High School Football Preview

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ASHEVILLE COUGARS’ CAM RAY

OWEN WARHORSES’

JAGER GARDNER

MURPHY BULLDOGS’

BRADLEY PUCCIO

FRANKLIN PANTHERS’

JEREMIAH YOUNG

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Mountain athletic 4-A conference 3-A

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ASHEVILLE HIGH • TC ROBERSON• AC REYNOLDS • ENKA • ERWIN • NORTH BUNCOMBE • MCDOWELL

ountain Athletic Conference frontrunners Asheville and A.C. Reynolds each look to often score seven behind a quarterback named Tevin.

MAC coaches pick Asheville first and Reynolds second overall in the 4-A/3-A conference, with T.C. Roberson and Erwin reloading and Enka, North Buncombe and McDowell improving.

The top two are in N.C. Prep Football News’ preseason top 10 teams, statewide in 3-A where the MAC is most loaded. Asheville beat Reynolds 27-17 last year, and hosts the showdown Oct. 3.

“On paper, you have to give Asheville the number one spot,” ACR Coach Shane Laws said. Others agree. “But I really like our football team.

We’re as good as anybody.”

AHS Coach Danny Wilkins said, “Reynolds is Reynolds — always tough. I’m glad they’re coming to our place.”

This time, Jave Jones runs for AHS after transferring from ACR. Extra incentives for both sides are fueled by these longdominant programs’ rivalry.

Personal feelings are potentially eased by remarkable sportsmanship of Laws, for referring Jones to rival Wilkins.

“Shane said he is a good kid, and needs another chance” after a mandatory year ban from ACR, Wilkins said. Wilkins has a no-tolerance policy for his new star, whose pressure is eased by sharing and not carrying the running load. “Jones reminds me of Michael Angram” with power and speed, said Enka Coach Jeff Frady, who helped coach East Henderson’s greatest runner.

Frady sees AHS as formi-

dable as its 2005 state title team. He knows Reynolds remains potent. “Last year when Jones was out, they put two 1,000-yard caliber rushers in his place” who return. Erwin also always has “fantastic athletes,” TCR moves up superb JV champs, and at N.B. “Curtis (Cagle) has the whole community excited.” Cagle said Frady similarly is stirring a winning feeling at Enka, as Carson Gowan did for McDowell with a breakout ’12 season.

AHS Cougars won eight in a row in 2013, and improved their MAC mark by three games.

They upset MAC favorite Erwin on an “electric” Senior Night for payback for ’12, Wilkins said. “Erwin graduated heavy.

But (WR Chavis Williams) ran a 4.3. It’s a mistake to underestimate them.”

He said “Roberson is a sleeping giant, with young talent,

big linemen and a well-respected new coach” in Chris Deal.

Deal praised Erwin Coach Mike Sexton as a tactician. “He’s a sly dog. His team can run.”

Parity is up, Wilkins said.

“We’re playing in the toughest league in the mountains — from top to bottom. You have to work overtime, to defend the title.”

Asheville (10-3; 6-0 MAC) welcomes star runner Jave Jones (5-8, 190 sr.)from Reynolds, into Cougar Nation to join Reggie Battle (6-0, 200 jr.) and quarterback Tevin salters (60, 170 sr.) in the backfield with Cameron Ray (5-9, 175 sr.) now a receiving threat. Tackle Pete leota (6-5, 290 jr.) leads a huge line. Cougars Coach Danny Wilkins said against rivals’ spread, “the best defense is a ball-control offense.”

Reynolds (9-5; 4-2) now features A.J. logan (5-10, 185

jr.) and Rico dowdle (6-1, 188 jr.) sharing lead back honors.

Key Rockets include new QB Tevin stafford (6-2, 185 sr.), flanker C.J. Allen (5-10, 179 sr.), and RG stephen sparacino (6-5, 255 sr.) anchoring a veteran line. Coach Shane Laws eyes a “run at the conference championship, and to put ourselves in position to win the big one in December.” eRwin (9-2; 5-1) reloads its array of skill with QB Brendan McAnulty (5-7, 146 sr.), receivers Chavis williams (5-10, 160 sr.) and Jeremiah Jackson (6-2, 200 sr.), TB Colby Maltry (5-8, 162 jr.). LT Mark Peterson (6-4, 225 jr.) and fellow mega Warriors block for them. Coach Mike Sexton said, “from the linemen to the skill guys, they’re gifted with talent” to beat anyone.

T.C. RoBeRson (4-8; 2-4) continues on page 4

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ASHEVILLE HIGH • ROBERSON• AC REYNOLDS • ENKA • ERWIN • NORTH BUNCOMBE • MCDOWELL continued from page 3 also elevates new talent such as FB Kam Gilliland (5-5, 140 jr.), and RB-WRs Gilbert Whiteside (5-9, 140 jr.) and Marcez Shivers (5-8, 140 sr).

Dayquan Watkins (6-6, 328 so.) mans the line, and DE Keith Jenkerson (6-2, 210 sr.) helps spark the defense.

“We’re talented enough to

beat anybody,” new Coach Chris Deal said. “We’re excited to try to be that ‘spoiler’” in the MAC race.

North BuNcoMBe (3-8; 1-5) says hello to Bryce Myers (5-7, 155 sr.), swift star transfer runner who gives QB chase Parker (6-1, 177 jr.) a major weapon. Leading Blackhawk defenders include safety

trent Bullman (5-10, 155 sr.) and DTs Jose Sanchez (5-8, 231 sr.) and Logan Banks (511, 271 sr.). Coach Curtis Cagle said has a squad “stacked full of great athletes” eager to win more. eNKa (3-8; 3-3) relies on new QB hunter Graham (5-10, 170 sr.) and TB Daniel candler (5-10, 205 jr.) behind an expe-

rienced line that includes RT Matt elliott (6-3, 250 sr.) and LT cody Scott (6-2, 260 sr.).

OLB Nathan Saunders (6-0, 185 sr.) ignites the Jets defensive engine. Coach Jeff Frady said with more skill, “We can be much better.”

McDoWeLL (2-9; 0-6) revolves around QB casey ray (5-11, 170 jr.) and a new tail-

back trio, to control the ball behind blocking of Blaise Parker (6-0, 270 jr.), LT Isiah Burch (6-4, 295 so.). Top returning tacklers are MLB Nick robinson (6-0, 200 sr.) and FS D.J. Martin (6-2, 180 sr.).

Coach Carson Gowan vows “We’re going to get better and better.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

Can-do Cam Ray sees Ray of Hope for Cougar Crowns

Cam Ray

Cameron Ray routinely gets the better of taller and heavier players on both sides of the ball with talent and effort, but his motivation of Asheville High teammates makes him an even more valuable Cougar.

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ival Mountain Conference recognize his picking him

Athletic coaches impact, in the

preseason as likely MAC player of the year.

“Be ready within you, to dominate” is the motto of Cameron Ray (5-8, 180 sr.). He outthinks, out-reacts, outruns and out-jumps foes going for the ball as a strong safety or receiver and when running the ball for long gains.

He was an all-MAC tailback last year, but shifts to receiver.

This lessens his load so he can focus even more on defense as a star strong safety, Coach Danny Wilkins noted. “We feel at heart, he’s a defensive talent at the next (collegiate) level.

When you carry the ball 25 times a game, you can’t play much defense.”

Best of all is “he has the ability to speak effectively, to lead and get people to follow,” Coach Wilkins said. Ray credits such teammates as quarterback Tevin Salters for inspiring the offense, and nose tackle Holton Brown and “my right hand man” Alex Paulk for also revving up the defense during crunch time.

Ray’s message to fellow defenders is to “keep our composure, work together. Stop them, get to fourth down, and force them to kick to us.” He said he does not initiate “trash talking” during games, but he will respond. “If you trash talk to me, then I have to talk back.”

His is both a fierce competitor and good sport. After tackling a foe, “I help him get back up and say ‘good job’” if the player did especially well. “My teammates might get mad” for such praising.

Last year, the sweetest win was over MAC favorite Erwin.

As MAC coaches’ pick for third place, “Everybody seemed on their side. We had something to prove,” Ray said. He credits coaching. “Our defense was ready for what they had coming.

It felt amazing. We proved we were way better than Erwin.”

Now as consensus MAC favorites, “that makes us work harder to win the championship,” Ray said. After bowing out at home in round two of 3-A playoffs, a prime goal is to go

much further. “Our number one goal is to go undefeated and win the MAC, and go to the state championship,” Ray said.

“We feel we have the capability of doing that, and improving throughout the playoffs.”

Coach Wilkins is a “brilliant defensive coach. He gives us the right calls.” As a motivator, he encourages but also “lets us know if we’re not focused,” Ray said. “He’ll make us run” as punishment. “He makes the leaders teach the young guys.”

Ray’s advice to prospective Cougars in youth ball is “always work hard. Be disciplined. Listen to what coach tells you,” to learn and improve.

He likes teams which like AHS “control the tempo of the game.” His favorite football player is veteran NFL runner Adrian Peterson, for yards after contact and doing his best after a severe ACL knee injury. “He worked hard, to come back, and to nearly break the (single season) rushing yard record.”

Reaching the end zone is

paramount, as “touchdowns win games.” Last year, Ray ran for 1,029 yards and scored 18 TDs. He praises AHS linemen for “blocking for me so well.” Ray described how he sees holes in the defense not directly, but “out of my peripheral vision. I make the move as quickly as I can, and battle for extra yards.”

He is stronger this year.

He is versatile. He has played quarterback. On varsity he was mainly a running back.

“Wherever coaches need me, I’m ready to go.” His new calling is as a receiver. In that role “I like out-jumping people, to get the football,” he said. It seems “everybody’s taller. But I can out-jump pretty much anybody.”

In basketball he has played as a forward and even center, leaping to out-rebound foes nearly a foot taller.

On defense, he loves hitting ball carriers. His father Corey Ray Sr. also played strong safety for Asheville. The 1988 grad was a “head buster. He says ‘when they come up the middle, take their head off.’ He loved hitting — even in practice. He says you play as you practice. This year, our practices have more straight hitting than ever. It prepares us for games.” His mother is Lytonya Vance. Both parents “say ‘give 110 percent.’” His brother Corey Ray, Jr., 23, is a 2009 AHS grad.

Cam is getting D-1 looks. N.C. State coaches “said they liked me,” after he was at their camp.

His GPA is 3.2. “Math is my favorite subject.”

He likes to conceptualize formulas, including football plays. “It makes it easier as a safety, to see what they’ll do. I look at how many receivers are on each side. I can tell by the formation what routes they’re going to run. I shout out to my teammates, about what they’re running and to where.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

aSheville cougarS Coach Danny Wilkins HEAD COACH: Danny Wilkins NICKNAME: Cougars SCHOOL COLORS: cardinal, black, white 2013 RECORD: 10-3 (6-0 MAC) ADDRESS: 419 McDowell St, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville reloads with a cross-town import, making it tougher than ever to keep up with the Joneses and to Battle the Cougars as they seek their 10th conference title in a row.

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tar runner Jave Jones comes from Reynolds into Cougar Nation.

He joins Reggie Battle and quarterback Tevin Salters as backfield stars, with 2013 top rusher Cameron Ray now a receiving threat. Such stars who prop Asheville up as seventh in the NCPreps.com preseason 3-A state rankings, and overall favorite in the 3-A/4-A Mountain Athletic Conference.

Last season, the Cougars were

ASHEVILLE COUGARS Photos by Tiffany Welsh

a perfect 6-0 in the MAC, after out-dueling MAC favorite Erwin 21-7 in the regular-season finale.

AHS head coach Danny Wilkins said “the best defense is a ballcontrol offense” against passhappy Erwin. “Stanford beat Oregon, the same way.” Wilkins has led AHS throughout this new millennium, winning a schoolrecord 141 times.

More battle-tested, Asheville returns five starters on offense and three on defense. Wilkins may split the tailback role. “We have two talented tailbacks — three (with 4.6 speed), when we give Cam some touches,” Wilkins said.

“As a downhill, two-back team, it helps to keep them fresh. If one back is exceptional, we can leave him in for the next series. We’ll see how it plays out.”

TB-FB Reggie Battle (6-0, 200 jr.) ran for 711 yards and six scores in a partial ’13, and is stronger and faster now. “He has good vision,” Wilkins said. “He and Jave are similar in their slashing styles.” TB Jave Jones (5-8, 190 sr.) scampered for 1,541 yards and 25 touchdowns as an ACR sophomore, then 826 yards and 15 TDs in five ’13 games before his dismissal. Jave (ja-VEY) averaged 10 yards. Jones blends strength with speed, plus timing to cut upfield and against the flow. “He has good vision,” Wilkins said.

“He doesn’t have runaway speed.

But he can make you miss, and look bad. He has such physical strength. You have to zero him up, and get him on the ground.

He has catching skills, too.”

Jones had some trouble last year

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Hendersonville Polk County Ashbrook Knoxville West Q Foundation AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*

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*Conference Game

and was dismissed from the ACR team, but has hopefully learned from his mistakes and is back and ready to play for AHS. Fullback Travis Lytle graduated.

His successors include athletic FB-TE William Flint (5-10, 190

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ROStER

NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Tevin Salters QB/DB 6’ 170 12 Cameron Ray WB/DB 5’9” 175 12 Christian Green FB/LB 5’9” 182 11 Isaiah Drummond WR/DB 6’ 184 11 Reggie Battle RB/LB 6’ 200 11 Jave Jones RB/OLB 5’8” 190 12 Denzel McDaniels WR/DB 5’10” 150 11 Alex Paulk WR/DB 5’11” 180 12 Neal Hutchins WR/DB 5’9” 150 11 Camelot MelissasQB/WR/DB5’11” 175 11 Devon Davidson QB/DB 6’ 160 10 Austin Horne WR/QB/OLB5’11”195 12 William Flint FB/TE/OLB5’8” 180 12 Shamauri Shivers TE/LB 6’ 205 11 Aquila Smith FB/LB 5’8” 220 11 Tony Gaston WR/DB 5’8” 150 12 Julian Wagner RB/DB 5’9” 152 11 Destin Irby FB/LB 5’7” 175 12 Sayquan Bethea WR/DB 5’9” 140 11 Deandre Gaskin FB/DL 6’ 185 10 Taekwon Griffin TE/OLB 5’9” 160 11 Raekwon Griffin TE/OLB 5’9” 160 11 Andrew Leota TE/DL 6’2” 200 9 Jose Daniels WR/OLB 6’1” 180 11 E. J. Wright FB/LB 5’7” 181 12 Chandler Cecil RB/DB 5’9” 160 12 Markeem Young FB/DL 5’8” 200 11 James Ramming PK 5’9” 160 12 Davis Brooks PK 5’10” 155 10 Cade Pearson OL/DL 5’11” 250 11 Dylan Holappa OL/OLB 5’9” 160 11 Haidan Rector OL/DL 6’ 180 10 Trey Slavkoff OL/DL 6’ 216 12 Bryson Riddle OL/DL 6’2” 240 12 Holton Brown OL/DL 5’11” 280 12 Keonta Ratliff-Johnson OL/DL 6’1” 240 11 Bobby Lordman OL/DL 5’10” 261 12 Wylie Withers OL/DL 6’5” 250 12 Tyreek Smith OL/DL 6’ 285 12 Peter Leota OL/DL 6’5” 290 11 Micah Robertson WR/DB 5’4” 140 10 Logan Chittuck WR/DB 5’9” 155 12 Kanaje Allen WR/DL 6’ 185 11 Orin Dygert TE/DL 5’11” 170 11 Elon Dockery PK 6’ 150 11

COACHES

Head Coach: Danny Wilkins Assistants: Charlie Metcalf, David Burdette, Gene Hammonds, Rex Wells, Bill Silver, Jesse Swain, John Paul Kimbrough, Zach Wilkins, Scott Buchanan, Mike Zboyovski

sr.) or Battle. All-MAC Cameron Ray (5-9, 175 sr.) ran for 1,029 yards and 18 TDs as a TB. As a receiver, he helps “spread the ball around, and take pressure off the tailback,” Wilkins said.

Getting him the ball is QB Tevin Salters (6-0, 170 sr.). He continues on page 10

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

roberson rams

ROStER

Coach Chris Deal HEAD COACH: Chris Deal NICKNAME: Rams SCHOOL COLORS: navy blue & Vegas gold 2013 RECORD: 4-8 (2-4 MAC) ADDRESS: 250 Overlook Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

T.C. Roberson starts the post-Jim Beatty era with many talented athletes, as usual.

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hris Deal succeeds Beatty, now Mars Hill University’s offensive line coach after Mac MacMillan left that job to coach East Henderson. Beatty forged perennial contenders in his seven years, starting by reaching state 4-A semifinals in ’07. The Rams shared the overall MAC title at 5-1 in 2012, going 9-2 overall. They slipped to 4-8 (2-4) in ’13. Still, they came within a touchdown of upsetting MAC champ Asheville.

“They’ve had success,” Coach Deal noted. “Our job is to get the most out of them — every day.

To also have fun. I like to win.

But even more important is they

ROBERSON RAMS Photos by Daniel Abide

build relationships, and learn to be successful.” Deal is in his 20th year as a football coach in the Carolinas — with 16 total leading Alexander Central and Lexington.

TCR had nine three-year starters in ‘12 and many seniors in ’13. Merely two starters return on offense, four on defense. Talent is up from an unbeaten JV. Deal’s offense is multiple, with shotgun snaps. “We split between running tight formations, or spreading it out. We’ll use a two or three-back gun,” he said. “We used 48 different formations last year” at Greenwood, S.C., where he ran the offense. Deal vowed “we’ll take big chances, and go downfield, and make you defend horizontally, too.”

Who succeeds Reggie Pinner at quarterback is “the golden question,” Deal said. Contenders are Darrion Payne (5-9, 135 jr.) and Chris Barnwell (5-11, 182 jr.), the JV QB in ’13. “Chris looks like he can run over you,” Deal said. Early on, “Darrion knows this offense better than anybody except me,” Deal quipped. “He’s incredible.

He’s reading defenses quickly.”

Deal may not pick the starter until days before the opener Aug. 22.

The fullback typically carries most in Deal’s offense. He is Kam Gilliland (5-5, 140 jr.), a wrestler who “pound for pound is our strongest,” or athletic Dez Moorman (5-10, 165 so.). RB-WR Gilbert Whiteside (5-9, 140 jr.) is swift, Marcez Shivers (5-8, 140 sr.)

the fastest Ram at sub-4.6.

TCR’s tradition of pro-sized linemen continues with returning starter Dayquan Watkins (66, 328 so.). “He’s a humongous prospect” with strength, reach and athleticism, Deal said. Cam Parker (6-4, 280 jr.) and Michael Cook (6-4, 275 sr.) also start.

TCR retains a 4-3 base defense.

“We’ll hit you in mouth. We try to be more physical than the other guy,” Deal said. The D-line returns Seth Griswold (6-0, 198 so.) who made 130 tackles in eight games, and DE Keith Jenkerson (6-2, 210 sr.) with nearly 100 tackles. Big Watkins stuffs runs. The secondary is “explosive,” Deal said.

Overall, Coach Deal said, “We can run. Our kids are very tenacious.

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NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Eunique Waters WR 6’1 156 11 Kam Gilliland RB/LB 5’5 140 11 Darrion Payne QB 5’9 135 11 Austin Maples WB/DB 5’9 155 12 Tristan Logan TE/DE 6’ 160 12 Angelo Cogburn SLOT/DB 5’7 145 12 Denzel Summey WR/LB 5’10 185 11 TJ Graham SLOT/DB 5’6 135 12 Seth Griswold TE/LB 6’0 198 10 Chris Barnwell QB 5’11 182 11 Logan Wells TE/LB 6’ 180 10 Davis McLendon WR/DB 5’10 151 11 Zak Smarjesse WR/DB 5’6 135 11 Marcez Shivers SLOT/DB 5’8 140 12 Desmond MoormanRB/DB 5’10 165 10 Barshia Young RB/DB 5’11 145 9 Jake Hendrix WR 6’4 170 11 Matt Taylor WR/DB 5’8 160 11 Balcom Robert SLOT/DB 5’11 150 11 Gilbert Whiteside SLOT/DB 5’9 140 11 Cyrique McClellan TE/DE 5’11 180 12 Cooper Graham P/K 5’11 170 10 Ian McAdoo TE/LB 6’ 172 11 Deionta Byrd DL 6’ 213 12 Pete Szelwach LB 5’10 185 10 Roy Lau DE 6’ 208 12 Tanner Allen OL/DL 6’ 215 11 Justin Haskins OL/DL 6’2 235 12 Cam Parker OL/DL 6’4 280 11 Keith Jenkerson TE/DE 6’2 210 12 Nate Higgins OL/DL 5’9 225 11 Neill Gustaffson OL/DL 6’1 235 11 Josh Ray OL/DL 5’10 235 12 Jonathan Sinacore OL/DL 5’10 205 11 Brandon Wells OL/DL 6’1 195 11 Kenya Smith OL/DL 6’ 250 11 Andrew Pickel OL/DL 6’3 255 11 Alton Moody OL/DL 5’10 180 11 Dayquan Watkins OL/DL 6’6 328 10 Mike Twitchen OL/DL 6’5 281 12 Grant Gossett WB/DB 6’ 150 12 Jack Bruce TE/K 6’ 180 11 Fernando Martin DE 5’10 170 12 Stevie Waters WR/DB 5’9 150 11

COAChES

Head Coach: Chris Deal Assistants: Ransom Jackson, Nathan Arvey, Damon Brown, Randy Atkins, ScottHelms, Josh Baker, Artis Gilmore,Nathan Padgett, Michael Hodges, Kevin Graham

We’re talented enough to beat anybody — if things go right.

That ball bounces funny. I do feel we’ll be in the (MAC) mix.

We’re excited to try to be that ‘spoiler.’”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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North Henderson Tuscola Franklin Ashbrook Crest McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* Enka*

*Conference Game

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AC REYNOLDS ROCkEtS Coach Shane Laws HEAD COACH: Shane Laws NICKNAME: Rockets SCHOOL COLORS: green, gold, & white 2013 RECORD: 9-5 (4-2 MAC) ADDRESS: 1 Rocket Dr, Asheville, NC 28803

A.C. Reynolds reloads its backfield, again unleashing a vaunted running and spread attack as the Rockets soar toward a MAC title.

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eynolds went further — three rounds (in 3-AA) — than any MAC or Buncombe County team in the 2013 postseason. ACR has talent to go deep again, even with with a new quarterback and lead backs. Jave Jones was dismissed in ’13, and later transferred to Asheville. But rival coaches talk more on how good the two returning backs looked as sophomores last year.

Injuries also struck, in an unlucky ’13. “Our team went through a lot — at one time,”

aC ReYNoLDs RoCKets Photos by Pete Zamplas

eighth-year ACR head coach Shane Law said. “We battled through it. We got everything fixed, moved guys around and they got comfortable playing there.” He said “we played extremely well at the end,” winning six in a row by scoring 54.7 points and improving defense. Laws averages 10 wins.

He won the 4-A state trophy in 2009, and five of the last seven conference titles.

Reynolds returns seven starters on offense, also seven on defense — compared to two last year. Two backs can share running duty.

Swift and powerful A.J. Logan (510, 185 jr.) took over after Jones played merely five games before his disciplinary departure. Logan sparkled, averaging 6.5 yards.

He surged for 13 scores and 881

yards in six starts — a half-season.

Doubling those stats shows what he can do. He outgained Jones (826 yards, 15 TD). Even in pre-2013, Laws pledged “A.J. is every bit as talented as Jave. He’s a straight-up burner, sees a seam and goes.”

Other main back Rico Dowdle (61, 188 jr.), ACR’s top hoops scorer, “sees the field better. He’s strong, and can run away from folks,” Laws said. He can rotate the backs, or play one as a slot receiver. Both have grown, and have blazing speed “4.4s” times, Laws said.

“Both guys are quick cutters.”

New quarterback Tevin Stafford (6-2, 185 sr.), succeeds three-year starter Levi Ledford whose 5,505 yards top all ACR QBs in history.

“Stafford throws real well,” Laws said. “He has good pocket

sCHeDULe

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West Forsyth Shelby Owen South Caldwell South Point Erwin* Asheville* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*

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*Conference Game

presence. Tevin is more of a pocket passer. He can run. But he’s taller.

He can see the field better. He changes the dynamic. He’ll have to be ‘the man’ pretty quick.”

Flanker C.J. Allen (5-10, 179 sr.) caught 46 passes for six TDs,

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NAME POS Gage Tressler LB/TE Devanie CunninghamDB Rico Dowdle TB Ben Wallen DB CJ Allen WR Cole Booher WR Seth Coleman WR Andrew Swicegood LB/TE Tevin Stafford QB Camron Roberts DB Andrew Moore DB/WR Kyle Cagle DB/QB Quintin Waddell TE Brandon Mclean TB Jake Demetris DB AJ Logan TB Jalen Walker TB Sean Hill TB Will Isreal LB Andreas Hill LB Malik Long DL Gio Carpio DB Noah Eberhardt DB Deshawn Finley DB River Naisong K Joey Gonzalez DL Patrick Sullivan LB Jared Green LB/TE Javier Guzman DL Rob Hendrick OL Colby Wilson OL Dylan McClure DL Cody Bumgarner OL Matt Justice DL/OL Aaron Percoco OL Antwan Kelly OL Andrew Anderson OL Tyler Mclaughlin OL Jaylon Hill OL Stephen Sparacino OL Mason Smith WR Cordel Floyd WR Stone Fentzlaff WR Rocky Steppe LB Najae Buchanan DL Gannon Romick DL

HT. WT. CLASS 6’1 200 12 5’10 185 12 6’1 188 11 5’10 175 10 5’10 179 12 6’1 180 12 5’8 160 11 6’1 200 12 6’2 185 12 5’9 160 11 6’1 180 11 5’10 172 11 5’11 188 11 5’7 177 12 5’10 168 11 5’10 185 11 6’ 170 12 6’ 185 10 6’2 187 10 6’1 200 11 6’ 230 11 6’1 170 11 5’10 175 11 5’8 165 11 5’10 165 11 5’9 190 12 5’11 185 12 6’3 235 12 5’9 188 11 5’11 190 12 6’1 240 12 5’10 180 12 6’ 215 12 5’10 185 12 6’2 242 11 6’1 224 11 6’1 225 12 6’4 290 11 5’7 220 11 6’5 255 12 5’10 210 12 5’11 167 12 6’2 190 12 5’10 180 11 6’1 210 11 6’4 225 12

CoaCHes

Head Coach: Shane Laws Assistants: Larry Brow, Tim Mclaughlin, Hush Cummings, Joey Green, Derek Greene, Rick Roberts, Buck Buchanan, Ryan Stevens, Cedric Alexander, Billy Britt, Taylor Frizzell

averaging 14.7 yards. Allen has 4.5 speed, and “gets into seams,” Laws said. WR Stone Fentzlaff (6-2, 190 sr.) and Cole Booher (61, 180 sr.) are bigger targets.

The veteran line returns RG Stephen Sparacino (6-5, 255 sr.), center Rob Hendrick (5-11, 190 continues on page 10

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CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY for Blue Ridge Service Center & Cool Mountain Realty on Saturday, August 23rd 11:00 - 4:00 Food, Music, Face Painting, Inflatables, & Prizes. Be sure to mark your calendar and join us.

