell McGaha 83 Zack Roach

white

2015 Record: 6-7 (2-4 SMC) address: 50 High School Dr,

Andrews, NC 28901

Andrews’ new head coach James Phillips brings Swain grit to a Wildcat program that features a superb running back. he 6-foot-4 Phillips, who replaces Avery Cutshaw, was an Andrews lineman and 1995 grad. He helped coach Swain, lately overseeing both lines. “I bring from Swain mental and physical toughness.

I was a part of that, for 17 years.

I hope to get that going at Andrews.” Yet he realizes some players “respond to a challenge.

Other kids wilt, if you get into your face. You have to put your arm around them, and talk quietly. You can motivate kids, without always screaming at them.” He learned at Swain how “most games are won Monday through Thursday.

Fundamentals should be there, come game time.”

The Wildcats’ lone winning mark in the last 20 years was 8-5 in 2011. But they came within a game of .500 in ’15. AHS barely lost (14-7) to Murphy, scored 40plus in wins over Cherokee and Hayesville to close the regular season, then ousted Cherokee from playoffs.

WT. CLASS 125 10 144 12 170 10 160 11 130 10 145 10 170 10 156 12 145 12 170 12 130 12 175 11 180 11 200 11 170 12 160 11 175 11 235 11 185 11 190 11 230 12 206 10 170 11 311 12 190 10 220 11 170 11 125 10

coaches

ANDREWS WILDCATS Andrews is smaller than most foes, with fewer than 300 students. “There are at most 50 boys in school. They play every sport,” Phillips said. The spring turnout of 34 is promising.

Phillips hopes for more stars from Andrews’ premier sports, such as basketball and baseball.

The offense is Swain’s veer option with sweeps and “stretch” plays, also some power I, Phillips said. The star again is strong HBTB Taylor Parker (5-8, 165 sr.).

He rushed for 1472 yards which is second best among WNC returnees, averaged 7.5 yards and ran for 18 touchdowns. He also threw for 661 yards, as part-time quarterback. “He’s a mini bodybuilder,” Phillips said. “Taylor can juke you. He finds a hole quick,

HT. 5’6 5’6 5’11 6’ 5’5 5’10 6’2 6’1 5’10 5’11 5’7 5’8 6’ 6’ 6’2 5’11 5’10 6’5 6’ 5’11 5’11 6’1 5’10 6’3 5’10 6’ 6’ 5’6

Photo courtesy of andrews high school

is decisive and gets through it quickly. He has both straightforward (4.55) speed, and lateral quickness on sweeps.” The other split back, Andrew Horton (5-10, 190 jr.) is also the I fullback. “He’s a different dynamic,” Phillips said.

“He lowers his shoulder, and runs over you.”

A “smart, tough, athletic” trio of strong-armed QB-WR Dylan Phillips (6-0, 185 jr.), star baseball pitcher QB-WR Matthew Barton (6-0, 165 jr.) and nimble QB-RB Eric Maennle (5-10, 160 so.) should all start, with one at QB, Phillips said.

“They’re used to running shotgun, and a zone. Now we’re under center. They have to take a lick (in the option), and get back into the huddle.”

Receivers are Kylan Thompson

(5-11, 160 sr.), Mitchell McGaha (6-0, 175 jr.), and leaping hoopster Cody Mathis (6-3, 180 so.). TEs are Jack Newton (6-0, 210 jr.) and Abe Christensen (6-5, 240 jr.).

Four of five on the line return on one of the largest Wildcat lines ever — guards Knox Chapman (60, 240 sr.) and Zane Wood (6-1, 225 jr.), and tackles Pierce Christiansen (6-3, 295 sr.) and Josh Giffin (6-1, 230). New center Nick Denard (510, 175 jr.) wrestles. “We need to go beyond size, to domination and grinding on people,” Phillips said.

The kicker is Cody Smith (6-1, 170 jr.)

The 4-2-5 base defense includes Jennings Cooper (6-0, 180 jr.), and third-year CB Drew Pyle (6-0, 170 sr.) made six interceptions in ’15.

“You have to play hard, to earn

Head Coach: James Phillips asst coaches: Jason Johnson, Tyler Edwards, JC Christensen, Joel McClelland, Colby White, John Holland, Jamie Martin, Tim Wood, Brad Hammond, Brent Birch

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Brevard

H

08/26/16 Tellico Plains

A

09/02/16 Mitchell

H

09/09/16 Union County

H

09/16/16 Fannin County

A

09/23/16 Robbinsville*

H

09/30/16 Rosman*

A

10/07/16 Murphy*

A

10/14/16 Swain*

H

10/21/16 Cherokee*

A

10/28/16 Hayesville*

H

*Conference Game

respect,” Coach Phillips said. “I want people to know they’ll have a fight on their hands for four quarters.” written by pete zamplas

iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE bRAVES • CHEROKEE braves

COACH bRIGGS HEAD COACH: kent briggs NICKNAME: braves SCHOOL COLORS: maroon, green bay gold

2015 RECORD: 4-8 (1-5 smc) ADDRESS: acQuoni road, cherokee,

nc 28719

Cherokee Central Braves are still young, but vastly more experienced and tout a huge line and the SMC returning quarterback who threw for the most yards and scores last year. herokee keeps progressing under Kent Briggs, former Western Carolina Catamount head coach. He is in his third year at the helm at Cherokee. In 2015, the Braves beat nearby Smoky Mountain 32-24. CCHS has won merely three SMC contests in the last six years. But the sole SMC win was decisive — by 45-28 at Hayesville, in the regular season finale. The Braves led Murphy at halftime, and for a while “had a chance to beat Robbinsville,” Briggs said.

CHEROKEE bRAVES Photo by amble smoker

Seven Braves starters return on offense, and six on defense.

The nucleus is now a junior class.

“We have experience,” Briggs said. “It’s time to take it to the next level. Not to wait until senior years. Do it now.”

Versatile quarterback Tye Mintz (6-1, 203 jr.) is “definitely our catalyst” as “our leading rusher and passer,” Briggs said.

Mintz threw for 17 TDs, and ran for 10 more. His 1,872 aerial yards are fourth best among returning WNC passers. He averaged 12.6 per completion. He rushed for 882 yards (5.9 ypc). Cherokee passes about 55 percent of the time, from the spread.

Mintz is athletic as a hoops wing standout, and track sprinter

and jumper. He tossed 15 picks in ’15, but in time improved his “decision-making,” Mintz said.

“He has a natural knack with such good quickness and speed. He also brings toughness. He’s a competitor, a team leader.” His father is girls’ basketball coach Chris Mintz. Cherokee often goes for two points. “If you get one of every two tries, it’s the same as two extra points,” Briggs reasons.

Another dual threat, tailback Isaiah Evans (6-1, 205 so.), started as a freshman in ’15. He ran for five TDs, and caught 25 passes. “He catches the ball well,” and gained 15 pounds, Briggs noted. “He has potential, to be a phenomenal player.” FB-PK-punter Dodge Crowe-Moss (5-10, 210 sr.) and

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Trinity Academy

A

08/26/16 Mitchell

H

09/02/16 Choctaw Central

A

09/09/16 Cosby

A

09/15/16 Smoky Mountain

A

09/23/16 Murphy*

A

10/07/16 Swain*

H

10/14/16 Rosman*

A

10/21/16 Andrews*

H

10/28/16 Robbinsville*

A

11/04/16 Hayesville*

H

*Conference Game

TBs Dawson Wilnoty (5-8, 210 sr.) and Damian Blanton (5-9, 185 so.) will also get carries.

Three receivers start at once.

51

Holden Straughan (5-10, 185 sr.) caught 33 passes in ’15. “He has a knack to get open, and good hands,” Briggs said. Anthony Toineeta (5-11, 165 sr.) is an allstate wrestler, and can slip to open space. Shane Swimmer (510, 170 jr.) is quick.

The large veteran line has Byron Locust (6-0, 270 jr.) in this third year, Jay Swimmer (6-0, 260 sr.) at center, Kendall Driver (6-3, 290 sr.), Will Davis (5-9, 240 sr.) and Zak Perez (5-10, 250 jr.); with Isaiah Armachain (5-10, 240 so.) in the mix.

Cherokee has switched to a 4-2-5 defense, from 3-4. The D-line is Davis, Locust, Armachain and Joaquin “Jack” Layno (5-9, 240 so.). Linebackers are Wilnoty and Dodge-Crowe inside, and Straughan and Damian Blanton outside. Mintz and Evans return to the secondary, where CBs are Toineeta and Steven Meuse (5-6, 160 sr.). Most are two-way starters.

“We have guys who can produce,” Coach Briggs said. “If we can stay healthy, we should be very competitive. It’s time for us to challenge those top three teams.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

Coach Dockery Head Coach: Kenneth Dockery Nickname: Yellow Jackets School colors: black & Vegas gold

2015 Record: 3-8 (0-6 SMC) address: 205 Yellow Jacket Dr,

Hayesville, NC 28904

Hayesville has promoted Kenneth Dockery to head coach. ockery played fullback for Murphy (Class of ’04), then nose guard for Mars Hill (’08).

He promptly joined Hayesville’s staff, for eight years. He was mostly defensive then offensive coordinator. He replaces Mitch Myers. HHS has gone a decade since its last winning season — in 2007 — and went winless in the SMC for the last two seasons and since early in 2013. But last year the Yellow Jackets stung 3-A Enka, on the road, as they won their first three contests.

“I loved every minute of it,” Dockery said of his Murphy days.

“I’m very proud.” During games

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS Photos courtesy of clay county progress

he was like a coach on the field, to teammates. “I’d try to keep everyone upbeat. If you make a bad play, put it past you and go on. Play the next play.” Also, he cautions against relishing a good play. “You’re only as good as the next play.”

His coaching style is to “correct mistakes in (the next) practice.

Don’t tar and feather him during the game. We’ll deal with it Monday. That works here. We have good kids at Hayesville.”

He deploys a Wing “T-Raid” with “traps and sweeps like we did at Murphy, adding some passing principles of an ‘air raid’ offense. The quarterback reads the defender. There are stick

and corner routes and flanker screens.”

Strong-armed QB Kyle Rhinehardt (6-2, 185 sr.) threw for 1308 yards, 16 TDs and only 10 picks. He also runs well.

Halfbacks are fastest Jacket Brian Smith (5-6, 155 jr.), the SMC 100 and 200-meter dash champ, and shifty Colton Thomas (5-9, 160 jr.).

Receivers include SE-RB Alan Gillis (5-11, 161 sr.), FL-HB Payton Krieger (5-8, 137 so.), and TEflanker Logan Cowart (6-4, 230 sr.).

Hayesville has an athletic, allsenior line. Returnees are RG Logan Thurmond (6-0, 260 sr.), and center Zack Raxter (5-10,

217 sr.). New starters are Cordell Lands (6-0, 240 sr.), Bronson Kirby (5-10, 225 sr.), Christian Artaega (5-9, 190 sr.).

Kicker Jessie Stewart (5-6, 156 so.) also plays HHS soccer.

The 50 base defense often has a 5-3 or 4-4, instead of 4-3 and 3-4 as before. “We stunted and blitzed a lot last year. Most are two-way starters. “We’re pretty athletic up front,” Dockery said.

Coach Dockery said in the SMC schedule, “we’re definitely looking for a win any way we can get it, as a stepping stone.” written by pete zamplas

Roster

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 1 Jamie Miller WR/DB 5’8 120 10 3 Brian Smith RB/DB 5’6 155 11 4 Dalton Taylor WR/DB 6’1 165 12 5 Colton Thomas RB/DB 5’9 160 11 7 Seth Hatherly WR/DB 5’8 142 12 WR/DB/QB 5’11 161 10 9 Alan Gillis 10 George Seibert RB/DB 5’5 160 12 11 Kyle Rhinehardt QB/LB 6’2 185 12 12 Dustin Freeman WR/DB 6’ 155 10 14 C.J. Heller WR/DB 5’7 140 12 15 Thomas Cothren WR/LB 5’9 155 11 17 Keith Cook WR/DB 5’4 115 10 21 Jessie Stewart K 5’8 156 10 23 Tyler Swanger RB/LB 5’9 168 10 34 Payton Krieger RB/DB 5’8 137 10 40 Devin Boykin WR/LB 6’4 175 11 41 Logan Cowart TE/LB 6’4 230 11 45 Dalton Coker WR/LB 6’ 171 10 50 Cristian Arteaga OL/DL 5’9 190 12 51 Tillman Carter OL/DL 5’9 168 10 52 Zach Raxter OL/DL 5’10 217 12 54 Logan Thurmond OL/DL 6’ 260 12 55 Cordell Lands OL/DL 6’ 240 12 56 Josiah Finnegan OL/DL 6’ 170 12 58 Dalton Long OL/DL 5’11 231 11 59 Brian Voigt OL/DL 5’11 223 11 62 Kaleb Little OL/DL 10 63 Bronson Kirby OL/DL 5’10 225 11 68 Chandler Farmer OL/DL 6’ 208 10 81 Ethan Monkus ATH/DL 10

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53

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS

Coach Gentry Head Coach: David Gentry Nickname: Bulldogs School colors: black & gold 2015 Record: 10-4 (4-2 SMC) address: 234 High School Cir,

Murphy, NC 28906

Murphy Bulldogs snarl for their second state 1-A title in four years, are seen by most rival coaches as the team to beat in the SMC, and are eager to honor their legendary coach with another trophy. avid Gentry is Murphy football.

He has been since taking the reins in 1983, during Ronald Reagan’s first presidential term.

Hall of Famers John Elway, Dan Marino and Jim Kelly were NFL rookie quarterbacks. His coaching debut a decade earlier was months before the nation’s first of many crises over rising gasoline prices, due to a Middle East oil embargo.

There is no embargo on state titles for SMC teams, and they

joey curry

kadrian mcrae

isaac stafford

adam powell Photos courtesy of murphy high school

have many. 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 — 366 in 44 seasons with 33 at Murphy — and averages 8.32 wins. In December, the Ednevyille High alum leads North Carolina vs. S.C. in the Shrine Bowl.

Bulldog Nation hopes that when the legend concludes, the maestro goes out on top. The Bulldogs have title potential even now. They rate fourth in

1-A. Murphy in a recent span reached the 1-A title game four straight years and twice won crowns.

Six starters return on offense, and five on defense. “We’re well stocked” from JV champs for three years, Gentry said.

MHS loads the backfield more lately with a wing T trio, versus its one-back spread.

WB Kadrian McRae (5-10, 184 jr.) sprinted for 1,522 yards (6.56 ypc) and 18 touchdowns last year. He slashes superbly off tackle, and is more “physical,”

Gentry said. Look for strong FB-WR-RB Riley Braylock (5-10, 200 so.) and WBs K.J. Allen (53, 145 so.), Slade McTaggart (58, 170 so.) and Ian Davis (5-11, 170 sr.) to also carry the rock.

Quarterback Joey Curry (61, 190 jr.) unseated Dalton Kent in mid-’15, and threw for nearly 1000 yards. “This kid does it all,” Gentry said. “He has a great arm. He sees the field well.

