2010 WNC High School Football Preview by Randy Graffa

PLAYER FEATURES:

Polk County’s

Overholt

August 24, 2010

33RD ANNUAL WNC HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

THE BOBBY D. CORN MEMORIAL IWANNA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

WNC Team Previews Asheville High’s

Pagan

Pictures, Rosters, & Schedules Local College Previews IWANNA’s Best in the West

AC Reynold’s

Councell

W. Henderson’s

‘The Kevins’

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IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Mountain Athletic Conference

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3A 4A

ROBERSON • ASHEVILLE HIGH • NORTH BUNCOMBE • ENKA • ERWIN • McDOWELL • REYNOLDS

RAMS’ FOSTER, WILLISON GIVE ROBERSON VERSATILITY, LEADERSHIP

are are the times when a team will decide that its top returning tackler would be of more use on the sidelines when the defense takes the field. As strange as it may sound, that is what Roberson head coach Jim Beatty has decided to do heading into the 2010 season with last year’s two-way standout Preston Foster. As a linebacker last year, Foster led the Rams with 75 tackles in 12 games, an average of 6.3 per contest. Yet with the loss of quarterback and leading rusher Chandler Wrightenberry to graduation and with sophomore Noah Suber taking his first varsity snaps, Foster is expected to carry much of the offensive load for Roberson, which means he will need to stay as healthy as possible throughout the game as well as the season. “Coach Beatty feels I’ll be more

useful and have more energy to run the ball if most of my focus is on offense,” Foster said. “If I’m playing a lot of defense, I’m going to be tired much of the time at running back. I’m happy to play wherever I’m needed. If it’s just tailback, that’s fine. But if the time comes when I’m needed at linebacker, I’ll be ready to step up and do it. I’ll suck it up and do both if that’s what this team needs.” One of the reasons Beatty is willing to take the calculated gamble is the presence of Matt Willison in the middle of the Rams’ defense. Willison emerged as one of the team’s best playmakers last season, displaying a keen sense of putting teammates in the right position and a real nose for the football. With Willison stepping up as a leader, Foster is able to make continued on page 4

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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most observers consider to be the cream of the crop in the Mountain Athletic Conference this year. While he calls many of those foes friends, he admits that will not reduce his intensity once the referee’s first whistle blows. “I’m not worried about any particular team,” Foster said. “I’m worried about the next team we have to play. My first goal is to win the season opener and make an immediate statement. After that, it’s about winning the next game on Friday against whoever it might be.” Willison started playing football when he was young before taking a break from the sport during middle school in order to concentrate on baseball. The lure of the gridiron proved to be too great, however, once he arrived in high school. He showed little rust from the layoff and became a strong contributor on the junior varsity before making the move to the top level.

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Roberson’s Preston Foster (Photo courtesy of Tim Sparks)

his greatest impact on the opposite side of the line. “It’s my job to tell everybody what to do, which includes getting them pumped up for games,” Willison said. “Right now I think practice is going real good and I believe we’re already better than we were last year. The defense is playing well. We’re a lot quicker than we were last year and we’re working well together.” Despite the pre-season plans, no one associated with the team would be surprised if Foster wound up seeing more than a little bit of time on defense. After all, his success at the linebacker position speaks for itself, and he’s been playing both ways since he began playing the sport at age six. This year will be his 12th consecutive season of putting on the pads. Ironically, Foster grew up playing in the youth leagues of Asheville and knows many of the current players toiling with the Cougars and Rockets, the teams

“Once I played football here in ninth grade, I quit playing baseball,” Willison said. “I’ve been devoted to football ever since. I love it, and I want this year to be our best season yet.” Plans call for Willison to be on the field a little more than Foster. In addition to his duties at linebacker, Willison will also serve as the Rams’ starting tight end. In the Roberson scheme, the tight end is required to do a considerable amount of blocking, which includes opening holes in the defense for Foster. He is also capable of pulling in passes when the need arises, thereby giving Suber another potential target. “Matt does a good job of blocking and running routes, and he has good hands,” Beatty said. “He’s a real leader on defense and a good all-around player. He’s just like Preston in that he’ll do anything you ask in order to make the team better.” As two of the more experienced players on the team, Willison and Foster realize leadership is part of their responsibilities, regardless of what their roles on the field may be. Neither one is shy about saying an encouraging word or lighting a fire under a teammate if the situation calls for it. What’s more, they both understand that they are helping set examples of how the game should be played long after their high school careers conclude. “I try to step in when I need to,” Foster said. “If Matt’s taking care of somebody, I’ll step back and let him take care of the situation. If I need to handle it, I’ll do it. We’re a team that works as one. “As far as the young guys on this team are concerned, they have a chance to be great and they just need to keep doing what they’re doing. Everybody out here is working hard and playing hard and they just need to keep that up in order to have success this season.” According to Willison, the team’s primary goal is to play together as a unit. After that, he believes based on what he’s seen thus far, the Rams have what it takes to surprise a few observers by challenging for the MAC championship. “Everything feels better about this team this year compared to last year,” Willison said. “The energy is so much more positive. We’re going to show people this year that we’re serious about being a good team.” Added Foster, “We love the underdog role. And we’re going to prove ourselves while proving some other people wrong.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

RobeRson Rams Head Coach:................. Jim Beatty Nickname:...............................Rams School colors: .Navy blue & Vegas gold 2009 Record: ..............................4-8 Directions:...I-26 to exit 37. Left on Long Shoals Rd. 0.7 miles to Overlook Rd. 0.4 miles. School on right.

e a d coach Jim Beatty faced a predicament early last season as his ofCoach Jim Beatty fense struggled against opponents the Roberson Rams should have been handling. With

the team having difficulty getting the ball into the hands of its most explosive player, Chandler Wrightenberry, Beatty decided to put the senior under center to see what would happen. In the end, although Roberson won only four of 12 outings, including half of its six Mountain Athletic Conference contests, Wrightenberry gave the Rams a fighting chance on most Friday nights by rushing for 1,041 yards and 14 touchdowns while making 59 tackles on defense to earn all-conference and All-Western North Carolina recognition. While Wrightenberry is now toiling on the gridiron at Elon, the remaining Rams at Roberson are hoping to use last season’s experience as a springboard for better

RobeRson Rams days this fall. Beatty believes that is possible thanks to a strong senior class, even though many of the skill positions feature a plethora of youth. “We’re going to be extremely young,” Beatty said. “But even though we don’t have the experience we’ve had in the past, we have a lot of hard-nosed kids who really want to get to the ball and are fun to coach. They’ll make some mistakes, but in the end they’re going to be guys that we believe will win you a lot of games.” Leading the offense will be sophomore quarterback Noah Suber, who takes the huge step into a starting role after learning the offense quickly this past spring and summer. He has continued to make strides in his development since pre-season practice began, displaying the all-around skills while throwing the ball well and doing an excellent job of reading defenses. With Suber inexperienced at the varsity level, the Rams are counting on greater productivity from senior Preston Foster, a solid two-way performer who is expected to handle most of the

rushing load for the Rams. Foster carried the pigskin 69 times for 453 yards, good for a 6.6 yards-per-carry norm, last season. He was also one of the team’s top defenders, making 75 tackles and averaging 6.3 hits per contest. Tristen Endaya showed flashes of brilliance last season while battling some injuries and could see an increase in his role this fall, as could Josh Aikens, a senior who has impressed since arriving from Texas. The fullback position will feature a pair of sophomores in Sam Wells and Bill Cecil. Roberson has more experience at receiver than in the backfield. Senior Grant Petty will start for the third straight season on one side, while junior L.J. Robbs returns for his second consecutive year as a first-string pass catcher. “Grant has real good hands and has a good feel for what he needs to do as a wideout,” Beatty said. “L.J. did a nice job for us last year as a sophomore and we believe his contributions will increase with more experience. And once again we have a lot of young guys coming up from the junior varsity team that are doing well and could play

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Franklin West Henderson Crest South Point Clinton McDowell* North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds* Enka*

H H A A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

their way into seeing some minutes.” The skill positions should benefit from the girth found along the offensive line. At 6’ 2” and 275 lbs., all-conference recipient Dwan Hanshaw leads a group that is expected to win the battle in the trenches more often than not. A two-year starter Anthony Pisano and sophomore Jeff Deleon, who started part of last season as a freshman, are also among the returners that help give the Rams one of the larger lines in the MAC. continued on page 8

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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TC ROBERSON RAMS

SCHEDULE 08/20/10

Franklin

08/27/10

West Henderson

09/03/10

Crest

09/10/10

South Point

09/17/10

Clinton

09/24/10

McDowell*

10/08/10

North Buncombe*

10/15/10

Erwin*

10/22/10

Asheville*

10/29/10

AC Reynolds*

11/05/10

Enka*

*Conference Game

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ROBERSON RAMS • ROBERSON RAMS

The defensive wall will be led by Ian McMillian, a two-year starter who eats a lot of space at 6’ 3” and 295 lbs. Hanshaw and Deleon will see action on defense as well as the offensive line, which should give the Rams a formidable front. “When we put those three kids on the line, we’re averaging close to 285 lbs. and well over 6’ 3”,” Beatty said. “We have some other young guys who are trying to work their way into some playing time. If nothing else, we’ll have sufficient size up front.” Anchoring the middle of the defense will be senior linebacker Matt Willison. Foster was the team’s leading tackler last year with 75 hits, but Beatty enters the season hoping to keep the defensive repetitions down due to Foster’s increased load on offense. Petty heads the secondary after starting in the backfield as well as at receiver for the past two years. Junior Tyler Jones has shown a knack for punishing ball carriers at safety. Endaya and Robbs are receiving their first extended activity at cornerback along with junior Patrick Unks.

“Grant’s doing a good job of being a leader back there, which is what we need from him this year,” Beatty said. “He’s really helping the young kids out and making sure they know what they’re doing. He needs to continue to do that in order for us to be successful and for his senior year to be one to remember.” With so much youth, Beatty realizes the Rams will experience their share of ups and downs over the course of the campaign. While the results may not be seen until the latter part of the season or even next year, Beatty is encouraged with the direction his team is taking as well as what the future holds. “I couldn’t be more pleased with our overall effort in practice,” Beatty said. “These kids are a tight-knit bunch that have a lot of enthusiasm. They’re fun to coach, and they want to learn and they want to play. Most of these kids have had a lot of success on the junior varsity team, and I believe they’re ready to take it to the next level.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS

PAGAN AIMS FOR STATE TITLE BEFORE BECOMING A GATOR

Jeoffrey Pagan (Photo courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography)

eams in the Mountain Athletic T Conference do not need to be reminded about how effective

Jeoffrey Pagan can be every time he steps on the football field. After all, the Asheville defensive end generated plenty of headaches for offensive coordinators last year by making 54 tackles, including 11 for loss yardage, while helping guide the Cougars to an 11-1-1 record and the league championship crown. Yet just how good is Pagan considered to be? Consider this: The senior received scholarship offers for more than 30 Division I colleges. He also was ranked among the nation’s best defensive ends by several recruiting services. Rivals.com tabbed him the second-best overall recruit in NC, the third-best defensive end in the country, and the nation’s 25th-best overall recruit. Maxpreps.com and Scout.com also tabbed Pagan as the second-best defensive end in the nation. For most young men, receiving such attention would lead to an ego as large as Pagan’s 6’ 4”, 250 lb. frame. Yet that is far from the case with the leader of the Cougar

defense. While he realizes his performance has generated a large amount of buzz from throughout the country, he is equally aware of the aspects of his game that need improvement in order to make the most of the opportunities that await. “Last year was really my first season at defensive end and I was lacking on the technique part,” Pagan said. “This year, after being recruited and talking with a lot of different people and working on some different things, I believe I’ve gotten a lot better.” “Obviously Jeoffrey did a great job at defensive end last year and he has continued to do whatever he can to become even better,” said Asheville head coach Danny Wilkins. “He depended on his athleticism last year, and this season he’s bigger and stronger and more refined in what he’s trying to accomplish. He has a lot of natural ability, and now he’s learning how to build on that.” His size, athleticism, and performance — not to mention his raw talent — attracted schools from throughout the country. Pagan and his mother as well as a few teammates made several stops along the recruiting trail. Wilkins sat down with the Pagans and explained the process, emphasizing how important it was that Jeoffrey select a college that represented the best fit for him. “The recruiting process was a lot of fun,” Pagan said. “We got to go to a lot of different places and see a lot of different things. I learned a lot and really enjoyed it. The big thing about Florida is the opportunity I’ll have there. I got a real good feel for

their program and realized that I could go down there and make an impact. Plus, going and playing in the SEC was a major part because of its high caliber of football.” Pagan transferred from A.C. Reynolds to Asheville after his sophomore year in hopes of receiving more attention from college scouts. His biggest play of the campaign came against his former team when Pagan intercepted a pass and returned it 80 yards for a touchdown in the Cougars’ 35-24 victory. Pagan admits there was some disappointment in not being part of the Rockets’ state championship last season but adds he has no regrets regarding his decision to attend Asheville. To help the Cougars attain those heights, Pagan will once again see activity at tight end as well as defensive end. In 2009, he caught six passes for 37 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball on 18 occasions, galloping for 137 yards and two more scores. Pagan says he enjoys contributing on offense and is willing to do whatever it takes to help Asheville go deeper this season once the playoffs commence. “It feels like we’re coming together as a team and playing better in practice every day,” Pagan said. “I believe we have a chance to have a great season. Our goal is take it one step at a time by winning the games to win the conference and from there win the state. If we keep working hard the way we have been and continue to play as a team, I really believe we have a chance to make that happen.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