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ASHEVILLE HIGH • TC ROBERSON• AC REYNOLDS • ENKA • ERWIN • NORTH BUNCOMBE • MCDOWELL

ASHEVILLE COUGARS continued from page 5 threw for 13 TDs (one per game) and 1,203 yards in ‘’13. He now runs and throws better, Wilkins said. “He has more arm strength and (4.7) speed. He’s better in decision-making. He’s come so far along.”

Receivers include fast flankerSE Alex Paulk (5-11, 180 sr.) and Neal Hutchins (5-9, 150 jr.), Pasache Robinson (5-7, 160 sr.), Isaiah Drummond (6-0, 184 jr.), Jose Daniels (6-1, 180 jr.) and TE Shamauri Shivers (60, 205 jr.). Paulk was the talk

of a Wake Forest combine, with “4.4s” times, Wilkins said. “We have good speed and athleticism outside. They can take a ‘pop pass’ or ‘bubble screen,’ make one guy miss and outrun everyone else. When people stack nine in the box, they’re ‘naked’ outside to defend our speed.”

The Cougar line features powerful strongside tackle allMAC Pete Leota (6-5, 290 jr.).

The quickside tackle is Wylie Withers (6-5, 250 sr.). Roberson transfer Tyreek Smith (6-0, 285 sr.) and strongest Cougar Holton

Brown (5-11, 280 sr.) help provide “our best pure size in a while,” Wilkins said. “We’ll attack every gap” on both sides, mixing in counters and play-action passing.

“It’s a chess match.”

The 3-4 defense hinges on allMAC OLB Daniels (92 tackles/7.1), who had eight sacks. “His (4.5) speed and size makes him explosive off the edge, or in coverage,” Wilkins said. Other stars include ILB Shivers, OLB Horne, safeties Paulk and Ray, DB Hutchins, and NT Brown. LB Andrew Leota (6-2, 200 fr.) is a prospect.

Not resting on laurels, Coach Wilkins said “we’ll try to get better, as we go. We’ll work on ourselves and hope for the best” in the MAC and playoffs.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS continued from page 8 sr.), LT Cody Bumgarner (6-0, 215 sr.), and big LG Tyler McLaughlin (6-4, 290 jr.) and adds RT Colby Wilson (6-1, 240 sr.). “They’re very smart, in dealing with various fronts,” Laws said. New kicker River Naisong (5-10, 165 jr.) displays 40-yard range.

In its 3-3-5 defense, “we can put speed on field, against (i.e.

Erwin) offenses that spread you all over. But we can walk extra players into the box, against (i.e. Asheville) teams that try to hammer you.” One of every 10 Andrew Swicegood (6-1, 200 sr.)

tackles (11 of 110) was for a loss, as was one of six (eight of 52) for all-MAC LB Jared Green (6-3, 235 sr.). Devanie Cunningham (5-10, 185 sr.) also returns at linebacker.

The D-line includes Maliek Long (6-0, 230 jr.) and Gannon Romick (6-4, 225 sr.). A new secondary includes Camron Roberts (5-9, 160 sr.).

Laws as usual eyes gold for the Green and Gold. “We want to make a run at the conference championship, and put ourselves in position to win the big one in December.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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IWANNA速 Football Pre

AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

West Forsyth Shelby Owen South Caldwell South Point Erwin* Asheville* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*

*Conference Game

H H H A A H A H A H A

ANDREWS WILDCATS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Smoky Mountain Tellico Plains Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Union County Copper Basin Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain* Cherokee* Hayesville*

*Conference Game

Asheville West Henderson East Henderson North Henderson Christ School Mountain Heritage* Madison* Avery* Mitchell* Owen* Polk*

*Conference Game

H A H A A H A A H A H

A A H A H A H A H A H

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Rosman Owen Mitchell Cherokee Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*

*Conference Game

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Hendersonville Polk County Ashbrook Knoxville West Q Foundation AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*

*Conference Game

ENKA JETS H A A H H H A H A H H

CHEROKEE BRAVES

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 11/07/14

ASHEVILLE COUGARS

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/11/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Tuscola Mitchell Choctaw Central Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Brevard Hayesville* Murphy* Swain* Rosman* Andrews* Robbinsville*

*Conference Game

West Henderson North Buncombe Rosman Erwin Polk County* Hendersonville* West Greene Owen* Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage*

*Conference Game

A H H H A H A H A H A

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Swain Robbinsville Hendersonville Polk County Pisgah* North Henderson* Brevard* Smoky Mountain* Franklin* Tuscola* West Henderson*

*Conference Game

*Conference Game

A H H A H H A H A H A

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Towns County Copper Basin Pisgah Silverdale Academy Cherokee* Rosman* Swain* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews*

*Conference Game

H A H A A H A H H A

H A A H H A H H A H A

A H A H H H A H A A H

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

H A A H A H H A H A A

FRANKLIN PANTHERS 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Murphy Roberson Swain County Enka Brevard* Pisgah* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* East Henderson* West Henderson* Tuscola*

*Conference Game

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 11/07/14

East Ruth Mountain Pisgah Madison A.C. Reyn Enka* McDowel Roberson North Bu Asheville*

*Conference Game

MURPHY B 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Darlingto Franklin Q Founda Smoky M Gilmer Rosman* Cherokee Robbinsv Andrews* Hayesvill Swain Co

*Conference Game

MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS

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

Owen Pisgah Smoky Mountain West Caldwell Franklin North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

MADISON PATRIOTS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

ERWIN W

MOUNTAIN HERI 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Patton Erwin North Bu Rosman West Hen Henderso Polk Coun Owen* Mitchell* Avery* Madison*

*Conference Game

NORTH HENDER A H A A H A H A H A H

08/22/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Roberson Swain Co Henderso Robbinsv West Hen East Hen Tuscola* Franklin* Pisgah* Brevard* Smoky M

*Conference Game

eview

August 19, 2014

WARRIORS

herford n Heritage

nolds*

ll* n* uncombe* *

MCDOWELL TITANS H H H A A H A H A H

ation Mountain

e* ville* * le* ounty*

nderson onville* nty*

*

*

H H H A A A H A H A H

A A H H H H A A A H H

RSON KNIGHTS

n ounty onville ville nderson* nderson*

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Mountain*

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

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS H A H A A H A H A H A

ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS

ITAGE COUGARS

uncombe

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14

*Conference Game

BULLDOGS

on

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H A H A A A H H A H H

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee East Henderson Dade County North Henderson Swain County* Andrews* Murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Q Foundation Academy Cherokee*

*Conference Game

A A H H A A H H A H H

OWEN WARHORSES 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14

Enka Brevard A.C. Reynolds McDowell Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Hendersonville* Polk County*

*Conference Game

North Buncombe Enka Erwin Hayesville East Henderson* Franklin* West Henderson* Tuscola* North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Brevard*

*Conference Game

Pisgah Madison Mountain Heritage West Henderson Mitchell Enka* McDowell* Roberson* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds*

*Conference Game

A H A H H A H A H A H

ROSMAN TIGERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Brevard Thomas Jefferson Madison Mountain Heritage Murphy* Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain County* Tri-City Christian

*Conference Game

H A A H H A H A H A

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Shelby Asheville Rutherfordton-Spindale Landrum East Henderson Madison* Mountain Heritage* Mitchell* Avery* Owen* Hendersonville*

*Conference Game

H A H A H A H A H A A

A H A H A A H A H H A

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

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Andrews Swain Enka Murphy Tuscola* West Henderson* Franklin* East Henderson* Brevard* Pisgah* North Henderson*

*Conference Game

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

North Henderson Tuscola Franklin Ashbrook Crest McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* Enka*

*Conference Game

A H A H A A H A H A H

SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS

POLK COUNTY WOLVERINES

PISGAH BLACK BEARS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

ROBERSON RAMS

A H A H H H A A H A A

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

H A H H A H H A A H A

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

A H A A H A H A A H A

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Cherokee Roberson East Rutherford Swain County Smoky Mountain* Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*

*Conference Game

H A H H A H A A H H A

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

ENKA JETS Coach Jeff Frady HEAD COACH: Jeff Frady NiCKNAME:Jets SCHOOl COlORS: blue & white 2013 RECORD:3-8 (3-3 MAC) ADDRESS: 475 Enka Lake Rd, Enka, NC 28728

Enka Jets won three of their final four games to close 2013, and spark hopes for this season.

H

ead coach Jeff Frady credits the strong finish in his inaugural Jets campaign to maturing of an all-new line. “Our linemen were the key. Their experience has helped us.” He added “it’s unheard of a team to go 0-7, then win three of the last four games. That speaks to our tenacity.” Enka won half of its MAC contests.

Enka searches for its first winning season in a decade and half. But Frady, a 1996 Enka grad, is a direct link to past success. As a Jets player he won nine, seven then 10 games. Now, as also offensive coordinator, he runs a spread with 40 formations. His

ENKA JETS Photos by Pete Zamplas

aim is to “control the game” with quick-paced runs and “dink and dunk” short passes.

Quarterback Hunter Graham (5-10, 170 sr.) backed up Tyler Pressley last year. “Hunter is one of the more intelligent quarterbacks, who I’ve ever coached,” Frady said. “He makes great decisions, on his reads. He’s very accurate.”

“We’re built for a good running team,” and should run half of the time, he said. Enka-Candler residents are excited about running of Daniel Candler (5-10, 205 jr.). “He’s a pounder, with breakaway speed,” Frady said.

The fullback is Hunter Kinser (59, 215 jr.).

The new starting receivers are impact talent Javon Brown (6-1,

180 sr.), swift Michael Cantrell (5-7, 160 jr.) in the slot, and WR Jake Payne (6-3, 170 sr.) with good reach. Enka mixes in three-tight end formations with wrestler Kelly Brendell (6-0, 185 sr.), Nathan Saunders (5-10, 175 sr.) and Dakota Livingston (6-3, 200 sr.). For receivers “the key is understanding spacing, as Erwin does,” Frady said.

Now for those linemen. “We’re more athletic up front,” Frady said. “We can run outside more, with a center who can pull.”

Returning starters are RT Matt Elliott (6-3, 250 sr.), LT Cody Scott (6-2, 260 sr.), LG Donnie Hayes (6-0, 220 sr.). and center Bryce Shook (5-9, 220 jr.). The new right guard is Aaron Norton (6-1, 230 so.). Kicker Paul Arambula

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Owen Pisgah Smoky Mountain West Caldwell Franklin North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*

A H H A H H A H A H A

*Conference Game

(5-8, 160 jr.) has 40-yard range.

The multiple defense has a 5-2-base against the run, 3-4 versus the spread. Keys include top returning tackler is OLB Nathan Saunders (6-0, 185 sr.)

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RoSTER

NAME ClASS Michael Cantrell 11 luke Rutherford 11 Hunter Graham 12 Austin Marlor 12 Daniel Candler 11 Javon Brown 12 Corey Thurman 12 Jason Fabio 10 Paul Arambula 11 Cody Stoss 12 Jake Payne 12 Hunter Kinser 11 Chris Kalinowski 11 Dylan Johnson 12 Austin Davis 12 Chance Hannah 11 Garrett Banks 10 Zane Turner 10 Kelly Brendell 12 Brandon Jump 11 Devon Hulse 12 Nathan Saunders 12 Dakota livingston 12 Tyler Valliere 12 Walker Brown 10 Hunter Clubb 12 Kyle Banks 11 Aaron Norton 10 John Hall 11 Zach Rice 10 Bryce Shook 11 Matt Elliott 12 Chase Rickman 11 Cody Scott 12 Donnie Hayes 12 Avery Holebroke 10

CoACHES

Head Coach: Jeff Frady Assistants: Phillip Bohanan, Jarrod Boone, Adrian Clark, Mike Cordiele, Matt Dawson, Jamie Frady, Zach Gibson, Forrest Jones, Kyle Reagan, Josh Simms, Tildon Whiteside

and DE Kyle Banks (6-1, 220 sr.). The secondary “defends the run better” rotating safeties Austin Davis (5-7, 160 jr.), Corey Thurman (6-1, 180 sr.) and Cody Stoss (5-8, 150 ). Corners Cantrell and Tyler Valliere (5-8, sr.) sr.) “play technique well, against taller receivers,” Frady said.

“We have a great skill class coming in this year. We can be much better, and very special in a couple of years.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview

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

Proud to Support ENKA JETS

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

Erwin warriors

ROStER

Coach Mike Sexton HEAD COACH: Mike Sexton NICKNAME: Warriors SCHOOL COLORS: red & white 2013 RECORD: 9-2 (5-1 MAC) ADDRESS: 60 Lees Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

Explosive Clyde A. Erwin High reloads around a star receiver, after an outstanding season and half-decade with brothers Garrett and Austin Brown at quarterback.

T

he Warriors thrashed ACR by 41 (69-28) and TCR by 35 (49-14). Their only losses were a MAC title match to ball-controlling Asheville 21-7, and a 3-AA rainy playoff opener by 38-35 in double overtime.

They sport five winning seasons in a row, under head coach Mike Sexton, erasing memory of one winning season in 1989-2007. Erwin won a MAC 3-A title for the first time in 12 years, in 2012. Last year, they were a preseason 3-A top

ERWIN WARRIORS Photos by Daniel Abide

10 squad. “Our many new kids want to build on what we’ve had before, and continue winning.”

Erwin has to replace such grads as all-state talent Austin Brown at quarterback, game-breakers Jon Allen and Kelman Simpson, and 600 pounds of blocking by Colby Tochterman and Aaron Marquez.

Returning starters number five on defense, and on offense four — all linemen. Much hinges on the next QB. Robbie Nallenweg “started our success” as QB in Sexton’s first year, ’08. Then came the Browns — Garrett for two years, then Austin for the past three seasons. Austin Brown’s 7,779 career passing yards are merely 116 yards shy of Tuscola alum Tyler Brosius’ WNC mark.

Brendan McAnulty (5-7, 146 sr.) gets his turn. In ’13 he played mostly receiver, but some QB for part of every game as Brown’s understudy. “He’s a dual threat. He’s extremely fast and athletic,” Sexton said.

“He’s improved his throwing tremendously.”

Erwin deploys four receivers, at times five in a no-huddle spread. The lone returning all-MAC performer is athletic receiver Chavis Williams (5-10, 160 sr.). He ran 4.3 in college camps. He caught 43 passes for 582 yards (13.5 ypc.), and six touchdowns. He returned two kickoffs for scores. Also starting are versatile leaper Jeremiah Jackson (6-2, 200 sr.) and Chase Austin (5-10, 183 jr.). Reserves Kealin Goode (5-8, 155 so.) and

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 11/07/14

East Rutherford Mountain Heritage Pisgah Madison A.C. Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Asheville*

H H H A A H A H A H

*Conference Game

Keyal Talbert (5-7, 145 so.) are also quick. Receivers also get handoffs.

Main runner Colby Maltry (5-8, 162 jr.) blends vision and speed. “We have the talent to run our offense” with air-ground

# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 20 21 22 24 25 26 40 42 48 51 52 54 55 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 70 72 74 75 77 85

NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Trent Evans WR/LB 5’10 150 11 Monteze Penland WR/DB 5’7 150 12 Brendan Mcanulty WR/DB 5’7 146 12 Josh Rogers WR/DB 5’10 155 12 Isaiah Poore WR/DB 5’10 160 9 Chase Austin WR/DB 5’10 183 11 CJ Thompson WR/DB 5’8 135 10 Chavis Williams WRB/DB 5’10 160 12 Rayonte Mills RB/LB 5’10 207 11 Keyal Talbert RB/DB 5’7 145 10 Damien Ferguson QB/DB 5’10 155 10 Trey Martin WR/DB 5’7 140 9 Hunter Sharpe WR/DL 6’0 185 11 Jarred Letman-GashWR/DB 5’11 155 10 Malik Palmer RB/DB 5’10 190 12 Kealin Goode WR/DB 5’8 155 10 Grey Chitwood LB/WR 5’10 185 11 Colby Maltry RB/DB 5’8 162 11 Kendell Dover DB/WR 5’10 160 10 Andrew Walden K 5’9 160 11 Brevon Littlejohn LB/OL 5’9 200 11 Trevor Franklin LB/RB 5’8 206 11 Mitchell Chancey RB/LB 5’11 200 12 Brenden Ormsby OL/LB 5’11 190 12 Marc Peterson OL/DL 6’4 225 11 Muhamed Khan OL/DL 6’ 213 12 Cameron Connors OL/LB 5’11 215 11 Juan Rhea OL/DL 5’11 192 11 Santiago Leon OL/DL 5’11 326 11 Cody Fields OL/DL 5’10 225 12 CJ Howard OL/DL 5’11 275 11 Colby Gibbs OL/DL 6’ 286 12 Eli Chitwood OL/DL 5’9 219 12 Caleb Warren OL/DL 6’3 235 11 CC Robinson OL/DL 6’1 220 12 David Kukharets OL/DL 6’4 345 12 Kyri Logan OL/DL 6’2 340 10 Logan Canterero OL/DL 6’ 230 11 Cody Robinson OL/DL 6’1 345 12 Jeremiah Jackson WR/DB 6’2 200 12

COACHES

Head Coach: Mike Sexton Assistants: Patrick Bohanon, Chris Brown, Darrell Clark, Jeremy Crook, Rodney Pruett, Todd Reagan, Bucky Tarr, Eddy Taylor, Cody Cheek, Cort Radford, Roy Lusk, Marzarius Samone

balance and big plays, Sexton said. In ’13, “we threw for 2,963 yards (269 ave.) and rushed for 2,207 (201 ave.).”

Back up front are LT Marc Peterson (6-4, 225 jr.), center Eli Chitwood (5-9, 219 jr.), LG Colby Gibbs (6-0, 286 sr.) and RG-RT Logan Canterero (6-0, continues on page 18

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WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

WARRIORS!

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

ERWIN WARRIORS continued from page 16 230 jr.). Sexton calls the line “even more intelligent in game situations.”

Defense may carry the Warriors early, he figures. “This is the

fastest defense we’ve had.” The 3-4’s stars include ILBs Mitchell Chancey (5-11, 200 sr.) and Trevor Franklin (5-18, 206 jr.).

“From the linemen to the skill guys, they’re gifted with talent,”

Coach Sexton said. “They’re working to be the best they can be. They don’t realize they’re young. Our kids know what (winning) is expected of them.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

north buncombe black hawks Coach Curtis Cagle

HEAd COACH: Curtis Cagle NiCKNAME: Black Hawks SCHOOL COLORS: black, red and white 2013 RECORd: 3-8 (1-5 MAC) AddRESS: 890 Clarks Chapel Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787

North Buncombe is hawkish about improving, and excited about landing a star transfer running back.

t

he Blackhawks put a winless ’12 season behind them, as they won three of four contests starting in week four of 2013. They beat West Henderson by two, then Mitchell by a touchdown. Two weeks later, he edged MAC foe McDowell by a point. All were road victories.

Third-year head coach Curtis Cagle said it boosted confidence to “win that first game, to break the streak” of 20 losses in a row — longest in WNC. “That

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS Photos by daniel Abide and Lifetouch

800-pound gorilla was off their backs. They felt relief, relaxed and played football. It was even better to win on the road, and a tight game by holding off (West) trying to score in the end.”

The Hawks return seven starters on defense, and six on offense.

But the big splash is new gamebreaking tailback Bryce Myers (5-7, 155 sr.). The 4.59 speedster ran for 1,920 yards and 22 scores for Tuscola, and returns to North Buncombe after two years. He accelerates well upfield, Cagle

said. “One move, and he’s gone.

He doesn’t try to ‘dance’ laterally.

He makes fast moves on the run.”

Ganging up on him boosts chances for strong-armed quarterback Chase Parker (6-1, 177 jr.), an agile runner. He threw for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns in ’13. The Hawks now mostly use the shotgun spread, which suits his quick release. Parker is gaining in accuracy and adjusting his release point, said former Pisgah QB Cagle.

“He’s reading defenses before the snap, and understands where he

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Pisgah Madison Mountain Heritage West Henderson Mitchell Enka* Mcdowell* Roberson* Erwin* Asheville* A.C. Reynolds*

*Conference Game

A H A H H A H A H A H

# 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 16 19 22 24 25 28 30 32 33 34 40 44 53 54 55 57 60 63 64 65 68 70 74 75 80 81 88

ROSTER

NAME Jake Riddle Trent Bullman Brock Mace Chase Parker Jacob Anderson Mason isgrig Ricky Thrash Jeremy Peterson Logan Anderson Bryce Myers Sean Kirchner Grant davis Matthew Lerlo dylan Pressley JT Bateman Mikhail Simonovich Colby Banks dillon Robinson dajour Edwards Peter Simonovich Chase Casteel Noah Sherrill Sammy Macdonald Austin McCurry Jose Sanchez Collin Shook Andrew Beck dillon Boles Logan Banks Rylan Rhodes Austin Ponder Harrison Edmonds Jacob Massey Austin Sheperd Noah Sherrill Tommy Apostolopoulos

HT. 6’ 5’10 5’10 6’1 5’8 6’3 5’10 5’9 5’8 5’7 5’7 5’10 6’ 5’7 6’ 5’9 5’6 5’5 5’10 6’2 6’2 6’ 6’2 6’1 5’8 6’2 5’10 5’11 5’11 6’1 6’ 6’ 6’ 5’9 6’ 5’11

WT.CLASS 160 12 155 12 183 10 177 11 134 12 202 11 153 11 161 11 138 11 155 12 124 11 177 12 186 12 200 12 181 12 230 12 119 11 181 10 173 11 197 11 210 11 181 12 219 11 182 11 231 12 208 12 277 10 203 12 271 12 212 11 236 10 215 11 206 11 152 11 181 11 145 11

COACHES

Head Coach: Curtis Cagle

needs to go with the ball.”

The four-receiver set features fast Austin Shepherd (5-9, 152 jr.), the team’s top TD pass catcher with 10 in ’13. Other starters include sure-handed flex tight end Mason Isgrig (6-3, 202 jr.) and agile wideout Ricky Thrash (5-10, 153 jr.). continued on page 20

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

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS continued from page 19 The critical O-line returns center Collin Shook (6-2, 208 sr.), LG Dillon Boles (5-11, 203 sr.), and RG Logan Banks (5-11, 271 sr.) and adds tackles Austin Ponder

(6-0, 236 so.) and Andrew Beck (5-10, 277 so.). Kicker Tommy Apostolopoulos (5-11, 145 jr.) has a range of 40 to 45 yards.

The defense is 4-3, 4-2-5 versus the spread. Savvy all-MAC safety

Trent Bullman (5-10, 155 sr.) “tells people what to do, and where,” Cagle said. MLB Austin McCurry (6-1, 182 jr.) also stars. The D-line includes state wrestling champ Mikhail Simonovich (5-9, 230 sr.)

and all-MAC DTs Jose Sanchez (58, 231 sr.) and Banks.

“They have quickness, to get after people,” Coach Cagle said.

“Our offense is stacked full of great athletes. We can out-hustle

them.” He added, “We’re putting pieces together. The players see (upcoming) games they can win.

We want to get into the state playoffs.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

mcdowell titans Coach Carson Gowan HEAD COACH: Carson Gowan NICkNAME: Titans SCHOOL COLOrS: blue & gray 2013 rECOrD: 2-9 (0-6 MAC) ADDrESS: 600 McDowell High Dr, Marion, NC 28752

McDowell hopes to reclaim some magic of two years ago, sooner or later as they rebuild after graduating two star runners.

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he Titans compiled a sparkling 8-4 mark and won half of their MAC games in 2012. But they dipped back down last year, and were winless in the MAC. Still, since snapping a 30-game losing streak in ’11, they have made a quantum leap under seventh-year Titan head coach Carson Gowan.

MHS returns six starters on offense, and five on defense.

Graduated are all-MAC Malique O’Neil and fellow back Trey Anderson. MHS has run the ball 70 percent of the time, often in the I with a tailback and fullback Austin Hollifield (6-0, 190 sr.).

MCDOWELL TITANS Photos by Pete Zamplas

The new tailback role goes to Gavyn Malone (5-6, 145 jr.), shared with Steven Moss (5-9, 155 jr.) and Michael Evans (510, 140 jr.). Get out the dancing shoes. “They pivot, then move left to right extremely well,” Gowan said. “They’re hard to get a hold of.” They could each get 10 carries per game.

Quarterback Casey Ray (5-11, 170 jr.) is athletic and sturdy. Later last season, he moved up from JV and threw for 1,122 yards. “He’s explosive, and runs well,” Gowan said. “He recognizes defenses.”

Fast former QB Dallas Myers (62, 190 sr.) shifts to flanker to join SE D.J. Martin (6-2, 180 sr.). “We may throw it more, and go deep more,” Gowan said. TEs Isaiah Smith (6-3, 202 jr.) and Chase

Campbell (6-3, 208 jr.) are other targets.

Big Titans up front include strong center Blaise Parker (60, 270 jr.), LT Isaiah Burch (6-4, 295 so.), and at RT Jason Swann (6-2, 280 sr.) or Tre Spearman (6-5, 244 so.). Guard candidates are Lucas Holloway (5-10, 195 jr.), Corey Ledford (6-1, 342 so.) and Hunter MacMahan (5-11, 200 jr.). “We’re young but getting stronger,” Gowan said of the line.

“We’re going be physical. They’re dedicated to the cause. They’ll feel their way in.”

The 4-3 defense is led by free safety D.J. Martin, the team’s leading tackler before he hurt his knee late in ’13. The top tackler ended up MLB Nick Robinson (60, 200 sr.), a good pursuer along

SChEDULE

08/22/14 rutherfordton-Spindale H Central 08/29/14 Avery County A 09/05/14 East Burke H 09/12/14 Mitchell A 09/19/14 Owen A 09/26/14 roberson* H 10/03/14 North Buncombe* A 10/10/14 Erwin* H 10/17/14 Asheville* A 10/24/14 A.C. reynolds* H 10/31/14 Enka* A *Conference Game

with OLB David Estrada (5-10, 185 sr.). The line returns fast DT Damian Wright (5-11, 240 jr.). The defense is more mobile. “We’re athletic, can move around and

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ROSTER

NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Gavyn Malone Wr/DB/ATH5’6 145 11 Jonathon rhyne rB/LB 5’7 160 12 Casey ray QB/DB 5’11 170 11 Ethan McMahan Wr/DB 5’8 140 11 Dallas Myers Wr/DB 6’2 190 12 kennedy kincaid Wr/DB 5’10 155 11 Tyler Banks QB/CB 5’8 155 10 Aikman kazee Wr/DB 5’6 145 11 Chase Justice Wr/DB 6’1 140 10 Matt Moss rB/DB 5’11 165 10 Dustin Dobson Wr/LB 5’10 160 12 Michael Evans rB/DB 5’10 140 11 D.J. Martin Wr/DB 6’2 180 12 Hunter randolph Wr/DB 5’9 165 11 Dawson Moore Wr/DB 5’9 165 10 Andrew Cable rB/DE 6’0 167 11 Zeb Greene OL/DL 5’7 160 11 Nick robinson FB/MLB 6’0 200 12 David Estrada FB/LB 5’10 185 12 Austin Hollifield FB/DT 6’0 190 12 riley Harting FB/LB 5’10 210 11 Devon Patton FB/LB 5’9 188 11 Ishman Martino FB/DT 6’1 205 10 Levi Pittman OL/DE 6’0 208 12 Daniel Buchanan OL/DL 5’8 255 12 Lucas Holloway OL/LB 5’10 195 11 Damian Wright OL/DL 5’11 240 12 Tyler Graves OL/DL 6’0 270 11 Spencer Black OL/DL 5’9 230 11 JJ Leon OL/DL 6’0 262 12 Hunter McMahan OL/DL 5’11 200 11 Jason Swann OL/DL 6’2 280 12 Corey Ledford OL/DL 6’1 342 10 Tre Spearman OL/DE 6’5 244 10 Isaiah Burch OL/DL 6’4 295 10 Blaise Parker OL/DL 6’0 270 11 Jarod Davenport Wr/DB. 5’11 185 12 Quan Young Wr/DB 6’3 176 12 Chase Campbell TE/DE 6’3 208 11 Noah Bush TE/DE 6’1 185 11 John Hollifield TE/DE 6’4 190 12 Isaiah Smith TE/DE/LB 6’3 202 11

COAChES

Head Coach: Carson Gowan

play better in space,” Gowan said. “We’re putting our best folks on defense.”