He can run, and read blocks real well. And he’s fierce.” His

(continues on page 56)

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Hendersonville

A

08/26/16 Franklin

H

09/02/16 Carolina Wildcats

A

09/09/16 North Georgia

H

09/16/16 Gilmer

A

09/23/16 Cherokee*

H

09/30/16 Robbinsville*

A

10/07/16 Andrews*

H

10/21/16 Hayesville*

A

10/28/16 Swain*

H

11/04/16 Rosman*

A

*Conference Game

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iwanna.com

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS • ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS

Roster

Coach Dee Walsh Head Coach: Dee Walsh Nickname: Black Knights School colors: black, silver, & white

2015 Record:12-3 (6-0 SMC) address: 301 Sweetwater Road,

ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS

Robbinsville, NC 28771

Robbinsville hopes to sustain its incredible recent success, with a large offensive front. he Black Knights went 28-3 in the past two years, and were unbeaten in the tough SMC. Behind a 5000-yard rushing juggernaut, they were unbeaten and won the state 1-A crown in 2014 for their 13th state title. They won the West Region in ’15. “We’ve had two very fun years,” Dee Walsh said. In 12 prior years, he led his alma mater to a 124-57 mark, averaging 10 victories and more than two per defeat. Several

Photos courtesy of Maria Shook Photography

recent wins were comebacks.

Pride comes from thumping Swain 22-7, and twice beating Murphy — 30-22 at Murphy, then 20-14 in playoff round three to eliminate the Bulldogs for the second year in a row.

RHS returns five starters on offense, and four on defense.

Much firepower graduated, few seniors return, and as always there are far fewer (32) players than at the two big rivals which can platoon some. But low-key Walsh is “comfortable about our kids coming back. We’re solid in the line. We have good skill. If a few young kids pan out in getting their chance, we’ll be fine.”

“We win because of our line,” Walsh said. The strong, athletic veteran line adds all-SMC Issiah Bradley (6-3, 280 jr.), whom other coaches say was Swain’s top lineman. All-SMC returnees are guard Case Hooper (6-0, 275 sr.), C-G Logan Odom (6-0, 265 sr.). New starters are Blake Sawyer (6-1, 182 jr.), Cameron Black (6-0, 205 jr.), Riley Crowe (6-2, 270 jr.), and/or DT-OT Josiah Phillips (5-11, 265 jr.). “We put our best on defense. Many also have to play offense,” Walsh said. TE Reece Adams (6-3, 220 jr.) also blocks well.

The Knights thrive with the run. FB Colby Hemphill (6-0, 230 sr.) rushed for 12 TDs and 800

yards (4.6 ypc.), often on quick option dives. TB Ian Wiggins (61, 185 jr.) ran for 704 yards (4.6 ypc.) part-time, and is stronger.

RB-QB Elijah Wachacha (6-1, 225 jr.) gets carries.

New QB Alex Bridges (6-0, 170 jr.) is “a man, with his strength,” Rosman Coach Freddie Whitman said. “He’s very impressive.”

Receivers are leaping Chandler Jumper (6-0, 155 sr.) with 4.5 speed, Will Crisp (6-0, 145 jr.), Wess Hooper (5-10, 145 jr.) and Landon Orr (6-1, 180 so.). The strong-legged kicker is Freddie Romero (5-7, 185 jr.).

MLB Wachacha (140 tackles, 9.3 tpg.) is “our defensive quarterback,” Walsh said. ILB

# NAME POS 2 Elijah Wachacha OB-LB 4 Hunter Orr WR-DB 5 Baylee Hall RB-DB 7 Will Crisp WR-DB 8 Alex Bridges QB-DB 9 Austin Lovin RB-LB 11 Landon Orr OB-DB 14 Freddie Romero K-LB 17 A.J. Ornelas RB-LB 21 Ian Wiggins RB-DB 22 Tank Rattler RB-DB 24 Dayne Buchanan WR-DB 32 Zack Crisp RB-LB 44 Colby Hemphill FB-DE 45 Brendon Cole RB-LB 50 Cameron Black OL-DL 52 Case Hooper OL-DL 54 Corbin Nunez OL-DL 55 Blake Sawyer OL-DL 56 Josiah Phillips OL-DL 60 Kyle Ingersall OL-DL 61 Logan Odom OL-DL 63 Payne Anderson OL-LB 66 Clay Cable OL-DL 70 Issiah Bradley OL-DL 71 Riley Crowe OL-DL 72 Wess Hooper OL-DL 81 Chandler Jumper WR-DB 82 Logan Johnson TE-LB 86 Will Hooper WR-DB 88 Reece Adams TE-DL

HT. WT. CLASS 6’1 225 11 5’10 150 11 5’8 190 11 6’ 145 11 6’ 165 11 5’9 175 10 6’1 180 10 5’7 185 11 5’11 194 10 6’1” 185 11 5’5 155 11 6’1 155 11 5’11 184 11 6’ 230 12 5’6 195 11 6’ 205 11 6’ 275 12 5’10 247 12 6’1 182 11 5’10 265 11 5’11 240 12 6’ 265 12 5’8 155 10 5’10 195 10 6’3 280 11 6’2 270 11 5’10 195 11 6’ 155 12 6’4 195 10 5’10 145 11 6’3 220 11

coaches

Head Coach: Dee Walsh asst coaches: Cullin Buchanan, Lucas Ford, David Mauldwin, Cayman Brooks, Jason Postell

A.J. Ornelas (5-11, 194 so.), OLB Baylee Hall (5-9, 198 jr.) and DE Corbin Nunez (5-10, 247 sr.) are D-only. All-SMC DT Bradley averaged 7.2 tackles for Swain, and made 13.5 tackles for lost yards. CB Jumper is our “best cover guy.”

“We’ve had success,” Coach Walsh said. “We go in expecting to win,” and usually do. written by pete zamplas

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55

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS

Coach Whitman Head Coach: Freddie Whitman Nickname: Tigers School colors: orange & black 2015 Record: 7-5 (3-3 SMC) address: 749 Pickens Highway,

Rosman, NC 28772

Rosman Tigers come off of a winning season and one point of upsetting Murphy in playoffs, with the usual ferocity. osman won a playoff game and easily— 4416 over Alleghany by battling like Spartans over in Sparta, N.C. The Tigers then fell to Murphy in the second round by merely one point, at 28-27. They were the SMC’s middle/fourth team, at 3-3, for the second year in a row.

However, Rosman graduated 17 of its 30 players, and returns only two starters on offense.

Many now starting did “play a bunch, due to injuries” in ’15, seventh-year head coach Freddie Whitman said. “We lose a bunch of people. We’re back to starting sophomores. But we like them.

ROSMAN TIGERS Photos by lifetouch photography

They’re very intense. They get after it. They’re grounded.”

While names of who operates it may change, but count on the Tigers to keep pounding and darting in OC Patrick Chapman’s wishbone triple option with utmost effort. Recent yearly results have been 3000 and even 4500 yards of rushing. “We’ll grind it out,” Coach Whitman said. “We’re not going to out-run you in the 100. But we have smart runners. They get behind their

blockers. And we do more than wishbone,” at times using direct snaps to Gage Orr in ’15. Orr ran for 1337 yards — ranking eighth in WNC — and for over 2800 in his last two years.

The baton is passed to WBs Neil Tesnow (6-0, 210 sr.) and Tanner Whitman (5-9, 180 sr.), who both subbed some at QB in ’15 and can fill that role if needed, WB-WR Samuel Chappell (5-10, 150 so.), and FB David Hall (5-7, 170 so.). QB Luke Stewart (6-0,

180 so.) “throws the ball well,” and is apt to get the nod sooner or later, Whitman said.

WR Alec Whitmire (6-0, 150 so.) is a son of 6-7 DE Kelly Joe Whitmire, who played for RHS then USC Gamecocks. Other WRs are William Parton (6-2, 170 sr.), Harper Reese (6-1, 170 sr.) and Joshua Doris (5-7, 140 so.). TEs are Christopher Daves (6-3, 173 sr.) and Kalif Saltz (6-1, 153 so.).

(continues on page 56)

SCHEDULE 08/26/16 Brevard

H

09/02/16 Madison

H

09/09/16 Mountain Heritage

A

09/16/16 Trinity Academy

H

09/23/16 Hayesville*

A

09/30/16 Andrews*

H

10/07/16 Robbinsville*

A

10/14/16 Cherokee*

H

10/21/16 Swain*

A

11/04/16 Murphy*

H

*Conference Game

56

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

MURPHY bULLDOGS (continued from page 53) receivers include Colton Posey (5-11, 160 sr.), Hagan Newton (6-2, 185 jr.), Micah Nelson (5-10, 140 jr.), Ethan Sneed (5-10, 124 jr.) and Anthony Conners (5-11, 155 sr.). Skill players are larger.

Up front, tackles Joe Deetz (63, 255 sr.), G-RT Isaac Stafford (510, 260 sr.) and G Luke Newton (6-2, 180 jr.) return. Joining them are T Adam Powell (5-11, 245) and C Jake Hincke (6-0, 200 jr.).

The O-line is MHS’ “hub,” Gentry said.

On defense, Murphy reverts back to 4-3. “Dominant” all-SMC ILB-DE Powell (118; 8.4 tpg.) and DE Cody Cantrell (5-10, 190 jr.) at 7.6 tpg. both topped 100

tackles. DTs are Wyatt Rayburn (6-0, 290 jr.) and Jackson Sullivan (5-8, 265 jr.). LBs are MLBs Willie Davis (5-8, 170 jr.) and Luke Newton (5-8, 185 jr.), and OLBs McTaggart and Chase Roberts (6-0, 185 so.). DBs include Tanner Creelman (5-9, 145 jr.) and Colby Hensley (5-9, 160 jr.).

From the opener at Hendersonville to SMC showdowns and playoffs, Murphy will show how Coach Gentry and the world how “well stocked” and blue chip it is. written by pete zamplas

ROSMAN TIGERS # 1 2 4 5 9 10 11 12 14 20 21 24 25 29 30 31 32 34 35 40 42 43 48 50 54 55 56 58 60 64 66 68 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 79 83 84 88 89

ROSTER

NAME jOEy Curry MiCAH NELSON DEANDrE jACkSON BrADy grAvES kENDAL kEATiNg rEiD BEAL COuLTEr CLEMENT HAgAN NEWTON jOEy HELTON iAN DAviS COLTON POSEy COLBy HENSLEy TANNEr CrEELMAN gABE riCHiE NiCk WELLS kj ALLEN SLADE MCTAggArT kADriAN MCrAE BrySON SNEED CHASE rOBErTS riLEy BLALOCk AuSTiN riCH kyLE WrigHT NOAH HErriN COry fArMEr LukE NEWTON CODy CANTrELL COLLiN CruSE HuNTEr COrNWELL CHASE TEESATESkiE jOE DEETz EvAN SNEED jAkE HiNCkE PATriCk ALLEN jACkSON SuLLivAN WyATT rAyBurN STOrM TEESATESkiE HAyDEN PHiLLiPS ADAM POWELL Tj rABy HuNTEr SHOPE CHriSTiAN gENTry TrAE CArSON TrAviS SEABOLT

POS CLASS HT. qB 11 6’2 SS/fS/Wr 10 6’1 Wr/CB 11 5’9 fS/CB 11 5’11 Wr/fS/SS 11 5’11 Wr/CB 10 5’9 OLB/Wr 11 6’3 Wr 11 6’3 k 12 5’5 Wr/CB 12 6’1 Wr/CB 12 6’2 SS/Wr 12 5’10 CB/Wr 11 5’10 rB/CB fr. 5’4 CB/Wr 10 5’3 fB/MLB 10 5’6 OLB/rB 10 5’10 rB/qB 11 5’9 Wr/CB 10 5’6 OLB/fB 10 6’1 rB/OLB 10 5’9 fB/OLB 12 5’8 Wr/OLB 10 5’9 g/DT 10 5’7 DE/MLB 11 6’2 g/MLB 12 5’8 DT/DE/g 11 5’8 g/OLB 10 5’10 DT/T 10 6’1 T/DE 11 6’1 DE/T 12 6’3 g/DE 11 6’2 C/DT 11 6’1 C/DE 10 5’11 T/DT 11 5’9 T/DT 11 6’0 T/DT 12 6’3 T/DT 10 6’1 12 6’1 T/DT 10 6’1 TE/DE 10 6’1 OLB/rB 10 5’6 OLB/TE 12 6’3 TE/DE 11 6’1

WT. 190 165 135 141 141 148 172 180 120 183 165 170 160 127 125 193 165 194 95 180 215 158 153 211 185 185 170 191 253 227 240 173 212 228 270 287 331 287 253 235 234 145 195 176

(continued from page 55) Many young and mobile linemen candidates weigh merely 180-200 pounds such as Peyton McCall, Donovan Carr, Ben Miner, Whitman said. A few candidates such as and Kayne Smith (6-0, 220 so.) weigh more.

But several are much lighter including Dakotah Morgan (6-0, 153 so.), Cameron Morgan (5-8, 177 so.), & Logan Powell (5-7, 175 so.).

In Rosman’s classic pro 4-3 multiple defense sole all-SMC Tiger and star wrestler Whitman returns along with fellow leader DE-LB Tesnow, DT Jonathan Holladay (5-9, 175 sr.) and safety Chappell. LBs are Daves, Hall and McCall.

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 15 16 22 25 31 34 43 52 62 68 80 83

ROSTER

NAME POS WiLL MOrEHOuSE DAviD HALL TANNEr WHiTMAN qB/OLB ALiC WHiTMirE Wr/CB COLTON HOLBrOOk rB/SS MArCuS STAMEy LukE STEWArT qB/MLB EvAN OWEN Wr/CB BrAEDEN WELyCzkO jOSHuA vOriS CAMErON MOrgAN C CANNON CLArk CHriSTOPHEr DAvES TE/OLB gAvyN ruTLEDgE NEiL TESNOW OLB LOgAN POWELL fB/MLB CHANDON DODSON OLB/MLB kANE SMiTH DAkOTAH MOrgAN kALif SALTz TE/CB SAMuEL CHAPPELL SS/rB DELAND THOMAS

HT. WT. CLASS 10 10 12 12 5'9 135 12 5'7 122 10 6'1 185 10 12 5'5 106 10 10 5'8 177 10 10 6'3 173 12 10 5'10 205 12 5'7 175 10 5'10 155 11 10 6' 152 10 6'1 153 10 5'10 145 10 6'3 195 11

Coach Whitman sees this new nucleus with much potential to carry on Tiger success. “There’ll be some growing pains. But we’ll be a pretty good football team.” written by pete zamplas

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57

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS

Roster

Coach Blankenship Head Coach: Neil Blankenship Nickname: Maroon Devils School colors: maroon & white 2015 Record: 8-4 (5-1 SMC) address: 1415 Fontana Rd, Bryson

City, NC 28713

Swain County looks to resume its deep playoff runs. he 2015 SMC runnerup beat arch-rival Murphy 20-13. But The Maroon Devils lasted only two playoff rounds, after reaching 1-AA state semifinals for two straight years and winning it all in 2011. They were unbeaten in the SMC three times in the last halfdecade. Swain has averaged 12 wins in Neil Blankenship’s first four years as head coach.

Quick quarterback Brodie Bowman (5-8, 170 jr.) is “doing a good job of running our veer” such as with reads and timing, since starting some last year,

SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS Blankenship said.

Chris Miller (5-7, 165 sr.) is again the go-to runner, in his third varsity year. Dylan Smith (511, 185 sr.) can be the other split back. FB-RB Keshaun Beaner (60, 220 jr.) provides power.

Receivers are WRs Brier Younce (6-1, 165 jr.), Dawson Lowe (5-10, 165 sr.) and Seth Parker (6-3, 175 jr.) and TEs Holden Petty (5-10, 190 jr.) and good blocker Zeke Bradley (64, 205 sr.). Petty has 40-yard FG range.

The “leader” of an “intense”

bunch in trenches is two-time all-SMC OT Craig Cutshaw (510, 225 sr.), who is both strong and quick, Blankenship said.