Asheville cougArs

Roster #

Asheville cougArs

SCHEDULE

08/27/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Tuscola Burns Sun Valley Elizabethton AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Erwin*

A H H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

Head Coach:...........Danny Wilkins Nickname:.......................... Cougars School colors: .....cardinal & black 2009 Record: .........................11-1-1 Directions:...I/40 exit 50 then north on US/25/Hendersonville Rd. toward Allen Ave. Continue to follow US/25 2.5 miles to 419 McDowell St.

t would be hard to find a coach who gets m o r e from his players Coach Danny Wilkins on an annual basis than Asheville’s Danny Wilkins. Every fall the Cougars seem to enter the season with as many question marks as answers, yet by the end of the slate, Asheville is typically among the top teams in the conference and a major challenger for the state title come playoff time. The Cougars, in fact, are in the midst of a streak that includes a school-record five straight Mountain Athletic Conference championships. In his 10 seasons as

Asheville’s head coach, Wilkins has posted a 103-27-1 record and won the 3-A state title in 2005. “Graduation is always going to take some players from you, and the challenge is putting the pieces to the puzzle together every year in order to be able to compete at a high level,” Wilkins said. “We’re never a real deep squad from a numbers standpoint, but I like this group. We have a lot of good kids returning, and we have some kids with a lot of promise and potential that we hope will eventually pan out. So we do have players to work with heading into the season.” The Cougars lost starting quarterback Brandon Whiteside to graduation, which left a void under center. With backups in short supply, Wilkins looked elsewhere and tried receiver Deveron Rob-

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

erts and tailback Tysean Holloway before deciding to go with the former to man the signalcaller responsibilities. While a few rough spots have ensued, there is no question among the faithful at Memorial Stadium that the head coach knows what he’s doing. “We worked with Deveron and Tysean all spring and summer by going to several skills tournaments and that sort of thing,” Wilkins said. “The bottom line was, Tysean has all the physical tools to do the job, but the team as an offensive unit seemed to flow better with Deveron as the quarterback. He doesn’t have as strong an arm as Tysean and he’s not as fast, but he has a little bit more accuracy and touch on his passes. And then when you look at what Tysean gives us at continued on page 10

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NAME

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

Brandon Williams RB/LB 5’8” 175 Deveron Roberts QB/DB 5’11” 160 Denzel McKnight WR/DB 5’7” 160 Darius Burton WR/OLB 5’8” 147 Keith Ellis RB/OLB 5’6” 144 David Howerton QB/DB 5’11” 158 Tysean Holloway RB/DB 6’0” 180 Sevon Porter WR/DB 5’4” 109 Loody Woody WR/DB 6’1” 177 Justin Fritts WR/DB 6’2” 173 Brentton Ireland WR/DB 5’8” 155 Doug Clement WR/DB 5’10” 160 Curtis Johnson WR/DB 5’8” 123 Devonte Battle FB/OLB 5’8” 150 Sam Jackson FB/LB 6’1” 181 Mason Moore K/K 6’2” 160 Will Townsend TE/DL 5’9” 160 Darius Miller WR/DB 5’10” 157 Sam Withers FB/TE/LB 5’11” 160 T.J. Davidson WR/OLB 5’11” 170 Nevin Wisnoski OL/DL 6’0” 185 Milton Ruffin OL/DL 6’0” 220 Dre Bowden OL/DL 5’11” 243 Greg Smith OL/DL 6’1” 210 Markes Jackson OL/DL 5’6” 220 Wes Smith OL/DL 5’8” 198 Kyle Weeks OL/DL 5’9” 230 Dillon Sessions OL/DL 6’0” 220 Jacob Wright OL/DL 5’11” 264 Jonathan Blakely OL/LB 5’10” 205 Omo Hardy OL/DL 5’9” 286 Xaveria Baird OL/DL 6’4” 240 Deangelo Brown OL/DL 5’11” 181 Marcus Whitson OL/DL 5’10” 275 Kenneth Hill OL/DL 5’9” 228 Robert Russell OL/DL 6’0” 263 Taylor Boyd OL/DL 5’11” 250 Sameer Lakhani TE/DL 6’0” 180 Jeoffrey Pagan TE/DL 6’4” 270 Tyreese Cox WR/DB 5’7” 132 Gabe Williams WR/DB 5’8” 148 Maurice Young WR/OLB 5’5” 146 Denzel Ruff TE/LB 6’1” 215

Coaches

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Head Coach: Danny Wilkins Assistants: Charlie Metcalf, Gene Hammonds, Rex Wells, David Burdette, Adrian Clark, Bill Silver, and Scott Buchanan

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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ASHEVILLE COUGARS • ASHEVILLE COUGARS

the tailback position, we just decided that the best thing we could do for our team was to keep him there and put Deveron at quarterback.” Holloway is coming off an incredible sophomore season in which he scored 24 rushing touchdowns while galloping for 1,541 yards on 186 carries for an 8.3-yard average. He will team with fullback Brandon Williams to give the Cougars a dangerous backfield that has the potential to put points on the scoreboard in a hurry. “Brandon is quick, and we’re working T.J. Davidson in at fullback after moving him from tight end,” Wilkins said. “We feel like he is going to be able to fill in and give us some minutes back there. We’re going to run some option plays that are going to require an athletic fullback. We hope that way teams won’t be able to zero in on the tailback or the quarterback. We want to make them defend all of the backs.” Another potent player with the pigskin in his possession is Denzel McKnight, who rushed for 372 yards and six touchdowns in 2009. McKnight, however, is shifting from running back to receiver in order to give Roberts a viable option through the airways. “We’re going to line Denzel up as a receiver, and Doug Clement is also going to see time at the flanker spot,” Wilkins said. “Denzel and Doug are our cornerbacks on defense, and as two of the faster guys we have, they have shown the ability to stretch the field vertically. At split end, we have an up-and-coming young man with a great body in Justin Fritts. Another kid, a transfer from Charlotte who grew up in our middle school program, Loody Woody, will help us out at split end as well as at safety.”

Wilkins’ greatest concern centers on rebuilding the offensive line. Milton Ruffin, who earned All-MAC honors last season, is the top returner in the trenches. Depth and size is also a potential problem on the defensive front aside from Ruffin and defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan. The All-Western North Carolina performer had offers from at least 22 Division I schools prior to deciding to attend the University of Florida. As a junior, Pagan had 54 tackles, including 11 for a loss, to give the Cougars one of the most intimidating presences found on the football field on Friday nights. “Jeoffrey makes us look bigger than we actually are on defense,” Wilkins said. “We don’t have a ton of size in either our offensive or defensive front but have some athletic guys and sometimes that trumps size.” Williams mans the heart of the defense at linebacker after leading the Cougars with 59 primary tackles, 45 assists, and 11 hits for a loss. McKnight is moving from linebacker to cornerback after recording 62 tackles and nine for a loss last year. He and Clement, who broke up five passes last season, give Asheville excellent speed to cover the deep throw. “We’ve been blessed to have talented enough kids to win five conference titles in a row and we’d like to make it six,” Wilkins said. “We’ve grown accustomed to making deep runs in the playoffs. If you’re not careful, people start to take that for granted and you forget to work to get to that point. My job is to make certain our coaching staff and our kids are constantly reminded that it takes a whole lot of hard work to get to where you want to go.” - Bill Ballew

AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS • AC REYNOLDS ROCKETS

NOTRE DAME-BOUND COUNCELL AIMING

FOR BACK-TO-BACK STATE TITLES

Ben Councell (Photo courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography)

he Reynolds Rockets return six starters on offense and an incredible nine first-string performers on defense after they left with a 10-game winning streak last season, not to mention the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-A championship. With the 2010 football season on the horizon, Ben Councell found himself facing a variety of options regarding his college career. Numerous Division I schools, including most everyone in the Southeast, had made offers to one of the top outside linebackers/defensive ends in the country, and a few of the high-profile programs were itching for an answer. The Reynolds’ defensive standout felt he couldn’t make a bad choice given the situation, yet one team in particular remained in the forefront of his mind every time he gave the process extended consideration. “I sat down with my parents and we ran down everything,” Councell said. “Football was starting, so I was trying to get my decision out of the way. I asked them if it was okay if I went ahead and commit-

ted to Notre Dame. It just felt like the perfect fit for me. Georgia Tech had some pieces, but there were just a few more pieces that fit in at Notre Dame. Driving back [from visit to South Bend], I just felt that Notre Dame was the spot for me.” In addition to the Fightin’ Irish and Yellow Jackets, Councell also narrowed his options to North Carolina and South Carolina. The difference came down to the time the coaching staffs at Notre Dame and Georgia Tech spent with Councell, which helped him realize how significant his presence could be felt on the program. “Notre Dame sat me down and broke down the defense for me,” Councell said. “It was the whole defensive staff for about two and a half hours of just explaining the spot that they wanted me to play. They took me on a tour. The facilities were great. I met a lot of the players and they were awesome guys that I felt I could fit in with. Out of all the colleges that recruited me, Coach (Mike) Elston did the best job of keeping in touch with not just me, but my dad on a regular basis. He formed relationships with my parents and myself and my coaching staff at Reynolds. Communication has been the key and he did all that.” After putting together an impressive 2009 season that culminated with the 4-A NCHSAA state championship, Councell has the opportunity to help Reynolds become the first school in Buncombe County history to win back-to-back state titles. And with most of the pieces to last year’s puzzle back on the gridiron, Councell admits the team’s goals are lofty. “With all our returning players,

we know all of the hard work that went into winning everything last year,” Councell said. “And we know it’s going to take just as much in order to win another one.” Councell made a name for himself last year when he was tabbed a second-team All-Western North Carolina selection by the Asheville Citizen-Times. After playing sparingly on the Reynolds varsity as a sophomore in 2008, when he made six tackles (three solo hits and three assists), he blossomed into a defensive force during his junior campaign. Playing outside linebacker for the Rockets, Councell made 124 total tackles for the state champs, including 13 for a loss. He also had two fumble recoveries and blocked a kick, all of which displayed his tremendous athleticism in all phases of the game. Despite those impressive totals, Councell’s frame and his potential in addition to his abilities on the field are what really attracted so many college recruiters. At 6’ 5” and 220 lbs., Councell is tall and rangy, and will be able to add weight without any negative effects as his body matures. His speed has been clocked as low as 4.0 seconds in the 40-yard dash, and game tapes showed college coaches how well his running ability plays in games. Councell ran down several smaller receivers and running backs in the open field last year, which had schools envisioning him playing on the perimeter while covering tight ends and running backs emerging from the backfield in passing situations. According to Reynolds head coach Shane Laws, Councell is a physically tough player with great recognition skills. He is also a sure tackler who showed observers throughout the region last year that he almost always brings down the ball carrier. His quickness, speed, and size make him an ideal pass rusher, with his long arms creating distractions while knocking down passes at the line. Recruiting services as well as followers of Notre Dame football believe Councell will be a perfect fit for coach Bob Diaco’s defensive system. He will most likely play outside linebacker in college, while Laws envisions Councell seeing much of his time during his senior year at defensive end. “It really doesn’t matter to me,” Councell said. “The goal for everyone here is to win every time we go out on the field and hopefully repeat what we were able to accomplish last year.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

AC REYNOLDS ROCkEtS

AC REYNOLDS ROCkEtS Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

West Forsyth Owen Pisgah Watauga Erwin* Asheville* Crest* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe*

*Conference Game

A H A H H A A H A H A

Head Coach:................Shane Laws Nickname:............................Rockets School colors: ......... green & white 2009 Record: .............................14-2 Directions:...From I-40 take exit onto Hwy. 14 toward Fairview. 2 miles turn right onto Rocket Dr. School on left.

xpectations are always high in Fairview once fall and the football season start to appear on the horizon. The anticipation surrounding the 2010 campaign,

however, might top the charts, especially since the Reynolds Rockets return six starters on offense and an incredible nine first-string performers on defense after concluding last season with a 10-game winning streak and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-A championship. “Our guys have done a great job of handling all the hype so far,” said head coach Shane Laws, who enters his fourth season at the Rockets’ helm. “For the first time

in school Coach Shane Laws history we have the opportunity to be a repeat state champion. That’s something very few schools have an opportunity to do.” Only the most optimistic of Rocket followers believed the team could win a state title heading into the 2009 slate. After opening the season with no returning starters on defense, Laws and his continued on page 14

Roster #

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 32 33 36 40 42 44 45 50 51 52 54 55 56 57 58 61 64 65 66 68 70 71 73 74 75 80 84 88 90 95 99