In the MAC season, “We don’t look backwards, or ahead. We focus on the task at hand,” Coach Gowan said. “Our kids are excited. We’ll play hard. We’re going to get better and better.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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FIND THE WORDS HIDDEN VERTICALLY, HORIZONTALLY, & DIAGONALLY THROUGHOUT THE PUZZLE ~ ANSWER KEY ON PAGE 37

FOOTBALL WORD SEARCH

BACKFIELD BLITZ BOMB BOWL CARRY CHECK COVER DEFENSE

DOWN DRAFT ENCROACHMENT END ZONE FIELD FLAG FRANCHISE FULLBACK

GOAL GUARD HOLDING HUDDLE INTERCEPTION KICKOFF LINEBACKER LINEMAN

MIDFIELD OFFENSIVE OFFSIDE OVERTIME PASS PLAYBOOK QUARTERBACK RECEIVER

RUSH SAFETY STADIUM TACKLE TOUCHDOWN UMPIRE WIDEOUT

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

WESTERN HIGHLANDS 2-A CONFERENCE 1-A T

POLK COUNTY • HENDERSONVILLE • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE • MITCHELL • OWEN • AVERY • MADISON

he Western Highlands Football Conference is truly unpredictable this year.

Just because you’re the preseason favorite, doesn’t mean it’s completely your year... ask

Owen High School.

Owen was the unanimous pick last year for winning the Western Highlands Conference title, but POLK COUNTY (9-4, 6-0) had other plans down the backstretch of their schedule.

The Wolverines lost their first three games of the season, then won nine games in a row as they swept through the WHC undefeated during their impressive run. Until somebody dethrones Polk, the chances to

repeat this season are fairly good for the Wolverines.

Most of the keys elements are there for Polk again this season.

The Wolverines have speed, skill and a trusting number of seniors who are back to go after the

conference crown and maybe even battle amongst the best among 2A when the playoffs are in full swing.

Perhaps the biggest change in the conference comes with continues on page 26

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POLK COUNTY • HENDERSONVILLE • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE • MITCHELL • OWEN • AVERY • MADISON continued from page 25 coaching though. Polk was one of three teams that find themselves having to unexpectedly find a coach due to different circumstances.

Now don’t get me wrong, Owen (9-3, 5-1) will likely be the other big favorite this year to win the conference and they should be.

Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year Jager Gardner returns to the Warhorses for his final year. This will be the last year for Gardner at Owen, now that he finds himself a senior.

Coach Kenny Ford looks for big things to happen this season as it maybe their best year to make a deep playoff run.

The Warhorses also have nearly every starter back (16 of 22) and perhaps the biggest chip on their shoulder considering how the conference title was yanked out from underneath them one year

ago.

The rest of the conference is more difficult to predict and quite possibly could be the closest competitively between all seven schools than it has been in the past couple of seasons.

A sleeper that may be challenging by season’s end is MadisOn (6-6, 2-4). The Patriots have 18 lettermen back including 15 overall starters. Although there is some youth on the club, they have one of the best, if not the best overall line coming back to Western Highlands Conference play this season.

“With Dylan Hilemon and Daniel Nash starting at linebackers this season, it’s going to be tough for teams to get yardage through them two,” Madison coach Mark Gosnell said.

Let us not forget, this group of Madison seniors have 24 wins under their belt over the past

three seasons.

In Burnsville, MOuntain Heritage (7-5, 4-2) has 17 lettermen back for another year of football. Like Madison though, young skill players will have to step up quick if they are going to make any sort of run at the conference crown. Losing Trevor Robinson at quarterback and running back Dalton Robinson, who gained over 2,300 yards and scored 33 touchdowns combined, puts the offense in a tough spot for 2014.

Over in HendersOnville (57, 3-3), the Bearcats do have 14 lettermen back this season, but there are still issues to overcome.

B.J. Laughter is no longer their coach, but he did leave behind a solid coaching staff in place.

While their best offensive weapon in Cole Cleary returns, they still have a limited roster and only seven overall starters

in place from the previous season. The Bearcats could very well fluctuate as a pretender or contender this season. Their athleticism should make them a tough out every week.

“I came back here in 2008 and I learned real fast that this was a tough football conference.” the brand new Hendersonville head coach Eric Gash said. “We have very good football coaches and like every year in the Western Highlands, it will be a toss up to see who wins it.”

While there are only two 1A schools in the conference, and the those two finished at the bottom last year, don’t expect them to be off by too much when it comes to the five 2A clubs in the league. avery (5-8, 1-5) posted an average season a year ago, but found things difficult in conference play. They do have a

definite weapon at punter and a pretty good ground game back this season. They do have one downfall on the interior front of both sides of the ball. Will they have enough trustworthy linemen and be able keep them fresh through four quarters of football?

MitcHell (1-11, 0-6) has a new coach and a brand new approach it seems this season.

While they are still rebuilding in Bakersville, they did have a competitive junior varsity program a year ago. If that talent can translate at the varsity level, they too could make things interesting in dicing it up with the rest of the pack.

On the upside, the Mountaineers do have All-Conference Player Dalton Beaver along with 15 overall starters returning.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

Gardner’s 2014 Campaign: Run Full Steam Ahead Running like a mad man on a mission! The stats certainly back it up for Owen’s Jager Gardner.

T

Jager Gardner

he Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year is back again for his senior season and not much has stopped him in his high school football career as a Warhorse. For the second year in a row, Gardner is expected to be the run away candidate for Player of the Year again in the Western Highlands.

It is easy to see why. Last year was incredibly outstanding considering he ran around,

through and over defenses for an astounding school record of 2,578 yards and scored 31 touchdowns during the process.

So the question begs itself, can Gardner amass 3,000 yards in a season? Perhaps.

Gardner (6-3, 205) could join some very elite company. There are only 16 young men who have done that in state history and two of those have come from the Western Highlands Conference.

Casey Randolph from Mountain Heritage eclipse the 3,000 yard mark in a season back in 2009 and Vincent Neclos in 1998.

For those who don’t understand how monumental Gardner’s

presence is on the field, go back to the 2013 game at Avery. Avery shocked Owen going up 27-15 at the half, but Gardner never gave up.

Gardner went on to score three more times in the second half with five overall touchdowns as Owen won 36-27. Gardner chewed up 459 yards on the ground by the time the night was over.

The yardage in a single game ranks sixth most all-time in state history and nobody in Western North Carolina has ever rushed for that much yardage in a single game until Gardner did so in 2013.

Last year, Gardner went over 100 yards rushing in every game

but one (93 yards in 2nd round playoff loss).

Coach Ford and company knew that Gardner’s athleticism could pay dividends even as a freshman. They first experimented with Gardner as a wide out, but that soon changed after his freshman season. Owen thought they weren’t using his talent enough so they converted him from wide receiver to running back to begin his sophomore season. It paid off for Owen with Gardner bolting through holes in defenses at a pace of 1272 rushing yards as a sophomore.

“He is a man among boys,” Owen football Coach Kenny Ford said. “We can do a lot of different things with him on offense, defense or wherever it may be. This season, I don’t think teams will have to just key in on Gardner, but it sure doesn’t hurt to have an athlete like that playing for you.”

Gardner’s strength and athletic ability have Florida State, Virginia, Akron and Georgia Southern expressing interest in him, but the senior hasn‘t made a decision just yet as to where he would like to go.

This season, Owen could definitely win the conference for the first time since 1996 if not make a deep playoff run with Gardner running downhill for the Warhorses one more time.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

polk county wolverines RosteR

Coach Jamie Thompson HEad COaCH: Jamie Thompson NICKNamE: Wolverines SCHOOL COLORS: blue & platinum 2013 RECORd: 9-4 (6-0 WHC) addRESS: 1681 NC 108 Hwy E, Columbus, NC 28722

For a dozen years, Bruce Ollis built a respectable and gritty football team who won five Western Highland Conference titles, but change has come to Columbus.

o

llis, who never saw himself leaving the school, has ventured on to another job coaching at T.L. Hanna in South Carolina this season.

The head coaching reigns have now been handed to former Wolverines defensive coordinator, Jamie Thompson.

While Thompson is excited about the gig, the schedule leaves no cupcakes to start the season.

Polk opens up with last year’s

PoLK CoUNtY WoLVeRINes Photo by Pete Zamplas

2A state champion, Shelby on the road, then get a visit from a well coached Asheville team, hit the road to take on upstart R-S Central before having to defend Landrum wide receiver Jacob Lanning in week four of the season.

“I hated to lose Bruce (Ollis)” Thompson said. “It was almost like a divorce. We have and we will continue to be friends for a long time. Continuity with the kids still exists. They know what is expected of them and we are not changing much this season.”

However, the scheduling difficulty proved beneficial as the season went last year. They

started off 0-3 and didn’t lose again until the second round of the 2A playoffs at Reidsville as they swept away the Western Highlands Conference title from Owen.

“I expect us to continue a winning tradition here and we are about as deep as we have been in awhile at the skill positions,” Thompson said. “I have invested my entire adult life here at Polk.

There is a lot of heart and time invested for me at Polk and I want to keep the winning tradition going here.”

This season, Polk could very well run by the conference opposition that lies ahead again. The

Wolverines have ten starters back and a solid group of seniors that look to defend that crown.

Skilled players and speed should be the greatest asset this season.

You can see that very thing when you look at an experienced stronger backfield which returns for Polk.

Jordan Smith, Tyler Jackson, Khiree Green and Storm Wheeler all will receive handoffs in the backfield this upcoming season.

They leaned on all-conference power and speed runner Smith more as the season went along, but they also have an athletic player in Jamaal Wheeler who

# NamE POS HT. WT. CLaSS 1 Jason Chupp WR/dB 6’ 175 12 2 Jordan Smith RB/dB 6’ 190 12 3 Jerry Cox TE/dE 6’1” 210 12 4 Tanner Garrett QB/WR/dB 6’2”180 12 5 Khiree Green FB/LB 6’1” 225 11 6 Tyler Jackson RB/dB 6’ 190 12 7 Jamal Wheeler QB/dB 6’ 175 11 9 Bryce martin WR/dB 5’8” 150 12 10 dillion Overholt QB/WR/dB 6’ 150 9 12 davis derkach K/WR/dB 6’3” 180 11 14 dequan Gary WR/dB 5’11” 170 12 17/55Wes mullis TE/OT/dE 6’ 185 11 20 Ryan Badger RB/dE 6’ 185 12 24 Shakur Wingo RB/dB 5’10” 160 11 26 anthony marino K 5’5” 160 12 33 Chandler Patrick FB/LB 6’ 175 10 43 Storm Wheeler RB/dB 5’11” 180 10 50 aJ Searcy OL/dL 6’3” 210 12 51 Gavin Brady OL/dL 5’11” 240 10 52 daniel Walker OL/LB 6’ 220 12 53 drew Wahnon OL/dL 5’11” 250 10 54 marquise Lipscomb OL/dL 5’8” 235 10 57 Will Justice OL/LB 5’11” 190 12 60 Fred Salerno OL/dL 6’2” 210 11 61 damian Jackson OL/dL 6’ 230 12 65 alex Leake OL/dL 6’ 270 11 66 Jesse Bradley OL/dL 5’11” 215 12 67 deven Panchynshn OL/dL 6’ 235 9 68 Braden Johnson OL/dL 5’11” 240 12 71 dJ Twitty OL/dL 6’2” 250 12 78 Brandon Price OL/dL 5’10” 290 12 79 Camron moore OL/dL 5’11” 250 11 80 Joshua Kornmayer WR/dB 5’11” 175 12 88 dalvin Littlejohn WR/dB 6’1” 170 12

CoaChes

Head Coach: Jamie Thompson assistants: mark duncan, John Rochford, Zach Searcy, Josh Hill, Ethan Edwards, Phillip miller, Pat mcCool, Todd Philpott, Njele Singogo, Wink mintz

saw some touches too. Wheeler will replace Reece Schlabach at the quarterback spot this season.

Wheeler saw a few chances last season at quarterback and they are confident that he can do well in that role.

Senior Jason Chupp leads the wide receiver core, but all of their backfield players are expected to be used in the passing attack.

D.J. Twitty (6-2, 250) is their only returning starting lineman from a year ago. Expect another All-conference and maybe even all-state performance after making a name for himself last year.

Many of their players will go both ways in game mode with the linebacking core likely as the stronghold on defense. Smith, Jackson and Green will all see linebacker duties this season.

Twitty takes up defensive end, Chupp leads the secondary at free safety with Wheeler at cornerback. A new kicker in place should also make for better season in that area with Davis Derkach.

“There are 16 seniors on this club and they will do a great job leading because they know it is their time.” Thompson said. “ Although, there is definitely an upside, not everything is in place just yet. Most of their starting linemen from a year ago have graduated. If they can toe the line with younger players, Polk’s capability of having a successful season is possible.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS Coach Eric Gash HEAD COACH: Eric Gash NICKNAME: Bearcats SCHOOL COLORS: red & white 2013 RECORD: 5-7 (3-3 WHC) ADDRESS: 1 Bearcat Boulevard, Hendersonville, NC 28791

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ypically, Hendersonville tradition and athleticism are synonymous in Western North Carolina high school football. Last year was atypical by producing the worst by record since 2006. Although, they played respectably, it was the 28 points given away on defense that hurt the team a year ago.

Having just 29 on the roster definitely contributed to that, but the Bearcats aren’t used to such a thing. Longtime football coach, B.J. Laughter, was clearly safe after the season and expected to coach them in 2014 until he was recently promoted as principal for another Henderson County school. Former NFL player and Hendersonville great, Eric Gash will now take over the program after Laughter had head coached the team for 17 years.

“When I was a little kid, I used to come over and watch the guys practice around here, but to get to be the coach here at Hendersonville is exciting

heNDeRsoNVILLe BeaRCats Photos by Pete Zamplas

for me,” Coach Gash said. “It’s surreal, it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Lately, there is one name that stands out when those hear about Hendersonville football, Cole Cleary. Back for his senior year, Cleary (4.4 speed in the 50yard dash) may be the most fun dual threat to watch among the Western Highland Conference quarterbacks this season.

Cleary threw for nearly 1,600 yards a season ago, but it was his ability to run that caught many off guard. Cleary recorded six games of over 100 yards and gained a total of 1,130 yards for the year. Cleary was responsible for 26 touchdowns, 14 through the air and 12 on the ground.

Unfortunately, he will miss the first game of the season with a broken pinky.

Cleary isn’t the only athlete they have in Hendersonville‘s spread offense. They have at least five young men returning from last year’s roster, who should help carry some of the

load off Cleary.

In the backfield, Terrold Gary (junior) returns as the most experienced, rushing for nearly 500 yards on 79 carries, scoring five touchdowns in 2013. Blake Lyda could see a few carries as well.

However, when the three previous players aren’t running with the football, there are three receivers Cleary can hone in on.

Brad Schmidt was leaned on the most out of this group as he caught 33 passes for 329 yards and reached the end zone twice.

Michael Schmidt had just five catches a season ago, but for 145 yards and a score. Sharing time at quarterback could also happen with Michael Schmidt, who is very capable when needed.

Jahmel Smith, who normally handles kickoffs and punt returns will likely see an increased role in receiving as well.

Adam Rice, Ethan Canipe, Evan Gibbs (65 tackles and 5 sacks in 2013) and Chance Wilson

will all see line duties. Rice is perhaps the most influential as he ventures into his senior year.

Rice accounted for 115 tackles a season ago.

Two monumental young men return as linebackers: Kobey Rudisill and Michael Schmidt.

Rudisill (senior) brought 46 plays to an end in only six games last year. Schmidt had just 18 tackles, but grabbed three interceptions (the most of any returning player).

Brad Schmidt is the biggest key at defensive back, making the tackle on 104 occasions in 2013.

Smith and Lyda will aid in the secondary this season.

On special teams, Drew Eudy will handle the punting and kicking duties. Eudy produced 24 punts, his furthest for 60 yards in 2013.

The Bearcats also have five new impact players that should see time, if not start this season.

Tykel Landrum and Tyler Landrum (WR/DB) are brothers who could step up. Wyatt Holbert

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 15 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 32 33 40 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 59 60 61 62 63 72 73

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NAME POS Carson Chet WR/DB Bradley Schmidt WR/DB John Salguero RB/LB Alex Williford Tyler Landrum WR/LB Demetrius Smith RB/DB Tykel Landrum WR/DB Jahmel Smith WR/DB Cole Cleary QB/DB Kobey Rudisill WR/LB Michael Cook WR/DB Zion Bynum WR/LB Mason Hudson WR/DB Drew Eudy P/K Michael Schmidt QB/LB Terrold Gary RB/DB Blake Ramey Kevin Olsen Samuel Brown WR/DB Blake Lyda WR/DB Quintin Wright RB/DB Leon Cooks RB/LB Tully Graziana WR/LB Evan Gibbs RB/DL Maliek Robinson OL/DL Blaine Sharpe OL/DL Raymond Waters OL/LB Will Avery OL/DL Jacob Gash OL/DL Adam Rice OL/DL Levi Metcalf OL/LB Griffin Boeke OL/DL Greyson Rogers RB/LB Jacob Deaver Wyatt Holbert OL/DL Chance Wilson OL/DL Dominique Daniels OL/DL Ethan Canipe OL/DL Michael Crotts OL/DL

HT. WT. CLASS 12 12 10 9 11 10 9 5’11 149 12 6’1 180 12 5’11 180 12 11 5’9 148 12 5’9 150 10 5’6 140 10 6’1 165 11 5’8 155 11 11 12 11 12 9 10 11 6’ 175 12 11 10 11 11 11 6’2 215 12 5’11 180 12

11 10 12 9 5’9 225 11 10 6’2 275 12 11

CoaChes

Head Coach: Eric Gash Assistants: Jason Stanley, Dustin McAbee, Marvin Featherstone, Mark Cook, Jim Sosebee

(OL/DL), Alex Williford (CB/DB) and Quinton Wright.

“There is some tough football to be played and we should be able to compete,” Gash said.

“All I ask is that the kids give their best and hope that it shows well.”

If Hendersonville can mature quickly and stay away from the injury bug, then it could be a very interesting Bearcat team as the season unfolds.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

mitchell mountaineers Coach Travise Pitman HEAD COACH: Travise Pitman NICKNAME: Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS: purple & white 2013 RECORD: 1-11 (0-6 WHC) ADDRESS: 416 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705

Struggles, the season was full of them last year for Mitchell (1-11, 0-6). Effort was certainly not an issue, but experience and depth were.

t

his season they enter with a new head coach in Travise Pitman, who is familiar to Bakersville, and a majority of players with varsity experience. The final upside is that they lost five of eleven games by 15 points or less despite being so young a year ago.

“I want to get the community involved and try to get the kids excited about playing football,” Coach Pitman said. “First, we have to learn how to win games and let the kids enjoy the game itself.”

MItCHeLL MoUNtaINeeRs Photos courtesy of Chris Pitman

Their wing based offense begins with none other than Dalton Beaver. Beaver bruised for over 600 yards and scored five touchdowns as a result. His counterpart, Oscar Cruz isn’t a bad option either scoring six times on the ground and once more receiving, accumulating over 600 yards combining in those two categories.

Two more runners will add depth to the run game in Trevan Riddle (noted more at defensive back) and transfer from Mountain Heritage Jake Robinson gained 141 yards rushing when his number was called last year.

Quarterbacking is another issue left to resolve. Dray Phillips probably will start.

Tre Carson (4.4 speed) returns as the Mountaineers’ most potent threat downfield catching 34 passes for 460 yards and scoring

four times. Alex McKinney is their best blocking tight end and could be asked to play on the defensive line as well. They can rely on Will Atkins, Jamison Burleson and Todd Self at handling line duties again this season. Cole Phillips and Dylan Hoyle will likely rotate in, if not contend for a starting spot among lineman.

If Mitchell has any chance of winning more games this season though, they have to do a better job on defense. Defensively, they gave up 29 points in nine contests a season ago.

Without surprise, Beaver was the mainstay of the defense last year with 112 tackles and six tackles for loss. He has led the club in tackles the last two seasons and the junior linebacker is expected to be solid again in that area. Christian Lowery should provide a ton of help at the other backer spot, who

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H A A H A H H A H A A

*Conference Game

was responsible for 60 tackles last year and six tackles for loss.

Atkins, Jamison Burleson, Self and Zach Pressley (7.5 tackles for loss last year) will man the line.

Cruz, Riddle, Logan Garland and Kylar Hoilman will undoubtedly try to protect the big plays from occurring as defensive backs.

# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 20 22 26 28 30 32 40 44 50 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 64 66 73 77 80 81 85 88 89

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NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Jake Robinson RB/OLB 5’9 175 11 Peyton Greene REC/DB 5’8 140 11 Oscar Cruz REC/DB 5’8 40 12 Kyler Hoilman REC/DB 5’8 140 12 Zack Laws QB/LB 5’11 185 11 Trevan Riddle REC/DB 5’11 155 12 Logan Garland REC/DB 5’10 155 11 Cole Phillips REC/LB 5’11 170 12 Dray Phillips QB/DB 6’1 145 11 Dalton Beaver RB/LB 5’9 170 11 Cy Thomas RB/DL 5’9 160 11 Ben Young QB/DB 6’ 180 9 Braxton Tehandon REC/DB 5’9 150 11 Solomon Duncan REC/DB 6’ 155 11 Tre Carson REC/DB 6’3 180 11 Nate Waycaster REC/DL 6’3 180 12 Ryan McKinney REC/OLB 5’9 175 12 Jacob Yelton RB/LB 5’8 155 10 Jamison Burleson OL/DL 5’10 205 11 Will Atkins OL/DL 6’1 235 11 Dustin Hoyle OL/DL 5’10 196 12 Dustin Sparks OL/LB 5’9 195 10 Zack Pressley OL/DL 6’ 230 12 Austin Chance OL/DL 6’3 298 12 John Luke RathboneOL/DL 6’2 200 11 Dillon Hoyle OL/DL 5’10 200 12 Josh Huggins OL/DL 5’10 190 11 Jade Osbon OL/DL 6’7 320 11 Todd Self OL/DL 6’2 280 10 Clarence Randall OL/DL 5’11 195 11 Christian Lowery REC/DB 5’7 126 12 Campbell Banks REC/OLB 6’1 160 11 Corbin Rhymer TE/DL 6’2 160 11 Caleb Street REC/DB 6’2 150 11 Alex McKinney TE/OLB 6’3 230 10

CoaCHes

Head Coach: Travise Pitman

“We do have a little better depth this year, but I want to create an atmosphere to make the kids feel at home and let that translate to the field,” Pitman said.

While the climb back to the top of the conference is not likely in one season, progress should be easy to see with a more difficult Mountaineer team than those can remember a year ago.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS Coach Joey Robinson HEAd COACH: Joey Robinson NICkNAME: Cougars SCHOOl COlORS: Green & white 2013 RECORd: 7-5 (4-2 WHC) AddRESS: 333 Mountain Heritage Rd., Burnsville, NC 28714

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oing 7-5 in 2013 and finishing third in the 1A/2A Western Highlands gave Mountain Heritage 7-5, 4-2) their first winning season since 2010.

However, a bad draw in the 2A playoffs pitted them against eventual state champion Shelby, which ended the Cougars season.

Despite losing some very good senior talent off last year’s team, the boys from Burnsville shouldn’t be all that bad on the gridiron again this upcoming season.

Nine starters return overall and including three rushers that combined for nearly 1,000 yards a year ago.

The majority of those yards came from Dalton Cannon.

The featured speedy tailback

MoUNtaIN heRItaGe CoUGaRs is the most explosive player they have this season, gaining nearly 400 yards on 65 carries with a touchdown in Coach Joey Robinson’s spread offense last year. Joey Brown tacked on 305 yards a season ago on 51 totes scoring four times. Upcoming junior, Issac Allen piled on 218 yards as a fullback with two touchdowns.

Transferring in from Mitchell are Cole and Britt Burleson. Cole should make an immediate impact at wide receiver and running back while Britt should easily contend for a starting job on the offensive and defensive lines in Burnsville.

Zeke Seaton, Levi Robinson and E.J. Ochoa could also find themselves getting a handoff or two every once in awhile.

“We graduated a ton of offense,

so that is our major concern right now,” Mountain Heritage Football Coach Joey Robinson said. “We are just going to have to be smart, disciplined football. If you can commit the fewest penalties and turnovers in this conference, then that could very well lead you to a great season.”

Replacing the graduated Trevor Robinson at quarterback will be tough since he combined for over 2600 yards rushing and passing himself a year ago. For now, Bryson Cooper could be the new signal caller. Trey Robinson may also get some reps at quarterback this season. Cooper maybe the more mature game manager at the moment, but getting the ball to an athletic Trey Robinson would not be so surprising.

Lineman could likely play both

ways. Derek Chrisawn (6-0, 245), Tyler Brown (5-11, 205) Andrew Autrey (5-11, 215) Nathan Higgins (6-2, 250) give them some good size upfront.

On the other side of the ball at defensive end is Issac Allen, who registered 58 tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks last year.

Tyler Brown, Levi Robinson with possibly Adam Shuford and Michael Austin will keep the middle under control as linebackers.

Cannon, Ochoa (26 tackles), Avery Austin, Maleek Smith and A.J. Hensley will likely rotate around as defensive backs.