His colleagues are Johnny Woodard (5-10, 230 sr.), center Wren Gunter (5-11, 206 jr.), Ice Littlejohn (5-10, 215 jr.), and Will Paul (5-10, 200 jr.). “We’re quick and explosive, to stay on people” blocking, Blankenship said.

Defensively, Swain often deploys a 4-2 or else 3-5 to cover Murphy and other spreads on perimeters. LBs are ILBs

Photos courtesy of joanna mcmahan

Littlejohn (6.2 tpg.) and Gunter, OLBs Miller, Smith, Petty and Lowe. The D-line has Woodard (7.4 tpg.), Corbin Wildcat (510, 270 sr.) who has beefed up, Cutshaw and Paul. DBs include FS Younce, CBs Lowe, Clayton Catolster (5-11, 175 sr.), Dylan McCloud (5-9, 135 jr.) and Tanner Wiggins (5-8, 150 jr.).

“We have speed to get to the football,” and to cause havoc on offense, Blankenship said. He has the parts for another SMC title run. Swain plays at Murphy, but hosts Robbinsville in what

# NAME HT. 2 Angel Bowers 6’ 3 Brier Younce 6’ 4 Chris Miller 5’6 5 Christian Norton 6’ 6 Cooper Reinert 5’8 8 Grant Shuler 6’2 9 Dylan McLeod 5’9 10 Keshaun Beaner 6’ 11 Tanner Wiggins 5’8 12 Brodie Bowman 5’9 14 Kobe Stephenson 5’9 15 Chandler Norton 6’ 16 Trent Wright 6’ 17 Trae Bradley 5’8 20 Dylan Smith 5’9 23 Clayton Catolster 6’ 25 Jordan Cody 6’ 30 Brett Bivins 5’7 31 Logan Loftis 6’3 32 Jordan Watty 6’1 34 Derek Fortner 5’9 37 Jeremiah Hampton 5’10 40 Jalen Catt 5’7 42 Tanor Parton 6’ 44 Brody Sitton 5’10 47 Caleb Woodard 6’ 50 Gary Teesateskie 5’10 51 Ice Littlejohn 5’10 52 Ross Ensley 5’10 53 Leason Mashburn 5’9 55 Logan Gunter 5’10 56 Cameron Chambers 5’10 57 Corbin Wildcatt 5’8 59 JT Langston 6’2 60 Jared Hair 5’11 61 Issiah Bradley 6’3 62 Tanner Millsaps 5’11 63 Billy Manley 5’10 65 Jonathan White 6’1 66 Kollyn Edwards 5’8 67 Milton Woodard 5’11 68 Ryan Long 5’9 70 Johnny Woodard 5’11 72 Craig Cutshaw 5’10 73 William Paul 5’10 75 Jake Marr 6’2 77 Trey Spates 6’ 78 Nick Thompson 6’1 80 Harlan Moody 6’2 82 Cameron Ponchot 5’8 84 Seth Parker 6’3 85 Holden Petty 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

could be the usual three-way battle atop the Smoky. written by pete zamplas

58

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

59

60

LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

BREVARD COLLEGE TORNADOS head coach:.....Paul Hamilton nickname:................. Tornados school colors:.White, Royal Blue conference:... South Atlantic classification:.NCAA Division II 2015 record:...0-11 (0-7 SAC)

A

s Brevard enters its final season of football at the Division II level, head coach Paul Hamilton is confident in his players’ ability to fight through adversity and lead the team to a successful season.

“I’m so appreciative of the young men who have stood strong in our program during this transition,” the ninth-year head coach remarked on a muggy August afternoon the week before players report for fall practice. “There’s no question we’ve faced some challenging times the last several years, but I am enthused about the leadership we have going into the season. We’ve got so many outstanding seniors that ae totally committed to this program.

“We’re proud of the way these young men, particularly those seniors, have kept this program moving forward and the way they’ve continued to help us be competitive.

Everyone in the conference has respect for our effort and we’ve been in a lot of games with a chance to win late.

That’s a tribute to the guys that have been here, and now we’ve got to go out and get better each and every day.”

Hamilton and his coaching staff will look to build on a 2015 season that was short on wins but provided valuable playing experience for several key contributors. The offense struggled to find traction after losing over four-fifths of its production from the prior campaign, but the Tornados’ defense improved greatly and sparked the emergence of Jason Nieradka and Amir Williams as all-conference caliber players.

Offense Redshirt sophomore Tyler Gregory will begin preseason camp penciled in as the firstteam quarterback, but coaches expect true sophomore Ryan “Bubba” Craven to contend strongly for the starting role

after seeing action in eight games a season ago.

“There’s no question that Tyler gained a lot of valuable experience for us last year,” remarked Hamilton.

“He played the last half of the year with an injury, but he’s fully healthy and he’s got a chance to be a good player for us.

Craven will be very competitive for the starter’s role. We’ve got two quarterbacks with experience and much more confidence than a year ago.

We think Tyler’s the starter, but we expect a competition in preseason.”

Senior T.J. Lett will occupy one starting slot back position.

He saw action in 10 games last season but was primarily in a blocking role, carrying 10 times for 29 yards. He was also a threat in the passing game, with two of his three catches on the season resulting in touchdowns. The spot opposite Lett in the formation, however, is up for grabs.

Hamilton expects several newcomers to contend for the role in preseason practices.

Division I transfer Karris Johnson is projected to make an immediate impact at the fullback position. A Northern California native, Johnson began his career at Utah State before completing his second year of eligibility at a junior college.

“We’re very fortunate to have a player of Karris’s caliber,” Hamilton said. “Isaac German did some good things for us last season as well. I think the fullback position will be a strength of our football team.”

Veteran Alex Drasser, who caught a career-long 36-yard pass at Division I Southern Utah last season, is expected to anchor a wide receiver corps flushed with newcomers. “We’ll probably have two freshmen getting significant playing time,” Hamilton said. “We’re excited about the athleticism of the guys we’ve got coming in.”

Headlining the offensive line is preseason second team allconference selection Branden Dagley, a senior that has been a presence in the starting lineup in each of his previous three seasons.

Rodney Garrett and Joe Applebaum add experience to the unit’s

Roster

foundation and are expected to play well together, while Matthew Parce will shift from the defensive side to bolster the offensive unit.

“We’ll have a good foundation,” Hamilton remarked, “but we will be playing a couple of young kids.

They’ve got a real upside, but some of them are going to have to grow up quickly to be successful.”

Defense “We lost a lot of good football players up front,” said Hamilton about his team’s defensive line.

“Landon Allen and Parce were our best on the defensive line.

But Chris Hamrick is back from an injury and so is Axel Easter, who would have started for us before he got hurt in the preseason. Shane Smith is a junior college kid that we think can be really good for us.

“Tylek Wilson played outside linebacker for us for us last year and he may play there or as a defensive end. We’ve got a great stable of guys there and some freshmen that have a chance to help us. This will be a good unit if we stay healthy.”

Even with the uncertainty around Wilson’s role in the defensive alignment, the outside linebackers return a wealth of experience. Justin Peck and Josh Allman, who notched his first career interception last year at Wingate and saw time on the inside of the formation, are expected to contribute significant speed to the position. Clint Spinks will also see playing time.

Jason Nieradka, the conference’s fourth-leading returning tacker after leading the team with 85 stops a season ago, will headline the

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NAME POS Tyler Gregory QB Jeremy Chandler DB Arvin Berry Slot Amir Williams DB Kobe Garrett Slot Bubba Craven QB Marcus Lunsford DB Anthony Washington DB T.J. Lett Slot Ty’Reik Faulks OLB Kris Johnson QB C.T. Frederick WR Alex Noboa K Kevin Weber K Dayton Rogers K Whit McLeod DB Dante’ Beard WR Keon Shaw DB Isaac German FB Casey Shubert DB Kevin Rucker Slot Jeremy Hunt ILB Gionni Gibbs DB Shed Pate DB Modzelle Atkins OLB Jacques Ash Slot Keith Murphy DB Xavier McEachern FB Justin Peck DB Josh Allman ILB Mitch Watson OLB Dontavis Walker FB Tyler Garland Slot Raquan Brown Slot Clint Spinks DB Ashud Moore DB Jinsley Jhon OLB Jason Nieradka OLB Cameron Johnson ILB Sebastian Scott DB Tylek Wilson OLB Landon Allen DL Darrin James OL Larry Cann III DL Jackson Vause OL Matthew Parce OL Dale Huffman DL Joseph Applebaum OL Dylan Dunbar OL Rodney Garrett OL Cody Kluttz OL Tanner Veal OL Dustin Richardson OL Brian Albea OL Josh Turner OL Branden Dagley OL Austin Wright TE Brian Matias TE Alex Drasser WR Tyler Beam P/K Quintrell Mathis WR Travion Moncrieff WR Darius Wade WR Chris Hamrick DL Justice Smith DL T.J. Thompson DL Henry Pryor DL Michael Youngblood DL Rayquan Hope-Evans ILB Quinn Tibbitts DL

HT. 5’11 5’11 5’8 5’10 5’9 6’2 6’3 5’9 6’2 6’ 6’ 5’10 5’10 6’3 6’ 5’10 6’3 5’10 5’10 5’10 5’8 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’10 5’11 5’9 5’6 6’ 6’ 6’2 5’11 5’11 5’8 6’ 5’9 5’11 6’1 6’1 5’11 6’1 5’11 6’3 6’1 6’4 6’2 5’9 6’2 6’2 6’ 6’ 6’ 6’ 6’3 5’11 5’11 6’3 6’2 5’11 5’11 5’11 5’10 6’3 6’4 6’3 5’11 6’2 5’9 5’8 6’2

WT. CLASS 185 Fr. 175 Sr. 185 So. 170 Jr. 175 Fr. 210 Fr. 215 Sr. 180 Jr. 185 Jr. 185 Fr. 235 Fr. 175 Fr. 165 Sr. 175 Fr. 165 Jr. 190 Fr. 210 Fr. 175 Sr. 210 Jr. 170 Jr. 170 So. 205 Fr. 195 Jr. 170 Jr. 205 Sr. 185 Fr. 170 Fr. 215 Jr. 190 Fr. 190 Fr. 215 So. 230 Fr. 220 Fr. 200 So. 190 So. 185 Fr. 200 Jr. 220 So. 175 Fr. 155 Fr. 230 Jr. 230 Sr. 270 Sr. 250 Jr. 250 Sr. 220 Jr. 230 Jr. 255 So. 270 Sr. 300 Jr. 265 Fr. 255 Fr. 260 Fr. 280 Fr. 240 So. 285 Jr. 225 Jr. 235 Jr. 160 Jr. 170 Fr. 185 Fr. 180 Fr. 180 Fr. 250 Jr. 240 Fr. 230 Fr. 285 So. 250 Fr. 225 Fr. 350 Fr.

SCHEDULE

09/01/16 09/10/16 09/17/16 09/24/16 10/01/16 10/08/16 10/15/16 10/22/16 10/29/16 11/05/16 11/12/16

East Stroudsburg Emory & Henry Wingate* Apprentice School Tusculum* Carson-Newman* Limestone Newberry* Catawba* Lenoir-Rhyne* Mars Hill*

* Conference Game

H A H H A H A H A H A

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inside linebackers. “Jason was outstanding last year, even when he was hurt, and was one of the best tacklers in our league.” Jinsley Jhon has moved to an inside linebacker position, while returner Eddie Slye is expected to contribute after a solid spring.

Amir Williams will headline the cornerbacks following a breakout campaign last season. “Amir can be one of the better players in the league. He’s a good leader and another one of our seniors,” Hamilton said. “Shedrick Pate has played a lot of football for us through the years, and he should start and play well on the other side.”

Senior Gionni Gibbs will start at one safety position in the fall.

Opposite him is expected to be sophomore Ashud Moore.

“Ashud made great progress in the spring, and I really think he could be one of our best players this fall,” Hamilton said. “He’s got an outstanding future.”

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

Special Teams Hamilton is confident in his team’s abilities on special teams, led by preseason second team all-SAC selection punter Kevin Weber. “Obviously we all know what Kevin can do punting the football, Hamilton said, “but I think he might be the best kickoff guy in the league.

“We lost Alex Noboa to graduation, and that hurts, but we think Dayton Rogers has a chance to be a fine placekicker. Eddie Slye is an outstanding longsnapper and he will make us a better team.

Tyler Beam will be our holder.

Casey Shubert will be our primary return man. We think the kicking game can be really good for us.”.

Schedule Brevard will play an 11-game slate this season that includes games against teams at three different levels of intercollegiate athletics, the Tornados’ sixth television appearance over the last four seasons, and

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

BREVARD COLLEGE TORNADOS (continued from page 55) matchups against the NCAA’s two winningest active head coaches.

The Tornados open the season with a Thursday, Sept. 1 matchup against East Stroudsburg under the lights at Memorial Stadium. The Warriors are coached by Denny Douds, who is entering his 43rd season on the sidelines at East Stroudsburg and is the second-winningest active head coach at any NCAA classification behind CarsonNewman’s Ken Sparks, who the Tornados will face in a Homecoming matchup Oct. 8.

“We’re opening up with a program that for many years has been one of the best in Division II,” Hamilton said.

“They’ve had obvious success and stability in their program because of their coach.”

The slate also features games against teams from

NCAA’s Division III (at Emory & Henry, Sept. 10) and the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (vs. Apprentice School, Sept. 24). Brevard’s matchup with Apprentice School will be televised locally on WMYA My40 a week after the Tornados’ South Atlantic Conference opener against Wingate, giving Brevard backto-back home games for the first time since 2012.

Brevard will play six home games for just the second time in program history and first time since attaining full NCAA membership in 2008. The contest against Apprentice School begins an eight-week stretch of alternating home and away games, with CarsonNewman, Newberry, and Lenoir-Rhyne all traveling to Transylvania County for SAC contests.

“The strength of this league is really evident,” Hamilton said. “Three of our conference

teams [Carson-Newman, Newberry, and Catawba] had playoff berths last season.

There’s no question our league is playing at a really high level.

In this conference, anybody could beat anybody, and each team is well-coached with outstanding athletes. We’d better be ready to play each and every Saturday.”

The Tornados will play road games at Tusculum, Limestone, and Catawba in October before finishing the season at Mars Hill on Nov. 12, a team the Tornados have faced at least once in every season Brevard has played a collegiate schedule dating back to Brevard’s inaugural 1934 campaign.

by Randall Stewart, Brevard College Athletic Media Relations Director all photos courtesy of brevard college

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Western North Carolina Athletic Conference

Summaries and Pre-Season Predictions along with Team Previews, Rosters, and Game Schedules PLUS Iwanna’s Best in the West

HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL

2016 PREVIEW

IN THIS SECTION

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

3-A 2-A BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON Franklin looks in this presidential election year to complete a full fouryear term as champion of the 3-A/2-A Western North Carolina Athletic Conference.

ranklin has won the WNCAC for the past three years, going unbeaten twice until last year. This is the final season before Hendersonville comes in as a 2-A school; while 3-A Tuscola, West Henderson and North Henderson move up into

a soley-3-A Mountain Athletic Conference.

Last year, Franklin was and nearly dethroned, as runnerup Wes upset FHS in the Panther Pit. West Coach Paul Whitaker again gives “the nod to Franklin,” with Pisgah next.

“Then us, Tuscola, North and

East are in the same boat.”

North and Smoky have new head coaches, and Smoky has new turf. Those two and Tuscola clustered near .500 in the WNCAC in ’15.

“Franklin’s the team to beat, with how their offensive line opens holes for 2000-

yard rushers year after year,” Brevard Coach Craig Pritchett said. “Then Pisgah. Tuscola with all it returns and West should also battle for the top.”