NAME

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

Caleb Pressley QB 6’2” 212 Paris Hall WR/DB 5’8” 155 Jeffry Wallace LB/WR 5’9” 222 Tevon Greene DB 5’7” 150 Ben Councell LB 6’5” 225 Okoye Porter QB/WR 5’10” 189 Steven Austin DB 5’9” 150 Jarod Thomas WR 6’1” 220 Chris Bishop DL 5’8” 205 Cody Owenby WR 6’2” 185 Roger Ware DB 5’6” 135 Blake Metcalf K/P 5’11” 162 AJ Marion TB 5’10” 190 Jamari Fretwell DB 5’11” 145 Jordan Setterlind DB 6’1” 175 Grayson Ball DL 5’8” 180 Joey Papay TB/WR 5’11” 170 Chase Foster DB/TB 5’7” 140 Damien Martin DB 5’11” 160 Danny Searcy LB 5’10” 185 Jason Woodward WR 5’10” 161 Austin Pelle K/DB 5’7” 142 Tommy Burns LB 6’3” 230 Brett Lytle WR 5’9” 185 Justin St.Onge DB 5’8” 168 Ronnie Goforth K/P 5’10” 160 Nick Hill LB 5’6” 150 Jakeen Daniels DL 5’9” 202 Courtland Clavette LB 6’3” 215 Collin Kester OL 5’11” 190 Corey Lance OL 5’9” 240 Luke Becker OL 5’11” 212 Jerami Cryderman LB 5’9” 156 Matt Elledge DL 6’3” 190 Cory McPherson DL 5’7” 175 Sam Duckett DL 5’9” 150 Tyler Earwood OL 6’3” 203 Tyler Bissinger OL 6’1” 205 Braden Walker OL/DL 6’0” 200 Martin Payne OL/DL 5’11” 185 Jacob Morgan DL 6’0” 183 Patrick Bidwell DL 5’9” 173 Lee Adams OL 5’8” 180 Gage Austin OL 6’0” 182 Bobby Wallen DL 6’3” 195 Austin Sluder OL 6’2” 255 Kevin Lyda OL 6’2” 244 Brandon Race TE 6’2” 211 Jesse Nash DB 5’7” 135 Zack Jackson DL 5’8” 170 Malik Short DL 6’1” 208 Gary Williams DL 6’1” 278 Jake Kyne DL 5’11” 195

Coaches

Head Coach: Shane Laws Assistants: Larry Brow, Ben Rhodarmer, Hush Cummings, Scott Bissinger, Rick Roberts, Barry Lance, Buck Buchanan, Billy Britt, and Ryan Stevens

12 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 10 11 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 12 10 12 12

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 14

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

staff molded a unit that managed to hold seven of its last nine opponents to fewer than 10 points. Those miserly ways were needed, for the team defeated Harnett Central, Greensboro Dudley, and Winston-Salem Mount Tabor by a

combined total of four points in the playoffs. Opponents should have difficulty accruing points on Friday nights once again this year. Despite losing lineman Cassidy Topa and linebacker Patrick Blalock to

graduation, the Rockets are loaded with standouts, led by senior linebacker Courtland Clavette. An All-Mountain Athletic Conference first-team recipient in 2009, Clavette made 125 tackles last fall, including an incredible 21 for a loss and recovered a team-high six fumbles. Seniors Jeremy Cryderman and Jeffrey Wallace are also back as starters. Cryderman ranked fourth on the team last season with 116 hits to earn honorable mention All-WNC honors from the Asheville Citizen-Times. Wallace had 57 hits while handling much of the coverage aspects on the outside. Clearing a path for the linebackers is a potent front wall that includes senior Ben Councell. A second-team All-WNC recipient from the Asheville Citizen-Times, Councell played linebacker last year and made 124 stops. Standing 6’ 5” and weighing 225 lbs., Councell has shifted to defensive end, where he is expected to make the lives of quarterbacks difficult on a consistent basis. The defensive backfield will once again be headed by senior Damian Martin and sophomore Justin St. Onge. Martin led the Rockets with four interceptions last fall while making 54 tackles. He earned honorable mention All-WNC recognition from the Asheville Citizen-Times, as did St. Onge, who ranked second on the team with three picks while making 72 stops. While tradition suggests the Rockets’ calling card is defense, the offense has the potential to strike in a moment’s notice. Senior Caleb Pressley returns under center after

making a remarkable comeback last fall that included suffering a separated shoulder that caused him to miss three games. Despite the ailment, he passed for 1,610 yards and rushed for another 714 while contributing 21 touchdowns. Pressley showed how valuable he is during the 4-A championship game when he played a role in both Reynolds touchdowns over Harnett Central and was named the contest’s most valuable offensive performer. Pressley will receive assistance from the Rockets’ top two returning rushers in senior Joey Papay and junior A.J. Marion. Papay paced the Reynolds attack with 18 rushing touchdowns while galloping for 1,101 yards. Marion averaged a team-best 8.3 yards per carry while accumulating 737 yards and nine scores. With Reynolds featuring a three-pronged attack capable of breaking long runs any time they touch the pigskin, opponents will have difficulty containing the Rockets over the course of a contest. The Rockets are also capable of filling the airways with footballs. Papay was Pressley’s most prominent receiver, coming out of the backfield to pace Reynolds with 34 receptions while gaining 383 yards for three more scores. Senior Cody Owenby topped the team by averaging 18.9 yards per reception while pulling in 26 passes for 491 yards and four touchdowns. The biggest question mark heading into the season centers on rebuilding the offensive line. Most of last year’s starters, led by All-WNC honoree Jake Whitaker, have departed, although there is

depth across the front with the likes of seniors Braden Walker, Martin Payne, Luke Becker, Seth Peterson, Kevin Lyda, and Jacob Morgan. Nevertheless, getting the upperclassmen in the correct order represented the Rockets’’ greatest challenge prior to the first kickoff. “We’ve been stressing to our players and everyone else that last year is last year,” Laws said. “We appreciate the positive attention, but this is a new season. We do have a lot of guys back, but we have to go out and prove ourselves every time we take the field because no one is going to give us anything. We have a long, hard road ahead of us, but I believe these kids will be ready to face that challenge.” Laws is quick to note how difficult the Rockets’ schedule will be this fall. Reynolds travels to West Forsyth, which handed the Rockets one of their two losses in 2009. They also visit non-conference foes Pisgah on September 10 and Shelby Crest on October 8. In between, on October 1, is a visit to defending MAC winner Asheville, a game that could go a long way in crowning this year’s champion. “Football throughout Western North Carolina is going to be very good this year, and I believe our conference will be extremely tough once again,” Laws said. “But it’s that type of atmosphere that makes doing this so much fun.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 15

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

Erwin warriors

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 11/05/10

Pisgah Owen Madison North Henderson Mountain Heritage AC Reynolds* Enka* McDowell* Roberson* North Buncombe* Asheville*

H A A H H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

Head Coach:................Mike Sexton Nickname:.......................... Warriors School colors: .............. red & white 2009 Record: ............................... 8-5 Directions:...From Patton Ave. in Asheville,turn north onto NC-63/new Leicester Hwy. 2.4 miles. Turn right onto Old County Home Rd. 0.4 miles. Turn right onto Lees Creek Rd. 0.4 miles. End at 60 Lees Creek Rd.

o one quest i o n s whether or not Erwin football is on the right track. Head Coach Mike Sexton coach Mike Sexton has provided direction and discipline to a Warrior program that has gone from being a doormat in Western North Carolina in the past to a legitimate contender in the Mountain Athletic Conference over the previous two seasons. While that scenario should continue once again this fall, the Warriors will miss running back Martese Jackson, at least during the early stages of the season. The most explosive back this area has seen in many moons, Jackson was the MAC Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 after rushing for

Photos courtesy of Jordan Parker

2,142 yards and 33 touchdowns. He as much as anyone played a major role in the Warriors winning eight games last season. “He was the fastest player I’ve seen in a long, long time, and there’s no question we’re going to miss Martese,” Sexton said. “But we have a lot of speed coming back, which is going to help us offset losing him.” As special as Jackson may have been, expectations in Erwin remain high thanks to the return of eight starters on offense and six on defense. As always, the Warriors are making some adjustments in order to accommodate the loss of Jackson and the rest of last year’s seniors. But with speed and experience returning at most of the skill positions and Sexton’s know -how taking root throughout the program, Erwin should once again challenge Reynolds and Asheville for supremacy in the MAC.

Roster #

Leading the charge for the Warriors is senior quarterback Garrett Brown. Named a second-team All-WNC honoree by the Asheville Citizen-Times last fall, Brown is the top returning passer in the conference after ranking fourth in the region with 1,844 passing yards while completing 130 of 219 attempts. A Lenoir-Rhyne University recruit, he connected for touchdowns on 15 tosses and limited his mistakes by throwing only seven interceptions. That type of accuracy and decision-making should bode well for the Warriors’ offense. Brown’s primary target in the passing attack will be fellow second-team All-WNC recipient Shaquan Curenton. As a junior, Curenton ranked third in the region with 759 receiving yards on 40 grabs. Those totals equated to an outstanding 18.9-yard average while generating six touchdowns. Senior Trey Clark also caught 40 passes, good for 626 yards and three scores, but the Warriors are looking to help fill the void at running back by shifting Clark to the backfield. Max Eatmon and Avery Fox, a senior who has shown some solid athleticism despite not playing football recently, are also in the mix to handle the rushing chores. “We’ll be a different type of team this year compared to last season,” Sexton said. “We’ll definitely rely on the pass more this year. We threw for more than 1,800 yards last year while rushing the ball for more than 2,200 yards. Those numbers might be reversed this season, based on how everything plays out.” The Warriors return three starters along the offensive line, but continued on page 21

2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35 40 42 44 45 48 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 61 62 64 65 66 70 72 75 80 85 88 99

NAME

Kalongi Harris Desmond Whitmire Anthony Bowers Darius Lytle Tanner Brookshire Jonathan Allen Jonathan Mills Trey Clark Garrett Brown Shaquan Curenton Jansen Silvers Dylan Greenway Davin Aikin Ryan Morgan Austin Brown Steven Angel Max Eatmon Jesse Gross D.J. Jones Jesse Debruhl DeAngelo Collington Kelman Simpson Tyler Wyatt Syd Freeman Seth Carter Colt Austin Avery Fox Josh Chambers James Smith Elisei Cojocari Schaffer LeMieux Bryant Sanders Alfredo Maldonado Matt Chancey Aaron Willis Cody Rice Chris Lunsford Josh Roberts Tyler Buckner Bobby Stanley Bryan Smith Brandon Nash Kolby McLamb Aaron Edwards Justin Cravener J.T. Moore E.J. Taylor Elijah Ellington Justin Robinson Tyler Lunsford J.J. Pickett Frank Hamil Hayden Bradley Dakota King

POS

WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB WR/LB QB/LB WR/DB WR/LB TE/DE WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/LB TE/DE WR/DB WR/DE TE/LB RB/DB K WR/LB WR/DB TE/DE RB/LB WR/D WR/LB OL/DL RB/LB WR/DE WR/LB WR/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 OL/DL TE/DE WR/DB WR/LB OL/DL

Coaches

HT. WT. CLASS

5’11” 175 5’7” 140 5’5” 147 5’7” 170 5’7” 145 5’6” 137 5’7” 135 5’11” 180 5’11” 185 5’11” 175 5’10” 150 5’11” 180 5’10” 142 6’1” 150 5’5” 145 5’9” 171 5’7” 170 5’10” 200 5’9” 142 5’8” 181 5’8” 160 5’5” 134 5’8” 152 5’8” 171 5’8” 141 6’1” 211 5’8” 170 5’7” 170 5’7” 155 5’8” 170 5’7” 171 6’2” 166 5’9” 170 5’8” 180 6’2” 240 6’1” 210 6’0” 241 5’7” 203 5’10” 241 5’10” 205 5’9” 190 6’4” 335 5’8” 223 5’7” 185 5’6” 205 6’2” 251 5’7” 202 511” 192 6’0” 295 6’3” 255 5’10” 211 5’5” 130 5’9” 162 5’6” 216

12 12 10 10 11 9 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 9 11 12 12 11 11 9 9 11 12 10 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 11 12 12 10 12 12 12 11 12 12 11 11 10 11 11 12 12 11 12 12 12

Head Coach: Mike Sexton Assistants: Rodney Pruett, Darryl Clark, Bucky Tarr, Jeremy Crook, Patrick Bohannon, Eddie Taylor, Chris Collins, Andrew Sutton, and Bobby Parker

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 16

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

MCDOWELL titans

Roster #

2 3 4 10 11 12 13 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 30 32 33 40 41 50 51 52 53 60 61 63 64 66 69 71 74 76 77 81 88

NAME

Noah Dunham Joe Johnson Josh Buckner Ryan Lambert Reshawn Lynch Zack Martin Grant Robinson Charen Lytle Caleb Duyck Reshawn Chambers Dylan Bowen Joe Roland Tanner Williams Alex Huendo Isacc Martin Randall Conley John Gowan Nick Westmoreland Brett Greer Chantz Self Justin Woody Jaren Forney Anthony McGee Kendall Higdon Dillon Woody Ezekiel Edwards Devin Carr Matt Loftis Sammy Santes Alex Mayes Ryan Langdon Tommy Rich Stan Holloway Jared Helms Tanner Lennon

POS

FL FL SE FL SE QB QB TB TB TB TB HB WR K HB TE TE HB HB C OT C G OG OG OG C OG OT OG OT OT OT SE TE

HT. WT. CLASS

5’11” 150 6’0” 145 5’10” 155 6’0” 140 5’7” 140 6’0” 190 5’10” 145 5’7” 140 5’9” 160 5’7” 180 5’11” 180 5’9” 165 6’0” 180 5’7” 140 5’8” 160 6’1” 190 6’1” 180 6’0” 150 5’10” 200 5’9” 220 6’0” 200 6’0” 190 5’9” 185 5’11” 215 5’9” 190 5’9” 220 5’10” 220 6’0” 235 5’11” 265 5’9” 185 6’4” 285 6’1” 290 5’10” 290 6’1” 180 6’1” 175

11 12 11 12 11 11 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 12 10 12 11 11 10 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 11 11 10 11

Coaches

Head Coach: Carson Gowan

MCDOWELL titans Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

Head Coach:........... Carson Gowan Nickname:............................... Titans School colors: ....royal blue,silver,& cardinal 2009 Record: ................................1-9 Directions:...From Asheville take I-40 E to exit 72 toward Old Fort, go 9.6miles.TurnrightontoRestoﬂexRd. 0.5 miles turn left onto Old Greenlee Rd. 1.3 miles ends at Marion.

uilding seasons are rarely pretty. Take the McDowell Titans’ 2009 campaign, for example. Aside from quarterback Dakota Ar-

rowood, who has since graduated and is now playing football at Brevard College, experience was hard to come by along the home sideline at Titan Stadium last fall. Head coach Carson Gowan understands the 2010 season will be closer to a baby step than a giant leap in terms of progress for his program. Without question the Titans are headed in the right direction, but seeing the results weekly in the ultra-competitive Mountain Athletic Conference will be a tall task indeed.