“We have a bunch of kids that are physically ready to play,” Coach Robinson said. “We are in a pretty dang tough mountain conference, so we better be

RosteR # 1 2 4 5 8 9 10 13 14 15 18 24 25 28 32 34 35 36 40 41 42 50 52 53 60 64 66 67 69 71 72 74

NAME POS HT. WT. ClASS AJ Hensley WR/dB 6’0” 170 11 Britt Burleson RB/dB 5’10 160 11 Josh Meadows RB/dB 5’5” 130 11 Ethan Ray WR/dB 5’6” 135 12 Issac Allen RB/lB 6’2” 240 11 Michael Austin TE/lB 5’10 220 10 Cole Burleson QB/dB 6’1 165 10 Bryson Cooper QB/TE/lB 6’0” 190 11 Ryan Meadows RB/dB 5’5” 130 12 Trey Robinson QB/dB 5’11 185 9 dalton Cannon RB/dB 5’8” 140 12 Zeke Seaton RB/dB 5’8” 130 12 Edwin lemus WR/dB 5’9” 120 12 Joey Brown RB/lB 5’8” 180 12 levi Robinson RB/lB 6’0” 175 11 Adam Shuford RB/lB 5’8 205 10 Jake Thomason RB/lB 5’8 182 12 EJ Ochoa RB/dB 5’8” 145 12 Blake Fox Ol/dl 6’0” 230 12 devon Woody TE/dE 6’4” 205 10 Corey Presnell RB/lB 5’10” 155 10 Andrew Autrey Ol/dl 5’10” 180 11 Tyler Brown Ol/lB 5’10” 190 11 Alex Welsh Ol/dl 5’8” 165 11 Tim Edwards Ol/dl 5’8” 195 11 Jacob Morgan Ol/lB 5’8” 170 11 Bubba Seaton Ol/dl 5’10” 180 11 Garrett Sparks Ol/dl 5’10” 210 11 Nathan Higgins Ol/dl 6’0” 235 11 Noah Blaylock Ol/dl 5’9” 220 11 derek Chrisawn Ol/dl 5’11” 235 12 larry Peterson Ol/dl 5’11” 217 12

CoaChes

Head Coach: Joey Robinson

ready to play every night.”

All of their juniors will contribute in one way or another and that could bode even better for the year.

- Written by Kevin Carver

T. CLASS 0 11 0 11 0 11 5 12 40 11 0 10 65 10 90 11 0 12 85 9 0 12 0 12 0 12 0 12 5 11 05 10 82 12 45 12 0 12 05 10 5 10 0 11 0 11 65 11 95 11 0 11 0 11 0 11 35 11 0 11 35 12 17 12

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

OWEN WARHORSES

# 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 12 13 15 16 17 18 21 23 24 40 42 51 52 55 61 62 65 78

Coach kenny Ford HEAd COACH: Kenny Ford NiCkNAmE: Warhorses SCHOOl COlORS: maroon & white 2013 RECORd: 9-3 (5-1 WHC) AddRESS: 99 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711

One year ago, Owen was overwhelmingly penciled in as the preseason conference champion favorite, but things don’t always go according to the hype.

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espite having the best athlete in the conference playing at Owen, an injury to the starting quarterback and a surging Polk County simultaneously ruined that parade.

However, the Warhorses marched past the first round of the playoffs with a shutout win over Mount Pleasant before being overpowered by a very athletic North Rowan in the second round of the playoffs.

They haven’t won the

oWeN WaRHoRses conference outright since 2006, but this year could very well be the year for Owen.

Despite all of the talk, Owen Football Coach Kenny Ford downplayed the expectations for the season.

“We have an opportunity to put eleven starters on each side of the ball that know what to do,” Ford said. We still have some things to figure out, but staying healthy is key.”

Many anticipate Owen to be among the frontrunners considering returning Conference Player of the Year Jager Gardner (6-3, 205) comes back for his senior year. Nobody in the WHC doubts Gardner’s abilities, especially after the season he put up one year ago.

Gardner blitzed through defenses last season for a whopping 2,578 yards rushing

for 31 touchdowns and 200 yards receiving with another score.

If that wasn’t enough in their I-formation rushing attack, Zee Johnston and Austin Bennett are also very experienced and capable backs that will lend a hand this season again. Johnston (6-1, 190) bullied through lineman for 724 yards and Bennett (5-11, 180) countered with 521 yards on the ground last season.

Trustworthy, Sam Drummond keeps his signal calling duties for another season. Drummond tossed nine touchdowns for 935 yards during his junior season last year.

Even better news for Drummond is that they also possess all six targets from a year ago. While three come from the backfield, wide receiver Taylor Friszell and Kyle McHone are dependable downfield receivers in the Warhorses offense.

However,

Photos by daniel Abide

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Enka Brevard A.C. Reynolds mcdowell Avery County* mitchell* mountain Heritage* madison* Hendersonville* Polk County*

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Drummonds favorite target, Tate Brown (11 catches 286 yards and four touchdowns) will be slotted at tight end again this season.

Lineman issues are a little bit of a problem with three graduating in 2014. All Conference and most experienced trench players Mason Eades (offensive guard/ defensive tackle) and Seth Penley

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NAmE demarcus Harper Colby maloney kaleb Waycaster Sam drummond Jager Gardner Taylor Frizsell Tyler Hensley Bricen Fowler Tate Brown Jacob Robinson Harrison Vess Tucker lowery Cyrus Hooper Austin Bennett kyle Pine Jordan leighton Chris mcHone Zee Johnston Thomas Hughey landon Hollar Zach Cannon dexter Andrews mason Eades Tyler Clapp Seth Penley Justin Wilson

POS QB/dB WR/dB WR/dB QB/dB RB/dB WR/dl WR/dB WR/dB TE/dl k TE/dl RB/lB RB/lB RB/lB WR/lB WR/dB WR/dB RB/dB TE/lB Ol/lB Ol/dl Ol/dl Ol/dl Ol/dl Ol/dl Ol/dl

HT. 5’11” 5’10” 5’10” 5’10” 6’3” 6’5” 5’9” 5’10” 6’5” 5’8” 5’8” 5’11” 5’9” 5’11” 5’9” 6’1” 5’9” 6’1” 5’11” 5’8” 5’10” 6’5” 5’11” 5’10” 5’11” 5’10”

CoaCHes

WT. ClASS 175 11 160 11 145 11 155 12 205 12 185 12 150 11 130 11 195 12 140 10 160 11 225 12 170 10 180 12 155 12 165 11 135 12 190 12 185 11 185 11 185 12 235 11 245 12 230 12 275 12 210 11

Head Coach: ken Ford Assistants: Brandon Collins, Cody Fox, Aaron Harwood, Anthony lee, Nathan lyda, Tim Raines, Jack Slaughter, matt Turner

(offensive tackle/defensive tackle) are back. Tyler Clapp (center/defensive tackle), Dexter Andrews (offensive tackle/defensive end) and Justin Wilson (offensive guard/ defensive tackle) will likely see both sides of the ball on game nights as linemen.

Tucker Lowery (94 tackles, 12 tackles for loss) and Bennett (78 tackles, 9 tackles for loss) will at least start at linebacker again this season.

In the secondary, cornerback Demarcus Harper (could quarterback if needed with 4.6 speed) and Kyle Pine (47 tackles in 2013) are quality and experienced enough to trust downfield.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

avery vikings HEAd CoACH: Darrell Brewer NICKNAmE: Vikings SCHool ColoRS: red and black 2013 RECoRd: 5-8 (1-5 WHC) AddRESS: 401 High School Road, Newland, NC 28657

CoaChes

Head Coach: darrell Brewer Assistants: mark Aldridge, Sherman Andrews, derrick Calloway, Stacey Clark, martin Horney, John Phillips, Chris Pittman, John Porter

Last year, Avery (5-8, 1-5) found it tough in the split 1A/2A Western Highlands Conference, beating just Mitchell in league play.

Still they managed to win two more games than the previous year.

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he gritty conference schedule worked well though as they handled Bessemer City in the first round of the 1AA playoffs, but fell to Swain the next week to end the season. Twelve starters return as they look to be even more competitive in conference play.

Again, the Vikings will push the running attack forth from I formation and that will be led by a strong Austin Phillips.

Phillips had a couple of 100 yard-plus games last season, but he also had 11 catches for 138 yards. Tre Jackson will operate the offense under center and even help the ground game out. However, there is

one trick that the Vikings have when it comes to Jackson. The veteran quarterback also returns as the special teams player of the year from the Western Highlands.

Jackson’s leg has turned around field position many times over the last three seasons as the punter.

When Jackson is called upon, you can expect some more booming kicks.

Jackson’s number one receiver is back in senior, Wade Smith.

Smith had 15 catches, but just one touchdown a year ago. Heath Austin and Jonathon Brewer will split time at tight end.

What could be the biggest issue in the coming season is line play.

This season they don’t have the depth of a year ago, but at least they do have two experienced linemen back. Braedan Rose (64, 315) is the most notable on the offensive line specializing in knockdowns. Returning senior, Andy Hughes (5-9, 220) will play both ways on offensive and defense line. Hughes will be back at nose guard as he had 37 tackles last season.

If leading the offense isn‘t enough, Phillips (171 tackles last year) will do so on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker as well. Shayne Carpenter is a likely source to produce again at linebacker, wrapping 44 plays and notching two sacks last season.

Heath Austin heads up the defensive backs and was the second leading tacklers on the club last year at 98. Christian Hicks will assist Austin again in that role as he made 46 tackles at defensive back in 2013. Jeffrey

Puckett should also see time at defensive back corralling 35 tackles a season ago.

It is believed that Avery could

have a winning season, make the playoffs and even go a couple of rounds. Although depth is an huge issue, there is at least experience

and five-win season from a year ago to grow from.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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

madison patriots

# 2 3 4 5 7 10 11 14 15 18 20 21 22 25 32 33 44 52 54 57 65 70 71 72 73 75 77 78

Coach Mark Gosnell HeAD COACH: Mark Gosnell NICkNAMe: Patriots SCHOOl COlORS: red, white, & blue 2013 ReCORD: 6-6 (2-4 WHC) ADDReSS: 5740 US Highway 25/70, Marshall, NC 28753

Last year, the Patriots finished on an even note.

Madison (6-6, 2-4) won the games that most expected them to a season ago, but struggled in conference play. It’s not that they weren’t competitive, but what became problematic had to do with stopping the high powered offenses of Western North Carolina.

t

his year will definitely be a different Madison team as most of their skills players just graduated, but they still have a lot of upsides in Marshall.

“I know that some predictions have us towards the bottom this season in the Western Highlands, but it does make you wonder,” Madison Football Coach Mark

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NAMe Tyler easterly Junior Denton Brandon Franklin Colby edwards Phillip Gray Mitchell Parker Austin Payne Isaac Harwood Devin Nash Colby Reed Dawson Coates Ryan Horrell Travis Hollifield Wesley Barnett Mason edwards Daniel Nash Dylan Hilemon John Jones Brent Turner Jacob Shelton Walker Snelson Garret Fox Spencer Moore Jacob Buck Dominic Russel Tanner Payne Brandon Barnett Jacob Patterson

POS WR/DB RB/DB WR/lB QB/DB Te/lB WR/DB QB/lB WR/DB RB/lB WR/DB WR/DB k/P WR/DB Te/lB RB/DB RB/lB Te/lB Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl

HT. WT. ClASS 5’9 165 11 5’9 175 10 5’10 180 12 6’ 175 10 6’2 205 11 5’11 170 12 5’10 175 11 5’9 180 11 6’1 225 10 5’11 185 12 5’9 165 10 5’10 165 12 5’10 180 12 6’ 195 11 6’ 190 11 6’2 245 12 6’2 240 12 5’10 200 12 6’1 245 10 6’ 215 12 6’ 285 11 5’9 225 12 6’3 235 11 6’1 265 11 6’ 220 11 5’10 190 11 6’4 290 12 6’3 305 12

CoaCHes

Head Coach: Mark Gosnell Assistants: Richard Williams, Chaz Howell, Harry Dillingham, Jeff Suttles, Johnathan lanier, Aaron Pike, Gareath Weston, Dustin McIntee, Rick Matthews, Josh Matthews, lane Coates

MaDIsoN PatRIots Photos by Daniel Abide

Gosnell said. “We have a lot of kids coming back as well and I feel pretty good about our team.”

While skill players are a bit of an issue this season, the most veteran returning player is Daniel Nash. Nash rushed for nearly 200 yards and three touchdowns last year at fullback.

Mason Edwards may be the one that the Patriots lean on the most this season. From the backfield, he posted four touchdowns on just 18 carries last year. Newcomer Derrick Gonzalez should also play a key role in the backfield as a sophomore.

Austin Payne also returns as quarterback. Although Payne was a sophomore last year, he still

managed to throw for 429 yards and a touchdown. There is a possibility that new addition Colby Edwards could play quarterback and give Payne flexibility to play elsewhere on offense.

Their overall strength may be in line play and all of these kids will play on both sides of the ball.

Jacob Patterson (6-3, 305), Brandon Barnett (6-4, 290) with great size and good feet, Jacob Shelton (6-0, 215) Brent Turner (6-1 245) and Garrett Fox (5-9, 225) are all quality players in the trenches. Patterson and Fox each averaged 3.3 tackles per game in 2013. Shelton posted for tackles per game while Bennett is a transfer player.

In the middle of the defense are also two pretty good football players. Dylan Hilemon is a big key of the linebacking core and is especially known for his hitting ability. Hilemon posted 112 tackles, had seven tackles for loss, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries at that position in 2013.

Hilemon will also start at tight end again this season on offense. Nash fills a starting linebacker spot in his return as a two-way player.

Nash wreaked havoc last season as he led the team with a 132 overall tackles.

David Bremer took part last season as well at linebacker with 19 tackles in eight games.

The secondary may be

somewhat concerning since they lost two big contributors who made over 130 wrap ups a season ago. Madison still has some experience returning in that area.

Edwards is the most reliable, grabbing 42 tackles in 2013.

Junior, Travis Hollifield will likely start considering his 40 tackles and experience from a year ago. Josh Rice is considered a started as well since he did come up with two interceptions and 38 tackles last year. Payne could have to play a little more in the secondary considering depth, but Madison will try to avoid that at all costs to rest and protect their signal caller.

If Madison’s young skill players can grow up quickly and their defense can do a better job of playing in the redzone, then there is no reason why they can’t finish with a winning record this season.

- Written by Kevin Carver

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West Henderson North Buncombe Rosman erwin Polk County* Hendersonville* West Greene Owen* Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage*

*Conference Game

H A A H H A H H A H A

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SWAIN COUNTY • MURPHY • ROBBINSVILLE • ANDREWS • HAYESVILLE • ROSMAN • CHEROKEE

Alabama-Auburn, Army-Navy, MichiganOhio State, USC-UCLA, Murphy-Swain.

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hat last-mentioned legendary football rivalry ends its 28-year run as a regular-season finale, after Nov. 7 in Murphy.

New scheduling for the next 11 years rotates final foes of Smoky Mountain Conference 1-A schools, in two-year intervals. This puts emphasis on the arch-rivals’ showdown.

Swain has won the last three for an unusual streak Murphy seniors are eager to break.

Last season, Murphy won the 1-A state title for the second time in three seasons, amidst four straight title game visits.

In 2011, Murphy triumphed in 1-A, and Swain won the larger 1-AA division.

This season, Murphy is N.C. Preps’ preseason number one for all of 1-A and consensus choice of SMC coaches to win the conference. They say the Bulldogs return the most and best skilled talent, with seven all-SMC stars including 1,000-yard runners Gaige Cox and Deion Johnson. Swain led

by Spencer McCoy is hailed, despite graduating SMC Back of the Year Raymius Smith and top lineman Zach Weeks.

Twelfth-rated Robbinsville is given a shot to win the SMC, and snap Swain-Murphy domination. “Robbinsville has so many skilled people back, such as Cruz Galaviz and Tyler Matheson,” veteran Murphy Coach David Gentry said. He said Swain “just reloads.”

Robbinsville tied Swain and Murphy with one SMC loss a piece in 2008 and ’09. RHS Black Knights beat Swain four times in a row, through 2010.

“Murphy returns more key athletes than anybody,” Swain Coach Neil Blankenship observes. “Robbinsville has got a lot back, too, and should be better up front.” New Cherokee Coach Kent Briggs noted “Robbinsville, Swain and Murphy have won a bunch of titles. This is the best 1-A conference in the state — no

doubt. But that won’t keep us from competing.”

Andrews Coach Avery Cutshaw said “with all the talent Murphy has coming back, they’ll be hard to beat in the conference and playoffs.

Swain lost many athletes, but also has the numbers to reload. From there, it should be competitive.”

Blankenship pegs veteran Rosman as capable of beating the big three. “They grind it out. If you don’t stop them, you’re in trouble.” Andrews, fourth last year, returns its nucleus. The wildest wild cards are Hayesville and Cherokee again with new head coaches. Those two and Robbinsville dominated SMC men’s basketball, and hope success spreads to football.

MURPHY (13-3; 5-1 SMC) returns prolific star power in HBs Gaige Cox (6-0, 205 sr.) and Deion Johnson (5-8, 155 sr.), QB Dalton Kent (6-0, 180 so.), and Bulldog defensive leaders DE Malachi Beaver (5-7, 215 sr.) and LB Bradley Puccio (6-1 1/2, 220 sr.).

Puccio is 1-A pre-’14 all-state at tight end. Coach David Gentry said “Winning is all about what the kids do” — and do, and do.

SWAIN (12-3; 6-0) reloads around a pair of two-way game-changers in all-state LB Spencer McCoy (6-2, 215 sr.)

and RB Taylor Oros (6-1, 205 sr.), receivers Kobe Toineeta (5-7, 145 sr.) and Jordan Cody (6-0, 180 jr.), and OG Canaan Sellers (6-1, 240 sr.). With such premier talent and tradition, no wonder Maroon Devil Coach Neil Blankenship said that each week, “we expect to win.”

ROBBINSVILLE (9-3; 4-2) has a potent 1-2 rushing punch of its own in RB Cruz Galaviz (5-8, 180 sr.) and QB Skyler Matheson (6-1, 200 sr.), with WR-RB Lane Millsaps (5-9, 160 jr.) another Black Knight weapon. Tackles Austin Hedrick (6-2, 330 sr.) and Cane Cable (6-2, 245 jr.) open holes. Coach Dee Walsh knows his crew can “compete, and have a chance to win the conference.”

ROSMAN (3-9; 1-5) and its relentless running revolves around HBs Tanner Green (59, 200 jr.) and Gage Orr (5-10, 146 jr.), QB Joshua Rice (6-1, 160 jr.), and blockers Aaron Newman (5-10, 200 sr.) and Andreas Villagomez (6-3, 275 jr.). Tiger Coach Freddie Whitman said, “We have the talent to win ballgames” and score upsets.

ANDREWS (4-8; 3-3) relies again on QB Jacob Moore (60, 170 sr.), and turns to Taylor Parker (5-6, 150 jr.) as go-to back and LT Alex Richeson (6-4, 250 sr.) to join RT Isaac Cunningham (6-4, 270 sr.)

up front. LB Jacob Whitaker (6-0, 225 jr.) helps lead the Wildcat defense. Coach Avery Cutshaw is eager to KO a top contender now that “we’re becoming real competitive.”

CHEROKEE (0-11; 0-6) should revive under new Coach Kent Briggs, a former WCU boss.

Key Braves include new QB Brandon Buchanan (6-2, 190 sr.), all-SMC WR Jason McMillan (5-9, 175 jr.), LBs Logan Teesateskie (5-10, 190 jr.) and Kennon Panther (5-11, 205 jr.) and big tackle Malakai Ramirez (6-2, 285 jr.). Coach Briggs said, “We’ll try to get

ANSWER KEY TO

better, be competitive, and see how the cards come out.”

HAYESVILLE (6-7; 3-3) has a new coach in Mitch Myers.

Yellow Jacket talent includes RB-FL Tyler Leek (5-10, 165 jr.), QB Bryce Clapsaddle (60, 160 jr.), OG Adam Crisp (6-0, 240 sr.), with Michael Anderson (5-7, 165 sr.) and Jacob Matheson (6-3, 180 jr.) on defense. The squad won two playoff games last year, and looks to build on that success.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

footBaLL WorD searcH ON PAgE 22

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

Puccio EagEr for Murphy’s Encore Title Odyssey Bradley Puccio

All-state talent Bradley Puccio reflects Murphy Bulldog winning attitude, effort and tradition.

P

uccio is an avid reader of Greek mythology.

His hero Odysseus, the ancient warrior, blinded

the Cyclops named Polyphemus by thrusting a sharpened tree trunk into the giant’s lone eye.

A brilliant strategist, Odysseus ended the 10-year Trojan War in triumph by sneaking Greek troops inside the fabled Trojan Horse.

Puccio is among Murphy’s football heroes, in its odyssey battling the Cyclops of Swain County and state title rival Plymouth.

Puccio and Malachi Beaver are preseason 1-A all-state, with Puccio as a tight end and Beaver a defensive end. Beaver is also an offensive lineman, and Puccio a linebacker. These two-way stars anchor Murphy’s defense, and reflect the tenacious Bulldog mentality of champions.

They helped propel Murphy

to an exciting 35-34 victory over Plymouth, in the 2013 state title game Dec. 14 in WinstonSalem. Puccio caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Dalton Kent, late in the third quarter. Murphy did not turn over the ball in the cold rain. Puccio pounced on Plymouth’s lone fumble, in the opening quarter.

He raves more about the final play, when Plymouth went for a two-point conversion to decide the title — one way, or the other.

Call this show-stopper “Leave it to Beaver.” Malachi Beaver delivered the biggest of several Bulldog hits on Viking back Robert Cody, halting him short to seal the triumph.

Winning it all felt “unbelievable,” with “tears of joy,” Puccio said. “Finish it!”

is the battle cry of the Bulldog defense in fourth quarter of contests. Each game is a step, he said. “We think where we want to be at the end of the season — on top.” The Bulldogs shun preseason hype but are hungry to repeat, Puccio added. “We’re working even harder, to get even better.” Goals include to beat Swain for the first time in his four varsity seasons.

Defeating Plymouth in a rematch avenged a close 20-15 loss in the 2012 title bout, and snapped the 27-game Viking win streak. This was Murphy’s seventh state title, with all but one under head coach David Gentry. The Bulldogs have won two crowns in the past three seasons, forging championship pedigree.

Coach Gentry credits such veterans as Beaver and Puccio.

“Those two are our leaders.

They’re great kids. They never get into trouble. They set an example. They work out extra — often two times a day.”

The results show in strength, quickness and endurance as well as on the scoreboard.

Players get pumped up before the game individually, with many listening to music on headphones in the locker room, Puccio noted.

He likes rock and hip-hop. He simmers his energy into a strong “focus.”

The main motivator is legendary Coach Gentry. His 346 football wins are most for a coach in WNC history. “We love him to death,” Puccio said. “He’s taught us so much, about football and life. He’s a father figure. He’s so supportive. He gets our heads up.

He says not to not dwell on the prior game. He’s after us to keep improving.”

Statistics back up success.

On offense, Puccio snatched 25 passes for 503 yards last season to average an impressive 20 yards per reception. The senior is 6-foot-1 1/2, and weighs 220. He often outhits bigger foes.

Puccio was initially all-state two years ago, as a linebacker.

He registered 118, 144 then 160 tackles (83 primary). Ten times in ’13, he brought down a ball carrier for a loss. He is a “rover,” an outside linebacker or strong safety. He uses strength on the strong side against the run. Or, starting from the weak side, he quickly reacts to chase a runner from afar or to cover receivers.

Defense looms as his calling card, at the next level.

His favorite football player is recently-retired all-pro linebacker Ray Lewis, for “playing his heart out with emotion, and never giving up.”

Puccio has six siblings. He is in the middle age-wise, and first to star in Murphy football. He moved here when in elementary school. His father Steven Puccio played football in South Florida.

His mother is Jodie Mull. Bradley enjoys water skiing.

His grade-point average is 3.6.

He enjoys English, reading, and computing math equations — a skill that helps him understand football schemes.

He is considering degrees in physical therapy or business. He seems a natural coach with his brains, brawn, values and work ethic.

He chuckles how he might miss playing, and get “jealous, seeing the players running around on the field.”

He is very athletic. He does the long and triple jumps, in track.

He is a Murphy baseball shortstop, and basketball shooting guard.

Football is his best sport. Initially, “my dream is to play college football,” with his ultimate wish a pro career perhaps for his favorites the Miami Dolphins. He realizes he’d face steep odds. But overcoming challenges with full vigor is the essence of Murphy football.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

murphy bulldogs

MURPHY BULLDOGS BRADLeY PUCCiO

Coach David Gentry HeAD COACH: David Gentry NiCkNAMe: Bulldogs SCHOOL COLORS: black & gold 2013 ReCORD: 13-3 (5-1 SMC) ADDReSS: 234 High School Cir, Murphy, NC 28906

Reigning 1-A state champion Murphy Bulldogs are preseason number one, and have a supreme chance of repeating behind an experienced star nucleus of game-breaking skill and fierce defenders.

T

DeiON JOHNSON

he N.C. Preps choice as top dog in all of 1-A in the state, the Bulldogs return seven of its 10 allSMC standouts from a squad that went 13-3 overall for the third time in four seasons. They edged Plymouth 35-34 for the 1-A state crown, churning out 364 yards of offense. Both teams return their quarterback and top back; a third straight title match looms. The Bulldogs scored 45 or more points in their first 12 wins. Their lone SMC loss was to arch-nemesis Swain. Murphy has reached the 1-A title game for the last four years, rotating defeats with conquests.

Head coach David Gentry has won six state titles — in 1986, ’87, 1991, 1996, 2011 and 2013.

He has won more games than any football coach in WNC history — 346 in 42 seasons — and averages 8.24 wins. This is his 32nd year leading Murphy. He finished

GAiGe COx

his first season, in 1983, three months before Apple debuted the famed Macintosh.

Murphy loves to smash the football down foes’ throats, and can do that again as two of its three 1,000-yard runners return including top rusher Gaige Cox (6-0, 205 sr.). Cox ran for 1,687 and 22 scores in ’13, averaging nine yards. He surpassed 3,000 yards in two years. Cox has size and speed, and field vision to “read blocks well,” Gentry said.

The superb slasher dropped 10 pounds, and is quicker. He rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown in the title victory.

Deion Johnson (5-8, 155 sr.) in that game ran for 113 yards and a crucial 14-yard score on fourthand-four, to close the first half.

“D.J.” rushed for 1,132 yards, averaging 12 yards per carry and 20 per reception as a fast all-SMC dual threat.

Title game offensive MVP

MALACHi BeAveR

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Darlington Franklin Q Foundation Smoky Mountain Gilmer Rosman* Cherokee* Robbinsville* Andrews* Hayesville* Swain County*

TYLeR WiLeY

H H H A A A H A H A H

*Conference Game

Kenton Braswell, then a senior, tallied 150 yards and two TDs. The fullback had 1,345 yards and 25 scores. Murphy deploys three backs in the Wing T, or one in the wing spread shotgun. Rather than run both equally, Gentry said, “we’ll be in the spread more” without a true fullback.

All-SMC split end Tyler Wiley (61, 175 sr.), a fourth-year starter, averaged 15.5 yards in his 28 receptions. “He’s a tall, fast

target,” Gentry said. Wiley and Johnson are track sprint stars.

“They’re the two fastest (4.6) in the league,” Gentry said. They return kicks. Preseason 1-A allstate tight end Bradley Puccio (6-1 1/2, 220 sr.) aught a TD pass in the title game, and 25 receptions for 503 yards.

Throwing them the ball again strong-armed Dalton Kent (60, 180 jr.), the Duke of Kent.

“Leading the team to a state championship” spurs his growth, Gentry said. Kent passed for 1,814 yards, completing nearly 60 percent of 169 passes with 19 TDs and merely three picks. “He improved in reading the defense and coverage.”