Tuscola Coach Tommy Pursley sees Franklin with the “best program” ongoing. He noted

(continues on page 66)

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BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON (continued from page 65)

that in a topsy-turvy 2015, “West beat Franklin and Pisgah, and we beat West.”

“West beat Franklin at Franklin, and Pisgah at Pisgah,” Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell said. “That’s a pretty good year.”

Franklin Coach Josh Brooks said “to beat both of us on the road says quite a bit, about their potential.” But he cautions the race is for all seven WNCAC games. “I don’t see one team dominating the league” as FHS has done, and fewer gaps top to bottom. For instance, he notes “Brevard’s leading passer, rusher, receiver and tackler are all back.” And as always, “Pisgah’s right there.” Chappell agrees “Franklin and us will be in the mix, and Tuscola, too.”

New North Henderson Coach Justin Clark said a priority is defending home turf. New Smoky Mountain Coach Chris Brookshire and others tout North’s new QB. East Coach Mac McMillan notes “it’s such a

strong conference. All but two teams made playoffs. This is new year for everyone.”

FRANKLIN (10-4; 6-1 WNCAC) turns its rushing juggernaut to athletic TBs Brock Kloeppel (6-0, 201 jr.) and fast Nicholia Lamb (5-11, 170 sr.). The new QB is Andrew Moore (6-5, 170 jr.). The Panther defense again relies on ILB Dillon Daves (5-10, 190 sr.), NG Logan Tallent (5-10, 185 sr.) and DL Byron Shields (6-2, 175 jr.).

Coach Josh Brooks said “I like our chances” to win a fourth consecutive WNCAC crown.

PISGAH (8-4; 5-2) relies as usual on a ferocious defense, led by ILB Jeff Albritton (), and DEs Riley James (5-10, 230 sr.) and Josh Wilson (6-2, 185 sr.). The go-to receiver is WR Trey Morgan (6-3, 214 sr.), with Michael Parrott (5-11, 235 sr.) and Jared Clark (5-9, 190 sr.) main runners. Coach Brett Chappell sees his Bears again “in the mix” up top, in a title hunt.

TUSCOLA (7-5; 4-3) is tabbed as a contender for returning its nucleus. FB Caleb Ferguson (5-10, 175 sr.) and HB Roman Jenkins (5-10, 170 sr.) veer behind RT Mitchell Leverett (6-1, 242 sr.) and Joey DiIenno (5-11, 242 jr.). Mountaineer defensive stars include ILB Jeremy Jacobs (5-11, 190 sr.) and NG Taylor Austin (5-10, 225 sr.). Coach Tommy Pursley figures “we’re as good as anybody.”

WEST HENDERSON (9-4; 5-2) has surged upward for two years. QB Brandon Whitaker (5-10, 160 sr.) again pilots a formidable rushing onslaught.

It features power and quickness blends of HBs Peyton Frisbee (5-10, 186 sr.) and Landon Owen (5-10, 170 sr.), and FB Kyle Stocks (5-9, 185 sr.), behind blocks of Sam Gentry (6-3, 250 sr.) and Alex Browning (6-0, 230 sr.). Coach Paul Whitaker wants West’s last hurrah in the WNCAC to be as “conference champions.”

BREVARD (2-9; 0-7) has a skilled trio in veteran QB Tanner Ellenberger (6-3, 200 sr.), TB Tanner Pettit (5-11, 195 sr.) and WR Nick Cabe (6-2, 180 jr.).

Fastest Blue Devil Ari Williams (6-2, 175 jr.), at WR, is among other weapons. BHS sports several top WNC tacklers such as DE Earon Wilkes (5-9, 215 sr.) and ILB Kyle Williams (5-10, 205 jr.). Coach Craig Pritchett sounds a call to “make some noise.”

NORTH HENDERSON (75; 4-3) under new head coach Justin Clark still spreads the ball, for a strong-armed QB. The newest one is Kalin Ensley (6-3, 182 so.). The top returning target is Darren Lammons (5-9, 142 jr.). Center Damian Murphy (5-11, 270 jr.) anchors a large Knight line. Safety Austin Vanhoy (5-5, 145 jr.), DE Cameron Bumgarner (6-3, 190 sr.) and CB Devon Graham (6-2, 167 sr.) lead the defense. Coach Clark aims to “go 1-0 every Friday.”

SMOKY MOUNTAIN (5-7; 3-4 WNCAC) has a new leader, Chris Brookshire, and QB in star baseball hurler Cole Hooper (6-3, 180 sr.). Main targets are Connor Moore (6-2, 185 sr.) and Austin Baumgarner (6-2, 200 sr.). Cole Burch (6-2, 285 sr.) and Devon Stephens (6-2, 245 sr.) are chief blockers. Coach Brookshire said “we want to creep up on people.”

EAST HENDERSON (1-10; 1-6) reloads skill with versatile skill of QB-DB Preston Owens (6-3, 175 sr.) and RB-QB Zach Adkinson (5-10, 175 jr.).

Marshall Frank (5-10, 230 sr.) and Trace Garren (6-0, 230 sr.) open up holes. OLB-TE Luke McCall (6-5, 215 sr.) and CBWR Dekel Robinson (5-9, 164 jr.) help lead the Eagle defense.

Coach John McMillan is eager to “get a win early” to propel the Eagles. written by pete zamplas

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

is a force for Blue Devils

tanner ellenberger Brevard foes have to wrestle with Tanner Ellenberger’s encore season, as a superb dual-threat quarterback. he 6-foot-3, 200-pound senior is a rarity among QBs — he also wrestles for his school, just like the big brutes up front. It’s in his bloodline. His father Mark Ellenberger (Class of ’90) and uncle Tim Ellenberger (’87) were state champion wrestlers for Brevard High. Tim won two titles, and Mark one. Their younger brothers Joe (’06) and Tom Ellenberger (’07) each placed twice in the state on the mat. Joe helps coach BHS wrestling. Mark

was a BHS receiver and defensive back. Now, the deputy sheriff and BHS resource officer coaches receivers including younger son Luke Ellenberger (6-1, 170 soph.).

“We have a great Dad,” Tanner said. “He’s a main reason I’m where I’m at. My father ingrained in us to be competitive — in everything we do. It’s on us, to do things right. He likes to see a mean streak in us.”

Tanner was sixth best among 2-A wrestlers in the state, last winter. He wrestled at 195 pounds — much heavier than his father and uncle, who were lightweights.

Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell praises “Tanner’s mental toughness,” Chappell said. “You rarely see a quarterback who wrestles.

That’s impressive.

It gets you mean and tough.”

Franklin head coach Josh Brooks sees a “physical kid, a great wrestler. You have nowhere to hide, in that sport.” He added, “He made some big throws against us” last year as BHS hung with FHS for three quarters.

Tanner says wrestling, above all, “helps me with mental toughness. Wrestling is the hardest sport. You have to react

so quickly.” His father notes it boosts QB reactions. “You see things before they actually develop.” Between matches as between plays, “you can’t dwell on the bad.”

Mark’s longtime wife, the former Missy Mulene, was a BHS cheerleader. She roots on their two sons. Tanner said, “She’s always there for me and Luke, encouraging us.”

Tanner is now two-time preseason MVP choice of WNC Athletic Conference coaches. He is in his third season as Brevard QB. Last year, his 1537 passing yards led the WNCAC and is sixth best by returning QBs in the area.

He threw 12 touchdowns passes.

The offense was much more runoriented than his sophomore year.

Then, he threw for 2,471 yards and 19 TDs in prior coach Jason Lippard’s spread. Second-year BHS head coach Craig Pritchett said the Devils will pass more.

“He can put the ball on the money,” Coach Pritchett said.

Lippard prophetically vowed Tanner “will be an absolute ‘stud’” with arm strength and accuracy, pocket presence, quick delivery and touch. “He can make all of the throws.” He’s a classic

drop-back passer who also sprints out well, Pritchett said. He added that Tanner is stronger, quicker and more agile. Tanner has strong shoulders to carry the team on.

In this summer, he registered the squad’s second-heaviest bench press.

Intangibles soar, too. “Tanner’s a competitor,” Pritchett said.

Tanner said as a sophomore, “I rushed things. Now, I’m more confident and let plays develop.”

Also, he said, “I feel myself as more of a leader, to influence my team.” Brother Luke says “our teammates look up to him, because he is always picking people up. He’ll say ‘forget about it,’ after a bad play. He knows how talented we are. If we focus and play, we’ll be fine.”

Pritchett said, “Tanner is quiet, but now more comfortable in that leadership role. He’s stepped more into the forefront, to demand not only a lot of himself but hold his teammates accountable.” His father Mark noted “he’s always been a workethic leader. Now, he’s more vocal. He feels it’s more his team, as a senior.”

Coach-like Tanner said “I’m definitely thinking about coaching

and teaching” horticulture, or a business career. He admires Peyton Manning for preparing by “studying film,” and seeming a step ahead of foes. Tanner watches game film online at home on most nights. Just ahead of a game, “I get really amped up, ready to go. Music (i.e. softer rap) chills me out. That gives me confidence.” His GPA is 3.8, 4.3 weighted. He golfs, hunts and fishes.

Luke in baseball hit nearly .500 as a centerfielder, and pitches.

He also wrestles. Luke is already “more athletic and faster” (at 4.6) than Tanner, Coach Pritchett said. He calls the receiver and backup QB “smart, trustworthy.”

Luke is already “more athletic and faster than his brother,” the coach noted. Tanner said they dual in Madden football, and have similar interests.

They connected for a 20-yard score at Smoky Mountain on Oct. 23, 2015. Tanner lobbed a jump ball into the end zone, and freshman Luke snatched it. “That was fun,” Tanner said. Luke calls it “one of my best moments in sports, to catch a TD from him.

That’s a dream come true.” written by pete zamplas

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

Roster

Coach Pritchett Head Coach: Craig Pritchett Nickname: Blue Devils School colors: blue & white 2015 Record: 2-9 (0-7 WNCAC) address: 747 Country Club Rd,

Brevard, NC 28712

Brevard returns a beDeviling skilled star “triplet” and most starters on offense, and is primed for a breakout season and resurgence. revard improved substantially to close 2015. Craig Pritchett, in his second year at BHS, noted the Blue Devils nearly won three late WNCAC games in a row. They fell by at East by three, and by two to Smoky Mountain.

In between, a “highlight,” was coming close (12-7) at West Henderson. “We had West beat ’til the end” when the Falcons pulled out victory as they did at Franklin and Pisgah. “We were in the game with Franklin, until the fourth quarter” when FHS pulled away, Pritchett added. FHS and West were 1-2 in the conference.

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS Photos by lifetouch photography

Brevard hopes to follow West’s recent, drastic ascent. “We’re on the doorstep, of getting into that top four,” Pritchett said. BHS won two straight early — by 16 at Madison, then by 17 at Enka.

BHS returns seven starters on offense, four on defense. Most notable is strong, rocket-armed QB Tanner Ellenberger (6-3, 200 sr.). “He can put the ball on the money,” Pritchett said. Last year, he threw for 1537 yards (best in the WNCAC and sixth most among WNC returning QBs) and 12 touchdowns. He is stronger,

and a more vocal leader.

Pritchett instilled power running last year. He is turning his QB loose to throw more than half of the time, and run on sprint-outs.

Look for more “loaded pistol” with two backs near the QB in shotgun formation, and three receivers.

Yet there remains much hybrid Wing T for running. The workhorse back is strong, elusive TB Tanner Pettit (5-11, 195 sr.), a two-way star.

Rival laud Pettit as a prime weapon.

“He hits the line hard,” Pritchett said. “He’s a downhill runner, with some quickness. Pettit blasted for

810 yards and 10 TDs and caught 27 passes, despite playing some with a stress fracture. TB-FB Ethan Shook (5-11, 222 jr.) from Rosman is athletic, and strong. TB Estevian “Stevi” Benjamin (5-9, 175 jr.) is fastest of backs, in open field.

FB/H-back Jared Johnson (6-2, 216 jr.) blocks well, and is a reliable “safety gap” receiver.

J o i n i n g R B Pe t t i t a n d Q B Ellenberger as a reigning allWNCAC super “Triplet” is two-time all-conference receiver Nick Cabe (6-2, 190 sr.). He runs a crisp 4.5 in the 40. Cabe caught 28 passes

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 2 Ari Williams WR/DB 6’2 175 11 2 Breylan Owens WR/CB 6’2 160 10 3 T’siah McClellan WR/ILB 5’10 170 12 5 Lane Pressley WR/FS 5’10 170 12 6 Matthew Kelley RB/OLB 5’9 160 11 6 Keenen Hawkins OLB/QB 5’10 155 10 7 Kyle Williams TB/CB 5’9 160 12 8 Kyle Prohaska RB/OLB 5’10 170 12 9 Samuel Kicklighter K/P 6’2 195 12 10 Tanner Ellenberger QB 6’3 200 12 11 Nick Bumgarner OLB/RB 10 12 Tyler Wilson RB/OLB 5’6 11 13 Luke Ellenberger RB/CB 10 14 Jay Smith CB/WR 11 15 Talyn Clark OLB/RB 160 10 16 Russell Sexton WR/FS 11 16 Daniel McJunkin 5’7 152 12 21 Wes Whitmire OLB/RB 5’9 190 11 22 Estevian Benjamin 11 23 Tristan Whitesides CB/WR 12 24 Ty Whitesides WR/CB 12 28 Anthony Fields OLB/RB 5’11 167 10 33 Tanner Pettit RB/OLB 5’11 195 12 33 Aiden Green SB/FS 10 35 Lucas Brooks RB/CB 5’8 140 10 41 Charlie Lusk RB/DE 10 42 Kyle Williams MLB 5’10 205 11 44 Mitchell Johnson QB/OLB 5’11 152 10 48 Avery McCall RB/OLB 10 50 Jackson Owen G/DE 170 11 51 Jacob Smith MLB/RB 5’10 150 10 52 Riley Smith C/LS 5’10 180 12 53 Roberto Valdez OG/DE/ILB 5’11 185 11 54 Ashton Landreth DT/G 6’1 255 11 57 Earon Wilkes MLB/RB 5’9 180 12 64 Corey Mackey G/DT 5’10 280 11 65 Daniel Quaide G/DT 5’8 190 10 66 Kohl Padgett DE/T 5’11 243 11 70 Josh Birkle DE/G 5’9 205 10 71 Casey Cooper OL/DL 5’10 225 12 74 Matthew Ridenour T/NG 6’1 250 10 74 C.J. Megown 12 75 Chase Bishop C/T/NG 10 76 Levi Eckert T/NG 12 77 Christian Williams T/DE 12 85 Nick Cabe WR/CB 6’1 175 12 86 Chad Johnson 126 11 88 Jared Johnson TE/MLB 6’2 216 11

(14 ypc.), and one-fourth (seven) went to paydirt. “Nick’s a gritty possession receiver with elusive speed” in a long-legged stride, Pritchett said, and is very tough.

“He uses his body, to shell off defenders.”