“We’re awfully young once again, but we’re working hard and trying to get a little bit better every single day,” Gowan said. “We can see our young kids learning and improving. We’re not going to be a powerhouse this time through by any stretch of the imagination. We have only a few seniors and a lot of freshmen and sophomores, so if we can show improvement every time we go out on the field, we’ll be a better team, slowly but surely.” Gowan’s most frequent sermon

SCHEDULE

Coach Carson Gowan

to his players centers on mental toughness and leadership.That message started to click about midway through preseason practice when the head coach saw some of the players encouraging teammates in a positive manner to step up their games and to make the necessary adjustments. To some observers such events may not sound like much, but Gowan knows that every journey begins with an initial step. continued on page 22

08/20/10 South Caldwell 08/27/10 Mitchell 09/03/10 East Rutherford Rutherfordton09/10/10 Spindale Central 09/17/10 Freedom 09/24/10 Roberson 10/01/10 North Buncombe* 10/08/10 Erwin* 10/15/10 Asheville* 10/22/10 AC Reynolds* 10/29/10 Enka* *Conference Game

A A H H A H A H A H A

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT MCDOWELL TITANS FOOTBALL

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 17

GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS! GO TITANS!

GO TITANS!

McDowell High School Football Schedule

09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10

East Rutherford Home Rutherfordton-Spindale Central Home Freedom Away Roberson Home North Buncombe Away

10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10

Erwin Asheville AC Reynolds Enka

Home Away Home Away

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 18

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

ENKA JETS

SCHEDULE

ENKA JETS Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

Head Coach:...... Manny Matsakis Nickname:.................................. Jets School colors: ........... blue & white 2009 Record: .............................. 4-7 Directions:...From I-40 W, take exit 44 onto US-19/US-23 toward Candler/W Asheville/Enka.Turn right at Patton Ave./US-19.Turn left at NC3412/Sand Hill Rd.Turn right toward Enka Lake Rd./NC-3446. Take slight left. School on the right.

orgive the cynics if they believe the light at the end of the tunnel that has been seen at Enka High School is an oncoming train. The naysayers have witnessed too much of late on the football field to convince them otherwise, a list that includes the lack of a winning season since 1997, frequent turnover at the top, and even a player revolt when a senior lineman was kicked off the team in 2008. Yet that type of downtrodden

atmosphere is quickly becoming a thing of the past in Jets country. After showing glimmers of Coach Manny Matsakis hope during a 2009 campaign that featured a 4-7 record and shutout victories over North Buncombe and Smoky Mountain, Enka is ready to take its program to higher levels, thanks in large part to the attitude instilled by new head coach Manny Matsakis. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that never has the start of the football season been more eagerly anticipated than this year in the Enka-Candler area. “With our community and our players, no one has a better situ-

ation than we do,” Matsakis said. “Our fans are great, and I’ve been welcomed in an unbelievable way. It’s a very exciting time for this program and a very exciting time for me, personally.” The positives associated with the program are impressive. In addition to christening a new oncampus football stadium recently, Matsakis has brought with him a resume rarely seen at the high school level. An offensive coordinator in the Canadian Football League last year, Matsakis has served as an assistant coach at such prominent collegiate programs as Kansas State and Texas Tech and was the head coach at Division II Emporia State. Throughout the past decade he has garnered a reputation as being one of the most innovative coaches in the country, with his unique Triple Shoot Offense generating excitement and success at

every stop he’s made. His high school experience is limited to one season in Ohio as a fledgling coach, but that has not been a barrier in instilling an advanced work ethic and dedication in the Enka program. While Matsakis is the first to admit he never saw himself coaching at this level, particularly after his enjoyable campaign last year in the professional ranks, he is as excited as he has ever been in preparing a team for the season. “Everything’s going very well,” Matsakis said. “We were a little behind the eight ball because I didn’t start until February. We were three months behind, but the players have really responded to what we’re doing and all of the changes that have been going on here.” An example of the change in culture can be seen in the Jets’ preseason preparations. Matsakis took his squad to Williamsport, PA, for the second week of training camp with the goal of coming “back as a very focused, unified football team.” Other alterations include new redesigned helmets and a dedicated website to Enka football in which Matsakis communicates with the team and its fans. The Jets also received a $1,500 grant from the Carolina Panthers to help bolster the program. Membership in the Enka Athletic Boosters, meanwhile, has seen a significant increase. Of course, Matsakis knows there will be growing pains. In addition to the new schemes, the Jets will have a new quarterback in junior Taylor McCurry. No one will have more information to process than McCurry, but Matsakis is certain the youngster can handle the chal-

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

North Henderson Pisgah Smoky Mountain East Henderson Owen North Buncombe* Erwin* Asheville* AC Reynolds* McDowell* Roberson*

A H H A A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

lenge. “Taylor is a young, talented quarterback with a rocket arm who can take us to where we want to go down the road,” Matsakis said. “It’s all a matter of compressing time so we can get him in a position to have as much success as possible.” McCurry will have plenty of talent surrounding him in the skill positions. The starting superback duties will be handled by Chris Carver, while freshman Tommy Hammond is expected to see extensive activity early in his high school career. The receiving corps is deep with the return of Colby Waddell, who averaged a teambest 15.6 yards per reception while pulling in 36 tosses for 563 yards and two touchdowns last season. Zeb Capps is also back after catching 20 passes for 252 yards. “As the season goes along, I believe we’ll have as good a receiving corps as anyone,” Matsakis said. “Davey Conard has not played football since the youth leagues but is good enough to play at the next level. Shaquille Ferguson has grown by leaps and bounds. And John Pyeatt will be in the mix as well, giving us five continued on page 23

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010 E N K A

Page 19

Proud to support the..

ENKA JETS

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 20

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

NORTH BUNCOMBE BlaCk Hawks

Head Coach:...............Carey Metts Nickname:................. Black Hawks School colors: ............. black & red 2009 Record: ..............................2-9 Directions:...From I-26W/US-19N/ US-23N, take exit 17 toward Flat Creek. Turn left at N Buncombe School Rd. Continue onto Mars Hill Hwy. Slight left at Salem Hill Rd.

Roster #

NORTH BUNCOMBE BlaCk Hawks Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

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

*Conference Game

A H H H A A H A H A H

o r t h B u n combe head coach Carey Metts is honest when he looks back on his Coach Carey Metts team’s performance in 2009. There’s no way to sugar-coat the results, which include an overall record of 2-9 and a 1-5 mark against Mountain Athletic Conference competition.

“We were young, and a lot of kids had never played varsity football,” Metts said. “The inexperience killed us.” Yet as honest as Metts may be, he is also optimistic about his Black Hawks’ chances heading into the 2010 campaign. If pre-season practice proves to be a harbinger of things to come, a combination of experienced players and new talent should lead to better results this fall at William E. Reeves Stadium. “The kids worked hard all spring

and summer,” Metts said. “This is the strongest team I’ve had in the six years I’ve been here. We’ve also worked real hard since practice started on August 2. I’m real pleased with our effort. You can tell that their vision is a lot different this year compared to last season. They know what they’re going into and they know the speed of the game and the strength that’s required to have success. I really believe it’s going to be a totally different season for this team.” The Black Hawks will once continued on page 21

3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 20 21 22 23 24 25 32 34 36 42 44 50 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 62 63 65 67 68 70 71 72 73 75 78 84 85 86 88

NAME

Cameron Tayler Dylan Shetley Devin Calloway Christian Jewkes Patrick Opheim Colby Fox Adam Davis Matt Peek Ben Shelton Zach Shook Sheven Richardson Matt Griffin Dallas Rice Cole Leighton Lucas Perrine Collin Lilly Michael Mindo AJ Lanning Dewayne Shelton Tyler White Blake Roberts Tyler Cogdill Corey Wilson Ryan Shiver Hunter Barnes Brady Douthit Tyler Rhew Danny Deskins Eddie Piccirillo Hector Valderrama Tyler Keller Anthony Rice Brad Johnson Jessie Ketterman Brent Rayfield Colton Anderson Eric Morin Mitchell Blackmon Cory James Jared Novak Michael Bustle Dalton Friel Ryan Harvey

POS

FB/DB RB/DB RB/DB QB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB FB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/LB FB/LB FB/LB WR/DB TE/DE FB/LB WR/DB TB/DB TE/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL K FB/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL TE/DE OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DE OL/DL WR/DB WR/LB TE/LB WR/DB

Coaches

HT. WT. CLASS

5’9” 160 5’5” 140 5’10” 170 6’0” 165 6’1” 170 5’10” 160 6’2” 155 5’9” 180 5’9” 145 5’8” 175 6’0” 165 5’9” 170 6’0” 175 5’6” 160 5’10” 155 6’5” 230 5’7” 180 5’7” 155 5’10” 165 5’10” 180 5’5” 200 5’8” 190 6’1” 220 6’2” 235 6’0” 160 6’1” 195 5’7” 210 6’1” 230 6’2” 180 5’6” 180 5’8” 210 5’11” 180 5’10” 210 6’0” 175 6’3” 310 6’0” 270 5’9” 185 6’2” 200 5’10” 320 5’10” 160 5’10” 170 6’3” 220 6’0” 160

10 10 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 10 12 10 12

Head Coach: Carey Metts Assistants: Kevin Yontz, Chris Sherrill, Cedric Alexander, Greg McFee, Wes McKenny, Jake Allen, Chris Hightower, Lamont Moore

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 21

NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS• NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS • NORTH BUNCOMBE BLACK HAWKS again employ a run-oriented offense, although there will be a new quarterback under center. The departure of last year’s starter, Jon Brazil, who passed for 511 yards, provides an opportunity for junior Christian Jewkes. Jewkes guided the North Buncombe junior varsity squad in 2009 by throwing for more than 1,000 yards. He has continued to display the leadership traits required of the highprofile position this summer. “Christian is a very smart quarterback,” Metts said. “He has a good arm and he makes good decisions. We believe he’ll run the offense very well.” Supporting Jewkes is a running attack that features returning starter Devin Calloway, who rushed for 640 yards and two touchdowns last season, and fullback Dallas Rice. Both players, however, are not expected to play early in the season due to disciplinary reasons.

Fortunately, Metts is pleased with his team’s depth at the tailback position, which should bode well for several juniors ready to step up, including Adam Davis. “With Devin also playing safety for us, we’ll need to work in a few of our other guys back there,” Metts said. “Our line has become very strong and we’re big up front. We’re going to try to establish our running game this year as opposed to throwing the ball a lot. Don’t get me wrong, we will throw the ball and we will still operate out of the spread. But we are going to try to hammer it out a little more than we have in the past.” Experience will be a key for the Black Hawks along the line. Senior right tackle Brent Rayfield is one of the team’s leaders as well as one of the more dominant linemen in Western North Carolina. North Buncombe also has strong pieces to the puzzle in center

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Ryan Shiver and tight end Collin Lilly, both of whom serve as part of the heart and soul of the team’s attack. “We’re very positive and there’s no negativity on this team,” Rayfield said. “There are also some new players who have come out and they have brought a fresh approach as well. When you look at all of the work everyone has done, you can see that we’re ready to play.” Shiver and Rayfield are also key components to the Black Hawk defense as the middle men of the line. Max Norwood is back after leading the team with 66 tackles in 2009. North Buncombe also should benefit from the return of Tyler White as well as Rice, who missed all of last season after tearing the

anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, at linebacker. The backfield will be led by Calloway and junior Colby Fox, who will be matched against the opposing teams’ top receivers every Friday night. “Our defense is going to be strong,” Metts said. “We have nearly everybody back from last year. Our line should be strong, and our linebackers are doing an outstanding job. We also have a lot of talent in the secondary, especially with Calloway and the speed and aggressiveness he brings to the field.” The bumps and bruises suffered last season at North Buncombe could serve as a springboard for the 2010 squad. If nothing else, there is no question the players have learned and grown from taking the field on Friday nights.