Big Dogs up front include pre2014 all-state guard Malachi Beaver (5-7, 215 sr.). He won a state wrestling title, at 182 pounds. Guard Shannon Wilson (5-9, 210 sr.) also starts again. continues on page 47

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

swain county maroon devils RosteR

Coach Neil Blankenship HEAD COACH: Neil Blankenship NICkNAME: Maroon Devils SCHOOL COLORS: maroon & white 2013 RECORD: 12-3 (6-0 SMC) ADDRESS: 1415 Fontana Rd, Bryson City, NC 28713

Swain County racked up its second straight SMC unbeaten record in a row and third in four years, winning 28 games overall in the past two seasons.

s

wain defeated arch-rival Murphy 36-27 at home, in a clash sandwiched between three 56-point Maroon Devil barrages. Fourthyear varsity Devils have never lost to Murphy in varsity football.

Swain won the 1-AA title in 2011, nearly repeated in 2012, then reached semifinals last year. This preseason, Swain ranks seventh in the state in overall 1-A. The Devils return five starters on offense, and six on defense.

Swain reloads, but must fill shoes of graduated star quarterback Raymius Smith and Blake Wright — one of two 1,000-yard backs. The

sWaIN CoUNtY MaRooN DeVILs Photos courtesy of Joanna McMahan

other one is leading rusher Spencer McCoy (6-2, 215 sr.), four-year SMC star who is preseason all-state at linebacker. In ’13, the burly back bulldozed for 1,588 yards and 26 touchdowns. He made 86 tackles, after 136 in ’12 as a sophomore for Robbinsville. “He likes to go right at you,” Swain’s third-year head coach Neil Blankenship said. “He’s getting more comfortable carrying the ball in our veer.” The coach added, “He challenges the others to get better.” McCoy has two state 1-A wrestling trophies, in the 195-pound weight limit class. Swain “pins” football hopes on him.

The second RB is likely Taylor Oros (6-1, 205 sr.), another “straightahead runner,” Blankenship said.

Quarterback is a coveted gig in Bryson City, heralded since Heath Shuler’s era a quarter-century ago.

But QB is the big “if.” Blankenship said “You don’t replace a kid like Raymius.” He passed for over 4,200 yards and exactly 60 scores total, in his two Swain seasons. Four non-

seniors contend to succeed him.

They are juniors Trent Wright (511, 165) and Chandler Norton (5-11, 180), and sophomores Luke Woodard (6-1, 155), and ‘13 JV starter Kobe Stephenson (5-11, 190). “They have different strengths,” Blankenship said. “They’re working hard at it.

We may not know who emerges, for a while. It’s going to be a battle.”

More evident is who they’ll throw to — the Cody ‘n Kobe Corral. Swain returns reliable all-SMC wideout Jordan Cody (6-0, 180 jr.) and quick slot receiver Kobe Toineeta (5-7, 145 sr.), for a possible Kobe-to-Kobe aerial combo. Last year, Cody made 35 catches for 656 yards and 12 TDs. Kobe caught 45 passes for 742 yards, and six scores.

In the bedeviling trenches, a returning Devil starter is guard Canaan Sellers (6-1, 240 sr). “He brings toughness,” Blankenship said.

He said other O-line slots are “up for grabs,” among younger players.

A bonus is if Shepherd Martin (6-2, 260 sr.) returns from detached retina

sCHeDULe

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

H A H H A H H A A H A

*Conference Game

surgery. Blankenship sees potential for a “very quick and explosive line” on both sides of scrimmage.

Defensively, Swain often utilizes a 4-2 with five DBs, or 3-5 to cover perimeters when Murphy or others spread out. Returning starters include all-SMC ILB Oros. “He gets to the football, and makes the tackles,” Blankenship said. The secondary includes all-SMC Toineeta, fellow CB Austin Padilla (5-6, 150 sr.) and free

# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 17 20 22 23 25 30 32 34 37 39 40 44 47 50 51 52 54 56 59 62 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 75 80 86

NAME Angel Bowers Jarrett Shuler Chris Miller Christian Norton Cooper Reinert Ben Miller Kobe Toineeta Luke Woodard Austin Knapp Taylor Oros Kobe Stephenson Chandler Norton Trent Wright Trae Bradley Dylan Smith Spencer McCoy Richard Singley Jordan Cody Brett Bivins Austin Padilla Derek Fortner Jeremiah Hampton Justin Ball Jalen Catt Brody Sitton Caleb Woodard Shepard Martin James Butler Ross Ensley Corbin Wildcatt Cameron Chambers JT Langston John White Jonathan White Milton Woodard Ryan Long Johnny Woodard Cordell Green Craig Cutshaw Canaan Sellers Jake Marr Brannon Edwards Dillon Murphy

HT. WT.CLASS 5’11” 170 11 5’7” 170 12 5’6” 145 10 5’11” 175 11 5’8” 150 11 5’6” 145 12 5’7” 145 12 6’1” 155 10 5’11” 160 11 6’1” 205 12 5’11” 190 10 5’11” 195 11 5’11” 165 11 5’6” 150 10 5’8” 185 10 6’2” 215 12 6’ 165 12 6’ 180 11 5’8” 150 12 5’6” 150 12 5’9” 195 11 5’8” 145 11 6’ 165 10 5’7” 145 10 5’8” 160 11 6’ 180 11 6’2” 260 12 5’11” 245 12 5’9” 180 11 5’7” 220 10 5’10” 240 11 6’2” 210 11 6’ 240 12 6’1” 240 11 5’11” 200 11 5’9” 220 11 5’10” 170 10 6’2” 260 12 5’10” 210 10 6’1” 240 12 6’2” 250 11 6’ 210 12 6’2” 195 12

CoaCHes Head Coach: Neil Blankenship Assistants: Jeff Marr – Offensive Coordinator, James Phillips – Line Coach, Josh Marr – Secondary & Running Backs, Eric Stephenson ‐ Linebackers & Running Backs, Scotty McMahan – Receivers & Secondary, Ian Roper, Travis Stephenson, Nathan Medlin, Tony Cochran, Travis Brooks, Ryan McMahan, Adam Jaimez

safety Cody. The D-line features Sellers and Martin.

“It doesn’t matter what you have coming back” or not, Coach Blankenship said. “The goals are always high at Swain — we expect to win.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

s hayesville yellowjackets

Front L-R: Josh Harris, Braxton Cox, Tyler McClure, Will Patterson, dawson Bailey, Kyle Rhinehardt, Holden Cotton, Weston Acosta, dalton Ricket Middle L-R: dylan Curtis, Logan Thurmond, Tyler Lee, Parker Moore, Zach Raxter, Jacob Matheson, Tyler Leek, John Leek, Jace Tanner Back L-R: Adam Crisp, Josh Stone, Brad Jones, Pecos darnell

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS Photo courtesy of Hayesville High School

HEAd COACH: Mitch Myers NICKNAME: Yellow Jackets SCHOOL COLORS: black & Vegas gold 2013 RECORd: 6-7 (3-3 SMC) AddRESS: 205 Yellow Jacket Dr, Hayesville, NC 28904

Hayesville ushers in a new era, under head coach Mitch Myers.

m

yers succeeds Ernie Hughes, who was at .500 in the SMC in both of his seasons but 10-15 overall.

The Yellow Jackets’ biggest win, by far, was in playoffs over SMC’s third place team Robbinsville by a field goal.

Upsetting one of the SMC is a huge feat. That avenged a 43-point defeat two weeks earlier. The Jackets beat Andrews by 35 to reach round three. “Those two playoff wins were a huge surprise to everyone in the area,” Myers said. “They turned the season around.”

The Jackets’ six wins was their most in seven seasons. The offense has changed along with three coaches in four years — from Gary Miller’s triple option in 2011, to Hughes’ multiple double wing in ‘12 then spread in ’13. The spread stays, often with one back, Myers said.

He knows SMC heritage. He was a 6-2, 250 strong tackle on a Murphy title team in 2-A, then on

Western Carolina’s 1974 playoff squad. Myers was head football coach of Cherokee in 1987-1991 then Franklin in ‘92-97. Since then, he taught driver’s education for Franklin High and other Macon County schools until retiring three years ago. Getting back to the sidelines feels “exciting,” he said.

“I’m hanging out with fine young people.”

He is much more encourager than chastiser, he said. “Find the positive,” and “deal with negatives” as needed. He said the Jackets are “all very coachable.

They’re applying themselves, and getting better each week.”

The quarterback competition is between quick Weston Acosta (57, 144 sr.) and stronger-armed ’13

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Towns County Copper Basin Pisgah Silverdale Academy Cherokee* Rosman* Swain* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews*

H A H A A H A H H A

*Conference Game

JV QB Kyle Rhinehardt (6-0, 170 so.) and Tyler McClure (6-3, 170 jr.).

The power tailback is Jace Tanner (6-0, 195 sr.), or Josh Harris (5-9, 205 jr.). Four fast

wideouts start. They are Tyler Leek (5-10, 170 jr.), Braxton Cox (5-10, 175 jr.), Holton Cotton (60, 160 sr.), Noah Finnegan (5-10, 160 jr.), and Acosta if he is not at QB. There is good size up front.

Adam Crisp (6-0, 233 sr.) “is the leader of the pack,” Myers said.

Other starters are likely Jacob Matheson (6-3, 200 jr.), Tyler Lee (6-0, 255 sr.), Josh Stone (64, 240 sr.), and Parker Moore (510, 250 jr.).

The 4-3 defense’s standouts include DL Matheson, DB Acosta and OLB Dalton Rickett (5-9, 175 sr.).

Four are from HHS’ 22-win basketball team that tied for second-best in the SMC at 102, and are eager to carry on success. Coach Myers said “we’ll work hard, improve, and see how it plays out” in the tough Smoky Mountain Conference.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

robbinsville black knights # 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 15 17 22 23 24 26 32 33 44 52 54 55 56 61 65 66 71 75 77 81

Coach dee Walsh HEAd COACH: Dee Walsh NICKNAmE: Black Knights SCHOOL COLORS: black, silver, & white 2013 RECORd:9-3 (4-2 SMC) AddRESS: 301 Sweetwater Road, Robbinsville, NC 28771

Robbinsville shifts into “Cruz Control,” running the ball at will with a star backfield trio in a Black Knight crusade for the Holy Grail — the SMC crown.

r

anked 12th in the state in 1-A heading into this season, RHS is resurrecting the SMC’s big three by moving closer to much larger schools Swain and Murphy.

Head coach Dee Walsh’s second RHS stint is in its eighth year, sporting four 10-plus win seasons.

The Knights were in a three-way tie atop the SMC in 2008 and ’09, with Murphy and Swain, and lost only to those two teams in ’12 and ’13. RHS was in the state’s top five early last year. The offense

ROBBINSVILLE BLACK KNIGHTS Photos courtesy of miranda moody

surpassed 40 points in seven of nine wins — twice topping 60. Win margins included 54, 52, 43, 34, and 33 points. “We’ve averaged 46 points for the last two years,” Walsh said. “Our main objective is to make the defense better.”

Six starters return, on each side. The new quarterback is Skyler Matheson (6-1, 200 sr.), succeeding Dakota Crisp.

Matheson is a rugged option runner, and a sprint-out thrower.

He started at QB in playoffs as a freshman, and since has mostly been a workhorse veer back. Walsh said, “Skyler is a weapon. He’s a big, strong and fast athlete” with 4.7 Shrine Bowl combine speed.

The backfield can have a

tailback, two halfbacks, Power I trio, or empty to spread backs wide. Foes’ radar hones in on all-SMC TB-HB Cruz Galaviz (58, 180 sr.), above all. He ran for about 1,700 yards. He scored six touchdowns in an early romp over East Henderson. Galaviz galvanizes the attack by blending speed, moves and surprising strength. He can “dead lift” 500 pounds. “He’s a dandy player,” Walsh said. “He finds the hole fast. He’s shifty, with quick moves. He can avoid tackles, or break them. He ran track, and has faster top-end speed” at about 4.7. Look for swift WR-RB Lane Millsaps (5-9, 160 jr.) in the slot, in the shotgun. He and WR Chris Duncan (6-0, 175 sr.) turn in 4.6 times, giving RHS four speedsters.

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee East Henderson dade County North Henderson Swain County* Andrews* murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Q Foundation Cherokee*

A A H H A A H H A H H

*Conference Game

The FB-TE is Dustin Brown (6-1, 180 sr.) or Colby Hemphill (6-1, 225 so.) who is among basketball players.

“We have size strength, and skill up front,” Walsh said. Back

ROSTER

NAmE POS HT. WT. CLASS Reece Postell WR/dB 5’9 140 11 Cruz Galaviz RB/dB 5’8 180 12 Chris duncan RB/WR/dB6’ 175 12 Reno Wachacha WR/LB 5’4 170 11 Kyler Brooks WR/dB 5’10 160 11 Josh Gibson K 5’7 145 12 dustin Brown TE/LB 6’1 180 12 Lane millsaps RB/dB 5’9 160 11 Skyler matheson QB/LB 6’1 200 12 Colton millsaps QB/dB 5’10 170 11 Paden Welch WR/dB 5’8 160 11 Jacob Bridgers WR/dB 5’9 150 12 Cutler Edwards WR/dB 5’7 130 10 Zane Wachacha RB/LB 5’8 190 12 dillon Anderson TE/LB 6’2 185 12 damon Collins WR/dB 6’1 165 10 Jesse Franks TE/dE 6’4 250 12 Jonah Craig RB/LB 5’8 160 11 Colby Hemphill RB/dE 6’1 225 10 Case Hooper OL/dL 5’10 250 10 Corbin Nunez OL/dL 5’9 200 10 Creed Lovin OL/LB 5’9 200 12 Austin Jenkins OL/dL 5’11 275 10 Logan Odom OL/dL 6’ 240 10 Kadin White OL/dL 6’ 225 11 Jeremy Vaughn OL/dL 6’1 240 10 Toby Hedrick OL/dL 6’4 250 11 Colby Adams OL/dL 6’2 250 12 Austin Hedrick OL/dL 6’2 330 11 Chandler Jumper WR/dB 5’10 135 10

COACHES

Head Coach: dee Walsh Assistants: david mauldwin, Cullin Buchanan, Lucas Ford, Kyle Garland, Randy moody, mitch Beasley, Tony Gibson

are tackles Austin “Big A” Hedrick (6-2, 330 sr.) and Cane Cable (6-2, 245 jr.), and strongside guard Creed Lovin (5-9, 200 sr.). Big A has immense lowerbody strength; he dead-lifts 545 pounds. Kicker Josh Gibson (5-7, 145 sr.) has nearly 40-yard field goal accuracy.

The defense goes from 4-3 to peripheral 4-2-5 or 4-4 versus the spread. Stars include all-SMC LB Matheson.

Coach Walsh said though Swain and Murphy are “dressing many more kids than we are,” as usual “we hope to compete, and have a chance to win the conference.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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

ROSMAN TIGERS

# 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 14 19 25 30 32 34 42 45 50 54 55 58 63 67 66 73 77 82 84

Coach Freddie Whitman HEAD COACH: Freddie Whitman NICKNAME: Tigers SCHOOL COLORS: orange & black 2013 RECORD: 3-9 (1-5 SMC) ADDRESS: 749 Pickens Highway, Rosman, NC 28772

Rosman’s historic win over intra-county rival Brevard shook up Transylvanian spirits.

“We beat them for the first time ever,” RHS fifth-year head coach Freddie Whitman said. “We won handedly, and over there.

It’s big for us. We were so young last year. We now have much more confidence.”

RHS slipped from 7-7 (2-4 in the SMC) in 2012, to 3-9 (1-5) last year.

But 17 sophomores gained varsity experience. Rosman returns eight starters on each side of the ball.

Rosman rushed for over 3,000 yards in each of the last two years, but needs to undo the -20 turnover ratio of ’13, Whitman said.

A key to the recipe for success is quarterback Joshua Rice (6-1,

ROSMAN TIGERS Team photo courtesy of Lifetouch, other photos by Pete Zamplas

160 jr.) heating up. He improved in instincts and decision-making by year’s end in 2013 then this summer, Whitman said. “He does a good job running the (wishbone triple) option, and in calling our plays at the line,” reacting to defensive formations. RHS also uses the double wing, runs 80 percent of the time and charges to both sides.

The wishbone deploys two split backs, behind the QB and athletic fullback Landon Shipman (6-0, 210 jr.). The star runner is strong, versatile halfback Tanner Green (5-9, 200 jr.). “He’ll run around you, over you or through you,” Whitman said. Gritty HB Gage Orr (5-10, 146 jr.) gained over 600 yards in part-time duty. Tough Matt Cole (5-7, 150 jr.) and Jacob

Hall (5-8, 175 jr.) also carry the ball.

Receivers include physical WR Damon Messer (6-0, 170 sr.), quick Justin Fisher (5-8, 130 jr.), and lanky Adrian Villagomez (61, 160 jr.). When Rosman utilizes two tight ends, look for both Tyler Petit (5-10, 167 jr.) and Neal Tesnow (5-10, 170 sr.).

The offensive line has an “all for one” mentality with tough center Dartagnan “Dart” Harding (5-10, 185 sr.) and right guard Aaron Newman (5-10, 200 sr.). Tiger tackles are big cats — Andreas Villagomez (6-3, 275 jr.), Adrian’s heavier twin, on the left side and Gabe Hoffman (6-0, 230 jr.). The left guard is likely David Burrell (5-11, 175 jr.) or Manuel Suarez (5-5, 200 jr.).

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Brevard Thomas Jefferson Madison Mountain Heritage Murphy* Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain County* Tri-City Christian

H A H A H A H A H A A

*Conference Game

Whitman likes this unit’s strength and mobility. Green kicks field goals, “Dart” boots extra points, and Rice punts.

The top returning tackler is all-SMC free safety Green, who

ROSTER

NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS Jacob Hall OL/LB 5’8 175 11 Tanner Whitman QB/DB 5’6 130 10 Alic Whitmire WR/LB 5’8 140 10 Colton Holbrook WR/DB 5’6 125 10 Nick McCall OL/TE/DL 5’11 165 11 Gage Orr RB/DB 5’10 146 11 Evan Owen WR/DB 5’8 135 10 Josh Rice QB/DB 6’1 160 11 Tyler Petit TE/LB 5’10 167 11 Tristan Prator DB/WR 5’8 120 11 Chris Daves TE/LB 6’0 160 10 Damon Messer TE/LB 6’0 170 12 Landon Shipman RB/LB 6’0 210 11 Neil Tesnow TE/LB 5’10 170 10 Tanner Green RB/DB 5’9 200 11 Keen Jones RB/LB 6’2 210 12 Dakota Withrow OL/DL 6’2 210 12 Cole Owen OL/DL 5’0 170 11 Aaron Newman OL/DB 5’10 200 12 David Burrell OL/DL 5’11 175 11 D’Artagnan Harding OL/DL 5’10 185 12 Will Revis OL/DL 5’11 214 11 Manuel Suarez OL/DL 5’5 200 11 Andreas Villagomez OL/DL 6’3 275 11 Gabe Holfman OL/DL 6’0 230 11 Steven Brissey WR/DB 6’0 140 10 Adrian Villagomez TE/LB 6’1 160 11

COACHES

Head Coach: Freddie Whitman Assistants: Tyrea Allen, Patrick Chapman, Dusty Robinson, Josh Galloway

“plays the pitch” on options, Whitman said. Orr is the strong safety. The 4-4/4-3 features linebackers Shipman and McCall inside and Tesnow, Newman and Hall outside. The secondary includes the coach’s go-getter son, CB Tanner Whitman (5-8, 145 so.). Defenders “have to do a better job on third down” than in ’13, Coach Whitman said.

“We have the talent to win ballgames,” Coach Whitman said.

The Rosman Tiger can break loose from the SMC cage, wreck havoc and finish in the upper half of standings.

-Written by Pete Zamplas

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

andrews wildcats

RoStER

Coach Avery Cutshaw HEAD COACH: Avery Cutshaw NICKNAME: Wildcats SCHOOL COLORS: red, black and white 2013 RECORD: 4-8 (3-3 SMC) ADDRESS: 50 High School Dr, Andrews, NC 28901

Andrews bounced back last year, and hopes to ramp up success with a veteran quarterback, skilled talent and monstrous line.

t

he Wildcats beat Rosman, Hayesville and Cherokee (by 37), vacating the basement after going winless in the SMC in ’12. They won a road playoff game, reaching the postseason for the third time in four years.

Their lone winning mark in the last 18 years was 8-5 in 2011.

Success has “carried over into the work ethic” and can-do belief, third-year Coach Avery Cutshaw said. AHS is up to nearly 35 players, and returns seven starters on defense and six on offense with seasoned “skilled people.”

aNDREWS WILDCatS Photos courtesy of Blue Denim Photography

Third-year quarterback Jacob Moore (6-0, 170 sr.) passed for nearly 1,400 yards in 2013, and reduced picks. “He’s matured into our leader,” Cutshaw said.

“He’s level-headed. He’s one of the fastest in the conference, on the field.” He is a track sprinter. Cutshaw calls Moore’s arm strength “excellent.” He adds, “he reads coverages better.

He’s made unbelievable throws, finding the open man and into tight coverage with pinpoint accuracy.”

AHS graduated 1,400-yard runner Colin Gillespie. The next I-back is Taylor Parker (5-6, 150 jr.) with “great vision and lateral moves,” Cutshaw said. “Taylor has great foot speed and quickness.

He can stop, then accelerate very quickly. He has great hands”

receiving.

Cutshaw plans to split between the spread and two-back attack.

That second back is likely either FBs Douglas Ball (5-11, 185 sr.) and Jacob Whitaker (6-0, 225 sr.), scatback Dylan Ward (5-8, 175 jr.) or H-back Bristol Brockwell (6-0, 195 sr.). AHS’ tall passing targets are Tyler Rose (6-4, 175 jr.) with “great soft hands,” Stuart Close (65, 185 sr.), TE-WR James Hoke (64, 230 jr.) and Brockwell. “They all run great routes, go up in traffic, and bring in the ball.” Cutshaw said “we’ll also stretch the field. We’ll balance the short, intermediate and long-range passing game.”

The huge line features third-year starter Isaac Cunningham (6-4, 270 sr.) at right tackle, and left guard Tyler Holloway (6-3, 275 jr.). New starters are center Willie Parker

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Smoky Mountain Tellico Plains Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Union County Copper Basin Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain* Cherokee* Hayesville*

H A H A A H A A H A H

*Conference Game

(5-8, 280 jr.), RG Conner Earwood (6-2, 200 sr.) and LT Alex Richeson (6-4, 250 sr.). Cutshaw said, “We have big guys with strength and footwork.”

The multiple defense has DT Luke Virtanen (6-2, 250 sr.)

# NAME 1 Stuart Close 2 Douglas Ball 3 Tyler Rose 4 Bristol Brockwell 5 Jacob Whitaker 7 Derek Bateman 8 Grayson Parker 9 Dillan Ward 10 Taylor Parker 12 Drew Pyle 13 Jacob Larey 15 Jacob Moore 17 Jordan Rogers 20 James Hoke 21 Matt Guffey 31 Will Hogan 33 Drew Smith 35 Aaron Eller 41 Jacob Payne 45 Luis Badillo 51 Knox Chapman 52 Oren Jones 54 Conner Earwood 55 Alex Richeson 58 Tyler Holloway 64 Isaac Cunningham 66 Trevor Larey 70 Gabriel Queen 76 Willie Parker 83 Cody Curtis

POS WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB DB/WR LB LB/RB RB/DB DB/WR DB QB/DB DB/WR DE/TE WR/DB WR/DB DB/RB LB DB DB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL DL/OL DB/WR

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

CoaCHES

Head Coach: Avery Cutshaw Assistants: Logan Clonts, Tyler Edwards, John Holland, Jason Johnson, Dane Rickett, Michael Trammell, Jamie West

anchoring a five-man front, and LB Derek Bateman (6-0, 175 jr.). Team pursuit improved in ’13, Cutshaw said. “They flew to the football, gang-tackled, and created takeaways. We can be even better. We’re so much stronger, and quicker to the ball.”

In the SMC, Andrews at 3-3 was “best of the rest.” New goals are to “go one better” and beat one of the three powers as Hayesville did, Cutshaw said. “We’re gaining ground. We’re becoming real competitive.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE

CHEROKEE BRAVES

RosteR

Coach Kent Briggs HEAd COACH: Kent Briggs NiCKNAmE: Braves SCHOOl COlORS: maroon, green bay gold 2013 RECORd: 0-11 (0-6 SMC) AddRESS: Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719

Cherokee Central Braves are eager to erase memories of a down year, as they debut with more excitement than in a while under former collegiate coach Kent Briggs.

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riggs coached Western Carolina University to a 22-43 mark in 200207, using a wide-open offense. Reynolds alumnus Briggs and Robbinsville Coach Dee Walsh both quarterbacked in the late Seventies for Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, near Cherokee. Craig Barker, Cherokee head coach for three seasons before becoming assistant principal, returns as Braves defensive coordinator.

Kia Smith lasted one, winless season as head coach. More than

CHeRoKee BRaVes Photos courtesy of Kelley Canaday

half (six of 11) losses were by 40 or more points. CCHS has won merely one SMC contest in the last four years.

Briggs already sees “progress in fundamentals” and strengthening.

He wants to steadily “get this program back to where it was.

Cherokee has won the conference.

There’s a good tradition. We can get it back. It takes some rebuilding. I’m 100 percent convinced the future looks good.

We’re hoping to have success, and draw more into the program.”

The summer turnout of 41 is up. “By the end last season, with so many kids hurt we had 14 players,” Athletic Director Willis Tullos recalled. “Now, it’s a whole different atmosphere.” As men’s basketball coach Tullos revived Braves pride in 2013-14, with a 1611 mark and 10-2 top three SMC

finish.

He said in Briggs Cherokee gets “the most knowledgeable football person I’ve ever talked with. He’s very organized, systematic. He relates really well to the players.

They believe in him. He’s bringing excitement back.”

Above all, no players transferred out after a half-decade of stars’ exodus. “People are really excited about our prospects, and that we didn’t lose anybody,” Tullos said.

“People from our own house (in Cherokee) have been working against us, in a network to pull talent to Swain County. They still try. But we have coaches to put a stop to that,” out-lobbying by pointing to the new coach, cultural pride and college-sized facilities.

On offense, Briggs said, “we’ll use the spread to get the ball to our athletes.” New quarterback

sCHeDULe

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Tuscola mitchell Choctaw Central Rabun Gap-Nacoochee Brevard Hayesville* murphy* Swain* Rosman* Andrews* Robbinsville*

A H H H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

Brandon Buchanan (6-2, 190 sr.), formerly a slot receiver, succeeds his graduated brother Justin.

“Brandon is athletic. He can run.

He has all the skills” with arm strength and accuracy, Briggs said.

All-SMC Jason McMillan (5-9, 175 jr.) “has natural instincts, when he has the ball,” Briggs said.