Luke Ellenberger (6-1, 170 so.), a DB and backup QB to his brother, has 4.6 speed as a slot or wide receiver. Top “speedster” (4.4) WR Ari Williams (6-2, 175 jr.) goes deep. In the slot, Lane Pressley (5-11, 165 sr.) has “stop

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EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES

Roster

# NAME POS CLASS HT. 1 Preston Owens QB/FS Sr. 6’3 3 Deijon Gash RB/MLB Jr. 5’9 5 Hunter Rogers RB/CB Sr. 5’11 7 Dekel Robinson WR/CB Sr. 8 Garrett Stiwinter WR/OLB Jr. 5’11 10 Jake Shattuck SB/FS Jr. 5’10 12 Zack Adkinson RB/MLB Jr. 15 Beau Shealy WR/CB Sr. 18 Chris Fuge WR/FS Sr. 6’ 20 Taylor Noble WR/CB Sr. 21 Tristan Ledin CB/WR Jr. 6’ 22 Hunter Allison CB/WR Jr. 5’8 25 Daniel Parker WR/CB Sr. 6’2 28 Jacob Pressley CB Jr. 33 Luke Mccall DE/T Sr. 6’5 41 JJ Wilson OLB/TE Jr. 5’10 48 Sean Mahaffey RB/MLB Sr. 5’8 50 Cody Russell G/NG Jr. 5’6 58 Tekoah Heatherly CB/WR Jr. 64 Dalton Mills Jr. 65 Dakota Buckner G/T/DT Sr. 5’10 68 Trace Garren C/G/T Sr. 68 Trace Garren NG/G Sr. 6’ 73 Marshall Frank G/NG Sr. 5’8 76 Brett Frazier T/G/DE Jr. 77 Adrian Gonzalez NG/T Sr. 6’4 80 Gavin Anglin RB/MLB Sr. 5’10

Coach McMillan Head Coach: John “Mac” McMillan Nickname: Eagles School colors: green & white 2015 Record: 1-10 (1-6 WNCAC) address: 110 Upward Rd, East Flat

Rock, NC 28726

East Henderson ushers in a new batch of skill players, and renewed hopes. eating Brevard 31-28 kept East out of the WNCAC basement last year. Third-year head coach John “Mac” McMillan is assembling a lineup from several versatile players. Each of his preseasons, the former Mars Hill quarterback has had three QB candidates.

“These three more athletic than what we’ve had,” said “Coach Mac.” He noted QB mobility is critical in the spread, against a stacked box and so blocks do not have to be sustained as long.

The most experienced and known QB is lanky lefty Preston Owens (6-3, 175 sr.). Number one led JV in ’14. He rolls out well. He is adequate in arm strength, the

WT. 200 160 175 149 137 128 200 205 185 166 165 216 235 215 370 170

EAST HENDERSON EAGLES Photo by lifetouch photography

coach said, and shines as a “natural leader. He has the top GPA on our team.”

RB Zach Adkinson (5-10, 175 jr.) and WR Chris Hemphill (64, 210 so.) are options at QB or other skill slots, Mac said. “The best man (after scrimmaging) will take our snaps.” He said “Zach is like a coach out there. He is at the right place, at the right time.

He’ll definitely play somewhere on offense.” His added value as a RB is “if pressure comes from one side, he’ll let the QB know” to go to the other side. Hemphill did

well in seven-on-seven drills, as a QB. He transferred from Brevard, where his father William Hemphill starred as a lineman. “William and I played together in college,” Mac said.

Tailback skill and depth is an East tradition, and continues.

Power runners are Jake Shattuck (5-9, 185 jr.), formerly a runningstyled QB, and Diejon Gash (510, 185 jr.) who led JV in rushing in ’15. “They get tough yards, between the tackles,” Coach Mac said. He said outside runners include Adkinson, Hunter Rogers

(5-10, 185 sr.) and Bo Sheely (5-9, 165 sr.).

Receivers include Hemphill or Owens (also at free safety) if they are not the QB; also Dekel Robinson (5-9, 164 jr.), Daniel Parker (6-3, 200 sr.), Garrett Stiwinter (5-10, 180 jr.) and TE Luke McCall (6-5, 215 sr.).

Up front, G-C Marshall Frank (5-10, 230 sr.) returns. Candidates to join him include Trace Garren (6-0, 230 sr.), Dalton Mills (6-1, 220 jr.), Austin White (6-1, 230 jr.),

(continued on page 74)

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 East Rutherford

H

08/26/16 Roberson

A

09/02/16 Hendersonville

A

09/16/16 Polk County

H

09/23/16 Pisgah*

H

09/30/16 North Henderson*

H

10/07/16 Brevard*

A

10/14/16 Smoky Mountain*

H

10/20/16 Franklin*

A

10/28/16 Tuscola*

A

11/04/16 West Henderson*

H

*Conference Game

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS

Roster

Coach Brooks Head Coach: Josh Brooks Nickname: Panthers School colors: red & white 2015 Record: 10-4 (6-1 WNCAC) address: 100 Panther Dr, Franklin, NC 28734

Faster than you can say Kenzie Bouakhamphong, the Franklin Panthers are reloading skill behind a formidable offensive line and aggressive defense. oach Josh Brooks is in his 11th year as top cat, in the Panther Den. Franklin won the WNCAC and reached double digits in wins for the third year in a row, advancing to round three of playoffs. The Panthers’ sole state crown is in 1976, in 2-A. But they have had their best stretch under Brooks, sparkling in the last half-decade. In seven years since shifting from the MAC, FHS has dropped more than one WNCAC game only once (2010) and went unbeaten in 2011, ’13 and ’14.

FRANKLIN PANTHERS Photos courtesy of Lifetouch photography

Despite falling to West Henderson at home in 2015, FHS finished ahead of the Falcons by winning all other WNCAC games. The big one was beating rival Pisgah by two touchdowns, 21-7, at a neutral (Cherokee) field after rain made the Den unplayable.

“That was a huge win for us,” Brooks said. “We played absolutely outstanding on defense. Kelton Lowery stole the show” with a 105-yard interception return. Brooks noted the Pisgah game is “so early. The winner has a notch up in the conference.” The showdown shifts to week 10 (second to last) in 2017, after realignment. This year, FHS ends its regular season with two other WNCAC challenges — at West, then versus Tuscola.

Lowry topped 2000 yards and ran for 28 TDs to win the WNCAC offensive player of the year honor. He followed Marquel Manning then Jeremiah Young as 2000-yard workhorses for run-oriented FHS. Snapping tradition, look for carries to be shared. TB Brock Kloeppel (6-0, 205 jr.) is “athletic enough to be a wide receiver,” Brooks said. “He’s versatile. He can make you miss. He has the size to be a powerful runner.”

Fastest Panther Nicholia Lamb (5-11, 185 sr.) has strength, too. He ran for over 2000 yards on JV in ’14. Lamb rushed for four scores in ’15. He averaged 6.7 yards, and Kloeppel 4.8 at fullback — both in limited action. “We’re better if they share carries,” Brooks said, “so

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Asheville

H

08/26/16 Murphy

A

09/09/16 Swain County

A

09/16/16 Erwin

H

09/23/16 Brevard*

H

09/30/16 Pisgah*

A

10/07/16 Smoky Mountain*

H

10/14/16 North Henderson*

A

10/20/16 East Henderson*

H

10/28/16 West Henderson*

A

11/04/16 Tuscola*

H

*Conference Game

they’re fresh and can run at full speed.” Tough FB Dillon Daves (5-10, 210 sr.) played all three playoff games with a separated shoulder. Byron Shields (6-2, 210 jr.) and Ashton Fox (5-11, 170 sr.) are FBs.

# NAME POS 1 Brandon Peck FB/LB 2 Blake Gibson QB 3 Tyler Harrison DB/WR 4 Joey Gibson WR 7 Grant Stiles RB 8 hugo olvera k 9 Bailey Watts WR 10 Jordin Nugent WR/DB 11 David Ramey FB/LB 12 Edgar Chavez K 14 Andrew Moore QB/P 15 Calvin McQuitty WR 16 Coleman Saunders WR 17 Michael Conard WR 18 Nick Apel dB 19 Grant Vanhook WR 20 Dillon Price DB 21 Clay Gibson DB 22 Zach DelaCruz LB/FB 23 Nicholia Lamb TB 25 Ashton Fox LB 26 Carrington Houston SS 27 Blake Watson B 28 Ethan McCall WR 29 Kenzie Bouakhamphong C 30 Robert McAllister WR 31 AJ Carpenter FB 32 Trevor Justice TE 33 Logan Tallent NG 34 Jacob Miller KAT 35 Dillon Daves LB/FB 40 dalton wright wr/db 41 Byron Shields KAT 45 Brock Kloeppel TE/B 47 Mason Sequoya TE 50 Isaac Mullins DE 52 Maurice McDay NG/G 53 John Wilson DL 55 Jacob Clouse OL 56 Dean Roberts DL 57 Isaiah Parks DL 58 Koby Lee DL 59 Zach Taylor OL 60 Brian Raby DL 64 Daniel Pickens CENTER 65 Garrett Sanders G 66 Cody Crisp OL 70 Jacob Wallace OL 71 Josh Chastain OT 74 Colton Cochran CENTER 75 Hunter Jamison OL 78 Dylan Owenby OL 80 Josh Blackburn TE 81 dillon cochran WR 88 Andre McDonald WR

HT. WT. CLASS 5’10 215 9 5’8 160 10 5’8 145 10 5’6 145 12 5’9 165 11 5’9 170 10 6’ 150 10 5’7 150 12 5’6 170 12 6’ 180 12 6’5 175 11 6’1 160 11 5’10 145 10 5’6 130 11 5’8 155 10 6’ 155 12 5’8 140 10 5’9 165 12 6’ 195 11 5’11 185 12 5’11 170 12 5’9 165 11 5’8 175 11 5’11 150 12 5’6 155 11 5’10 150 11 5’10 200 11 6’1 205 12 5’10 195 12 5’6 160 11 5’10 210 12 5’7 150 11 6’2 210 11 6’ 205 11 6’2 220 10 6’ 210 11 5’9 195 12 5’8 240 12 6’ 225 11 5’7 190 11 6’ 250 12 5’10 225 11 6’ 205 11 5’7 150 11 6’1 235 11 5’10 180 12 6’2 225 11 5’10 180 11 6’ 230 12 6’1 305 11 6’1 230 11 6’3 335 12 6’2 195 10 5’9 165 10 6’1 165 11

coaches

Assistants: Seth Adams, Matt Bradley, Jay Brooks, Jeff Cloer, Kelly Corbin, Lynette Gibson, Ryan Haley, Tim Hawkins, Eric Hooper, Dan Hunter, Byron McClure, Tony Plemmons, Danny Reitmeier, Warren Winchester, Mike Wood Managers: Gabe Bingham, Natalie Crews, Leighanne Handley, Maddy O’Neal

Athletic new QB Andrew Moore (6-5, 175 jr.) “has poise.

He’s competitive,” Brooks said.

(continued on page 72)

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

north henderson knights • north henderson knights • north henderson knights • north henderson knights • north henderson knights

Roster

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 1 Darren Lammons WR 5’9 142 11 5 Brodey Mitchell OLB 5’9 200 11 6 Grant Corn WR 5’10 175 12 7 Devon Graham CB 6’2 160 12 8 Kingston Thomas SS 5’11 183 12 9 Cameron Queen OLB 6’ 192 12 10 Colby Thomas RB 5’5 140 12 11 Bobby Staton CB 6’2 170 12 12 Miquel Lammons WR 5’9 150 12 14 David Todd QB 6’3 179 11 15 Kalin Ensley QB 6’3 180 10 17 Austin Vanhoy FS 5’5 145 12 18 Shane Williams WR 11 20 Josh Bowman OLB 5’11 165 12 21 Tim McGee CB 5’11 165 11 22 Jacob Owen MLB 5’6 171 11 25 Mikey Smithers MLB 5’11 205 12 27 Brice Gaddy WR 5’8 130 11 28 Daquan Washington CB 5’10 142 11 31 Sunnya Phoeun FS 5’11 153 11 32 Conor Martinez OLB 5’10 160 11 51 Stevie Frickel OG 5’9 200 12 55 Cameron Bumgarner DE 6’3 190 12 56 Andrew Hilliard OT 6’1 240 12 60 Marlo Diaz OG 5’10 258 11 61 Jeffrey Jimenez DT 5’8 200 11 65 Hunter Rogers OT 6’1 235 11 67 Joe Garcia DT 5’8 215 11 71 Tyler Owens DT 5’10 245 12 72 Vann Dale Gray DT 6’2 280 12 74 Curtis Matthews OG 5’9 291 10 77 Damian Murphy OC 5’11 284 12 78 Mckenley Mccraw DT 6-4 350 11 80 Drequan Wells WR 5’5 120 11 81 Jeremiah Closius WR 6’ 145 12

Coach Clark Head Coach: Justin Clark Nickname: Knights School colors: purple & gold 2015 Record: 7-5 (4-3 WNCAC) address: 35 Fruitland Rd,

Hendersonville, NC 28792

Justin Clark takes over North Henderson Knights and the newest young quarterback talent, following a winning season overall and in the tough WNCAC. orth went 4-3 in the conference including a win at Tuscola — which is two games better than in 2014 — and won five more times overall. That helped vault Coach Jason Dinwiddie to T.C. Roberson. North goes from J.D. to a J.C. at the helm, in Justin Clark.

Clark is a great fit for this program, and its newest strongarmed quarterback. Clark, 31, quarterbacked Western Carolina U. for three years, and to its latest upset of “App State.” He then

SCHEDULE

NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS Photos by pete zamplas

was QB coach at his alma mater of North Gaston High where his father Bruce Clark coached him, and at powerhouse Gaffney, S.C. in the past two years. That sandwiched his also running the entire offense at Boiling Springs (S.C.), and North View (Ga.). He molded five QBs into all-staters and college players. BS’ Dylan Thompson was a QB for South Carolina Gamecocks, and is on the Rams’ pro roster. NHHS athletic director John McDaris points to Clark’s consistent success, in developing football skill and values.

Clark is also know for tactical planning and team spirit, and likes Knights’ gusto. “They’re hungry to be competitive.

They’re doing the necessary things, to make that happen.”

On offense, “we’ll keep a lot of what he (Dinwiddie) did in the up-tempo spread, and build off that foundation,” Clark said. “If we can sit back and throw 60 times, we’ll do it. If not, we’ll run from the power spread.” He eyes a brisk pace, mostly no-huddle.

Rival coaches rave about new Knight QB Kalin Ensley (6-3, 182 so.). He succeeds ’16

grad Trevor Craft, who as a sophomore QB himself led an upset at Hendersonville. Kalin started three varsity games at QB, in ‘15. “He was the best JV player” in the WNCAC, Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell said. “He’s a phenomenal runner, with a good arm.”

Clark likes Ensley’s upside.

“Kalin has the physical body and strength, and raw talent.

We’re working to polish his mechanics (i.e. shifting weight when passing). Already, “he has great leadership qualities. He’s a competitor.”

08/19/16 Roberson

H

08/26/16 Polk County

A

09/02/16 Swain County

A

09/09/16 Hendersonville

H

09/23/16 West Henderson*

A

09/30/16 East Henderson*

A

10/07/16 Tuscola*

H

10/14/16 Franklin*

H

10/21/16 Pisgah*

H

10/28/16 Brevard*

H

11/04/16 Smoky Mountain*

H

*Conference Game

North still often lines up three or four receivers at once.

Knights in the slot are athletic Darren Lammons (5-9, 142

(continues on page 74)

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

FRANKLIN PANTHERS (continued from page 70) “He’s done a good job throwing the ball downfield, stretching the defense.” FHS returns its top receiver, Jordin Nugent (5-7, 150 sr.), who caught 19 passes. TE duties go to Trevor Justice (6-1, 205 sr.) and Mason Sequoya (62, 220 so.).

Three of the offense’s five returnees are in trenches. Two are huge — LT Matt Storer (6-1, 270 sr.) and all-WNCAC center Colton Cochran (6-1, 305 jr.).