Now that they are a little longer of tooth, so to speak, the Black Hawks feel they are prepared to challenge in the Mountain Athletic Conference and contend for a spot in the playoffs. “We’re already at another level,” Metts said. “We’re way ahead of where we were at any time last year. The kids understand what we need and what we want. The intensity level is three times what it was last season. They experienced so much culture shock last year that they didn’t know what was going on in terms of playing varsity football. But that’s all behind us now, and that’s going to make a tremendous difference for our football program this fall.” - Bill Ballew

ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS • ERWIN WARRIORS continued from page 15

Sexton and the Warriors’ coaching staff spent most of pre-season practice looking for additional pieces in order to form a consistent and cohesive unit. Cody Rice is back handling the duties at center, while Justin Robinson and Tyler Buckner return at the guard and tackle positions, respectively. On defense, the Warriors have

a strong front line with the return of Colt Austin, Dillon Greenway, and J.T. Moore. Erwin lost its entire starting linebacker corps from last year, which has necessitated some mixing and matching to fill the void. Clark, who was named a second team All-WNC performer last fall while playing safety, has made an impressive shift to linebacker

during pre-season practice after he averaged 7.5 tackles per game in 2009 while making 98 stops in 13 contests. Senior Kalongi Harris is also making the move from the secondary to linebacker, thereby giving the Warriors outstanding athleticism in the middle of the defense. Even with Clark and Harris moving closer to the line of scrimmage, two-way standouts Curenton and Eatmon give Erwin one of the region’s best defensive backfields. Brown may be called upon to play in the secondary as well, although Sexton has been searching for alternatives in order to keep the senior healthy and at his most productive level at quarterback. “Garrett is a great defensive player, but his responsibilities are going to be so great on offense that we really don’t want to make him stay on the field for the entire game by playing defense too,” Sexton said. “I can see Garrett playing some defense, but Shaquan and Max give us a really good head start back there.” Erwin has posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1986-87. The Warriors’ eight wins last year represented the school’s high-water mark since 2000. The team has also advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs in each of the last two campaigns, with this year’s squad determined to go even deeper in November and December. “We’re very excited about the way these young men have worked over the summer,” Sexton said. “They work hard every day. Right now we’re just trying to get ready for the next game. There’s a lot of positive energy associated with the program, which makes it fun to go out and see how we match up on Friday night.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

continued from page 16

“We had 30 freshmen on the junior varsity team last year and they’re all back,” Gowan said. “We have another 30 freshmen this season, so we have a great base. We have 22 or so juniors and about eight seniors. We believe this will be the last season that we depend on a lot of kids who haven’t been around for a while. These young guys are gaining experience, and in the next year or two, we should have a lot of upperclassmen who have played a lot of varsity football.” A prime example of the team’s youth is evident at quarterback where Zack Martin makes the step from last year’s junior varsity team to the Titans’ starter under center in 2010. Gowan is impressed with the physical gains Martin has made since last fall, progress

“We had 30 freshmen on the junior varsity team last year and they’re all back,” Gowan said. “We have another 30 freshmen this season, so we have a great base.” that includes added strength and quickness and more knowledgeable of the offense. He is joined in the offensive backfield by a committee of running backs, led by Rashan Chambers, who also graduates from the JV squad. Caleb Deyck and Chaven Lytle also are expected to receive carries in order to keep everyone fresh and productive. “None of our tailbacks are 200

or 220-lb. guys that can pound the defense time after time,” Gowan said. “These guys are 160, 170 lbs. that we want to keep healthy over a 12-game stretch. This way they’ll get experience while hopefully having as much success as possible.” Martin is working with a solid receiving corps, including tight end Randall Conley, who has emerged as one of more talented Titans

with his ability to run crisp routes, catch the ball, and block with his 6’ 3”, 190-lb. frame. Sophomore Jared Helms has been impressive at split end after moving up from the junior varsity team and has a chance to develop into one of the team’s building blocks for the future. Senior Ryan Lambert returns as the starter at flanker while giving Martin an excellent possession receiver who is capable of pulling

in passes in traffic. One of the team’s strengths will be the offensive line. After employing five new starters last year, the front wall should be formidable, beginning with senior left tackle Ryan Langdon. An honorable mention all-conference performer last year, Langdon is capable of blocking out the sunlight at 6’ 4” and 280 lbs. He has impressed Gowan with his intelligence and improved footwork and will help create holes for the running backs and protection for the passer. Two other seniors will be starting on the offensive line, including Matt Loftis and Kendall Higdon. Anthony McGee, who held his own last season as a first-year player, returns at right tackle. The majority of the McDowell offense will also see time on defense. That is particularly true along the defensive front as well as in the backfield. In fact, the strength of the defense should be the secondary, where Deyck steps in as one of the starting cornerbacks. Deyck was one of the best pass defenders in the conference last year on the JV squad and has made a smooth transition to the varsity ranks. Lambert will also play both ways by manning the opposite corner in addition to his duties at flanker. The safeties will include a combination of Conley, Helms, and Martin. Youth also will prevail at the linebacker positions. Nick Westmoreland does an excellent job of getting the Titan defense lined up correctly and possesses an excellent nose for the football. Junior Brett Greer, one of the strongest members of the team, has made solid strides with his footwork to emerge as a steady inside linebacker. Dillon Bowen has made a nice transition from safety to outside linebacker, while sophomore Issac Martin has been impressive as the other outside starter. “The MAC certainly has a lot of good football teams, and we have a pretty tough non-conference schedule as well,” Gowan said. “We’re not ducking anybody. But we realize that in order to get better and know what you have, you need to play against pretty good competition. And we believe that’s what will happen this season.” - Bill Ballew

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

JETS SENIOR RECEIVER LOOKS FOR BIG IMPROVEMENTS THIS SEASON

Colby Wadell (Photo courtesy of Tim Sparks)

olby Waddell has been part of a winning high school team in basketball. Football, however, has been a different story. Winning football seasons have been hard to come by in the EnkaCandler area, with the Enka Jets

last posting a positive won-lost record in 1997. That trend is about to come to an abrupt halt, at least if Waddell has anything to do with the situation. The talented receiver and defensive back believes his school’s program is in the midst of a major revival that will lead to significant success on Friday nights, beginning this year. “Everybody is so fired up and ready to go in Enka,” Waddell said. “We can’t wait to start playing. Everyone here believes it’s going to be a good season, and we’re ready to play.” Much of the rejuvenation experienced by the Jets centers on the arrival of head coach Manny Matsakis. A long-time coach in the collegiate ranks with a season in the Canadian Football League, Matsakis has brought with him

more energy and positive thinking than has ever been seen on the Enka campus. Part of that package includes a high-powered attack known as the triple shoot offense, which fits perfectly with the style of play Waddell prefers. The Jets are coming off a fourwin season in which Waddell was the primary target of former quarterback Connor Cox. Waddell paced the Enka wideouts with 36 receptions for 563 yards. Zeb Caps, who also returns, added 20 catches for 252 yards. Otherwise, most of the team’s aerial game featured short tosses to the running backs, which oftentimes limited the offense in key situations. That is no longer the case. Leading Matsakis’ offense is junior quarterback Taylor McCurry, a strong-armed signalcaller who has proven proficient in finding the open receiver. More often than not, Waddell can be the guy McCurry looks to, which should enable Enka to move the football up and down the field with precision. “If you’re a wide receiver, a guy who really likes to get out in the open field and run, this is the offense you want to be in,” Waddell said. “When this offense is clicking, it’s unstoppable. Every play we run, there’s four or five options. And we have a lot of weapons at all of the skill positions. This offense is made for quick guys, the kind of players we have. It’s hard to cover all of us. If somebody really stops us over the course of a game, I’ll be surprised.” Waddell started playing football when he was six years old, beginning with the mini-termites and continuing through every level in the Enka youth program as well as middle school and junior varsity. The 2010 season marks his third

campaign at the varsity level, and the senior admits this year is shaping up to be the kind he always hoped to have. “I’ve never had so much fun playing football as I’m having right now,” Waddell said. “Everyone on the team gets along great with one another. We’re a very close team, and our coaching staff is outstanding. This is the best feeling I’ve ever had going into a football season. When we were younger, we won the super bowl and that was a great feeling. But I have an even better feeling about this year.” Waddell’s athletic abilities extend beyond the football field. He is also an accomplished basketball player who helped guide the Jets to the MAC championship last winter. A shooting guard who is capable of playing anywhere on the hardwoods, Waddell believes the team’s success last winter is an example of the overall change in atmosphere regarding Enka athletics. “We won conference last year in 3-A, which was real exciting,” Waddell said. “I believe we can win the conference in football and then turn around and win it again in basketball. That would be amazing.” Prior to last season, Waddell vacillated between putting his energies toward playing basketball or football at the collegiate level. After setting several school records last year against East Henderson, when he torched the Eagles for 11 receptions, 253 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, Waddell has dedicated every day to becoming a better performer on the gridiron. The intensity and direction provided by the new coaching staff has dovetailed per-

fectly with his goals, which has Waddell emulating a sponge in order to soak in every advantage and opportunity that comes his direction. “I definitely want to play college football,” Waddell said. “Ever since that East Henderson game, when everything seemed to go my way, I’ve dedicated myself to playing football. I know that game wasn’t just me. If you look at the film, our line blocked perfectly and the quarterback threw the ball right to me. Everyone was excited that I broke the record, but it was a team effort, and I knew I needed to improve in a lot of areas if I was going to have more games like that one. Ever since then, I’ve been hitting the weights harder in order to become stronger and faster.” Waddell understands how fortunate he is to have everything come together during his senior season. He dove into Matsakis’ pre-season program in which the players spent all day at the school while attending meetings, practices, and film sessions in addition to working out in the weight room. The result is a close-knit group that is prepared to make the most of the opportunity and turn around a football program that is ready for new results. “Everything we could want has been given to us this year,” Waddell said. “The seniors are getting the opportunity to go out with a blast, and I couldn’t be more excited.” - Bill Ballew

ENKA JETS • ENKA JETS continued from page 18

outstanding receivers.” Matsakis credits Enka’s former coach, Mac Bryan, for placing an emphasis on the line, which will reap additional rewards this season. Matsakis has inherited a group of linemen with excellent fundamental skills, while several young players have developed over the course of the summer to give the team impressive depth. The same thing can be said along the defensive front, where Dustin Crandall is solid at nose tackle. Middle linebacker Monte Clampett is also back after he earned All-WNC honorable mention accolades from the Asheville CitizenTimes by topping the team with 103.5 tackles, good for an average of 9.4 stops per contest. “It’s going to be interesting with some of our other players because many of them are playing new positions because of our style of defensive play,” Matsakis said. “We’re trying to get different types of bodies in different positions. We realize this is a starting point for us. We’ll see what this year holds for the Enka Jets. I can’t predict anything; I just know that we’ll get better every week.” - Bill Ballew

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IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 25

2010

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

Western Highlands Conference

2-A 1-A

HENDERSONVILLE • POLK COUNTY • OWEN • MITCHELL• MADISON • MOUNTAIN HERITAGE • AVERY • THOMAS JEFFERSON Polk County and Hendersonville loom atop the 2-A/1-A Western Highlands Conference, with a veteran Avery squad, recent powerhouse Mountain Heritage, and longtime contender Owen also in the mix. In the split WHC, the four 2-A schools are Heritage, Owen, Madison, and Polk. The

four 1-A schools are Hendersonville, Mitchell, and ’09 newcomer Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. All but Jefferson made playoffs, leading Jefferson Coach Tony Helton to hail the WHC as “one of the toughest conferences in the state.” Last year, Polk beat Hender-

sonville to KO the Bearcats from the race and to tie Heritage for the crown at 6-1. Heritage went furthest in playoffs, to 2-A finals. “Until you knock them off, those three are still the teams to beat,” Owen Coach Kenny Ford said. “Hendersonville always has athletes. Polk had one, [Andre]

Overholt, who was simply better than us. He’s back. Heritage is so big and physical, my boys were coming to sidelines with bloody noses.” Hendersonville and Polk both return three superstars playing quarterback, lineman, and linebacker and reloaded around

them. Most WHC coaches see those two teams as frontrunners in the lead pack, with Polk getting a nod for more proven skill position stars. HHS’ B.J. Laughter said Ollis “made football in Polk County. He lit a fire in the whole community.” Ollis said Laughter continued on page 26

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continued from page 25

“does an incredible job,” yearly. They both admire WHC dean Ford, in his 25th year leading Owen. He won five straight WHC titles last decade. “The guy wins with or without much talent,” Laughter said. “He can beat you, because his kids aim to please him. They feed off his wild-guy show. Don’t be fooled. There’s not a person who cares about his players more than this guy does.” Many say the same about Ollis and Laughter and newer WHC coaches making marks. Ollis said of Joey Robinson’s newest WHC elite, “you don’t go to the state championship one year (’09), then fall too far. They may not be as explosive offensively, but they won’t miss too many beats.” Mitchell Coach Russell Barnett agrees Heritage is still formidable. Madison Coach Mark Gosnell got a taste of HHS’ new QB Desmond Whiteside when he filled in against him and gave the Bearcats an edge in the race. Avery and Madison return the most and should ascend standings. Laugh-

ter lauds Avery’s passing combo. “The race should be as close as ever,” Ollis said. “You can throw Hendersonville, Polk, Owen, and Heritage in a bucket, and any one could roll out number one. Some say those are the big four.That’s just the way it’s been.” Heritage’s Joey Robinson senses balance. Kenny Ford has seen it all, over a quartercentury. He notes, “Hardly anybody goes through it undefeated.” “It comes down to penalties, turnovers, and injuries,” Laughter observed. The title could hinge on the November 5 regular season finale of HHS-Polk, a tradition since 2001. Those two in 2005 took their dominant act from the Southern Foothills Conference into a reformed WHC Owen had dominated. Starting in ’06, Polk reeled off three WHC titles in four seasons, missing out on at least a share only in 2008 when HHS won it alone by going unbeaten. Polk has the biggest football rivalry of any Wolverines squad against a red-clad neighbor, other than Michigan versus Ohio