# 2 5 6 8 9 10 11 22 23 25 27 28 30 32 33 35 36 42 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 64 65 66 74 77 79

NAmE POS Taylor Wachacha WR/dB JJ Benjamin TB/dB darius Blanton WR/dB Jason mcmillan WR/dB Brandon Buchanan QB/dB matthew lee WR/dB Jaron Bradley FB/lB dustin Johnson WR/dB Eli Arch FB/lB Steven meuse WR/dB lloyd mitchell TB/lB Channing lossiah WR/lB Tyler Brown TB/dB dawson Wilnoty FB/lB Ryan Walkingstick WR/lB logan Teesateskie RB/lB Kennan Panther FB/lB John Tramper TE/dE Steven daggs Ol/dl michael Arch Ol/dl Nick Hill Ol/dl Nick Swayney Ol/dl Will davis Ol/dl Avery davis Ol/dl Jay Swimmer Ol/dl Kendal driver Ol-Ol/dl Byron locust Ol/dl danny French Ol/dl Tybrius West Ol/dl Justin Brady Ol-Ol/dl malakai Ramirez Ol/dl

CoaCHes Head Coach: Kent Briggs

Versatile, he played some QB. Bigger target Channing Lossiah (6-0, 200 sr.) is back. WR Dustin Johnson (5-10, 170 sr.) is also sure-handed.

Lloyd Mitchell (5-11, 175 jr.) and Jaylen Evans (5-10, 180 jr.) might share the primary load at running back. Logan Teesateskie (5-10, 190 jr.) and Kennan Panther (5-11, 205 jr.) will share H-back duties.

Up front, returning starters are center Nick Swayney (60, 240 sr.) and tackle Malakai Ramirez (6-2, 285 jr.). Tackle Jay Swimmer (6-0, 270) can make a splash as a new starter, as can

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SWAIN COUNTY • MURPHY • ROBBINSVILLE • ANDREWS • HAYESVILLE • ROSMAN • CHEROKEE continued from page 39 Center Wesley Graves (6-1, 325 sr.) and RT Brody Loudermilk (5-10, 260 sr.) add strength. LT Tyler Graves (6-1, 205 sr.) and the fullback are keys, Gentry said.

“Much hinges on our new offensive line.”

All-SMC kicker Foster Stroup (6-

CHEROKEE BRAVES guard Byron Locust (6-1, 250 fr.). Briggs said “development of our lines is a big key.”

Cherokee will primarily use a 3-5 defense, featuring linebackers Panther, Teesateskie, Mitchell and Evans inside and Jared Bradley (5-10, 170 sr.) and Lossiah on the edge.

On defense “we’re athletic and quick,” Briggs said.

“I can’t guarantee wins. But I

do believe we’ll get better each week, and get competitive,” Coach Briggs vowed. Thinking big, he said “I want us to win the conference next year. For now, we’ll gain some positive experience and confidence.” In an unintended reference to the nearby casino, Briggs remarked “we’ll see how the cards come out.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

MURPHY BULLDOGS 3, 195 sr.) has field goal range of 45 yards, and can reach 50, Gentry said.

On defense, Murphy usually utilizes a 4-4-3 and or five-man front to foil the run. Roving linebacker Puccio made 159 tackles in ’13. The front has an all-SMC trio

47

with DT Loudermilk, and running lanes dammed by Beaver ends Malachi (136 tackles) and Bailey Beaver (6-1, 175 sr.).

Overall “we have good size, quickness and team speed,” Coach Gentry said. “We return most of our skill.” As he said, “Winning is all about what the kids do.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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Summaries and Pre-Season Predictions along with Team Previews, Rosters, and Game Schedules PLUS Iwanna’s Best in the West

WESTERN NC ATHLETIC 3-A CONFERENCE 2-A F

BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON

ranklin again has the top back and top expectations in the 3-A/2-A Western North Carolina Athletic Conference, with Pisgah and Smoky Mountain poised for challenges and Brevard among dangerous wild cards.

Tuscola and East Henderson have new coaches, and North

and West Henderson return much firepower but also have quarterback battles. The wide ranges of potential makes the order of finish harder to predict than mountain weather.

“Franklin is the head of the class, with Jeremiah Young,” Brevard Coach Jason Lippard said.

“Someone has to knock them

off. They don’t just fall off the mountain. Pisgah lost 19 seniors.

But if anybody can get their new guys ready, Brett Chappell can.

He’s a phenomenal coach.”

Chappell sees “Pisgah and Franklin up at the top,” preferably in that order. FHS Coach Josh Brooks “because we have the best player (Jeremiah Young), I

like our chances to win it again.

But until you knock Pisgah off, Pisgah’s right there.” West Henderson Coach Paul Whitaker sees FHS first but notes “Pisgah had a good group of juniors, and reloads every year.”

Smoky Coach David Napert said “the sleeper is Brevard.

That defense gets after you,”

and they are bigger up front with a heralded new QB. Brevard’s Lippard was encouraged by a 7-7 halftime tie versus champ Franklin. Despite losing by 19, “we got a standing ovation” for the “slugfest. I expect that game to be tight this time.”

Napert said West’s Whitaker continues on page 50

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BREVARD • EAST HENDERSON • FRANKLIN • NORTH HENDERSON • PISGAH • SMOKY MOUNTAIN • TUSCOLA • WEST HENDERSON continued from page 49 “has a heck of a scheme, and West and East JV were loaded.”

Reflecting ups and downs, “East slaughtered everybody two years ago, then fell to pieces. It’s scary.” North Henderson Coach Jason Dinwiddie sees a “toss-up” among most teams.

Brooks sees “more parity.

Smoky has the skill-set to improve.

Brevard and North each return a good nucleus. West returns all 22 who started against us.” Chappell predicted “many teams will be much more competitive, with chances for upsets. Just like last year when Smoky did it to us, someone sneak up on somebody.”

FRANKLIN (11-1; 7-0 WNCAC) runs all night with Jeremiah Young (5-11, 230 sr.), also WB

Kelton Lowry (6-0, 190 jr.). Much hinges on QB Dalton Cochran (59, 170 sr.), and new linemates for RG Camron Roper (5-11, 220 sr.).

CB Trey Maslin (5-8, 165 sr.) is among Panther defensive stars.

Coach Josh Brooks said “we’re hungrier” for title quests.

PISGAH (10-3; 6-1) revolves around new QB Lucas Hall (511, 160 sr.) and TB-LB Trevor Johnson (5-10, 165 sr.) in new skill roles, behind RT Jacob Boyd (6-3, 277 sr.) and a revamped line.

Jesse Martinez (6-1, 160 jr.) leads receivers. LB Colton Shuler (510, 190 sr.) is among Bears who, as Coach Brett Chappell says, “fly around and make plays” and bruises.

BREVARD (6-6; 4-3) unveils new QB Tanner Ellenberger (6-

2, 185 so.) and a running stable behind a wall of 300-pounders such as Chris Larkin (6-4, 320 jr.), Hayden McCall (6-2, 315 sr.) and Caleb Gilbert (6-2, 305 jr).

Kicker Isaac Bingle (5-9, 160 sr.) is an all-state pick. Coach Jason Lippard sees the Blue Devils in the WNCAC race, “knocking on the door.”

SMOKY MOUNTAIN (3-8; 1-6) has WNC’s most prolific returning passer in Zeb Speir (6-2, 185 sr.) and skilled flanker Jayce Wolfe (5-8, 165 jr.), WR Brett Baldwin (5-10, 150 sr.) and TB-WR Zack Beck (5-9, 170 sr.). The new line with big Tony Clonch (6-2, 300 sr.) is pivotal. Coach David Napert vows “we can compete” with top teams.

NORTH HENDERSON (4-7; 3-4)

looks to swift WR Dalton Whitaker (5-8, 158 sr.), Jacob Garrett (510, 163 jr.), Devon Graham (6-2, 161 so.) and John Heim (6-2, 177 sr.). The new lead rusher is aptly named Lajuan Rush (5-9, 202 so.).

Coach Jason Dinwiddie is eager to put a rush into Knights fans with exciting offense, and to “compete for the conference championship.”

EAST HENDERSON (1-10; 1-6) has skill with fast backs Nykeem Brooks (5-11 1/2, 156 jr.) and Nick Lyons (5-8 1/2, 146 jr.) and WR Josh Glynn (5-9 1/2, 150 jr.).

Tackle Trey Taylor (6-4 1/2, 260 sr.) also shines. OLB Sam Hargrove (6-0, 208 sr.) leads a blitzing defense. New Coach Mac McMillan hopes to “sneak up on someone” for an inspiring upset.

WEST HENDERSON (1-10; 1-6)

has impressive option runners with QB-TB Dustie Fender (5-11, 165 sr.), QB William Crouch (5-9, 160 sr.), FB Brendan Goings (60, 194 sr.) and WB Cody Jackson (6-0, 177 sr.) who zigzags on kick returns. Brian Albea (6-3, 260 sr.) leads the Falcon line. Coach Paul Whitaker is eager to be “in every game.”

TUSCOLA (3-8; 3-4) sports WBs Houston McCracken (6-0, 206 sr.) and Nathan Messer (5-9, 161 sr.) and WR Damon McDaniel (62, 150 sr.), with RT Kelly Maly (6-3, 260 sr.) up front. ILB Jon Martinez (5-11, 202 sr.) sparks the Mountaineer defense. New Coach Tommy Pursley said, “We want to compete for championships, starting with the conference.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS

Jeremiah young to Blast into Franklin Lore

Jeremiah Young

B

ursting through defenses and blockers, two-way superstar Jeremiah Young is poised to win more games than anyone in a Franklin High School varsity football

career and to blast the Panthers to another Western North Carolina Athletic Conference title and beyond.

“That’s awesome,” Young said of the career win honor, which he had not realized. “It’s mindblowing.” He has won 32 times, and should break the mark in midseason. “He is our best football player, an outstanding leader who loves to play and wants no credit,” head coach Josh Brooks said. “He’s one of the most humble kids I’ve ever coached.”

N.C. Preps chose him as a preseason all-state linebacker, among schools of all classifications. He said, “hopefully, I’ll be able to play like an all-state player.” WNCAC coaches collectively chose him

as their defensive player of the year for 2013, and agree is the conference’s premier overall player.

Young (5-11, 230 sr.) began 2013 as the fullback. But in the opener, he shifted to tailback after star senior star Marquel Manning had a season-ending knee injury. Young rushed for 1,788 yards in 2013, averaging 6.5 yards. He ran for 28 touchdowns, at a clip of 2.33 per contest.

“He plays very physical, on both sides of the ball,” Brooks said. “He’s become a much smarter runner in avoiding extra contact to gain more yards, to be more durable. He’s using his hips and feet to set up a guy, to force him to arm-tackle him. Rather than always bowing his head, and barreling ahead.”

On defense he registered 101.5

tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

He is within eight tackles of the school career mark. “He does a great job of shedding blocks,” Brooks said of the fourth-year linebacker starter. Young set a FHS record for most weight in “power cleans,” as a sophomore, Brooks noted. “Pound for pound, he’s our strongest.” He runs 4.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and a “4 flat NFL shuttle.”

With a 3.8 GPA, Young is getting looks from ACC schools, Brooks noted. Young said he mainly seeks “the best scholarship offer. I want to get into a good program, play, and get a good education.”

Young is not flustered when defenses stack the line to try to slow FHS’ relentless rushing. “If we have a run call, we’re going to still run it.”

On defense, “I play by reaction.

I read my keys, and see where I need to be.” He likes contact. “I love blowing up the fullback, my ‘read key,’ when he isolates me.”

He once knocked a foe’s helmet off. It was fun to “strip” the ball from a Rabun County (Ga.) runner, and run 40 yards to nearly score.

As a defensive leader, “I’ll let (teammates) know, if they did something wrong” and help the squad adjust tactics. “But I definitely won’t cuss them like a dog. I treat them how I like to be treated.”

It’d be “pretty cool to coach someday,” he said. “After looking up to a coach, it’d be a role reversal.” He said Josh Brooks “expects the best. He’ll coach you up. He will get into your ear.

But he won’t scream in your face. continues on page 52

FRAN

F

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FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS

FRANKLIN PANTHERS

RoSTER

Coach Josh Brooks HEAd CoACH: Josh Brooks NICKNAmE: Panthers SCHooL CoLoRS: red & white 2013 RECoRd: 11-1 (7-0 WNCAC) AddRESS: 100 Panther Dr, Franklin, NC 28734

Franklin Panthers bring back Jeremiah Young, a preseason all-state twoway superstar, for an encore to a sterling season that very well can last into December.

F

ranklin was undefeated in the 2013 regular season just as in ’11, but again bowed out early— in the first round of playoffs. FHS made five turnovers, after averaging one all season in its methodical ball control.

“We’re hungrier,” ninth-year head coach Josh Brooks said. His 72 wins are the most for a Franklin football coach. FHS returns seven starters on defense. Merely two are back on offense, a year after returning 10 on offense, though many players rotated in.

Jeremiah Young (5-11, 230 sr.) drags an entire defense with him,

FRANKLIN PANTHERS Photos courtesy of Josh Brooks

churning for extra yards. No longer total smash-mouth, he is “using his hips and feet to set up a guy, to force him to try to arm-tackle him,” Brooks said. Young ran wild (1,788 yards, 28 touchdowns) last season in filling in at tailback for injured Marquel Manning. In ’12, Manning led WNC and ran for a FHS-record 2,364 yards and 33 TDs. “Nine carries into Marquel’s senior season, he blows his knee out,” Brooks said. FHS didn’t miss a beat, with Young.

The Panthers claw for yardage, and wear down foes. “We don’t try to be tricky, or flashy,” Brooks said. “We’re good up front, and we’ve run very effectively.” Elusive WB Kelton Lowry (6-0, 190 jr.) is a “slashing runner,” on reverses and “counters” against the flow, and a slot receiver. Fullback Blaine Moss (5-8, 190 sr.) is “hard-nosed.”

Tristan Lamb (5-7, 145 jr.) is the extra fullback. For further extra

blocking, both TEs Zach Tallent (61, 200 sr.) and Blake Raymond (6-1, 235 jr.) are in.

Gritty quarterback Dalton Cochran (5-9, 170 sr.) might throw more, with a stronger arm and swift WR Trey Maslin (5-8, 165 sr.) and Clay Saunders (6-1, 150 sr.) as targets.

In the Panther Pit’s blocking pit, RG Camron Roper (5-11, 220 sr.) returns Mobile new starters are Patrick Moore (6-2, 215 sr.) at center, LG Matt Bingham (5-11, 215 sr.) and tackles Tyler Harling (6-1, 225 sr.), and Wyatt Burnette (6-3, 280 jr.). Brooks said the line is better, despite graduating big Daniel Marr and Khaleb Scott.

Kicker Kevin Sanchez (5-10, 190 sr.), a soccer star, can connect from 50 yards.

In the multiple 50 defense, N.C. Preps pre-’14 all-state LB Young sheds blocks well. The other ILB is Austin Price (5-8, 185 sr.). Jeffrey

SCHEDULE

08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

murphy Roberson Swain County Enka Brevard* Pisgah* Smoky mountain* North Henderson* East Henderson* West Henderson* Tuscola*

A H A A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

Hall (5-9, 265 sr.) and NG Sam McQuitty (6-2, 195 sr.) are up front. The skilled secondary has Lowery who “returned two picks for TDs,” Hunter Gibbs (5-11, 170 jr.) and an all-WNCA duo in safety Cochran and “lockdown” CB Maslin (five INT.), Brooks said. “We’re physical, and good tacklers.”

Overall, “I feel good about our speed and game experience,”

# NAmE PoS HT. WT. CLASS 1 Kyle Norton WR 5’9” 170 11 2 Ryan Younce WR 6’ 175 12 3/80 Jordin Nugent WR/dB 5’5” 155 10 4 Trey maslin WR/dB 5’8” 165 12 7 Ethan Volk WR/dB 5’10” 160 11 8 Patrick milligan WR 5’8” 115 11 9 Josh martin SS 5’10” 195 12 10 michael Scott WR 6’2” 150 12 11 dalton Cochran dB/WR 5’9” 170 12 12 Ryan Ballant WR 5’8” 160 11 14 Clay Saunders dB/WR 6’1” 150 12 15 Brandon Ledford SS/WR 5’10” 160 11 16 Kyle Knop d 6’ 155 10 17 Reagan Lieu dB 5’10” 145 10 18 Kevin Sanchez K 5’10” 190 10 19 Lonnie Randall WR 6’5” 180 12 20 Zach Tallent TE 6’1” 200 12 21 Tristan Lamb RB/dB 5’7” 145 11 22 Jackson Perone WR/dB/QB5’11” 150 11 23 Nicholia Lamb TB 5’11” 165 10 25 dakota Henry B 5’8” 165 11 26 Sam mcQuitty LB 6’2” 195 12 27 Clayton Phillips TE/B 5’10” 155 11 28 Austin Price LB/B 5’8” 185 12 29 david Ramey RB/LB 5’5” 150 10 30 Hunter Gibbs LB 5’11” 170 11 31 Kelton Lowry FS 6’ 190 11 32 Brandon Carter dE 5’8” 185 12 33 Blaine moss oLB 5’8” 190 12 34 Austin miller B 5’11” 200 11 35 dillon daves LB 5’10” 180 10 36 Jeremiah Young LB/TB 5’11” 230 12 40 Quintin Crawford WR 5’9” 160 11 41 Blake Raymond FB/dL 6’1” 235 11 45 Kyle Bourque WR/dB 5’8” 145 11 50 Tristan Longworth oL 5’10” 245 12 52 Tyler Harling NG/G 6’1” 225 12 53 Jeffrey Hall DL 5’9” 265 12 55 Isaac Wallace oL 5’9” 245 11 56 Ted Queen dL 5’3” 210 11 57 KJ Neitz oL 6’1” 260 12 58 maurice mcday oL/dL 5’9” 215 10 59 Casey Browning dL 5’11” 205 12 63 matthew Bingham oL 5’11” 215 12 64 Landon Potter oL 5’11” 180 12 65 Camron Roper dL/oL 5’11” 220 12 66 mason dudra oL 6’3” 250 12 67 Nelso Lopez dL 5’7” 160 11 71 Thomas Piper oL 5’10” 200 11 72 Patrick moore oL 6’2” 215 12 73 Kendrick Bryson dL 6’6” 240 11 75 Seth Ledford dL 6’3” 200 11 77 Ryan Collins oL 5’10” 195 11 78 Wyatt Burnette oL 6’3” 280 11 88 Grant Williamson WR 5’8” 145 11

CoACHES

Head Coach: Josh Brooks Assistants: Robert Browning, mike Wood, Tim Hawkins, Tony Plemmon, Jay Brooks, Bob Kuppers, Seth Adams, Kelly Corbin, Jeff Cloer

Coach Brooks said. To live up to expectations of a WNCAC title and deep playoff run, “we gotta be the best we can be.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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FRANKLIN PANTHERS • JEREMIAH YOUNG • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • JEREMIAH YOUNG continued from page 50 And he’ll joke, and lets players joke back with him.”

Hitting a foe hard was fun starting in youth ball, when his tough coach was his father Parrish Young Sr. Parrish, a Michigan native, and Debbie Young produced a full FHS backfield of sons plus multi-sport daughter Kayla. Josh graduated in 2008 with the most career tackles at Franklin. Jeremiah will soon “get it (record) back into the family.”

Identical twins Jacob and Parrish Jr. are among Panthers Jeremiah will pass this year, for the career wins mark. The twins each gained about 1,000 yards to share WNCAC offensive player of the year honor, as fullbacks in 2011. They split the role, at times played at once.

Jeremiah as a freshman sometimes joined them. He called that “awesome.” TB. After he scored his first varsity TD, in a blowout win over Brevard, “they met me on the field. They were excited, and patted me on the head.” He has since extended tradition of a “Forever Young” backfield.

Jeremiah credits his entire family, for his development as a person and athlete. He learned teamwork. “We help each other,” such for his rebuilding of a ski boat.

He said the twins are close allies, “hard-nosed” and vocal competitors to him and others. He said he does not “talk trash,” and deflects boasting since the twins immunized him. “They called me every name. It goes in one ear, and

out the other. I just walk away. If a player does get on my nerves, I’ll hit him extra hard.”

Now much heavier than the twins, by eighth grade “I could handle myself against them” in scuffling at home. “It felt good once they couldn’t beat me up. They don’t fight you by themselves. They fight together — at the same time. But now if I get mad, they’ll run from me.”

He said “we do hang out a lot, but usually we do our things.”

Tops on his agenda are the Panthers posting “another undefeated (regular) season, and getting past the first round this time,” he said. Jeremiah Young vowed “we’ll be good.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

WNC Ag Center, I-26 exit 40 Advance tickets on sale now.

Save up to 50% at

Advance tickets are not available Sept. 5-14.

mountainfair.org

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PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

PISGAH BLACK BEARS

PISG

P

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PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS

PISGAH BLACK BEARS

# 1 4 12 13 25 33 40 49 55 63 65 67 71 81 85

Coach Brett Chappell HEAd CoACH: Brett Chappell NICKNAmE: Bears SCHooL CoLoRS: red & black 2013 RECoRd: 10-3 (6-1 WNCAC) AddRESS: 1 Black Bear Dr, Canton, NC 28716

Pisgah put the stamp on the Brett Chappell era with a strong debut last year, and reloads for more Bear success.

C

happell made Pisgah’s football bear market bullish again, improving wins by four and by two in the WNCAC. The only conference blemish was a last-second 14-13 loss at Franklin. The winning score in the final half-minute was negated by a receiver not up to the line of scrimmage. Then a last-second field goal chip shot by the valedictorian sailed wide right.

The frustration “helps motivate us,” Chappell said. The rematch is Oct. 3, in Canton. Those handicapped fans’ cars parked behind the end zone will be honking, and fans lined up around

PoS WR/CB RB/CB RB/FS RB/oLB WR/oLB WR/CB RB oLB/mLB G/dT G/dT G/dT T/dT T/G/dT WR/SS TE/SS T/dE T/dT T/NG G/dE -

HT 5’11” 5’8” 5’11” 6’1” 5’10” 5’9” 5’10” 5’7” 5’9” 5’5” 6’1” 6’3” 6’1” 5’9” 6’0” 5’9” -

WT CLASS 135 145 12 160 12 160 11 165 12 145 12 10 190 12 180 12 210 12 215 12 260 12 277 12 12 170 12 12 225 11 270 11 12 12 215 11 12

CoACHES

PISGAH BLACK BEARS Photos by daniel Abide

the fence screaming.

Chappell helped coach the West in the NCCA East-West AllStar Game for ’14 grads, played July 23 with his receiver Hunter Wike and quarterback McKinley Brown West selections.

Pisgah returns four starters each on offense and defense.

New QB Lucas Hall (5-11, 160 sr.) started at tailback in ’13. “He has good vision, and really good speed,” Chappell said. “Lucas can do what McKinley did in passing.

He is more mobile, and can move around in the pocket. He is calm, steady. He was the leader of the secondary. He has to take control of the offense.”

The new workhorse back is likely quick Trevor Johnson (5-

RoStER

NAmE Joseph Inman Kyle mendez Lucas Hall Jesse martinez Trevor Johnson Chase Valentine Isaiah Fisher Colton Shuler Asa Henry Brandon Steel Ben Sampson Jacob Riddle Jacob Boyd, Ben Johnson Kyle Jorstad John Albritton drayton Kirkpatrick david mackey Reginald Robinson dennis Setzer Ben Wright Bryan Yates

10, 165 sr.), a “good downhill runner” in the Pisgah mode. Last year, he caught eight scoring passes as a receiver.

Spread split ends include fast leaper Jesse Martinez (6-1, 160 jr.) as a “premier guy outside,” Ben Johnson (6-0, 170 sr.) or Cole Anderson (5-9, 160 sr.), to go with slot receiver Isiah Fisher (5-9, 165 so.) and TE Trey Morgan (6-3, 190 so.).

Big Bears again lurk up front, after graduating four starters weighing 240-260. RT Jacob Boyd (6-3, 280 sr.) again starts. Juniors are center David Mackey (6-0, 270), LT John Albritton (6-3, 250), and guards Ben Wright (511, 255) and Drayton Kirkpatrick (5-9, 255). There are again big

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

North Buncombe Enka Erwin Hayesville East Henderson* Franklin* West Henderson* Tuscola* North Henderson* Smoky mountain* Brevard*

H A A A A H A H H H A

*Conference Game

Bears up front.

The multiple 50 defense’s star linebackers are all-WNCAC Johnson, “one of the best strikers I’ve ever coached,” Aidon Rogers

Head Coach: Brett Chappell

(5-7, 170 jr.) and “leader” Colton Shuler (6-0, 195 sr.) of the Bryson City Shulers, Chappell said. DL Ashton Rhinehart (6-1, 205 jr.) and CB Christian Jones (5-10, 150 jr.) are among standouts.

“We have good size up front.

Our people will fly around and make plays, in the secondary and linebacking corps,” Coach Chappell said.

He said of the Franklin showdown, “I hope we both get there undefeated. We can, if the stars align.” If so, with the title on the line, the preseason favorite Panthers might get bloodied in a Bear trap.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS ROSTER

Coach Tommy Pursley HEAd COACH: Tommy Pursley NICkNAME: Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS:black & Vegas gold 2013 RECORd: 8-4 (5-2 WNCAC) AddRESS: 564 Tuscola School Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786

Tuscola got new head football coach Tommy Pursley in place in mid-July — merely two weeks after Brandon Allen’s sudden departure sparked Fourth of July football fireworks in Waynesville.

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llen left to head 4-A power Morganton Freedom. The school board approved Pursley July 14. He topped over 20 candidates.

Pursley’s 226 career wins rank him in the top 10 among active N.C. football coaches. He finished first or second in the tough 3-A Mid Piedmont for 16 of 20 years of leading Northeast Guilford.

He has coached for 38 years.

He was a Bessemer City High

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS Photos by daniel Abide

quarterback, and App State DB. Last season, Pursley was Brevard College defensive coordinator.

“His records speaks volumes about his success,” Principal Travis Collins said. He senses Pursley’s “integrity” and “passion to work with young men... (With his hiring) we hit a grand slam.”

Pursley said he is intense, and a preparer.

He uses the triple option flex bone. The new Mountaineer quarterback, to succeed Woody Cornwell, is either strong-armed Parker Allen (6-1, 210 sr.) or quick Zack Webster (6-2, 165 jr.).

Allen was the varsity backup and Webster the JV QB, in ’13. “They are both grasping our techniques and reads,” Pursley said. “Allen is more experienced, Webster

more athletic.” Decision-making is pivotal.

THS deploys two wingbacks at once in powerful Houston McCracken (6-0, 206 sr.), who ran for 11 scores in ’13, and fast Nathan Messer (5-9, 161 sr.). FB Michael Parrott (5-9, 206 so.) is “strong and quick, and also runs hard,” Pursley said. Double Mac wideouts, both tall with good hands, are Damon McDaniel (6-2, 150 sr.) and Jack McDonald (6-4, 164 jr.).

Offensive line frontrunners include RT Kelly Maly (6-3, 260 sr.), LT Eli Trantham (5-11, 210 so.), RG Jordan Davis (6-1, 290 jr.), LG Dillon Justice (5-10, 264 jr.), Jacob Penland (6-1, 189 jr.) or Jose Castillo (6-0, 275 so.) at center, and TE Jon Martinez (5-

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Cherokee Roberson East Rutherford Swain County Smoky Mountain* Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*

H A H H A H A A H H A

*Conference Game

11, 202 sr.). “It takes a while to master the steps and technique.