LG Garrett Sanders (5-10, 180 sr.) returns. RG Jacob Clouse (6-0, 225 jr.) joins them. RTs Hunter Jamison (6-1, 230 jr.), Josh Chastain (6-0, 230 sr.) and Daniel Pickens (6-1, 235 jr.) vie for time. “We’ll run where we have the best chance to be successful,” based on best blockers and where defenses gang up, Brooks said. Last year FHS ran left 72 percent behind LT Wyatte Burnette, top WNCAC lineman honoree. The revamped line is also “hard-nosed, with unselfish mentality,” Brooks said.

The kicker is Edgar Chavez (6-0, 180 sr.).

The multiple 50 base defense sports all-WNCAC Daves (79.5 tackles) and fellow ILB David Ramey (5-6, 170 sr.), and OLBs Kloepel and Carrington Houston (5-9, 165 jr.). They try to fill the void of star grad Hunter Gibbs (165.5 tackles). Up front, NG Logan Tallent (5-10, 195 sr.) made 75.5 tackles. He and DL Shields each had three sacks. Shields is “hard to block one on one,” Brooks said. “And he can run. He’s a good pass rusher, with great technique.” DT Maurice McDay (5-9, 195 sr.) and DE Isaac Mullins (6-0, 210 jr.) are also gutty and quick. The all-new secondary has SS Nugent , FS Grant Stiles (5-9, 165 jr.); and CBs Ethan McCall (5-11, 150 sr.), Tyler Harrison (5-8, 145 so.) or CB Kenzie Bouakhamphong (5-6, 155 jr.) who likely has the game’s longest name. “Toughness and physicality” mark the defense, Brooks said. “Our overall team speed will be pretty good.”

In the WNCAC race, Coach Brooks said, gaps between contenders may tighten. But “I like our chances” to make it four in a row. written by pete zamplas

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

PISGAH BLACK BEARS

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73

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS

Roster

Coach chappell Head Coach: brett chappell Nickname: black bears School colors: red & black 2015 Record: 8-4 (5-2 WNCAC) address: 1 black bear drive, canton, nc 28716

Pisgah Bears rely again on a ferocious defense, and head coach Brett Chappell’s play-calling. isgah yielded merely 13 points a game last year, to rank among WNC’s finest defenses. The Bear defense averaged 15 or fewer points in all three of Chappell’s first three years in Canton. They won 10 games each in those first two seasons.

The Bears get Franklin at home this year, Sept. 30, in a game that is circled, squared with asterisks all around on the calendar.

Franklin’s recent dominance a s i d e, s c h e dulin g h a s hu r t Pisgah’s chances to go unbeaten in the WNCAC. FHS plays Pisgah between Brevard and Smoky Mountain. Pisgah as always lately opens its WNCAC season with

pisgah black bears Photos by pete zamplas

Eas t Hender son, Chappell ’s former team. Then comes what loom as the three staunchest tests that make or break the season. First is Franklin. Next is another major battle, at resurgent Wes t Henderson which rises above a “trap” game. Then warweary PHS hosts intra-county rival Tuscola, for Tuscola’s first huge test.

The Bears return five starters both on offense and defense.

They have “t wo really good a t h l e t e s ,” f o r q u a r t e r b a c k , Chappell said. Houston Rogers (5-11, 155 sr.) returns. “He threw for 1165 yards, and over twice as many touchdowns (13) as picks (six). “Houston guided us to a win in overtime against Tuscola, in front of 10,000 people,” Chappell said. “You can’t teach that kind of experience. Kids have to grow

from it.” Rogers is “gritty and made good plays,” rival Franklin Coach Josh Brooks said. The senior was “productive” in 7-on-7 drills. But he only began throwing again in June — four months after surgery, due to a snowboarding crash.

This opens up an “I Like Wike” campaign in this presidential elec tion year, for QB Tanner Wike (5-11, 155 so.) to get a shot at the controls. He commanded Pisgah’s 10-0 JV squad of ’15, as a freshman. “Tanner brings more speed, and running,” with similar arm strength already, Chappell said. “We’ve evolved into having a mobile quarterback.” He said the runner-up in the QB competition likely starts an cornerback.

Pisgah has typically run twothirds of the time, using the spread most of the time again

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 North Buncombe

H

08/26/16 Enka

A

09/02/16 Asheville

H

09/16/16 Madison

A

09/23/16 East Henderson*

A

09/30/16 Franklin*

H

10/07/16 West Henderson*

A

10/14/16 Tuscola*

H

10/21/16 North Henderson*

A

10/28/16 Smoky Mountain*

H

11/04/16 Brevard*

A

# NAME POS CLASS 1 jared clark rb/lb 12 2 jordan jones WR/DB 12 3 TANNER WIKE QB/DB 10 4 ISAIAH FISHER WR/DB 12 5 CHASE HENSON WR/DB 11 8 houston rogers qb/db 12 10 tanner lanning wr/lb 12 11 brady conner rb/lb 11 12 justin davis wr/db 11 13 jason fabio qb/db 12 17 will cody wr/db 12 19 tyler fish wr/db 11 21 trey morgan wr/db 12 22 lee henry wr/db 11 24 tanner fox k 12 25 rome henson wr/lb 11 30 justin francis k 11 32 jaxon pace ol/dl 11 33 carlos mendoza k 12 34 alex perez wr/db 11 35 michael parrott rb/dl 12 40 sawyer valentine wr/db 11 44 camden moore ol/dl 12 45 lakota burnette wr/lb 12 49 jeff albritton te/lb 12 50 colton ergle ol/dl 11 51 austin rosier ol/dl 11 52 cameron glavich ol/dl 11 54 ashton hill ol/dl 11 55 tyler pace ol/dl 12 56 jared robertson ol/dl 12 63 tyson willis ol/dl 11 64 isaac pless ol/dl 12 65 jesse rhea ol/dl 11 67 hunter mathis ol/dl 11 68 matt ralph ol/dl 11 69 aj cope ol/dl 11 70 harley melton ol/dl 11 71 eli medford ol/dl 12 72 dante buchanan ol/dl 12 75 gage deaver ol/dl 12 77 aaron thompson ol/dl 12 79 riley james ol/dl 12 85 josh wilson wr/dl 12 89 tyler penland wr/db 11 99 chad keyes ol/dl 11

coaches head coach: Brett Chappell Assistants: Rickey Brindley, David Pressley, Jacob Hannah, Bentley Rogers, Will Warren, Jody Mathis, Ron Cagle, Zeb Capps, TJ Peck, Greg Parrott, Tony Francis, Jacob Morgan

*Conference Game

with a smaller O-line but still some “offset I,” he noted. AllWNCAC Michael Parrott (5-11, 235 sr.) averaged over five yards a pop, in ’15. Jared Clark (5-9, 190 sr.) also figures to get many carries.

Three or four receivers line up at a time. “Deep threat ” Trey Morgan (6-3, 214 sr.) and Justin Davis (6-2, 180 jr.) are big WRs with speed. All-WNCAC

(continues on page 74)

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

east henderson eagles

pisgah black bears

NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS (continued from page 71)

(continued from page 68) Brent Frazier (6-3, 280 jr.), Fortino Gomez (6-4, 315 so.), and Brendan Foushea (6-1, 230 so.). The kicker again is Chris Hernandez (5-8, 155 so.), who is reliable from 35 yards out.

The base defense shifts back to 3-5-3. “We have very athletic linebackers,” Coach Mac said.

“We’ll bring pressure with one or two of these guys” at a time.

McCall, Gash, Gavin Anglin (510, 185 sr.) and Sean Mahaffey

(5-10, 175 sr.) are ILBs. OLB-SS perimeter hybrids include J.J. Wilson (5-9, 180 jr.), Adkinson, Stiwinter, Rogers and Shaddick.

Coach Mac hopes to two-platoon more, if specialists emerge.

Strong “fundamental” play is a priority for the Eagles. Coach McMillan is eager to “get a win early. That’ll be huge, for our confidence.” written by pete zamplas

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS CONTINUED (continued from page 67) on a dime quickness, to make people miss in the open field,” Pritchett said. “Our downfield speed can take the top off the defense. That opens up the run game, and shor t passing underneath.”

Trenches are manned by center Riley Smith (5-11, 190 sr.), tackle Kohl Padgett (5-11, 243 jr.), G Josh Birkle (5-9, 205 so.), T-G Ashton Landreth (6-1, 258 jr.), and C.J. Megown (6-5, 240 sr.) or Earon Wilkes (5-9, 215 sr.). Several 300-pounders graduated, over two years. But Pritchett prefers “lighter guys, who can move.”

PK-punter Sam Kicklighter (6-2, 195 sr.) has a kicker’s name and range. The coach said, “Sam can hit from 40-plus easy — even 50.”

On defense, BHS now uses a 3-5 or other odd-numbered front

to put speed on the perimeter, instead of the prior 4-4 base. “ We’ll be quite a bit fas ter,” Pritchett said. This fits BHS ubertacklers. OLB Pettit amassed 155 tackles in ’15, averaging 14.1 to lead WNC returnees. ILB Kyle Williams (5-10, 205 jr.) is next-best among public schools at 11.9, and DE Wilkes at 9.9 is also among area leaders.

Other star ters include OLB Cabe, ILB Shook and Benjamin; and Jace Frisbee (6-0, 190 sr.) or Kyle Prohaska (5-10, 180 sr.) at DB. NG Daniel Mc Junkin (5-8, 165 sr.), a wrestler, is “our strongest pound for pound,” Pritchett said.

Coach Pritchet t is eager to a s c e n d t h e W N C AC r a n k s .

“Hopefully, we make some noise. written by pete zamplas

(continued from page 61) Morgan is in the top five among returning WNC receivers, with 42 receptions. Eight were for TDs. He is among basketball standouts (14.6 ppg., 7.4 reb.); more are also playing football than usual. In the slot, Isaiah Fisher (5-10, 165 sr.) is quick and shifty, while athletic Jason Fabio (5-11, 180 sr.) a power runner who was an Enka QB last year.

The tight end is Josh Wilson (62, 185 sr.) and Lakota Burnette (6-0, 190 sr.).

T he of fensi ve line’s s ole returning full-time starter is LT Ashton Hill (6-1, 260 jr). Riley James (5-10, 230 sr.), A.J. Cope (5-11, 220 jr.), Gage Deaver (6-0, 215 sr.), Harley Melton (5-10, 215 jr.), Isaac Pless (5-10, 220 sr.) and Austin Rosier (5-11, 220 jr.) contend for minutes.

“Overall, we’ll be quicker up front,” Chappell said. “Not as heavy, but just as strong.”

Kicker Tanner Fox (5-7, 140 sr.) is “good from 45, 50 yards.”

He beat rival Tuscola by tying it in the final minute with a field goal, then booting another in OT for a 20-17 road win. His brother

Mason Fox set a PHS-record 53-yarder in ’14.

The mul tiple 50 defense features up front third-year DEs James and Wilson, and DTs Dante Buchanan (5-11, 260 sr.) and Jared Robertson (6-0, 290 sr.). Though the O-line is light, Pisgah’s D-line is heavy to match up with big lines of Franklin and others.

ILBs are all -WNC AC Je f f Albrit ton (6 - 0, 220 sr.) who averaged 6.6 tackles and Tanner Lanning (5-11, 185 sr.). OLBs are Rome Henson (5-8, 185 so.) and Chase Henson (5-9, 160 jr.). Morgan is a safety. Above all, “we have good linebackers i n t h e m i d d l e ,” C h a p p e l l said. “Defensive toughness is stressed daily — way before I was here.”

The defense can carr y the team, along with timely scoring. Coach Chappell said that “punching it in” with games on the line this time can turn prior close defeats into crucial victories — perhaps titleclinching ones. written by pete zamplas

jr.), his quick brother Miguel Lammons (5-9, 150 sr.), and Austin VanHoy (5-5, 145 jr.).

Darren averaged 18.4 yards, on 28 catches for 516 yards and six TDs. He also punts. Possession wideouts include Grant Corn (510, 175 sr.), and lanky Jeremiah Closius (6-0, 145 sr.). Devon Graham (6-2, 167 sr.) fills in.

The RB duties go mostly to quick Colby Thomas (5-5, 140 jr.), who finds zone gaps well, and downhill plunger Vanhoy.

The bulky Knights’ roundtable has center Damian Murphy (5-11, 270 jr.), LT Hunter Rogers (6-1, 235 sr.), RT Andrew Hillard (6-1, 240 sr.) and at guard chunky Curtis Matthews (5-9, 291 sr.), Stevie Frickel (59, 200 sr.) or Chris Waters (6-2, 320 sr.). “They’re taking care of one another,” as a cohesive unit, Clark said.

North returns merely three starters on offense, and four on defense. But having 76 total players boosts depth, and sharing of positions.

The multiple 3-4/4-3 defense rotates Mikey Smithers (5-11, 205 sr.), Jacob Owen (5-6, 171 jr.), Josh Bowman (5-11, 165 sr.) and Conor Martinez (5-10, 160 jr.) inside. Cameron Queen (6-0, 200 sr.) and Brodey Mitchell (59, 200 jr.) are outside, with one a DE-OLB hybrid “bandit,” Clark said.

Fierce DE Cameron Bumgarner (6-3, 190 sr.) again “anchors our defensive line,” Clark said. “The kids look up to him.” DTs include James Alvarez (5-10, 225 jr.) and Tyler Owens (5-10, 245 sr.).

CBs are Graham, Daquan Washington (5-10, 142 jr.) and Bobby Staton (6-2, 170 sr.).

Free safety Vanhoy is the sole reigning all-WNCAC Knight.

He averaged 10.4 tackles, and causes pivotal turnovers.

“Austin quarterbacks our secondary,” Clark said. Rover Kingston Thomas (5-11, 182 sr.) is in from Charleston, S.C. “I’m excited about our defense,” Coach Clark said.

“We’ll compete anywhere — whether it’s on a parking lot, or cow pasture.” Taking it a week at a time, “we want to go 1-0 every Friday.” written by pete zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs

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Coach Brookshire Head Coach: Chris Brookshire Nickname: Mustangs School colors: blue & platinum 2015 Record: 5-7 (3-4 WNCAC) Address: 100 Smoky Mountain Dr,

Sylva, NC 28779

Smoky Mountain has a new head of the Mustang corral in Chris Brookshire, and a galloping fastpaced attack. rookshire replaces David Napert, who was 20-41 in five seasons.

There are typically two WNCAC 2-A playoffs berths. Smoky contends with Brevard, behind frontrunner Franklin. Brookshire said first is to “have fun,” such as in the “uptempo, no-huddle offense. Tto play fast, we practice fast.”

Brookshire coached in the past two years at nearby Western Carolina U., in “offensive quality control.” He led Erwin for five years, making playoffs in 2006.

The 1988 Tuscola grad played receiver for Doug Brooks, who’d

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS Photos by lifetouch photography

“grab and pull my jersey, to tell me the play to run in. I’d take it to ‘home ec,’ to get it sewn up.

They said, ‘you sure got beat up tonight.’ I said ‘No, Coach Brooks got me good.’” Since a Brooks protege is Smoky’s new hire, he is a Brooks-hire (Brookshire). Like his mentor, “I’m pretty intense, from the get-go. The kids tell me that’s positive. I’m upbeat. I don’t let negative situations get me down.”

Brookshire drew from Smoky’s heralded basketball

and baseball programs. “We have as good athletes as there are” in WNC. Smoky’s new quarterback Cole Hooper (6-3, 180 sr.) is heading to N.C. State as a baseball pitcher, and plays wing in basketball. He is fast (4.62). “He can throw as far as any kid I’ve coached,” and is working on “mechanics, footwork, and ball placement,” Brookshire said. He said likens the all-A pupil to Tuscola alum Tyler Brosius, as “calm enough to shake off bad plays, yet a

very fierce competitor. The kids like him.” Carr Hooper Stadium is named after his grandfather.