State. Their showdown could be a winner-take-all date with destiny. POLK COUNTY (10-3; 6-1 WHC) sports three pre-season all-state seniors in sharp quarterback Andre Overholt, strong lineman Tyler Philpott, and robo-tackling linebacker J.J. Maxwell. Varsity newcomers Tyler Ridings and Joel Booker are swift runners, Ryan Thomas among receivers. RG Tanner Ramsey is one of six Wolverines weighing at least 240. Defensive standouts include LB Juan Hicks, DT Markece Cunningham, and SS Cody Orick. Polk has superb team speed, size, and endurance. Coach Jim Ollis said this pack of Wolves is “used to winning. We’re gonna be doggone good.” HENDERSONVILLE (11-3; 5-2) also returns a star trio, in gamebreakers Desmond Whiteside on offense and sackmaster LeQuon Young on defense, plus gigantic Jimmy Young. New skill includes TB DeSean Jackson, FB A.J. McMinn, and receivers Marquis Johnson and Shawn Rogers. D.J. Johnson and Harrison Hunter bolster the line. Four of five starting LBs return such as Justin Parnell. The Bearcats have their usual speed, plus depth. Coach B.J. Laughter said veterans “with 24 wins in two years know how to get it done” and are hungry to “reach the top.” AVERY COUNTY (5-7; 3-4) features the passing combination of Alex Villanueva to Andy Gonzalez, and hard running of Colton Blackburn and Taylor Potter who are also all-WHC (Potter at safety). The line is solid with Lucas Lecka and mobile big tackles Brandon Huff and Buster Williams. Top returning tacklers are ILBs Nathaniel Buchanan and Kenny Hicks. Swift CB Tyler Long-Calvert

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

is a pickoff machine. Avery returns nine of 11 starters, on each side. Coach Darrell Brewer said, “we’re hoping to sit in right at the top.” MOUNTAIN HERITAGE (13-3; 6-1) has a tough act to follow, a dream season of reaching the 2-A state title game. All-state back Casey Randolph leaves big shoes to fill. But running well in them should be Austin Rice, Matthew Kardulis, and Eli Buckner. The Mountaineers will throw more, with strong-armed QB Tyson Tomberlin to Drew Letterman. Such skilled players are bigger than in‘09. An agile line is led by Kyle Carlson, Eric Letterman, and Matt Hall. The defense sports LBs Xander Silvers and Trenton Burleson. Coach Joey Robinson said, “We’re the most athletic we’ve ever been.” That bodes well for extending a renewed Heritage winning heritage. OWEN (7-4; 4-2) Warhorses loom as WHC dark horses. They won or shared the title for five seasons in a row, from 2002-’06. Keys include returning QB Kaleb Fowler, new go-to tailback Austin Davis, and up front Myles Kimble, Jay Banks, and Tony Page. Defensive stars include LBs Brady Beasley, Austin Myers, and Travis Friszell, and DL Matt Marino and Chris Smith. Owen’s 12th man on the field, in more ways than one, is fiery Coach Kenny Ford. He said in the WHC, “I hope we’re right in that (upper) mix.” Look for the Warhorses to stampede to many crucial wins. MADISON (4-8; 2-5) can be vastly improved, by returning nine offensive starters including its top rusher, quarterback, and its entire gigantic line. Brandon Henderson rushed for 1,632 yards and 16 touchdowns in ’09. He and fullbacks Blake Moore and Dalton

Nash run behind a line of Ronnie Gosnell, Robert Taffer, Luke Ziegler, Brandon Lisenbee, and Lucas Garrett plus TE Tyler Gonzalez. QB Robbie Shelton again leads the Patriot charge. Coach Mark Gosnell said, We’re much physically stronger.” In the WHC, by playing “sound football, we’ll have a fair shot.” MITCHELL COUNTY (4-8; 2-5) refocuses its attack, on 1,000-yard rusher Shawn Jackson in place of graduated QB Logan Jensen. Strong Troy Self and quick Justin Hughes vie to succeed him. They’ll pass to Josh Bennett and TE Ryan Sparks. A team strength is the line. Like two years ago, Mitchell has a huge Peterson — Zack Peterson. Center Ben Smith and Austin Robison also return, and TE Austin Franklin opens holes. Michael Styles is among Mountaineers emerging on defense. Coach Russell Barnett cites a “great work ethic and desire to win.” THOMAS JEFFERSON (0-11; 0-7) debuted in the WHC last year, starting six freshmen on its first high school football team in years. The Gryphons under Tony Helton are much more experienced, stronger, and thus will run more but still mostly pass. The lineup includes QB Will Beam, back Will McCraw, and receivers Chris Thompson, Aaron Conner, Ryan Spurlin, and Mac Martin. Colin Bradey and Trent Newton anchor the line. On defense, nose guard Adam Harris and David Mendez. Coach Tony Helton wants to win at least one non-conference game and eventually “become very competitive in the conference.” - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS • HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS

Hendersonville Bearcats Roster #

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 18 20 22 23 24 30 50 51 52 54 55 56 65 68 72 75

NAME

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

AJ McMinn FB/LB 6’2” 210 Shawn Rogers ATH/DB 5’11” 160 Matt Carter QB/WR/LB5’11” 170 Cam Hill RB/LB 5’10” 188 Desmond WhitesideQB/DB/ATH6’0” 175 AJ Mills WR/DB 5’10” 170 LeQuon Young FB/LB 5’11” 190 Hunter Jones WR/DB 6’2” 160 Spencer Garey WR/DB 6’2” 155 Juwan Canady TE/LB 5’11” 185 Eric English K/P 5’10” 169 Brett Parish WR/DB 5’8” 140 Nick Knable WR/DB 5’6” 125 Rayce Walker WR/LB 6’3” 180 Mahcallum Duckett TE/LB 6’0” 197 Burch Wadewitz K/WR/DB 6’1” 168 Rodrick Horne RB/DB 5’8” 171 Desean Jackson FB/DL 5’9” 182 Marquies Johnson WR/LB 6’2” 188 Brook Duncan TE/LB 6’0” 169 Paul Posthumus WR/DB 5’10” 165 Matthew Young OL/DL 6’4” 312 Harrison Hunter TE/OL/DL 6’4” 195 Andrew Wells OL/DL 6’3” 235 John Jackson OL/DL 6’1” 225 Justin Parnell OL/LB 5’9” 170 Dakota Shook OL/DL 6’1” 270 DJ Johnson OL/DL 6’1” 210 Levi Baer OL/DL 6’0” 240 Hunter Thompson OL/DL 6’0” 220 Chester Wolfaardt OL/DL 6’3” 260

Coaches

11 10 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 11 10 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 9 11 11 12 11

Head Coach: BJ Laughter Assistants: Jason Stanley, Mark Cook, Marvin Featherstone, Kirron Ward, John-Paul Kimbrough, Eric Gash, Cody Searcy, Chuck Roper, and Barry Johnson

Hendersonville Bearcats

endersonville looks to get back atop the conference and continue its recent post-season magic. Coach B.J. Laughter’s Bearcats reached the third round of 1-AA playoffs in 2009, falling on a last-second field goal, a year after going a round further to the Western Regional championship. His motto of “play 16” to reach the title game rings loud again, with a mixture of seasoned playoff veterans and new talent. HHS won by a decisive average score of 30-12.8 and should excel on both sides of

the ball again. The Cats graduated quarterback Ben Walgenbach and receiver Daniel Orr, among others. But they reload, building around athletic N.C. Prep pre-season allstate game-breakers Desmond Whiteside (6’ 0”, 175) on offense, sackmaster LeQuon Young (511, 190) on defense, and gigantic Jimmy Young (6’ 4”, 312) up front. Laughter said of such multi-year starters, “with 24 wins in two years, they know how to get it done.” Whiteside, like Polk’s Andre Overholt, is multi-talented and best improvising and dashing upfield. “They’re at their best, when plays break down and

they take off,” Laughter said. He is using shotgun and also more power I than with now-retired Jim Fox’s spread wishbone. Whiteside in ‘09 was a back and slot receiver, à la Reggie Bush. He also zig-zagged through kick coverage, and he filled in at quarterback for a few games, when Walgenbach was out. “Like Overholt, Desmond is the head of the snake,” Laughter said. “How he does is ultimately how our team does.” Restocking the tailback arsenal is a trio who, like Whiteside, blend strength with speed. They are hard-charging DeSean Jackson (5’ 9”, 182), Cam Hill (5’ 10”, 188),

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

and Rodrick Horne (5’ 8”, 171). Athletic prowess is also at fullback, with A.J. McMinn (6’ 2”, 210) and LeQuon Young. “They are ultra-physical blockers, a throwback to [alumnus and retired NFL all-pro FB] Sam Gash. They can run, catch the ball, and are smart,” Laughter said. As prime big-play receiving threat Orr will be missed, a new playmaker is swift wingback Shawn Rogers (5’ 11”, 160). “Shawn is one of the best athletes I’ve ever coached,” Laughter said. “He’ll play receiver, running back, even quarterback. He recontinued on page 28

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IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

HENDERSONVILLE BEARCATS

continued from page 27

said. “He plays like he’s 400 lbs.” turns kicks. He can turn a game On the D-line, nose guard Jimaround.” A.J. Mills (5’10”, 170) my Young is a force. D.J. Johnand Matt Carter (5’11”, 170), son, Hunter, Wells, DeSean Jackthe backup QB, are “hard- son, and John Jackson rotate in. nosed” receivers who’ll mix in. Laughter likes the team speed Split end Marquis Johnson (6’ and depth. He said this squad 2”, 188) is a “phenomenal athlete,” has an extra thirst, to “do the and among basketball standouts. extra things to reach the top.” He and lineman D.J. Johnson (6’ 1”, 210) are sons of HHS hoops - Pete Zamplas star “Rah Rah” Johnson. Goodcatching physical tight ends are Mahcallum Duckett (6’ 0”, 197) and Juwan Canady (5’ 11”, 185). Hendersonville prides itself for a plethora of skill, also disciplined linemen. Matthew James “Jimmy” Young, a third-year starter, is “very dedicated and reliable,” Coach Laughter said. “He had decent feet. He’s stepped it up. He does many things well. He’s Coach BJ Laughter one of the best lineman around.” Joining Young in the trenches Head Coach:...... B.J. Laughter are center John Jackson (6’1”, 225), and at the other tackle D.J. Nickname:..................Bearcats Johnson or freshman Dakota School colors: ......red & white Shook (6’ 1”, 270). A stable of 2009 Record: .................... 11-3 guards with foe-hunting instinct Directions:...From I-26 E take exit include late-’09 starter Harrison 49B toward Hendersonville. 2.1 Hunter (6’ 4”, 195), Hunter Thomp- miles.Turn right onto N King St./ US-25 N. Continue to follow US-25 son (6’ 0”, 230), Andrew Wells (6’ N. 0.1 miles.Turn left onto 8th Ave. 3”, 235), and Levi Baer (6’ 0”, 240). W. 0.1 miles. End at 311 8th Ave.W. “This unit is not as big as before but more athletic and mobile” in pulling for sweeps,” Laughter said. SCHEDULE Defensive maestro LeQuon 08/20/10 West Henderson H Young, number 7, is unlucky 09/03/10 North Henderson A for foes he hones in on. “QuonA nie” made 14 sacks, as HHS av- 09/10/10 Rosman 09/17/10 East Henderson H eraged nearly four per contest. “He’s so intelligent. He makes 09/24/10 Mountain Heritage* A all of our calls,” Laughter said. 10/01/10 Madison* H “You’re not gonna fake him out.” 10/08/10 Avery County* A HHS utilizes a 3-5 with five H linebackers. A strength is return- 10/15/10 Mitchell* A ing four of five in Young, Marquis 10/22/10 Owen* Johnson, Canady, and Justin ParThomas Jefferson 10/29/10 Academy* H nell (5’ 9”, 170) with Cam Hill starting at times in ’09 and McMinn 11/05/10 Polk County* H seeing action now. Parnell is “an *Conference Game animal like Quonnie,” Laughter