They’re coming along,” Pursley said.

ILB Martinez leads the 4-4

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 23 24 25 33 36 50 52 54 55 58 60 63 64 65 77

NAME Caleb Ferguson Parker Allen James Silvers Jonathan Martinez Houston McCraken Joe Napert Anthony Agate’ Roman Jenkins Logan king Nathan Messer Jack Macdonald Zack Webster Clay Carreno Lucus Campbell Tanner Milner damon Mcdaniels Cody Wood Brennan deane Blake Clampitt Logan Rich Michael Parrott Jacob Penland Eli Trantham Jefferson Donnahoe dillon Justice Jose Castillo kelly Maly Jordan davis Jamie kirkland Thomas Hollingsworth Trigg Rice

POS FB/LB QB/LB TE/OSLB TE/LB HB/LB SE/dB HB/OSLB HB/dB kICkER HB/dB SE/dB QB/dB SE/dB SE/OSLB SE/dB SE/dB HB/OSLB SE/dB SE/dB FB/LB FB/OSLB Cen./dL OL/dL OL/DL OL/dL Cen./dL OL/dL OL/dL OL/dL OL/dL OL/dL

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

WT. CLASS 160 10 210 12 180 11 202 12 206 12 160 10 173 11 138 10 149 11 161 12 164 11 165 11 139 12 164 12 147 12 150 12 166 12 131 11 135 11 152 11 206 10 189 11 210 10 201 11 264 11 275 10 260 12 290 11 285 12 185 12 304 11

COACHES Head Coach: Tommy Pursley Assistants: Michael Belue, Josh Gibbs, dennis Hefner, Greg Parrott, J.t. Postell ,Ethan Rhinehart, Justin Rhinehart, Barron Rogers, Aaron Smith, Andrew Sutton

defense, which “flies around” and has NG Trigg Rice (6-0, 304 jr.) as a roadblock, Pursley said. Nine are two-way starters.

The young squad is “eager” to develop. “Nothing helps a team like winning,” and a good start to WNCAC play, Coach Pursley said. “We want to compete for championships, starting with the conference.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

EERS

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August 19, 2014

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LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS

APPALACHIAN STATE MOUNTAINEERS HEAD COACH: Scott Satterfield NICKNAME: ..........Mountaineers SCHOOL COLORS: black & gold CONFERENCE: ............. Sun Belt CLASSIFICATION: NCAA Div. I FBS 2013 RECORD: .................. 4-8 ()

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ppalachian State University football enters a new era in 2014. After 32 seasons in NCAA Division I-AA/FCS, Appalachian State is set to compete at the highest level of college football as a member of the NCAA Division I FBS Sun Belt Conference.

The move to the FBS ranks was decades in the making for Appalachian State. After competing at the NAIA level for the 40-plus years of its athletics history, the University entered NCAA Division I in 1970 and joined the Southern Conference a year later. In 1978, the NCAA split Division I into two football subdivisions — Division I-A and Division I-AA, the precursors for what are now known as Division I FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) and Division I FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). The Southern Conference positioned itself in Division I-AA in 1982, where Appalachian State enjoyed unprecedented gridiron success.

In addition to winning 12 Southern Conference championships in its final 28 seasons in the league, Appalachian became the first Division I-AA/FCS program to ever claim three-straight national titles, a feat it achieved from 200507. The three-straight national championships and a historic 34-32 victory over No. 5 (AP) Michigan to open the 2007 campaign (the firstever win for an FCS program over a nationally ranked FBS opponent) made Appalachian State a household name nationwide.

That success compelled Appalachian to investigate a move back to the highest level of college football and, on March 27, 2013, the University accepted an invitation to join the Sun Belt Conference, one of 10 Division I FBS conference, effective in 2014. After 16 months of anticipation, the wait is finally over and the dawn of the Sun Belt era for Mountaineer athletics is upon us.

Challenges await Appalachian State in its first Sun Belt campaign but head coach Scott Satterfield’s squad is primed to meet the task head on. Coming off a disappointing 4-8 season in 2013 (the program’s first losing record in 20 years), the Mountaineers play a full Sun Belt schedule in 2014 and are eligible for the conference championship. The opportunity to win a title will serve as motivation that was missing for the Mountaineers a year ago, when the Southern Conference declared the Apps ineligible for its crown after the school announced its intention to make the jump to FBS and the Sun Belt.

However, App State finished the 2013 campaign on a high note, winning three of its final five games, including a 38-14 romp over longtime rival Georgia Southern, which joins Appalachian in making the move from the SoCon to the Sun Belt in 2014. In fact, the Mountaineers will make their Sun Belt debut on Sept.

App State’s offense returns 9 starters from a year ago, including quarterback Kameron Bryant (left), who completed a school-record 71.2-percent of his passes last season, and running back Marcus Cox (right), who set App State freshman records with 1,250 rushing yards & 21 total touchdowns in 2013.

25 with a nationally televised affair at Georgia Southern, in which the Apps will look to extend their winning streak over the Eagles to four games.

It doesn’t get any easier for Appalachian State as it continues its inaugural trek through the Sun Belt.

The Mountaineers also play road games at three of the conference’s most successful programs — Troy (Oct. 18), which has won five of the Sun Belt’s first 13 football titles, and Arkansas State (Nov. 15) and Louisiana-Lafayette (Nov. 22), which have combined to win five bowl games in the past three years. Four tough home games are also on tap in conference play, highlighted by contests versus upstart South Alabama (Oct. 4) and perennial contender Louisiana-Monroe (Nov. 8).

Despite the excitement of its first Sun Belt slate, the buzz about Appalachian State’s schedule at a national level surrounds the Aug. 30 season opener at -. Seven years removed from pulling off perhaps the biggest upset in college football history, the Mountaineers return to Michigan Stadium with approximately 20 more scholarship players than they boasted in their first trip to the Big House but without the relative anonymity that they enjoyed prior to stunning a Woverine squad that would go on to beat Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and the Florida Gators in the Capital One Bowl at the end of the 2007 season.

Appalachian State will navigate the most challenging slate in school history with 20 starters back from last year’s squad that played so well down the stretch. The Mountaineers are also buoyed by a 28-player recruiting class that was the Sun Belt’s best, according to 247Sports.

Additionally, in his second year at the helm at his alma mater, Satterfield was able to keep his entire coaching staff intact, which should allow Appalachian to continue to jell as it did in the latter stages of last season and establish itself as a program to be reckoned with in its first season at the FBS level.

2014 APPALACHIAN STATE FOOTBALL MEDIA GUIDE

SCHEDULE

08/30/14 09/06/14 09/20/14 09/25/14 10/04/14 10/11/14 10/18/14 11/01/14 11/08/14 11/15/14 11/22/14 11/29/14

Michigan Campbell Southern Miss Georgia Southern* South Alabama* Liberty Troy* Georgia State* Louisiana-Monroe* Arkansas State* Louisiana-Lafayette* Idaho*

* Conference Game

A H A A H H A H H A A H

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EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES

east henderson eagles RosteR

Coach mac mcmillan HEAD COACH: John “Mac” McMillan NiCkNAmE: Eagles SCHOOL COLORS: green & white 2013 RECORD: 1-10 (1-6 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 110 Upward Rd, East Flat Rock, NC 28726

East is eager to get back into Beast Mode, as new head coach John “Mac” McMillan revives one of the finer area programs of the past decade.

M

cMillan was Mars Hill College offensive line coach for the past two seasons, and a prep coach in Georgia for 17 years. He takes over East Henderson after Steven Whitt left right after a single season winless, except for a forfeit. Two years ago, the Eagles were 11-2 and unbeaten in the WNCAC in Brett Chappell’s eighth and final season.

“Coach Mac” looks for positives and favors “rewarding, instead of punishing. On Friday nights, I’m

east HeNDeRsoN eaGLes Photos by Pete Zamplas

generally not a hollering guy.” He was a quarterback for Mars Hill, and 1989 grad. Boosting East is talent from back-to-back junior varsity WNCAC champs.

McMillan leans to a run-first offense with two wingbacks, and “pistol” shallow shotgun snap for handoffs. Three juniors contend at QB. Strong-armed Kyle Frady (6-1, 197 jr.) was a JV star in ’13.

QB Trace Goldsmith (6-2, 200 jr.) threw for over 1,100 for the Carolina Wildcats squad of homeschoolers. Austin Pritchard (5-8, 145 jr.) is fast on sprintouts.

East’s recent success hinged on big plays of fast skill players.

Nykeem Brooks (5-11 1/2, 156 jr.) sprints in the 4.5s, and Nick Lyons (5-8 1/2, 146 jr.) is at 4.6.

Slasher Cameron Johnson (6-0

1/2, 170 sr.) and RB-WR-kicker Jessie Rogers (6-0, 195 sr.) can also run. The fullback is Cole Revis (5-10 1/2, 175 jr.) or Aaron Messer (5-5 1/2, 195 sr.).

Main receivers are Josh Glynn (5-9 1/2, 150 jr.), JV star in ’13 and former QB Austin Fisher (DK 5-8, 165 sr. The tight end is Gunnar Harris (6-2 1/2, 200 sr.) or Jay Spencer (6-1 1/2, 170 jr.).

Up front, tackles include Trey Taylor (6-4 1/2, 260 sr.), Brendan Patty (6-1, 250 sr.), wrestlers Patrick Matousek (5-11, 230 sr.), Brody Buckner (5-11 1/2, 220 sr.) and Tyler Buckner (6-2, 240 jr.); or Alex Castillo (5-10, 225 jr.).

For his pulling guards, McMillan eyes Sam Hargrove (6-0, 205 sr.) who runs a 4.6, wrestler Chase Blaken (5-9 1/2, 190 sr.), Andrew

sCHeDULe

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Swain Robbinsville Hendersonville Polk County Pisgah* North Henderson* Brevard* Smoky mountain* Franklin* Tuscola* West Henderson*

A H A H H H A H A A H

*Conference Game

Morgan (6-1, 200 jr.) or Caleb Wycoff (5-10, 200 jr.). Varsity has 18 linemen and 12 linebackers, out of 43 players.

The 3-5-3 defense has much blitzing, such as by Hargrove and

# 1 3 4 5 7 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 31 33 40 41 42 43 44 48 50 51 52 53 55 57 58 62 64 65 66 69 70 71 72 73 75 76 80 99

NAmE POS CLASS Colby miller WR/DB 12 Sushant magar WR/DB 12 Nick Lyons RB/DB 11 Jacob Quisenberry RB/OLB 12 Austin Fisher WR/DB 12 kyle Frady QB/LB 11 Blakely Hyder WR/DB 11 Austin Prichard QB/DB 11 Josh Glynn WR/DB 11 Josh Romero WR/DB 11 Trace Goldsmith QB/DL 11 Jack Leonard RB/LB 12 Nykeem Brooks RB/DB 11 Sam Hargrove OL/LB 12 Chris Perkins WR/DB 12 Andrew morgan OL/LB 11 Aren messer RB/LB 12 Jay Spencer TE/LB/LS 11 Ian Bloomfield WR/DB 12 Gunnar Harris TE/DL 12 Chase Blanken RB/LB 12 Cole Revis FB/LB 11 Cameron Johnson RB/LB 12 Brody Buckner OL/DL 12 Caleb Wycoff OL/DL 11 Trey Taylor OL/DL 12 Jacob Zimmer OL/DL 11 Alex Castillo OL/DL 11 Patrick matousek OL/DL 12 Chase Blanken OL/DL 12 Andrew morgan OL/LB 11 Sam Hargrove OL/LB 12 morgan Osteen OL/DL 12 Jared Ward OL/DL 11 Chase Bell OL/DL 12 Josh Todd OL/DL 11 Devin Neal OL/DL 12 Jack Leonard OL/LB 12 Jonathan HigginbothamOL/DL 12 Tyler Buckner OL/DL 11 Brendan Patty OL/DL 12 Jesse Rogers TE/DL/k 12 Hunter mcCraw WR/DB 12

CoaCHes

Head Coach: John “mac” mcmillan

OLB Jacob Quisenberry (5-8, 180 sr.). “We need to control gaps, and fly to the ball,” McMillan said. The offense prefers to “chew up clock, on the ground” but will throw. He said that in the WNCAC, “we need to win the games we’re supposed to win, and sneak up on someone.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS

north henderson knights Coach Jason Dinwiddie HEaD COaCH: Jason Dinwiddie NICKNamE: Knights SCHOOl COlORS: purple & Vegas gold 2013 RECORD: 4-7 (3-4 WNCAC) aDDRESS: 35 Fruitland Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792

NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS North Henderson Knights, who return a pair of strong-armed quarterbacks, look to build off of early success last season.

C

oach Jason Dinwiddie’s crew won three of four games, starting with a 27-6 upset in Hendersonville in week three.

Two weeks later, they opened the conference season by thrashing the other two Henderson County

Photos courtesy of Pete Zamplas

teams, West Henderson by 27 then East by 28 points. Thus, North won its first unofficial county crown in 20 years.

Those early wins came despite losing star senior quarterback Zack Gahagan to a season-ending knee injury. “The kids were resilient,”

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Roberson Swain County Hendersonville Robbinsville West Henderson* East Henderson* Tuscola* Franklin* Pisgah* Brevard* Smoky mountain*

H a H a a a H H a H H

*Conference Game

Dinwiddie said.

“We were competitive in every game. The next QB, Trevor Craft (6-0, 181 jr.) got hurt four weeks later. Enter defensive end Ashton Woodring (6-1, 212 jr.) at the head of the Knights roundtable, for five games.

The two returnees combined to pass for 1,746 yards and 15 touchdowns, as sophomores. Craft had a slightly better TD-INT ratio.

“Ashton also has a strong arm,” third-year Coach Dinwiddie said.

“Both are mobile. Ashton has a great feel for the game, and mental toughness. He’s tough as nails. Trevor was comfortable in the pocket, earlier on. He has a lot of poise.”

North Henderson returns five of 11 starters, on each side. NHHS has merely five seniors. But one is a go-to, go-get ‘em receiver Dalton Whitaker (5-8, 158 sr.). The fastest Knight (4.41) can go deep, has good hands, and elusively turn screens into long gains. “He’s a great runner and finisher,” Dinwiddie

# 1 7 8 11 12 14 17 21 22 24 30 32 33 39 42 43 45 51 53 54 55 60 61 62 64 65 66 70 71 72 74 75 76 80 81 82 88 89

ROSTER

NamE Tim Eplee Devon Graham ashton Woodring Dalton Whitaker miquel lammons Trevor Craft austin Vanhoy Jacob Garrett Ryan Swanson lajuan Rush Darren lammons Cole mcCarson Colby Thomas Josh Bowman Shaq Gist James alvarez Elijah Holbrook austin Frickel Jesus Perez Tyler Owens Cameron Bumgarner Stevie Frickel Daniel Dowling Gabriel Contrera Eric Reyes Nathaniel athy matthew Fowler Brandon Johnson TR Beal Vanndel Gray River aller Jacob Freeman Damian murphy Cameron Queen John Heim Devon ashley mikey Smithers Bryce Banks

POS QB/OlB WR/DB QB/DE WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB RB/DB WR/lB WR/DB RB/lB RB/DB Ol/lB RB/DB WR/DB RB/lB Ol/Dl TE/Dl Ol/lB Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl Ol/Dl WR/DB WR/lB WR/DB TE/lB WR/OlB

HT. WT. 5’ 6 137 6’2 161 6’1 212 5’8 158 5’8 148 6’ 181 5’5 141 5’10 163 6’ 146 5’9 202 5’7 142 6’1 211 5’5 147 5’10 151 5’9 168 5’4 172 5’11 166 5’11 208 5’8 193 5’10 244 6’2 183 5’5 185 6’ 208 5’6 204 5’10 256 6’3 222 5’7 231 5’9 182 5’11 190 6’2 271 5’8 264 6’2 200 5’11 262 6’ 169 6’2 177 6’3 184 5’10 187 6’1 171

COaCHES

Head Coach: Jason Dinwiddie assistants: anthony Brigman, Stanley Brigman, Ronnie Coren,Tim Eplee, Chad Inman, Dan Jystad, Jason livingston

said. The five-receiver spread assault includes tough Jacob Garrett (5-10, 163 jr.) who runs great routes, and taller targets in Devon Graham (6-2, 161 so.) and John Heim (6-2, 177 sr.).

New backs include “freakishly strong” Lajuan Rush (5-9, 202 so.), Austin Vanhoy (5-5, 141 so.) who is “tougher than nails,” and Austin Taylor (5-10, 170 jr.) who bench-presses 335 pounds.

The bigger Knights’ wall has RG Eric Reyes (5-10, 256 jr.), center Nic Scroggs (6-0, 260 sr.), LT Damian Murphy (5-11, 262 so.), RT Jacob Freeman (6-2, 200), and at LG Matthew Fowler (5-7, 231 jr.) or Daniel Dowling (6-0, 208 jr.). Dinwiddie likes their strength.

The 4-4-3 defense features ILBs Cole McCarson (6-1, 211 jr.) and Austin Frickel (5-11, 208 sr.), NG Vanndel Gray (6-2, 271 so.) and CB Ryan Swanson (6-0, 146 jr.) among others. “We hang our hat on being physical and smart,” Dinwiddie said. His goal is simple: to “compete for the conference championship.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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BEST IN THE WEST • BEST IN THE WEST • BEST IN THE WEST • BEST IN THE WEST • BEST IN THE WEST • BEST IN THE WEST

BEST IN THE WEST Jeremiah Young Franklin

Camron Roper Franklin

Dalton Cochran Franklin

Blaine Moss Franklin

Jacob Moore Andrews

Isaac Cunningham Andrews

Jacob Whitaker Andrews

Bristol Brockwell Andrews

Trevor Johnson Pisgah

Lucas Hall Pisgah

Jacob Boyd Pisgah

Colton Shuler Pisgah

Zeb Speier Smoky Mountain

Tony Clonch Smoky Mountain

Brett Baldwin Smoky Mountain

Jayce Wolfe Smoky Mountain

Houston McCracken Tuscola

Jon Martinez Tuscola

Kelly Maly Tuscola

Parker Allen Tuscola

Dalton Beaver Mitchell

Trevan Riddle Mitchell

Will Atkins Mitchell

Jager Gardner Owen

Zee Johnston Owen

Austin Bennett Owen

Sam Drummond Owen

NOT PICTURED: Weston Acosta Hayesville Dalton Cannon Mountain Heritage Isaac Allen Mountain Heritage Derek Chrisawn Mountain Heritage

Jake Robinson Mitchell

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W W W. J E F F S A U T O S A L E S L L C . C O M

2014 BEST IN T Cole Cleary Hendersonville

Adam Rice Hendersonville

Kobey Rudisill Hendersonville

Michael Schmidt Hendersonville

Dylan Hilemon Madison

Not Pictured Daniel Nash Madison

Jacob Patterson Madison

Travis Hollifield Madison

Sam Hargrove East Henderson

Cameron Johnson East Henderson

Aaron Messer East Henderson

Trey Taylor East Henderson

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Malachi Beaver Murphy

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2014 BEST IN T Not Pictured Trent Bullman North Buncombe

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Skyler Matheson Robbinsville

Creed Lovin Robbinsville

Austin Hedrick Robbinsville

Tanner Green Rosman

Joshua Rice Rosman

Kobe Toineeta Swain

DJ Twitty Polk

Jordan Smith Polk

Jamal Wheeler Polk

Jason Chupp Polk

o All WNC Teams!!!

G RED!

828-285-0040 • 142 NEW LEICESTER HWY. • ASHEVILLE

Marcez Shivers TC Roberson

0004309733

828-285-0040 142 New Leicester Hwy. • Asheville

NS, AMMO & ACCESSORIES!

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BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

# 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 20 21 23 24 28 32 33 35 41 42 44 48 50 51 52 53 55 64 65 66 68 71 75 76 77 79 80 84 85

Coach Jason Lippard HEAD CoACH: Jason Lippard NICkNAmE: Blue Devils SCHooL CoLoRS: blue & white 2013 RECoRD: 6-6 (4-3 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 747 Country Club Rd, Brevard, NC 28712

Monsters lurk in Transylvania where the Brevard Blue Devils unleash their largest line ever and a star passer, in an encore to their impressive debut under head coach Jason Lippard.

L

ippard led BHS to a 6-6 mark — six games better than before. Brevard with 720 students is a small 2-A school in a mostly 3-A conference, yet dresses over 50 players.

Lippard’s hurry-up “spread” passing offense topped 40 points in every conquest, though four

RoStER

NAmE PoS CLASS Hunter Johnson WR/DB 12 Jeremy Bradley WR/DB 11 Alec DuBreuil RB/oLB 12 Lane Pressley FS/WR 10 mario Casanova WR/DB 12 Tanner Brooks WR/DB 12 Ceasar Valdez ILB 12 John Harris DL 11 Tanner Ellenberger QB 10 Collin mcCracken TE/oLB 12 Earon Wilkes LB 10 David Bumgarner WR 10 Nick Siniard LB 12 Isaac Bingle k 12 kaedin Robinson RB/LB 9 Ari Williams WR 9 Caleb Hicks DL/oLB 12 matt Gasperson DB/WR 12 Langston Wilkes RB 11 Jesse Lowery RB/DB 10 Tanner Pettit RB/oLB 10 Tavon Hunter DL 9 Aaron Stevens DE 11 Gaylon Robinson WR/DB 11 Carver Nichols oLB 11 Nick mehalic LB 12 Rome Robinson oL/DL 11 Isaac Gant oL/DL 11 Riley Smith ILB/oL 10 Nathan Golden DL 11 John Jenkins LB/oL 11 Chris Larkin oL/DL 11 Dillion Pickford oL/DL 11 Blake Stephens LB/oL 12 Johnathon Byers DL 12 Hayden mcCall oL/DL 12 Caleb Gilbert oL/DL 11 Travis mitchell oL/DL 11 Zack Fink oL/DL 12 Zack Davis oL/DL 11 Jace Frisbee LB/TE 10 Will Swann oLB 11 Nick Cabe WR/DB 10

CoACHES

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

Head Coach: Jason Lippard Photos by Pete Zamplas

foes topped 40. Graduated quarterback Chase Brooks ran for nearly 1,000 yards, but BHS rarely threw. No more. Lippard shoots for his usual 30 passes, and 35-45 runs per contest. “We’ll be more

balanced, and quicker in tempo” on the home field’s first artificial turf.

The new QB, a purer passer, is getting the most notice in Brevard since the first spotting

of a rare white squirrel. Tanner Ellenberger (6-2, 185 so.) “will be an absolute ‘stud,’ one of the best quarterbacks in the conference,” Lippard forecast.

He praised the arm strength and accuracy, pocket presence, quick delivery and touch. “He can make all of the throws.”

Carries will be split by Jesse Lowery (5-8, 160 so.), fast Langston Wilkes (5-9, 150 jr.), and rams Tanner Petit (5-10, 175 so.) and Alec Dubreuil (5-10, 185 sr.). Jesse wears the unretired 32 of his late grandfather Cecil Lowery, a star runner on BHS’ 1960 state title team. Lowery has power and “wiggle” moves, Lippard said.

Four receivers often line up. Candidates include Marlee Casanova (5-8, 160 sr.), Nick Cabe (6-1 1/2, 170 sr.), Lane Pressley (5-9, 165 so.), Gaylon Robinson (5-5, 140 jr.), Matt Gasperson (511, 175 sr.), Hunter Johnson (6-0, 175 sr.), and Tanner Brooks 5-10, 170 sr.). TE-WR Collin McCracken (6-2 1/2, 190 sr.) is flexible.

Most imposing is the offensive line, and its run-blocking. BHS had three behemoths last year, and now as large a line as there is in the Tar Heel State. All five starters weigh 295 or more, are strong and fit for the offense’s fast pace, and four are juniors, Lippard said. They are center RT Zack Davis (6-4, 295 jr.), center

Caleb Gilbert (6-2, 305 jr.), LT Chris Larkin (6-4, 320 jr.), RG Rome Robinson (5-11, 300 jr.) and LG Hayden McCall (6-2, 315 sr.).

N.C. Preps pre-’14 all-state kicker Isaac Bingle (5-9, 160 sr.) made all three field goals over 40 yards in ’13, and can strike from 50 yards. The gap-control defense is led by all-WNCAC LB Nick Siniard (5-11, 200 sr.).

Above all, “we’re excited about our ability to throw the football,” Coach Lippard said.

In the WNCAC, “we took a huge step out of cellar, getting into the middle of the pack. We tied (champ) Franklin at the half.

Now, we’ll try to get into the upper echelon. We expect to be in every ballgame, and to be right there knocking on the door” for the title.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Rosman owen mitchell Cherokee Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*

*Conference Game

A H H H A A H H A A H

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WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS Coach Paul Whitaker HEAD COACH: Paul Whitaker NiCkNAmE: Falcons SCHOOL COLORS: blue, red, & white 2013 RECORD: 1-10 (1-6 WNCAC) ADDRESS: 3600 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791

West Henderson got back at historic arch-rival East Henderson, in the season finale for both teams in 2013.

N

either had won on the field, leading to their clash. West won 28-21, avenging recent defeats. “It’s big to win against a county rival,” fifthyear head coach Paul Whitaker said. “It gives our rising seniors confidence. They took lumps as kids. Now we’re senior-loaded (20 of 41). I told them after that win, ‘we’re 1-0.’” Keep in mind the sting of those losses.

But now you know what it’s like to win, again.” West had brief Senior Night festivities honoring merely five players in ’13. The Falcons return 10 of 11 starters

West HeNDeRsoN FaLCoNs Photos by Pete Zamplas

on offense, nine on defense. “We have experience and depth,” Whitaker said. “They’ve been in the war zones.”

West, which has run 70 percent of the time, mixes in more spread with its flexbone triple option.

The same duo shares the throttle.

William Crouch (5-9, 160 sr.) was the QB, after initial starter Dustie Fender (5-11, 165 sr.) was injured in game four. “We’ll play the hot hand, for a few minutes (an extra series) or 11 games,” Whitaker said. Both find running gaps well.

Crouch is perhaps quicker initially, but Fender faster in the open.

When Crouch is the QB, Fender is a halfback, Whitaker noted.

“Dustie may be better running, and William better throwing.”

They need to cut down on picks.

The plunging fullback is rugged Brendan Goings (6-0, 194 sr.). He is the top returning rusher, with 679 yards. The biggest back, 6-2 all-WNCAC Alex Ball, is gone with a multi-torn knee.

Fastest Falcon Cody Jackson (60, 177 sr.), close to Goings in yards, is a sizzling open-field runner as a slot back and return man. HB/ WBs James Murray (5-10, 180 jr.) and Landon Owen (5-9, 150 so.) play more with Fender at QB, as talent ascends from a one-loss JV squad. “James’ greatest attribute is his vision — seeing a hole, and following blockers,” Whitaker said.

Sure-handed targets are athletic SE Taylor Geyer (6-3, 165 sr.), and tight ends Tristan Thomas (6-3, 180 jr,) and Davis Fisher (6-2, 215).