Leaping wideouts Austin Baumgarner (6-2, 200 sr.) with 4.58 speed and swift third-year starter Connor Moore (6-2, 185 sr.) can both “dunk flat-footed,” Brookshire quipped. Also, Moore was fifth in the state in hurdling.

Smoky deploys four surehanded receivers, a fifth at times. Slot targets are Tyler Waliezer (5-10, 160 sr.), Tristen Kenyon (5-10, 165 jr.), Matt

Ridley (5-7, 180 sr.) or Gage Kosnik (6-1, 220 jr.). The H-back is Kosnik, Quinn Manning (60, 205 jr.), or backup QB Nate Coffey (6-2, 190 jr.).

Tailback duties are shared by shifty, fast (4.58) Ridley, “punishing” Montrell Turner (61, 225 jr.) and “change-of-pace back” Cyrus Lanning (5-8, 170 jr.) who is a track sprinter. Ridley (4.4 ypc.) has “great vision. He’s tough,” Brookshire said. “He had to run sideways before he got the ball, in the I and wing T. Not in our spread. We go

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs • smoky mountain mustangs

Roster

SCHEDULE

coaches

08/19/16 Robbinsville

A

08/26/16 Swain

H

09/02/16 Enka

A

09/15/16 Cherokee

H

09/23/16 Tuscola*

H

09/30/16 West Henderson*

H

10/07/16 Franklin*

A

10/14/16 East Henderson*

A

10/21/16 Brevard*

H

10/28/16 Pisgah*

A

11/04/16 North Henderson*

A

Head Coach: Chris Brookshire Asst. Head Coach/Off. Line: Ty Dengler Run Game Coord./Off. Line: Will Towery Special Teams/ RB: Aaron Tuttle WR/Strength and Cond.: Tyler Kilpa Off. asst./Quality control: Jeffery Beall Off. Asst.: Chance Towery Def. Coord./Safeties: Jamie Extine Def. Line: Jason Stanick & Tyler Mulligan LB’s: Tony Quinn Cornerbacks: Derrick Hawk Defensive assistant: Jimmy Ashe Trainer: Angie Arndt

*Conference Game

downhill.”

Mustang steeds are center Derek Balliot (5-9, 240 jr.) who calls out blocking schemes, RG Blake Curtis (6-5, 305 jr.) or Lane Roberson (5-10, 280, RT Devon Stephens (6-2, 245 sr.) who played post in hoops, “super fast” (5.1) LG Cole Burch (6-2, 285 sr.), and at LT baseball slugger Parker Williamson (6-2, 245 sr.), Seth Steinbecker (6-1, 230 jr.) or Bryce Reagan (6-1, 205 sr.). “Our biggest strength is our big offensive line,” Brookshire said. Kicker Devin Macke (5-11,

174 sr.) made all 28 PATs. His FG reliable range is 38 yards.

The base defense is 4-2-5, often 4-3. “We always put six to eight people in the box,” against rushing foes. Defenseonly starters are ILBs Kyle Bradley (6-1, 190 sr.) and Hunter Coggins (5-9, 185 jr.), OLBs Michael Ashe (6-0, 200 sr.) and Tanner Norman (6-0, 190 jr.), DTs Josh Sellers (6-4, 280 sr,) and Jackson Paulos (6-1, 250 jr.) and DBs Dawson Jamison (6-0, 155 jr.) and Cody Lominac (6-1, 150 so.). “We’ll run and

# NAME POS ht wt CLASS 1 Cyrus Lanning RB/LB 5’9 160 11 2 Tristan Kenyon WR/DB 5’9 160 11 3 Andrew Cobaugh WR/DB 5’9 165 11 4 Cody Lominac WR/DB 6’0 160 10 5 Tyler Walizer WR/DB 5’11 150 11 6 Pat Espinoza WR/DB 5’8 140 11 7 Cole Hooper QB/DB 6’3 175 12 8 Tony Houston WR/LB 5’8 140 11 9 Nate Coffey QB/DB 6’2 195 11 10 Dawson Jamison WR/DB 6’0 155 11 11 Austin Baumgarner WR/DB 6’2 205 12 12 Will Sutton WR/DB 5’11 160 12 14 Connor Moore WR/DB 6’3 180 12 15 Nathan Webb WR/DB 6’0 160 11 19 Mathew Ridley RB/DB 5’6 155 12 22 Montrell Turner RB/DL 6’1 225 11 24 Alex Messer WR/DB 6’0 140 11 25 Gage Kosnik TE/LB 6’1 220 11 28 Devon Macke K/P 6’0 185 12 29 Andy Houston WR/LB 5’8 140 11 30 Kyle Bradley RB/LB 6’1 180 12 31 Daniel Burch WR/DB 5’10 160 11 32 Jordan Davis RB/LB 5’11 185 11 34 Michael Ashe RB/LB 5’10 190 12 40 Quinn Manning V TE/DL 6’0 205 11 41 Brian Naulty RB/LB 5’5 150 12 42 Griffin Woody WR/LB 5’7 180 12 43 Coleman Sellers OL/DL 5’10 235 11 44 Hunter Coggins RB/LB 5’9 190 11 45 Tanner Norman TE/LB 6’0 185 11 52 Seth Steinbicker OL/DL 6’2 210 11 53 Mckae Bumgarner OL/DL 5’9 190 11 54 Bryce Reagan OL/DL 6’1 190 12 55 Blake Curtis OL/DL 6’5 305 11 58 Devon Stephens OL/DL 6’2 235 12 60 Lane Roberson OL/DL 5’10 285 12 64 Darren Buchanan OL/DL 6’1 200 11 65 Cole Burch OL/DL 6’2 280 11 66 Derek Balliot OL/LB 5’9 250 12 68 Jackson Paulus OL/DL 6’0 255 11 72 Andrew Lillard OL/DL 6’1 225 11 75 Chandler Hensley OL/DL 5’8 190 11 77 Parker Williamson OL/DL 6’2 245 12 79 Josh Sellers OL/DL 6’4 280 12 82 Sam Mathis OL/DL 6’3” 200 11 88 Emmitt Baldwin WR/DB 5’9” 135 10

hit, with our best athletes on defense,” Brookshire said. “We want to get the football back.

One turnover is worth three points. That’s how we valued it, at Western.”

Coach Brookshire admires the current Brooks coaching generation of brothers Josh and Jay at Franklin, for road turnout and vocal home-field “Pit as the 12th man. We’re trying to instill that, at Smoky Mountain.” written by pete zamplas

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS

Roster

Coach Whitaker Head Coach: Paul Whitaker Nickname: Falcons School colors: blue, red, & white 2015 Record: 8-5 (5-2 WNCAC) address: 3600 Haywood Rd,

Hendersonville, NC 28791

West Henderson Falcons outdid themselves in 2015, after a stellar ’14 season, by upsetting both mighty Franklin and Pisgah on the road and nearly winning the conference. he Mills River crew was second at 5-2, owning the tiebreaker over Pisgah. Both WNCAC losses (to Smoky Mountain, later Tuscola) were a week ahead of showdowns — thus with potential for looking ahead. Tuscola was gunning for payback, and got it.

But West rebounded with its biggest triumph in years, over Franklin Oct. 30. “To come back and battle and win at Pisgah (by 16-12 on Oct. 9) and to win at Franklin (26-23) the same year was super,” seventh-year Falcon head coach Paul Whitaker said.

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS Photos by lifetouch photography

“It sets the bar for this upcoming group.” This time, West hosts Pisgah and later Franklin Oct. 28.

The past two years West went 8-5 including 5-2 in the WNCAC, and won a home playoff game. West lost to only perennial frontrunners Franklin and Pisgah in the WNCAC in ’14, then beat both in ’15.

The Falcons triumphed with sensational defensive and special teams plays, and dramatic finalminute stops. At Franklin, which is also run-heavy, “we halted them inside the 10, in the final seconds,” Whitaker noted. “They went for it on fourth down. We dug in, and stopped them.” Franklin Coach Josh Brooks said the Falcons “made the plays. We had first and goal. But we turned the ball over to them, on the one-yard line. They blocked two punts for touchdowns. They got a safety.

They capitalized.” He said that all evening, “we couldn’t run the ball, or throw.”

Pisgah Coach Brett Chappell salutes how “West beat us (too), at the end. We got to their five-yard line, with 10 seconds left. But we couldn’t punch it in.”

Whitaker said, “We want to control the ball and clock, to have more possessions and scores than the other team.” He said West typically runs two-thirds of the time, mostly in the flexbone triple option with some spread.

Quarterback Brandon Whitaker (5-10, 160 sr.) is a fiery leader, back for an encore. He is very quick dashing through holes, and making pitches. “He’s (even) quicker, and might run more,” said his father, the coach. “He’s better in delivering the ball sooner, before the receiver makes his

break. We can put more on his plate, and throw more when we want to — not when we have to.”

West pulls that circus stunt of dozens of clowns filing out of a small car, by shuffling many running backs year after year.

Tanner Bullock, a grad in ’16, topped 1000 yards.

West returns two of its key halfbacks/wingbacks, for fullertime roles. Quick Landon Owen (510, 170 sr.) “has good vision, seeing blocking up front,” Whitaker said.

“He’s patient. When we pull two guards, he waits for the second guard” before cutting upfield. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry, HB Peyton Frisbee (5-10, 186 sr.) 6.7 and Whitaker 4.2 yards. Frisbee is a primary power back. Both made many key gains last year. So

(continued on page 85)

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 1 elijah nickell rb/db 5’9 171 11 2 Jacob burnette wr/db 5’11 155 10 3 brandon whitaker qb/db 5’10 152 12 4 peyton frisbee rb/lb 5’10 196 12 5 landon owen rb/lb 5’9 175 12 6 jason wallace rb/db 5’8 180 11 7 dalton cole qb/db 6’2 182 11 8 Kevin isidro k 5’9 155 9 9 tj hobbs rb/lb 5’9 165 11 10 max chamberlain rb/lb 5’7 188 12 11 kyler stocks rb/lb 5’9 175 12 14 Tim eplee rb/db 5’8 153 11 22 ricky mckenzie rb/lb 5’10 204 11 23 blake smith wr/db 6’ 148 11 24 Eziah padilla wr/db 5’7 156 11 25 trent gasperson rb/lb 5’7 180 11 32 grayson ross te/lb 6’ 215 11 33 jacob rulli rb/db 5’9 190 11 34 jacob russell wr/db 5’10 163 12 35 jake ogren te/lb 6’2 183 11 39 jacob harrison wr/db 5’7 144 11 42 chris farmer wr/db 5’7 110 11 44 bradley barham te/dl 6’1 230 12 45 devin stepp te/dl 5’11 195 12 48 kyle porter te/lb 6’3 191 10 50 grant mcintyre ol/dl 6’3 207 11 53 alex browning ol/dl 6’1 235 12 55 jared guffey ol/lb 6’ 192 11 63 brandon lovelace ol/lb 5’8 182 12 64 andhy sanchez ol/dl 5’9 190 12 66 logan goforth ol/dl 5’11 213 11 67 ian adams ol/dl 6’2 275 9 71 kerry jarvis ol/dl 5’10 285 11 74 jake gosnell ol/dl 5’9 230 11 76 ian rogers ol/dl 6’6 265 10 77 sam gentry ol/dl 6’3 255 12 86 ross davis wr/db 6’ 175 11 88 jacob blackwell wr/lb 6’3 182 11 89 jostin solano wr/db 5’7 138 11

Coaches

Head coach: Paul Whitaker Asst Coaches: frank gerard, steve Geyer, Jim Griffin, Daniel Holbert, Barry Lance, Jason Livin, Jay Young

SCHEDULE 08/19/16 Madison

A

08/25/16 Hendersonville

H

09/09/16 North Buncombe

A

09/16/16 Mountain Heritage

H

09/23/16 North Henderson*

H

09/30/16 Smoky Mountain*

A

10/07/16 Pisgah*

H

10/14/16 Brevard*

A

10/21/16 Tuscola*

A

10/28/16 Franklin*

H

11/04/16 East Henderson*

A

*Conference Game

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

Four Seasons 4762344

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA

Coach Pursley Head Coach: Tommy Pursley Nickname: Mountaineers School colors:black & gold 2015 Record: 7-5 (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. e’re much better this year, as a team,” he said in his first preseason in Waynesville.

He was hired in mid-July of last year. Already, he observed, the Mountaineers are stronger, quicker, more experienced and confident. He looks for that to translate to more victories.

In flipped 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 Brevard and soonafter 38-34 over East Henderson. Talent is up from a JV that beat Franklin for the WNCAC title.

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS Photos by lifetouch photography

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 (510, 170 jr.), as a quick all-WNCAC

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. Long-striding 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 sr.) and TE Eli Trantham (6-1, 215 jr.).

Tuscola returns five starters 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 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 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 mid-Nineties 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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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

A MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS (continued from page 82)

Roster

# NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 1 Caleb Ferguson FB/OLB 5’11 175 12 2 John Medford TE/MLB 5’10 195 12 3 Will Stevenson TE/DE 6’3 205 11 4 Roman Jenkins RB/CB 5’11 165 12 5 Jeremy Jacobs FB/MLB 5’10 185 12 8 Brent Turner RB/FS 5’10 160 12 9 Brayden Monday MLB/FB 6’3 195 10 10 Brandon Cullins QB/FS 6’1 183 10 11 Grayson Perkins QB/MLB 5’10 195 11 12 Dakota Winchester QB/CB 5’10 162 11 14 Mathew Bledsoe WR/CB 5’8 148 11 15 Dylan Hayward WR/OLB 5’9 160 11 16 Blake Woody WR/OLB 5’9 151 11 17 Josh Allison WR/CB 5’10 156 12 18 Caleb Conner CB/WR 5’9 147 11 19 Israel Gregory WR/FS 6’ 175 12 20 Travis Nelson WR/CB 6’ 148 11 21 Cade Justice WR/C 5’11 145 11 22 Bailee Ewart OLB/RB 5’7 140 10 23 Cole Nordness CB/RB 5’10 152 12 26 Elijah Trantham WR/T/DE 6’ 218 12 27 Micah Brown RB/MLB 5’9 182 12 29 Nick Cole RB/MLB 5’6 136 10 35 Cody Thompson OLB/FB 5’8 151 11 40 Minh Pham WR/OLB 5’8 158 11 50 Dylan Worley T/DE 6’1 195 12 52 Austin Goforth G/DT 6’1 253 12 54 Eric Parsons DE/T 6’ 189 12 55 Cameron Parker G/DT 6’ 249 11 56 Jay Bradley NG 5’7 194 12 57 Taylor Austin NG/DE 5’10 225 12 58 Jose Castillo C/NG 6’ 305 12 60 Will Trantham T/DE 5’11 232 12 63 Dylan Shuler T/DE 5’11 191 11 70 Mitchel Leveritt T/DT 6’1 242 12 73 Joey Diienno C 5’11 242 11 77 Adam Henry G/DT 5’10 236 11

did Kyle Stocks (5-9, 185 sr.), the fastest Falcon, in spelling Bullock.

Once again, JV replenishes varsity with rushing depth. HB Elijah Nickell (5-9, 170 jr.) runs well outside. HB Timmy Eplee (5-8, 150 jr.), a good wrestler, is another “speedster,” Whitaker added. He said FB Trenton Gasperson (5-11, 175 jr.) “gets tough yards” while quick Ricky McKenzie (5-10, 201 jr.), among TEs/H-backs, “turns two yards into seven.”