TJCA GRYPHONS • TJCA GRYPHONS • TJCA GRYPHONS • TJCA GRYPHONS

THOMAS JEFFERSON GRYPHONS

homas Jefferson Classical Academy in Mooresboro adds size and plenty of experience, looking to take a major step in developing its football program. Jefferson debuted in the Western Highlands Conference last year, starting six freshmen on its first high school football team in years. That may have seemed the biggest undertaking by Thomas Jefferson since writing the Declaration of Independence 234 years ago, then as president in 1803 pulling off the Louisiana Purchase that doubled the size of the young United States. Those two daring initiatives worked well. Now, the academy hopes its venture is fruitful in time. The initial payoff has been character-building, in getting outmatched and dealing with adversity. The team was winless and shut out six of 11 times, falling by an average score of 54.7-4. “In 2010, we want to close that gap and be more competitive. We don’t want to be that victory check mark on everybody’s schedule,” Coach Tony Helton said. He calls the WHC “one of the toughest conferences in the state,” noting the other seven teams made playoffs with Heritage playing for a state title. “We’ll be better,” he vows. “We started six freshmen. They paid their dues, as 14-year-olds playing in an 18-year old young men’s league. Our problem was freshmen not able to block or outrun seniors. But now they’re sophomores, and we have many juniors and a few key seniors.” He added, “Our effort was great last year. We’re working even harder in the classroom, weight room, and on the field.” Soccer coach Brian Espinoza noted, “some never played (scho-

lastic) football before. Coach Helton has done a tremendous job developing them.” The school creed is “developing thoughtful, articulate young adults.” Helton said, “we’re a smart school,” ranking in the top five or 10 annually in SAT scores. The mascot, the gryphon, is an ancient mythological lioneagle that symbolizes vigilance, loyalty, strength, speed, gracefulness, and gentleness. Certainly, strength and speed is very welcome on the gridiron, and the Gryphons have much more of it this time around to go with a tactical adjustment on offense. The Gryphons still use a passing-frenzied spread-like offense out of the shotgun snap, with two wideouts and two slot receivers. But they will run more, now that blockers are stronger. “We threw 85 to 90 percent last year,” Helton said. “We were younger and didn’t have the backing to take a pounding. This year, we’ll throw 65 percent of the time for more balance.” As before, many passes will be screens and other short passes for ball control, but more will go downfield. Quarterback Will Beam (6’1”, 170) again leads the way and is a beam of light for Gryphon football. He threw for 1,681 yards, averaging 153 per contest. A goal is to scale down the number of interceptions. His favorite receivers in ‘09 were flanker Aaron Conner (6’0”, 210) and wideout Ryan Spurlin (5’ 10”, 160) who each tallied about 600 receiving yards. Spurling “runs great routes,” Helton said. He said Conner runs, catches, and blocks well; he is faster, stronger, and better able to “catch the ball in traffic.” Another inside receiver, Mac Martin (5’ 9”, 145), is also a

second halfback when needed. Mac is “an incredible athlete.” The heretofore secret weapon is new wideout Chris Thompson (6’0”, 170). “He is so athletic,” Helton said. “He has great hands. He’ll be a big asset for us.” Tailback Will McCraw (5’9”, 145) is the primary back. “He’s hard-nosed. He took a bunch of big licks, but always bounced back up,” Helton said. “I look for big things from Will.” Center Colin Bradey (5’10”, 190) is sharp and calls the cadence after QB Beam makes pre-snap reads and signals Bradey. Trent Newton (6’0”, 210) bulked up by 20 lbs., and is another “anchor” of the line. Newton, at linebacker, also sparks Jefferson’s standard 4-3 defense. Other defensive standouts include quick and “tenacious” nose guard Adam Harris (6’ 0”, 180), Helton said. He uses a “cover two” with safeties Martin and David Mendez (5’ 8”, 155) deep to protect against the long ball. Stopping runs by heavier foes will be a primary challenge. Coach Helton wants Thomas Jefferson to win at least one non-conference game. The best chance may be the opener, at Andrews which went 1-10 last year. Beyond that, he said, “We want to become very competitive in the conference.” - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

OWEN WARHORSES

•

Page 29

OWEN WARHORSES

• OWEN WARHORSES •

Owen warhOrses

oach Kenny Ford at home cares for many animals — goats, dogs, cats, and horses. At work, he works horses into a fiery frenzy — Owen Warhorses, that is, as he has them ready again as a contender. These maroon-clad horses are dependable plow horses in mud, methodically rolling over foes, as they were on the road last year in handing Hendersonville its first defeat. On firmer ground such as their home artificial turf, they can gallop through or by opponents. This year, the backs are bigger than usual. Charles D. Owen High won five straight WHC titles from 2002-’06, beating Brevard and others then Polk and Hendersonville in the revamped conference since ’05. Kenny Ford is Owen football and has been for a quarter century. This is his 25th year, holding the Warhorses’ reins. He started quarterback Brad Johnson, who’d win the Super Bowl and return home to a parade. Year after year, Owen has remained formidable, a frontrunner or at the very least a dangerous underdog/horse.

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

Owen is more under the radar, coming off a .500 season with three WHC losses for the third year in a row, with top rusher Andy Coleman graduated and only eight returning starters. But opposing coaches know better. As the old auto slogan stated, “Ford has a better idea.” In the heat in practice this pre-season, Coach Ford was shirtless wearing a head bandana and jesting he was a craggy pirate. He is the Dale Earnhardt Sr. of area coaching, The Intimidator, a toughas-nails über-competitor. And his players reflect the hungry, fiery spirit. “The kids understand when I jump on them, I’m just trying to make them better,” he said. “We run the piss out of them now [pre-season]. The tougher the practice, the more they’re ready to play and can have fun on Friday nights.” Conditioning helps his two-way “iron men” late in games. As he notes, the mental toughness is also “for use later in life.” Whereas some longtime coach’s offenses are stable and predictable, Ford said “we run whatever fits our kids.” He will still use the pro I, but use multiple

ormations more. “You gotta control the ball. We can put our offense so tight, it’s in a phone booth. We’ll go unbalanced, to get more guys on that side than they [foes] have. But other times, we’ll spread all over the field.” Quarterback Kaleb Fowler (5’10”, 170) is a smart, quick dual threat who both threw and ran for nearly 1,000 yards. “Kaleb is sound. He keeps us going,” Ford said. “He’s probably our best athlete. He’s a tough kid.” The new go-to tailback is strong and fast — Austin Davis (6’ 2”, 185). The track star gained 10 lbs. of muscle since ‘09. Rotating in are Austin Myers (5’ 11”, 200), Brady Beasley (6’ 0”, 205), and Travis Friszell (6’ 2”, 190). Back at wide receiver is Ryan Lewis (5’4”, 115), a tough defending 3-A state wrestling champ. Carl Patton (6’ 1”, 160), a bigger target, is the backup QB. The line is anchored by returning starters Myles Kimble (6’ 2”, 235), third-year starter Jay Banks (6’1”, 225), and Tony Page (6’ 1”, 235). Strong Kimble and Banks each bench press and clean over 1,000 lbs. Patrick Russell (6’ 0”, 240) is also strong. Matt Ma-

OWEN WARHORSES

• OWEN WARHORSES

Roster #

1 3 5 6 8 9 18 19 20 21 23 25 28 30 32 34 43 44 45 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 60 65 66 69 71 76 77 81 85 89

NAME

Gerald Cruz Sam Barker Carl Patton Jordan Littlejohn Kedrick Greene Kaleb Fowler Alex Horner Andy King Colton Fox Kyle Lewis Ryan Lewis Chris Smith Cory Watkins Jacob Ables Austin Myers Brady Beasley Trevor Pressley Travis Frizsell Austin Davis Matt Owenby Myles Kimble John Luke Sapp Jay Banks Dakota Craig Cody Fox Jake Stewart Anthony Thompson Tony Page Matt Russell Jose Garcia Patrick Russell Mark Brown Heath Banks Derek Holt Matt Marino Chandler Carlton

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

K/P 6’3” 190 WR/LB 6’1” 170 QB/DB 5’10” 140 RB/LB 5’8” 175 RB/DB 5’3” 130 QB/DB 5’9” 175 WR/DB 6’1” 165 TE/DL 6’3” 185 WR/DB 5’7” 145 WR/DB 5’6” 130 WR/DB 5’3” 120 TE/DL 6’2” 205 WR/DB 5’11” 165 WR/DB 5’10” 165 RB/LB 5’10” 210 RB/LB 5’10” 210 RB/LB 5’11” 150 WR/LB/P 6’0” 175 RB/DB 6’3” 185 OL/LB 6’0” 185 OL/DL 6’2” 220 OL/LB 5’9” 150 OL/DL 6’2” 235 OL/DL 6’0” 220 OL/DL 5’9” 190 OL/DL 5’9” 190 OL/DL 6’2” 215 OL/DL/P 6’3” 240 OL/DL 5’4” 170 OL/DL 5’11” 305 OL/DL 6’0” 260 OL/DL 6’0” 170 OL/DL 5’11” 370 WR/DB 5’6” 145 TE/DL 6’2” 215 WR/DB 5’9” 140

11 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 10 12 11 11 12 12 12

rino (6’1”, 235) and Chris Smith (6’ 3”, 205) can play on the line or tight end. Owen runs a four-man front with three or four linebackers. Several top tacklers graduated but many played often. Back are LBs Beasley, Meyers, Friszell, and Kimble with Marino, Banks, and Smith up front. Owen may lack a huge player, but “we have balanced size,” Ford said. “Our kids may have to change positions, so we have our best 11 out there. We’ll also rotate ‘em in, to rest when we can.” But at Owen, there is little rest until the final gun and victory on the scoreboard. In the WHC, “I hope we’re right in that (upper) mix,” Coach Ford said. Look for the Warhorses to stampede to many crucial wins. - Pete Zamplas

Coach Kenny Ford

Coaches

Head Coach: Ken Ford Assistants: Anthony Lee, Curt Presley, Tim Raines, Jack Slaughter, Mike Sparks, and Matt Turner

Head Coach:....Kenny Ford Nickname:.........Warhorses School colors: maroon& white 2009 Record: ..................6-6 Directions:...From I-40 E, take exit 59 toward Swannanoa. Turn left at NC-2740/Patton Cove Rd. (signs for Swannanoa). Turn right at US-70.Turn left at NC-2727/Whitson Ave.Turn right at US-70.Turn left at Lake Eden Rd./NC-2468.

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Brevard Erwin AC Reynolds Enka Avery County* Mitchell* Mountain Heritage* Madison* Hendersonville* Polk County* Thomas Jefferson Academy*

*Conference Game

A H A H H A H A H A H

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

Smooth Andre overholt ShiftS Polk into overdrive

Andre Overholt (Photo courtesy of Jordan Parker)

Andre Overholt is prolific in gridiron moves and also sharp in on-field and off-field values and decisions. The Polk County senior three-sport standout is preseason all-state in football. “That just shows I have a lot of potential,” Overholt reasoned, adding the key is realizing it. As for the

honor fueling greater expectations, he said, “I welcome anything people put in front of me.” Many figure Overholt, at 5’ 10” and merely 155 lbs., overachieves due to his fairly small frame. But he is calm, smart (3.7 unweighted GPA), tough, swift (4.4 in the 40), and very instinctive in cutting between tacklers. “My quickness is what beats the defense,” Overholt said. The aspiring mechanical engineer major is the spark plug in the varied Wolverine attack, shifting it into overdrive. He relishes running the veer triple option, out of the shotgun snap. “Andre’s our game-breaker,” Polk head coach Jim Ollis said. “He can hit a ‘home run’ (long touchdown run) any second.” This prime-time performer ran for four touchdowns and 146 yards and tossed a TD pass, to beat archrival Hendersonville (HHS) 32-20 in the regular-season finale. That gained Polk a share of theWHC title with Heritage, knocking out HHS. “His biggest asset is his ability to be calm under pressure,” Ol-

lis said. “I’ve never seen him with that ‘deer in the headlights’ look.” Overholt described his transformation on each play. “I try to not panic, and stay cool and a leader. But that adrenalin rush definitely takes hold. I’m always nervous and scared to death, for the first couple of steps on a run or kickoff return. But after that, I settle in.” Once he’s in his groove breaking a long gain, it feels “awesome.” “He’s at his best improvising when a play breaks down,” Ollis said. “He welcomes the game on his shoulders. He feeds off of that, and makes the big throw or run. One of our players said ‘when Andre gets us in huddle, we think we will win.’” Polk often does win. Overholt welcomes pressure of enhancing traditions for Wolverine winning and family legacies at quarterback. “You always want to do better than the last guy” at QB, he said. Over an entire decade, the Polk QB was an Ollis son and then an Overholt. First Derrick and now Andre switched from receiver

to take snaps. They are similarly swift afoot and in split-second moves with accurate passing. “I’m blessed to play FB, behind my brother and the Ollises,” Andre said. “I’m totally different. Derrick was a throwing quarterback. He was taller and bigger. I’m more of an option quarterback. I’m smaller, but I can run even faster.” He’d like to make the N.C.S.C. Shrine Bowl, as Derrick did. Derrick rooted on the team from the sideline for two games including a playoff. “I love when he’s there,” Andre said. “He gives us encouragement. He’s been there before, in big games. He understands what I’m going through. I value his words of affirmation.” Derrick saw brother Andre break his arm against Tuscola. Andre joined in rooting on the team. “His concern was more about teammates winning, than his arm,” Coach Ollis said. “He’s unassuming and deflects praise. That’s why teammates play hard for him.” Andre Overholt’s arm was broken, but not his spirit. Show-

ing toughness and perseverance, he came back a week early after missing merely five games. “It was a miracle,” he said. On his future, “I let the pieces fall. Wherever they land, they land.” He wants a scholarship to afford to go to college. “If you put all hope into playing football in college, if that fades, you have nothing else. But if you have faith in God, you can still trust your plan in life. I know the plans God has are good for me.” Also inspiring him are his family, fans’ cheering, and Coach Ollis. “He’s encouraging and pumps you up. He understands pressure situations.” He is also optimistic about his team’s manifest destiny, with 18 of 22 starters returning, “more power and quickness,” and better “chemistry.” He cites “incredible potential” for the Wolverines. Others see such potential for Overholt himself, on and off-field this fall and beyond. - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS• MOUNTAIN HERITAGE COUGARS

MOUNTAIN HERITAGE cOUGARs

Head Coach:...Joey Robinson Nickname:.................. Cougars School colors: Kelly green & white 2009 Record: .................... 13-3 Directions:...From I-240 W, take exit 4A to merge onto I-26 W/US-19 toward Weaverville.Take exit 9 to merge onto US-19/US-23 toward Burnsville/Spruce Pine. Continue on US-9 E.Turn right at NC-197/ Pensacola Rd. Slight left at Bolens Creek Rd./NC-1109. School is on the left.