Big birds are third-year starter

sCHeDULe

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

madison Hendersonville North Buncombe mountain Heritage North Henderson* Smoky mountain* Pisgah* Brevard* Tuscola* Franklin* East Henderson*

A H A A H A H A A H A

*Conference Game

RT Brian Albea (6-3, 260 sr.), RG Zach Boyd (6-0, 265 sr.), center Josh Bandy (6-0, 235 sr.), LG Emet Gamez (5-8, 197 jr.) and LT Josh Wesson (6-2, 255 jr.). “O-line development is critical,” Whitaker said.

# 1 2 3 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 22 23 24 25 32 33 34 35 42 43 44 48 50 51 52 53 54 55 64 66 68 71 72 73 74 75 77 78 86 88 89

RosteR

NAmE Tristan Thomas Saul montiel Dustie Fender Cody Jackson Taylor Pope Daniel Jarvis Tyler Sem William Crouch Alex Ball Taylor Geyer Stephen Perron Landon Owen Tyreke Dunbar Dante Padilla Chase massey Tanner Bullock James murray Brendan Goings Josh Penland Caleb Grubbs Gage Lapka Hunter Wright Noah Cabe Zeke Jones Clay Privette Zack Boyd Casone Ward Emet Gamez John Weaver Dylan Rapp Daniel moscarelli Josh Bandy Jake Justice Josh Wesson Brian Albea Luke Capps Craig Petri Justin Holcombe Pedro Gamez Davis Fisher Cameron Records

POS HT. WT. CLASS QB/LB 6’3 180 11 k 5’7 180 11 QB/DB 5’11 165 12 RB/DB 6’ 177 12 WR/LB 6’1 160 12 WR/DB 6’1 154 11 WR/DB 5’11 148 11 QB/DB 5’9 160 12 TE/LB 6’2 195 12 WR/DB 6’3 165 12 TE/DB 6’ 187 11 RB/LB 5’9 150 10 RB/DB 5’9 135 11 RB/DB 5’9 145 11 WR/DB 6’2 145 11 RB/LB 5’10 172 11 RB/DB 5’10 180 11 RB/DB 6’0 194 12 RB/LB 5’10 170 11 OL/LB 5’11 158 11 RB/LB 5’9 146 11 RB/LB 5’11 160 12 OL/DL 5’9 230 12 OL/DL 6’0 215 11 OL/DL 5’7 240 11 OL/DL 6’ 265 12 OL/LB 5’8 185 12 OL/DL 5’8 197 11 OL/DL 6’1 215 12 OL/DL 5’10 228 12 OL/DL 5’11 188 12 OL/DL 6’ 235 12 OL/DL 5’10 230 11 OL/DL 6’2 255 11 OL/DL 6’3 260 12 OL/DL 6’1 200 12 OL/DL 6’5 235 12 OL/DL 6’0 185 12 WR/DB 5’8 142 11 TE/DL 6’2 215 11 TE/DL 6’0 210 12

CoaCHes

Head Coach: Paul Whitaker Assistants: Frank Gerard, Steve Geyer, Jim Griffin, Daniel Holbert, Barry Lance, Ben Pierson, martin Talbert, Jay Young

In the “52” defense, star linebackers include top returning tacklers Thomas (9.1 per game) and Casone Ward (58, 185 sr.) who averaged eight, and ’13 top JV tackler Owen.

Each has a “good nose for finding the ball,” Whitaker said.

They will help “us keep games close, for a chance to win.”

- Written by Pete Zamplas

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SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

smoky mountain mustangs

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS SCHOOl COlOrS: blue & platinum 2013 reCOrd: 3-8 (1-6 WNCAC) AddreSS: 100 Smoky Mountain Dr, Sylva, NC 28779

Coach david Napert HeAd COACH: David Napert NICKNAMe: Mustangs

Smoky Mountain improved drastically last season, winning seven of 11 contests on the field before four wins were overturned by a player’s ineligibility.

t

he player’s physical exam expired in October, and the four games after that were forfeited after the school detected and reported it to state athletic officials. That wiped out four straight wins (including an upset of Pisgah) to end the regular season, and prevented a 2-AA playoff game at home.

Evaporated was the Mustangs’ first winning football season in the new millennium — which they are eager to now officially get.

Head coach David Napert said

Photos courtesy of eric Pratt

the ineligible player, one of the finer Mustangs, had physical-like testing for an injury but not a formal physical exam. “This was an honest mistake, with paperwork.

They threw the ‘death penalty’ at us.” Players “believe in their hearts we were 7-4, and can feed off of it. They’re hungry, ready to go.”

Start with third-year quarterback Zeb Speir (6-2, 185 sr.). Speir (“Spear”) sticks it to foes. His 1,925 passing yards last year were the most in WNC,

among returning QBs. He threw for 17 touchdowns, versus 10 picks. “The tools are all there,” Napert said. “He’s faster. We did ‘read zone’ with him. We plan on using him in the running game, as much as passing. He’s quick enough to run the option” more, on top of the multiple I. “He’ll have to improve on reads, and keep it more rather than making a hasty decision forcing it into coverage.”

Smoky ran up to 90 percent in recent years, but may pass half

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SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

ROSTER # 2 3 4 5 7 10 11 12 14 19 20 21 22 25 28 29 31 34 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 61 64 66 68 70 72 73 75 77 78 79 83 84 87 88

NAME Jace Milkey Jayce Wolfe Zeb Speir Zane Sink Travis Holden Zack Beck Blake Ward Brett Baldwin Connor Moore Matthew Ridley Chase Fisher Nick Napert Lyle Cabe Cole Young Jason Muse T Smith Brooklyn Hensley Joshua Hannah Carson Shuler Layne Kanash Trevor Worley Spencer Sutton Lee Plank Dillon Freeman Wesley Mills Kevin Allred Hunter Stillwell Jake Woolridge Lee Setzer Dillon Moore Devon Stephens Lane Roberson Shane Frizzell Cole Burch Derek Balliot Tony Clonch Kobe Conley Austin Enloe Jacob Mashburn Jacob Gass Keaston Broom Colin Lyons Carson Murphy Romelo Askew Eli Cole Hollis Ayling Colton Danner

POS CLASS RB/DB 11 WR/DB 11 QB/DB 12 K 11 K/P 12 RB/DB 11 WR/DB 12 WR/DB 12 WR/DB 10 RB/DB 10 WR/LB 11 TE/DL 11 TE/LB 12 RB/DB 12 TE/DL 12 WR/DL 11 OL/DL 12 RB/LB 12 RB/LB 11 OL/DL 12 TE/DL 12 WR/LB 12 RB/LB 12 TE/LB 10 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/LB 12 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 10 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 12 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 OL/DL 11 WR/DB 11 WR/DB 11 WR/DB 12 TE/LB 11

COACHES Head Coach: David Napert Assistants: Mike Sartain, Ty Dengler, Blaine Wolfe, Eric Pratt, Chad Carver, Vincent Bradley, Tyler Klipa

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS of the time, Napert said, especially “if you load the ‘box.’ We have weapons.” Big-play flanker Jayce Wolfe (5-8, 165 jr.) “can be the top receiver in the area,” Napert said.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete,” and star basketball point guard. WR Brett Baldwin (5-10, 150 sr.) is also swift. Sure-handed WR-TE Chase Fisher (6-2, 195 jr.), and TEWR Nick Napert (6-2, 195 jr.), the coach’s son, have reach and also run well.

Workhorse Mustang tailback Chace Morgan graduated, after back-to-back 1700-yard years.

Slashing TB-WR Zack Beck (5-9, 170 sr.) in the mix to succeed him.

The FB/H-back is Carson Shuler (5-10, 185 jr.).

The line is all new. Starters may include tackle Tony Clonch (6-2 , 300 sr.), a wrestler who squats 560 pounds with “great lower-body strength,” and guard Jacob Gass (5-10, 195 jr.), Napert said.

Clonch clogs the middle on defense. The 4-3 base hinges on linebackers Lee Plank (5-10, 210

sr.), Shuler and Trevor Worley (5-11, 205 sr.). Safety Baldwin “will knock your head off,” Coach Napert said. “We can play ‘man’ coverage. We’re solid in the secondary, and up front. The linebacking corps was our weak link, and has to step up” along with the new O-line, Napert said.

He vowed, “We can compete” with the top WNCAC teams.

- Written by Pete Zamplas

SCHEDULE

08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Andrews Swain Enka Murphy Tuscola* West Henderson* Franklin* East Henderson* Brevard* Pisgah* North Henderson*

*Conference Game

A H A H H H A A H A A

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

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SOUTH MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC 2-A CONFERENCE 3-A R-S CENTRAL • CHASE • EAST RUTHERFORD • SHELBY • BURNS • CREST • KINGS MOUNTAIN • DRAUGHIN • EAST BURKE

F

or years, the South Mountain Athletic Conference has been dominated by Cleveland County schools in football. Expect nothing different come this season. Once again, it will be a tough league to get through, but somebody managed to do so last year undefeated.

CREST CHARGERS: Although challenged by R-S Central, Burns and Shelby, it was Crest (14-2 ,80) that came away unscathed in its first season of SMAC play. Not only did they win the conference outright, but they lost in the 3AA state title game a year ago. The have playmakers, depth and the coaching to be incredibly scary this season. With 17 starters returning and running back Dominique Roseboro around for one more season, Crest could very well win the state title if all goes according to plan.

SHELBY GOLDEN LIONS: Shelby (12-4, 6-2) consistently vies for the SMAC football title every year could very well find themselves being Crest biggest problem this season. The only thing the Golden Lions did in general was to finish third in conference and then went on to take the 2A State title home. They have won six state titles in football and the Golden Lions should be pretty stout again with senior quarterback R.J. George leading the Lions spread offense.

BURNS BULLDOGS: The rest of the conference is puzzling

for the upcoming season. Burns (11-2, 7-1) has also shown power in the conference among Cleveland County gridiron teams, but this year could be somewhat of a down year in Bulldog country.

Burns will have a new coach and a youthful defense, but in returning 11 starters, not all is worrisome in Lawndale, especially in the spread offense.

R-S CENTRAL HILLTOPPERS: It’s interesting when Shelby folks start mentioning a surprise team in the conference as most are pointing to R-S Central (5-6, 4-4).

While they are nothing fancy, the Hilltoppers hope smash mouth football can return, challenge and improve an average record of a year ago. They do have running back Matt Atchley, parts of the puzzle returning and some added younger talent that could give them a winning year this season.

EAST BURKE CAVALIERS: Things may turnaround at East Burke (2-9, 1-7) faster than anybody can predict. The Cavaliers have a new coach, but veteran and well respected amongst the state in Tom Brown to lead them this year. They also have 11 starters coming back and a renewed energy that could very well make them a surprise team as the season goes along. Quarterback Elijah Reese and tight end Drake Haas will be problematic again if both can stay healthy.

CHASE TROJANS: Last year started looking like the Trojans

could stir the 2A pot by winning the first two games with their option offense, but that all changed after Burns spanked Chase (65, 3-5) in the third game of the season. They eventual lost to R-S Central and were upset by East Rutherford to lose out on a 2A playoff spot, even with six wins in their back pocket. Motivation won’t be a problem. They have two athletes that will carry the load in Tyrell Boykins and Mailk Young, however they’re young everywhere else. A bunch of kids will move up from junior varsity to play on the varsity level for the first time. The JV program only lost three times last year.

EAST RUTHERFORD CAVALIERS: The biggest mystery could be at East Rutherford (4-7, 4-4).

While most expect them to be athletic, can they block, tackle and play better defensively is the question on many minds around the area. They expect to have running back Kameron Garrison in the backfield this fall and athlete D.J. Miller, but if they can’t build anything around them, it could be a long year in Bostic.

KINGS MOUNTAIN MOUNTAINEERS: If anything bad could happen to a team last year, Kings Mountain (2-9, 0-8) saw it all. Injuries among other issues watched a team that was picked to finish fourth in preseason a year ago, drop all the way to bottom of the SMAC standings when the season ended. The good news

is that senior signal caller Brandon Bell is back and contributed nearly 1,500 yards of offense himself a year ago.

DRAUGHN WILDCATS: Only three starters come back this season and that doesn’t bode well for Draughn (3-8, 3-5). Quarterback Coy Lambert will lead the Wing-T offensive attack again this season, but young players will surround him as they try to learn what new head coach Allen Wittenberg is asking of them.

- Written by Kevin Carver

2014 SCHEDuLES CREST CHARGERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

A H A H H A H A H A H

SHELBY GOLDEN LIONS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Polk 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

BURNS BULLDOGS

08/22/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Ashbrook Freedom Chase* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central*

*Conference Game

A H H A H A H A H A

R-S CENTRAL HILLTOPPERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

A A H A H A H A H A H

EAST BURKE CAVALIERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

H A A H A H A H A H A

CHASE TROJANS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

Newton-Conover R.J. Reynolds Bandys Burns* Shelby* Draughn* Crest* R-S Central* Kings Mountain* East Burke* East Rutherford*

*Conference Game

H A A A H A H A H A H

E RUTHERFORD CAVALIERS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

A H A H A H A H A H A

KINGS MOUNTAIN 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 11/07/14

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

*Conference Game

A H A A H A H A H A H

DRAUGHN WILDCATS 08/22/14 08/29/14 09/05/14 09/12/14 09/19/14 09/26/14 10/03/14 10/10/14 10/17/14 10/24/14 10/31/14

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

*Conference Game

H A H H A H A H A H A

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69

LOCAL COLLEGE PREVIEWS

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CATAMOUNTS

O

ver the past two seasons, Western Carolina has fielded a youthful pride of Catamounts on the football gridiron under head coach Mark Speir.

Entering the 2014 season – Speir’s third at the helm – Western Carolina is looking for its experienced youth to make inroads for the program in the new-look Southern Conference.

This season marks the first of what will be back-to-back transitional years for the SoCon, the nation’s fifth-oldest league. The conference welcomes newcomers Mercer – which posted a 10-win season in its first back playing football in 2013 – and long-time conference foe, VMI, returning after 12 years in the Big South Conference. Next fall will see the return of East Tennessee State to football competition.

Western Carolina’s 2014 football roster features just six seniors complemented by 17 juniors meaning the bulk of the roster continues to be comprised of underclassmen.

Even with the number of young players, the Catamounts saw 16 true freshmen receive substantial playing time a season ago. Three of WCU’s seniors are on offense – QB Garrett Brown, WR Jeff Moore and RB Shaun Warren – with two on defense in DB Ace Clark and LB Christon Gill, and one specialist in PK Richard Sigmon.

All told, 69 of Western Carolina’s players on the preseason roster are redshirt sophomores or younger – meaning they are in their fourth semester of college or less. The Catamounts have 26 incoming freshmen, three of which earned two-star ratings from Rivals.com as preps.

“In 2014, we will finally have an experienced football team with player leadership that we’ve been lacking,” said Speir. “With just the six seniors, we are still a young football team – but do have a group of young players with a lot of game experience. The next step is to go win those close ball games that we dropped a year ago.”

At the Southern Conference’s preseason football media day held in late July, Western Carolina earned its highest preseason ranking in

the polls since 2005, tabbed fifth by both the league’s nine head coaches and voting members of the media.

That same day, nine Catamounts earned preseason All-SoCon honors including four on the first team.

Headlining WCU’s first-team selections were Benson, Warren as a kick return specialist, and juniors OL Josh Wineberg and DB Sertonuse Harris. On the second team, five Catamounts including senior players Clark, Gill, and Sigmon, as well as junior RB Darius Ramsey and sophomore WR Terryon Robinson were honored.

Coming out of 2013 spring drills, WCU’s spread read option offense will be under the guidance of junior quarterback Troy Mitchell who has started 14 of his 22 career games.

He returns a bulk of his weapons and targets from a season ago including All-Southern Conference wide receiver, Karnorris Benson as well as SoCon All-Freshman selections WR Willie Police and TE Michael Helms, Jr. The receiving roster is bolstered by the return of the No. 2 receivers from each of the past two seasons – Robinson and redshirt sophomore Spearman Robinson.

Tailbacks Warren and Ramsey carried the bulk of the load in the offensive backfield, and will be flanked by freshman Detrez Newsome, who was impressive during spring drills. Along the offensive line, the Catamounts return four of the five starters from last season, led by Wineberg who is a two-year starter.

He is joined by redshirt juniors in Jake Thornton and Andrew Potts, and sophomore Tanner Poindexter.

Defensively, eight starters return, mostly in the secondary led by Clark and Gill. Also among the second starters back for 2014 are allconference selection Harris and junior CB Jaleel Lorquet. Sophomore corner Trey Morgan is back a season after garnering both SoCon and College Sports Journal FCS All-Freshman team plaudits. Linebacker Bryson Jordan – son of former two-sport professional athlete Brian Jordan – returns after a solid freshman season that saw him start all 12 games.

WCU wide receiver Karnorris Benson. Photo by Mark Haskett, WCU Photographer.

The defensive line is anchored by returning junior ends Caleb Hawkins and John McBeth. The duo is flanked by five returning linemen between the tackle and end positions.

Sigmon, who was named a FCS Athletic Directors Association (ADA) All-Star in 2013 for his performances on the field and in the classroom, returns to handle the placekicking duties for the Catamounts. He was the team’s second-leading scorer last fall with a career-high 53 points.

Western Carolina’s 2014 season opens on Labor Day weekend and runs through late November with the opening round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29. The schedule includes six home dates in Cullowhee for the first time since 2011, while also featuring features a pair of first-time opponents (South Florida and Mercer) and the rekindling of the series with longtime league member, VMI. WCU faces a pair of Football Bowl Subdivision

(FBS) foes in USF and nationallyacclaimed, Alabama.

At least four of WCU’s 2014 football games are slated to be broadcast including three as a part of the SoCon’s television package. WCU’s season-opening road game at USF (Aug. 30) and the home meeting with league-foe, Wofford (Oct. 11) are slated to air on ESPN3 with two games – at Furman (Sept. 27) and at Samford (Sept 27) – to appear on the newlyformed American Sports Network (ASN) from the Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Written By DanieL hooker, assistant athLetiCs DireCtor, Western CaroLina university

SCHEDULE 08/30/14 09/06/14 09/13/14 09/20/14 09/27/14 10/04/14 10/11/14 10/18/14 10/25/14 11/01/14 11/08/14 11/15/14 11/22/14 11/29/14

USF Brevard Catawba Bye Week Furman* Presbyterian Wofford* Mercer* The Citadel* Chattanooga* Samford* VMI* Alabama NCAA FCS Playoffs

A H H H A A H A H H A H A TBA

* Conference Game

For more information on Western Carolina Catamount Athletics – or to purchase tickets online – visit www.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 #ProveYourPurple, YouTube (CatamountSports) and Instagram (wcu_catamounts).

MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS • MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS • MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS • MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS • MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS • MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS

MARS HILL COLLEGE LIONS H

ead Coach Tim Clifton is starting his 22 year and is very excited about the upcoming 2014 season. His excitement is due to the players returning and incoming recruiting class.

Offensively Mars Hill has 8 returning starters and 12 lettermen.

Returning running backs are Shaikel Davis, Foluke Gordon-Lamar, Jeremy Hughes, Jamel Hall, and Marquez Williams. Returning Quarterback is Trent Miller (SAC Freshmen of year in 2013). Wide Receivers are Dimitri Holmes, Matt Maennle, Shaque Gatlin, Chris Trimmings. Offensive lineman returners are Nick Allison, Denzell Goode, and Richard Taylor.

Tight Ends are Lyle Allen and Ben

Barber.

Six Mars Hill student-athletes have been named to the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) 2014 Preseason All-SAC team.

Senior Dimitri Holmes, senior Shaikel Davis, sophomore Trent Miller, redshirt junior Denzel Goode and redshirt senior Nick Allison represents Mars Hill on the offensive side of the ball.

Holmes, who was named to the 2014 BSN Preseason All-America second team, caught 81 passes for 1,591 yards and a South Atlantic Conference-leading 15 touchdowns last season. Holmes was an All-SAC first team member, a Don Hansen third team All-America selection and

was named to the Daktronics AllRegion team.

Davis led the SAC with 1,323 rushing yards and 125 yards per game despite missing the final game of the season due to injury. Davis, an All-SAC first team selection, was a third team Don Hansen All-America pick as well as a Daktronics AllRegion first team member.

Miller, the 2013 SAC Offensive Freshman of the Year, threw for 2,757 passing yards and 23 touchdowns.

Miller averaged 276 yards per game in his inaugural season.

Goode and Allison helped clear the way for an offensive that averaged 429.6 yards per game, third best in the league.

Michael Ashley is the returning punter and Swain product Matt Maennle is the return specialist.

Defensively the Lions will be lead by linebacker Jasper Mason, a 3 year starter at inside linebacker.

The defense will be anchored by Johnny Maxey and David Green on the defensive line.

Reshard Simmons will add defensive help on the perimeter. The secondary will be lead by Trey Clark returning after a year’s absence. Also returning is 3-year starter Marvin James. The strength of the defense should be the front seven.

Courtesy of Jim Beatty, offensive Line CoaCh, mars hiLL university

SCHEDULE

09/06/14 09/13/14 09/27/14 10/04/14 10/11/14 10/18/14 10/25/14 11/01/14 11/08/14 11/15/14

West Georgia Shorter Newberry* Carson-Newman* Brevard* North Greenville Lenoir-Rhyne* Catawba* Wingate* Tusculum*

* Conference Game

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local colleGe PreVieWs

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BREVARD COLLEGE TORNADOS

head coach: .... Paul Hamilton nickname: ................. Tornados school colors: White, Royal Blue conference:.... South Atlantic classification:NCAA Division II 2013 record: .... 3-8 (2-5 SAC)

T

he Brevard College football team will look to improve upon last season’s 3-8 mark as the Tornados enter their seventh season of full NCAA Division II membership and eighth campaign under the leadership of head coach Paul Hamilton.

BREVARD, N.C. – Brevard will play what many consider to be the most difficult schedule in Division II this season. The 2014 slate features back-to-back road contests against Division I opponents Western Carolina and Liberty to open the season. In conference play, the Tornados will face three teams ranked in last year’s final Division II poll, including national runners-up Lenoir-Rhyne.

Brevard’s home games against

last season’s No. 2-ranked Bears and fellow South Atlantic Conference opponent Wingate will be broadcast locally on WMYA My40, marking the second and third times in program history that the Tornados will appear on television.

“I don’t think there are any Division II teams in the country that open with a tougher first five games than we do,” said Hamilton. After playing the first two games of the season on the road at Division I opponents, the Tornados welcome last year’s No. 17 team in Carson-Newman to Brevard Memorial Stadium before traveling to North Greenville and hosting national championship participant Lenoir-Rhyne. “We’re going to have to be a very good football team early on for this season to be successful.”

A year ago, the Tornados were one of the most disciplined teams in the nation, finishing with the third-fewest penalties and penalty yardage of any Division II team and were fifth nationally with just 12 turnovers on the season. Brevard’s potent triple option offensive attack allowed the

Tornados to amass 258.9 rushing yards per contest, the 12th-best total in the country and third among South Atlantic Conference teams.

The Tornados return three starters on an offensive line that cleared the way for Tornados’ running backs to gain 2,848 yards on the ground last season, an average 4.65 yards per carry.

Preseason second team allconference selection Kelvin Jeter will be called upon to spearhead the Tornados’ running game. The fifthyear senior from Gastonia, North Carolina led Brevard’s three-headed rushing attack with 800 yards on the ground. He is Brevard’s all-time leader in rushing yards (2,520), total offense (2,520), and all-purpose yards (3,770), and ranks third with 6.83 yards per carry over the course of his career.

Joining Jeter in the backfield is Andre Overholt, a first team allconference selection as a kick return specialist. A senior from Tryon, North Carolina, Overholt set a program record with 1,024 kick return yards last season and needs just 114 rushing yards to break 1,000 in a Brevard uniform. His career average of 6.76 yards per carry is fourth on Brevard’s all-time list, and he led the team last season with an astonishing 8.0 yards per carry. He has gained 3,016 all-purpose yards in his career, good for second in program history.

Rounding out the Tornados’ rushing attack will be Jordan Ollis, a senior from Columbus, North Carolina. He finished second in the conference with 11 rushing touchdowns on the season, which tied a Brevard single-season mark, and can become the Tornados’ alltime leader in touchdowns with nine scores this season. His best game in 2013 came in the 52-33 triumph over Tusculum on November 9 in which he scored five touchdowns, including four on the ground, to set a Brevard single-game record. The Football Gazette named him second team all-region for his performance in 2013.

Senior Tanner Wright is penciled in as the starting quarterback. In

seven games played last year, Wright went 20-of-38 passing for 305 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also picked up 195 yards on the ground and reached the end zone five times. Kevin Herbst, who started the last three games of 2013, comes into preseason camp as the backup. As a true freshman, he passed for 243 yards and four scores on 10-of-21 passing with three interceptions. He also gained 77 yards on the ground and rushed for a touchdown.

While the offense returns seven starters from last year’s team, the team will look to gain experience quickly on the defensive side of the ball. Preseason first team allconference linebacker Michael Gruber will anchor a defense that returns just three starters from a year ago. A senior, Gruber needs just 16 tackles this season to break the all-time Brevard record. His 124 tackles last season stand as the most in Tornados’ history for a single campaign. He also added a pair of interceptions and a fumble recovery to his impressive totals in 2013.

“Michael has been an outstanding football player for us since the day he got to campus,” remarked Hamilton.

“He’s a just tough, hard-nosed football player.” Gruber’s skill has earned him recognition from multiple national publications. He was named second team all-region and an AllAmerica honorable mention by The Football Gazette last season and garnered preseason All-America honorable mention accolades by the Collegiate Development Football League in 2014.

Senior defensive lineman Landon Allen will also be called upon to help lead a position group that will likely serve as a barometer of the team’s success this season. Allen has 98 career tackles, needing just 42 stops to move into the top ten in Brevard history. He is currently 10th all-time with 13 tackles for loss and ninth with five sacks in his career. Last season, he forced two fumbles, the secondhighest total in the conference, and had three sacks that caused a loss of 26 yards. Junior safety Marcus

Lunsford, Brevard’s lone returning defensive back, had 50 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery during his sophomore campaign.

After opening the season at Western Carolina and Liberty, the Tornados’ home opener comes against 2013 playoff participant and conference favorite CarsonNewman. Brevard travels to North Greenville in a nonconference tilt, then has a televised Homecoming matchup with a Lenoir-Rhyne squad that made a run to the national title game a year ago in the first of six straight conference games.

The Tornados travel to Mars Hill on October 11 before its second televised game in three weeks against Wingate.

After a matchup at Catawba, the Tornados wrap up the home portion of the conference schedule with a November 1 tilt against Newberry, which was picked third by the coaches in the conference preseason poll and finished last season with a No. 23 national ranking en route to its second-ever Division II playoff appearance. A Thursday night matchup at Tusculum concludes the conference schedule before the Tornados return home for a matchup against the College of Faith to close the 2014 campaign.

by Randall StewaRt, bRevaRd College athletiC Media RelationS diReCtoR

schedUle 09/06/14 09/13/14 09/20/14 09/27/14 10/04/14 10/11/14 10/18/14 10/25/14 11/01/14 11/06/14 11/15/14

Western Carolina Liberty Carson-Newman* North Greenville Lenoir-Rhyne* Mars Hill* Wingate* Catawba* Newberry* Tusculum* College of Faith

* Conference Game

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