West lines up one or two WRs. They are Dalton Cole (6-3, 187 jr.), the backup QB, and fast T.J. Hobbs (5-8, 155 jr.). TE Kyle Porter (6-1, 185 so.) is another target.

Returning linemen are RT Sam Gentry (6-3, 250 sr.) who wrestles, and C-G Alex Browning (6-0, 230 sr.). LT-C Ian Rogers (6-3, 260 so.) is now full-time. New starters are

Logan Goforth (5-10, 195 jr.), Devin Stepp (5-10, 192 sr.), and/ or Brandon Lovelace (5-10, 180 sr.). “Our guards are smaller. They pull and trap inside or outside,” Whitaker said. “Tackles hold the edge.”

The Falcon defense has a 3-5 base front. ILBs are all-WNCAC Frisbee and Stocks. OLBs are all-WNCAC Owen, Nickell and Lovelace. Owen (6.1 tpg.) tracks runners well, Whitaker said.

DT Stepp returns up front. DBs are new and include Cole and Hobbs. Robo-tacklers Stephen Perron and Bullock are among ’16 grads.

Ultimately, Coach Whitaker said of goals, “We want to win every game, and be conference champions.” written by pete zamplas

86

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IWANNA® Football Preview • August 23, 2016

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CATAMOUNTS head coach:.......... Mark Speir nickname:............. Catamounts school colors: g . old & purple conference:............. Southern classification: ... NCAA Div. I 2015 record:.7-4 (5-2 SOCON)

R

iding the momentum of backto-back, seven-win seasons, optimism remains high across Western North Carolina as the curtain is set to raise on Western Carolina University’s 2016 college football season.

Under the leadership of fifthyear head coach Mark Speir, the Catamounts have put together consecutive seasons of seven victories for the first time since the 1983-84 campaigns. On the heels of a 7-5 season in 2014, the Catamounts finished 7-4 a year ago, closing the year among the “others receiving votes” category in the STATS media polling, ranked 40th overall.

Western Carolina returns a variety of experience to the gridiron in 2016 with a combined total of 15 players with starting experience between offense and defense. The roster includes 16 seniors including six on offense, nine on defense, and one on special teams. At the preseason Southern Conference Media Day in Spartanburg, S.C., a total of 10 Catamounts – five on first team and five on second team – were recognized.

Offensively, WCU returns a bevy of talented weapons and scoring threats headlined by junior tailback Detrez Newsome, who was named the Southern Conference’s Preseason Offensive Player of the Year at the league’s annual Media Day in late July. The Raeford, N.C., product rushed for 1,109 yards and a career-best matching nine

touchdowns as a sophomore, giving WCU its first 1,000-yard rusher since 2006 – and just the ninth since 1967.

Newsome led the SoCon in rushing even with the two rush-heavy option teams, The Citadel and Wofford, in the league. He is flanked by returning back Corey Holloway who rumbled for 239 yards last fall with four scores on the ground.

The Catamounts again return one of the best and deepest wide receiver groups in the Southern Conference – if not all of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Redshirt senior Spearman Robinson, a second team preseason All-SoCon selection, remains one of WCU’s best, big-play options, leading all returners with 13 career touchdown receptions and 1,301 career yards. But another Robinson returns to the fold in unrelated redshirt junior Terryon Robinson.

Sporting a new jersey number in 2016, Terryon missed 2015 with a wrist injury. The last time Catamount fans saw him on the field, he led the SoCon in receptions per game (5.1) including matching a school singlegame record with 15 catches at South Florida, and ranked fourth in receiving yardage with an average of 58.5 yards per game.

Adding to the aerial threat of the WCU offense is first team All-SoCon tight end Tyler Sexton. The senior is coming off a banner year in 2015, hauling in 31 passes for 385 yards – both career-bests while matching a career-high with three receiving touchdowns. He suffered a broken arm in the next-to-last game at Texas A&M a season ago forcing him to the sidelines for the season finale and much of the spring.

In the trenches, WCU looks to replace four senior offensive linemen from a season ago – two that earned All-Southern Conference plaudits

Junior RB Detrez Newsome – Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Public Relations in tackle Josh Wineberg and center Jake Thornton, who remains in Cullowhee as an offensive quality control coach. Contrastingly, this year’s squad only features one senior – but has eight players that have collegiate action. Leading the youthful charge are 2015 SoCon AllFreshman team selections, Nathan Dalton and Zach Weeks. Dalton was tabbed second team preseason allconference. WCU returns two from injury in Andrew Miles and Tanner Poindexter, both with solid playing experience.

The biggest question mark on offense entering 2016 is WCU replacing quarterback Troy Mitchell.

The four-year signal caller from

Texas finished his career as the program’s all-time leader in total offense, amassing a school-record 9,397 career yards. Mitchell rushed for 2,043 yards and 19 touchdowns on the ground while passing for 7,354 yards and 50 TDs through the air during his career, concluding as the school’s most prolific passer.

Through the 2016 spring drills and into 2016 fall camp, the quarterback battle hinges around three players – junior Wes Holcombe and redshirt freshmen Tyrie Adams and Kalen Whitlow. Holcombe is the lone returner with collegiate game experience, though Adams and Whitlow dressed and traveled each week as true freshmen in 2015.

Holcombe saw his most extensive action in guiding a second half comeback victory over Mercer last year, subbing for an injured Mitchell.

WCU returns its core nucleus on defense including its top three tacklers from a year ago. Redshirt junior Daniel Riddle led both the Catamounts and the Southern Conference in tackles in 2015, finishing with 129 total tackles including 46 solo stops to rank inside the top 10 nationally. He is flanked by senior Tyson Dickson who finished second on the team with 96 tackles including a team-high 10.5 tackles for loss. Both were named first team preseason All-SoCon entering the 2016 season.

iwanna.com Seniors Fred Payne and Trey Morgan anchor the Catamount defensive secondary, both collecting second team preseason honors from the league’s nine coaches. Payne finished third on the team with 75 tackles last fall, ranking 14th in the league with a 6.8 tackle per game average. The Gainesville, Ga., native enters his senior season with a pair of career interceptions. The ballhawking Morgan has a team-best nine interceptions over his first three seasons, and has defended a combined 17 passes. The North Augusta, S.C., product posted 65 tackles a season ago and is a twotime All-SoCon selection, garnering second team accolades in 2015 after first team plaudits as a sophomore in 2014.

Among the area hardest hit following 2015 was along the defensive line, losing six players from a season ago up front. WCU returns talented young players, but will have to replace both starting defensive ends – Caleb Hawkins and John McBeth – while also losing starting defensive tackles Helva Matungulu (who signed with the New York Jets) to graduation and Derrick Davis – who would have been a junior but left the team to pursue additional academic opportunities.

The Catamounts will lean heavily upon returning tackles in juniors Ezavian Dunn and Tyler Junius, and return end Andrew Mayton from injury that sidelined him in 2015.

On special teams, WCU returns two players who secured AllSoCon honors in 2015. Redshirt sophomore punter Ian Berryman collected first team all-conference plaudits in addition to SoCon AllFreshman team honors. Winning the preseason position battle, Berryman – a preseason first team honoree – averaged 43.7 yards per punt a season ago, second in the SoCon and eighth-best in the nation.

Sophomore placekicker Logan Howard ranked second on the Catamount squad in scoring as a true freshman, also securing SoCon AllFreshman plaudits. Howard scored a combined 69 points, finishing 12of-14 (85.7%) on field goals with 33 PATS. Howard was a second team preseason All-SoCon honoree.

The Catamounts bring in 13 players that signed National Letters of Intent in February of 2016 – seven on offense and six defensive players.

Four of the signees are along both the offensive and defensive line, evenly distributed with two aside with five skill players on offense and five defensive backs. A combined five of Western Carolina’s incoming freshmen garnered ratings from either 247Sports.com or Rivals.com – or both. WCU had two, three-star and two, two-star recruits according to 247Sports.com, and also had four signees ranked by Rivals.com, each listed as two-star athletes.

In addition to the influx of new faces, the Catamount coaching staff – especially on the defensive side of the football – experienced an overhaul in the offseason. First-year defensive coordinator Dustin Landry, who brings coordinator experience from two prior coaching stops, is joined by secondary coaches Blake Gideon and Zac Etheridge, with former Catamount linebacker Chris Collins returning to his alma mater.

On the offensive side of the football, only running backs coach Jason Nichols is different from a season ago.

Western Carolina’s 11-game 2016 schedule is bookended by visits to directional FBS rivals, East Carolina (Sept. 3) and South Carolina (Nov. 19). The schedule includes

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five home dates on-campus at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field beginning with the home-opener against Gardner-Webb (Sept. 10, 6 pm) and a second night game against Wofford (Oct. 8, 7 pm) that includes post-game fireworks presented by Ingles and iHeartRadio affiliates, 99.9 Kiss Country and Star 104.3.

WCU has posted a 10-1 record at home in Cullowhee over the past two seasons including a perfect 5-0 mark in 2015.

Written by Daniel Hooker, Assistant Athletics Director for Media Relations, WCU For more information on Western Carolina Catamount Athletics, a complete listing of promotional events surrounding WCU football, or to purchase tickets online, visit CatamountSports. com or call (800) 34-GOWCU. Fans can keep tabs on WCU Athletics through WCU’s social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/catamountsports), Twitter (@catamounts) using the hashtag #ClawsOut, YouTube (CatamountSports) and Instagram (wcu_catamounts).

Senior TE Tyler Sexton - Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Public Relations

SCHEDULE 09/03/16 09/10/16 09/17/16 10/01/16 10/08/16 10/15/16 10/22/16 10/29/16 11/05/16 11/12/16 11/19/16

East Carolina Gardner-Webb ETSU* The Citadel* Wofford* Mercer* Samford* Chattanooga* VMI* Furman* SC

A H A H H A A H H A A

* Conference Game

Coaches

Senior DB Fred Payne - Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Public Relations

Head Coach: Mark Speir Assoc. Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Qbs: Brad Glenn Asst. Coach/Defensive Coordinator/ Nickelbacks:Dustin Landry Asst. Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator/Defensive Line: Mark Rhea Asst. Coach/Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line: John Holt Asst. Coach/Wide Receivers: Tyler Carlton Asst. Coach/Linebackers: Chris Collins Asst. Coach/Safeties: Blake Gideon Asst. Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Tight Ends: Pat Mills Asst. Coach/Running Backs: Jason Nichols Defensive Asst./Cornerbacks: Zac Etheridge Director of Football Operations: Daniel Gibson Defensive Quality Control: Brian Volz

Senior LB Tyson Dickson - Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Public Relations

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 71 72 73 75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98

NAME POS HT WT CL Kalen Whitlow QB 6’1 190 RS FR Connell Young RB 6’ 200 FR Fred Payne DB 5’10 195 SR A.J. Newman Jr. DB 6’1 195 JR Terryon Robinson WR 5’11 190 RS JR C.J. Goodman Jr. RB/WR 5’11 190 RS SR Corey Holloway RB 5’10 210 RS SO Spearman Robinson WR 6’4 215 RS SR John Brannon III DB 6’2 180 FR Steffon Hill WR 5’11 200 SR Jordan Mathis WR 5’10 200 RS SO Tyrie Adams QB 6’2 175 RS FR D’Andre Belton LB 5’11 185 JR Wes Holcombe QB 6’1 185 JR Michael Helms Jr. TE 6’2 235 RS SR Skyler Matheson RB 6’ 200 RS FR Tra Hardy DB 5’11 185 JR Bryce Wilson DB 5’10 170 RS FR Devarius Cortner DB 6’1 185 FR Donnovan Spencer RB 5’10 185 FR Detrez Newsome RB 5’10 210 JR Mikey White DB 6’1 180 SO Jay Gibbs DE 6’3 250 RS FR Shamon Elliott DB 6’ 185 FR Trey Morgan DB 6’ 180 SR Tyson Dickson LB 6’1 220 SR Tyran Reynolds WR 6’1 200 RS SO Marvin Tillman DB 6’1 185 SO Michael Murphy DB 6’2 180 FR Darius Means WR 5’9 155 RS SO Chris Seaborn LB 6’2 215 JR Coleman Cunningham LB 5’9 200 RS SR Andrew Askew WR 6’1 190 FR Keion Crossen DB 5’10 175 JR Spencer McCoy TE 6’2 215 RS FR Tra’von Ricketts DE 6’5 230 RS FR Bobby Gibbs DB 5’10 195 RS SO Shane Samuels DB 5’7 160 RS JR Tyler Mitchell WR 5’7 175 RS FR Hunter Jacobs WR 5’10 190 RS JR Kendall White LB 5’11 220 JR Aubry Payne TE 6’4 235 FR James Foushee RB 5’9 200 RS SO Roderick Poag TE 6’3 245 RS JR Myreon Bennett DE 6’3 245 RS FR Mitchell Chancey LB 6’ 215 SO Fred Mooring DT 6’2 255 SR Walker Lanning OL 6’3 295 RS FR Matthew Bair OL 6’4 275 FR Zac Saalweachter OL 6’3 305 RS FR Michael Minder LB 5’10 190 RS FR Spencer Campbell OL 6’2 295 RS FR Jerod Walls LB 6’ 200 RS FR Avery Worsham DE 6’1 240 SR Daniel Riddle LB 6’1 225 RS JR Chandler Addertion LS 6’3 220 RS SR Zachary Greene DE 6’3 245 RS SO Ethan James OL 6’2 280 SR Zach Weeks OL 6’3 280 RS SO Charles McDonough LS 6’4 185 FR Kaleb Spry OL 6’2 290 RS SO Wyatt Burnette OL 6’4 280 FR Brandon Berridge OL 6’2 295 RS JR Tanner Poindexter OL 6’3 300 RS JR Chase Stehling OL 6’4 300 RS SO Matt DeGraffinreed DL 6’2 285 RS SR Andrew Miles OL 6’4 300 RS SO Austin Jacobs OL 6’4 270 RS JR Nathan Dalton OL 6’7 325 RS SO Sean Biette OL 6’2 265 RS SO Sheldon Kinard DT 6’1 260 RS JR Bailey Byrum OL 6’7 310 FR Charles Johnson WR 5’8 170 RS FR Jacob Robinson WR 5’11 170 RS FR Tyler Sexton TE 6’4 245 SR Ian Berryman P 6’ 200 RS SO Logan Howard K 6’ 190 SO Randall Emerson WR 6’2 210 RS SO William Ramsey WR 6’ 195 RS JR Destry Barnwell P 6’ 195 JR Brad Swan Jr. WR 6’1 185 RS FR Lavell Ellerbe WR 6’3 195 FR Tashion Singleton DT 6’3 260 GS Tyler Junius DT 6’ 295 JR Andrew Mayton DE 6’3 260 RS JR Jake Helms DT 6’2 290 FR Daniel Nash DE 6’4 230 SR Tahjai Watt DE 6’5 210 RS JR Ezavian Dunn DT 6’2 300 JR Holden Edwards DT 6’2 295 FR Nolan Beasley QB 6’1 175 FR Andrew Birkmire LB 6’2 205 FR Jacob Finerty DB 5’10 165 RS FR Chase Fisher TE 6’2 215 FR Jarred Hill WR 5’8 170 RS JR Alex Johnson WR 6’ 180 FR Daquan Patten WR 5’6 160 FR Austin Phillips TE 6’1 200 FR Curtis Roach DB 6’1 185 FR Christian Stewart K 5’11 180 FR Chance Towery TE 6’4 220 SO Kyle Vails LB 6’2 210 RS JR Jackson Wetherby LS 5’11 200 RS FR

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