ountain Heritage advanced all the way to the 2-A championship game in 2009, falling to Tarboro, and looks for an encore performance with a largely new but athletic cast. Hope eternal burns in Burnsville, where after several down years last decade the team rose to prominence under Coach Joey Robinson with back-to-back one-defeat WHC campaigns. Last year, Heritage shared the WHC crown with Polk, winning 10 in a row after dropping its WHC opener at Hendersonville. Heritage won by an average of four touchdowns, 42-16.3. First team Associated Press allstate back Casey Randolph, the N.C. Prep 2-A state player of the year, is the biggest loss. QB Josh Laws has also graduated along with all-state Taylor Fender and all-WHC Casey Peterson from the line. “We’re very inexperienced,” Coach Robinson said.“We have big holes to fill.” Still, Heritage returns seven starters on defense and six on offense and has a better-passing quarterback. “We’re the most

athletic we’ve ever been,” Robinson said. “We’re not as big up front as we’ve been. We lost our size. But our skill people are much bigger. We have strong, athletic kids.” Heritage uses the spread offense to create defensive gaps and often run enough to pile up 6,200 rushing yards to break the state mark for all classifications by 300. “We’ve always been run-oriented,” Robinson said. “You’ll see us spread the ball out more than in the past. We’ll be more balanced than we have been. We only threw 94 times.” The new workhorse runner, Austin Rice (5’ 9”, 195) was first team all-state at linebacker as he made a school-record 171 tackles. This fall, he’ll deliver hits carrying the ball, too. He has good speed. Heritage often deploys two wing backs and gives them the ball to scoot. Matthew Kardulis (5’ 9”, 170) ran for over 900 yards in ’09. “He’s a slasher, very quick with great moves,” Robinson said. He’s a good receiver, too, a fullfledged ‘scat back.’” Eli Buckner (6’ 1”, 185) also has good speed and agility and finds open lanes. Reserve RB Nick Ray (6’ 0”, 185) can plow or slash through defenses. Look for Heritage to throw more with strong-armed new quarterback Tyson Tomberlin (6’ 3” 1/2, 200), an accurate passer and athletic runner. “He’s not as strong a runner as Josh [Laws], but he’s the prototypical quarterback, the best passer we’ve had in a while.” The main challenge is his handling defensive pressure and learning

on the job. His targets include swift and athletic Drew Letterman (6’ 1”, 190) and tough tight end Dalton Woody (6’ 0”, 205). The Cougar line returns Kyle Carlson (5’11”, 250) and Eric Letterman (6’ 1”, 220), who shift from tackles to guards, and center Matt Hall (6’ 0”, 200). The line overall is “smart and experienced,” Robinson said.“They understand our system.” Defensive schemes vary with front of five, four, or three men. The Cougars often stunt and blitz. “We get after you,” Robinson said. Starters include Carlson and Eric Letterman up front, LBs Rice, Xander Silvers (6’ 0”, 185) and Trenton Burleson (6’ 0”, 205), and Nick Ray, who also plays safety, and DBs Buckner and Kardulis. In the WHC and beyond, Mountain Heritage is determined to extend its renewed winning heritage. - Pete Zamplas

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

North Buncombe Rosman Robbinsville Erwin Hendersonville* Polk County* Owen* Thomas Jefferson Academy* Mitchell* Avery County* Madison*

*Conference Game

H H A A H A A H A H H

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 32

R-S CENTRAL • CHASE • EAST RUTHERFORD • SHELBY • BURNS • FREEDOM

SOUTH MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE 2A/3A

helby (11-2, 6-0) was the first team able to talk some SMAC, but who will be the second? The Golden Lions, who won the conference title during the last regular season game of 2009, was also the first to take home the hardware in this newly-formed conference. Again, Shelby will have most of the parts and pieces to make another conference and state playoff run for 2010. Running back Kipton Key leads the way as seven offensive starters return. Defensive end Carlos Wray holds the other side of the equation as nine return on that side of the ball, which allowed just 13 points per game in 2009. While Shelby is considered the favorite, it’s not by much. Burns (6-7, 5-1) is a threat and could very well top the Lions if they mesh together like they did in the final half of the 2009 season. Quarterback Brandon Littlejohn (2,494 yards passing in 2009) can throw or run downfield with the best of the state’s high school quarterbacks. With favorite target Brandon Whitworth in the mix, there is a good chance of some offensive fireworks again for the Bulldogs, who averaged nearly 37 points per game during the final eight contests of 2009. However, it was defense that worked for R-S Central (9-4, 4-2) in 2009. For a team who allowed just 15.3 points per game, only two defensive starters return for this season. Marquez Carson is a big plus returnee for the defense, as the

linebacker made or assisted in most plays a season ago. Quarterback Jacob Kinlaw and fullback Cameron Greene make a stout part of the offense that comebacks for another season of Hilltoppers football. Freedom (5-7, 3-3) will look to the arm of Mike Helms to push them into SMAC contention this season. Helms, an upcoming junior quarterback, threw for over 1,000 yards last season, but most of his 2009 wideouts just graduated. Linebacker Michael Dumaine is likely to be a top defensive performer for the Patriots this season. East Rutherford and speedy back Adrian Wilkins are hoping to find some resurgence in the conference following a 4-8 overall and 2-4 conference record a season ago. Offensively, the Cavaliers and Wilkins should get help from fullback Tajdre Wilkerson and wide receiver Zach Price. Patton (4-7, 1-5) has a new coach in Chris Deal, who has been successful at Lexington High in North Carolina. While this seems to be a rebuilding year for the Panthers, split end Cody Pressley and place kicker Kevin Stone are their best returning offensive weapons. On defense, Scott Campbell (6’ 4”, 310) is the heart of the interior defensive line. Chase (2-9, 0-6) is in a similar situation as Patton, except most teams know the name, Carlos Watkins. Watkins is a man among men on the defensive line, who can swallow

up a quarterback with his speed and size in a moment’s notice. TheTrojanswillleanontheguidance of interim coach and wellrespected Daniel Bailey, who was promoted after new hire Steve McCurry left the program in mid-July. R-S CENTRAL HILLTOPPERS Last season was indeed a season torememberforcoachMikeCheek. Coming off a 9-4 overall season and 4-2 conference record, Cheek had the best year in his six seasons with the Hilltoppers. Although they have made the post-season all six seasons under Cheek‘s direction, last year Central finally won a playoff game for the first time in 22 years as they beat South Rowan on the road. Ninemonthslater,Cheekandhis staff know that this season is much more unpredictable in having just six returning starters for 2010. Last year, it was the Central defense in which they relied on, but the Hilltoppers’ offense may be the side to lean on this season. Speedy and athletic quarterback, Jacob Kinlaw (6’ 2”, 195) returns for his senior season with the club. Back up quarterback, Taylor Ledbetter may also see a few snaps at times. In the backfield, it was Cameron Greene who showed the most promise late during the season. Greene (6’ 0”, 225), the fullback, was an effective runner and should be a real handful to bring down to the turf again this season. Wide receivers won’t be a problem for Central with three formidable players to look for downfield.

Darrien Watkins (6’4”, 200) is the most logical choice to go to with his big frame. Vick Staley (5’ 10”, 160) also played key, snagging the most catches off last year’s team. Tyler Abrams (5’ 10”, 170) may be the fastest of them all and made some crucial situational catches last season, but didn’t start on offense for most of the 2009 contests. Leadership on defense will likely come in the form of Marquez Carson. Carson will return to his role as linebacker and isn’t afraid to pop somebody in the mouth when the play is in his vicinity. EAST RUTHERFORDCAVALIERS Despite a 4-8 season over in Bostic during 2009, East Rutherford and coach Clint Bland feel ready for 2010. This year’s signal caller looks to be Maddox Stamey. Stamey (6’ 0”, 160) does have some varsity experience, but the junior is completely fine with being a leader on the field. It’s not all about throwing the ball either for the Cavaliers, who sport two very good backfield athletes in Adrian Wilkins and Tajdre Wilkerson. Wilkins (6’ 0”, 160) scored the most touchdowns and went over 1,000 yards last season at tailback. Wilkerson’s (6’ 1”, 240) size says a lot to defenses, but his speed can be easily deceptive. Zach Price and Justin Barksdale arebackaswidereceivers,whileJeremy Clark is likely to play both ways but settle at tight end on offense. East, who was directed by Bland in his first year of being the head coach was beaten by

Thomasville in the first round of the playoffs last season. With the program’s respect throughout the state, the Cavaliers look to make a stronger showing in 2010. C H A S E T R O J A N S Chase may have had the most interesting offseason of anybody in Western North Carolina. Despite letting coach Brad Causby go and hiring Steve McCurry twice (who resigned both times), the Trojans end up with well-respected Chase alum Daniel Bailey as the new football coach for 2010. Bailey, who was an assistant coach last season at Chase, inherits 14 starters back from 2009. Tyreece Gossett returns as just a junior and likely will hold the quarterback position this season. In the backfield, junior Tajae McMullens and senior Davon Hines are big kids with big roles in the Chase ground game. Senior Tyler Gaffney and junior Keshawn Crawford are possible wide receivers to aim at for Gossett in the passing attack. A strength may be in the offensive line with a strong senior in Jalen Smith. Experience from juniors Blake Green and Keith Miller also return to the lineup. However, Chase will be aided by what some consider as their best athlete in Carlos Watkins. Watkins (junior) is a beast and very hard to tame as he will likely switch over and play some defense or possibly start both ways. - KC

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

Mitchell Mountaineers

Roster # NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 2 Ryan Sparks TE/DE 6’1” 205 3 Justin Hughes QB/DB 5’9” 160 4 Matt Vaughn WR/DB 6’0” 150 5 Thomas Phillips WR/DB 5’6” 130 6 Josh Bennett WR/DB 6’1” 155 7 Nathaniel Young WR/DB 5’10” 143 8 Troy Self QB/OLB 6’1” 215 11 Isaac Edwards Kicker 6’0” 200 22 Josh McClellan WB/OLB 5’10” 160 26 Hunter Rathbone TE/OLB 6’1” 180 28 Shawn Jackson RB/LB 5’9” 205 30 Austin Franklin TE/LB 6’1” 180 32 Michael Styles WB/OLB 6’0” 175 42 Logan McKinney WR/DB 5’10” 145 50 Adam Pitman OT/DT 6’3” 235 51 Cody Gardner OG/DT 6’0” 255 60 Phillip Buchanan OT/DT 6’1” 195 61 Austin Robinson OT/DT 6’1” 215 63 Ben Smith C/LB 5’11” 180 65 Dayshawn Blackmon OT/DT 5’10” 195 70 Zach Peterson OG/DT 6’3” 300 72 Dillon Oaks OG/DT 6’1” 205 73 Jacob Stewart C/DT 6’0” 205 76 Daniel Petrella OG/DT 6’1” 260

11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 10

Coaches

Head Coach: Russell Barnett Assistants: Travise Pitman, Jamie Bell, Jonathan Atkins, Chris Pitman, Jason Hall, Ed Duncan, Charlie Snyder, Chris Westveer, Nick Westveer, C.L. Laws, and Andy Greene

Mitchell Mountaineers Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

M Coach Russell Barnett

itchell hit prime time last season with what Hendersonville Coach B.J. Laughter tabbed “The Logan Jensen Show.” Lanky Jensen, an adept running and passing quarterback, ran for about 1,500 yards and passed for

1,100 more. He kept Mitchell in games and foes on edge, always a threat for a long score. But with his graduation, the Jensen Show ran its course. He’s now a receiver at Mars Hill, where quarterbacks include Joe Hoilman. Hoilman,

the prior Mitchell QB, holds the school passing yardage record. Mitchell graduated 13 from the 2009 squad, and has merely six seniors this time. Still, the Mountaineers hope their more conventional sequel to the Jensen

Show continues excitement in Bakersville. Coach Russell Barnett will run much more of a “power running game” featuring tailback Shawn Jackson (5’ 8”, 205) alone in the backfield and a double tight end formation 80 percent continued on page 34

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS • MITCHELL MOUNTAINEERS continued from page 33

of the time. Barnett estimates running in 70 percent of scrimmage plays, versus 60 percent in ’09. Jackson ran for 1,006 yards last year. “He’s definitely a power runner, but he has speed too.” He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash this summer in a Shrine Bowl combine at

A pair of juniors are contending to be the new quarterback. Troy Self (6’ 1”, 205) and quick Justin Hughes (5’ 8”, 160), who ran the junior varsity offense in ’09. Both have average arm strength and at least initially will run better than they throw,

ner; Hughes much more elusive.” Wideout Josh Bennett (6’ 0”, 160) is a trusty possession receiver on short routes. Two tight ends usually are onfield at once. Barnett said returning starter Ryan Sparks (5’10”, 200) is the better receiver, while Austin Franklin (6’ 1”,

Overall team strengths include a “great work ethic and desire to win,” Barnett said. “We rely less on great stars. We’re going to be real good teammates, fighting together.” Watauga High. Backup Michael Styles (6’ 0”, 180) is also strong and fast. Barnett said the few times he deploys two halfbacks, the second back will often be “quick and elusive” Josh McClellan (5’ 8”, 160).

Barnett figures. They’ll often pass while running bootlegs or off play action as defenses gang up on Jackson. The two contrast in running styles, their coach added. “Self is a much more physical run-

175) is primarily an extra blocker. Franklin augments a line that returns half of its starters in big tackle Zack Peterson (6’ 4”, 285) and center Ben Smith (6’ 0”, 175) plus Austin Robison (6’ 0”, 205) who started some in ’09 but more so on defense. The defense is a 4-4. Standouts include linebackers Smith, a top returning tackler, and Styles, plus free safety Bennett. The defensive line is largely new. Many Mountaineers will play on both offense and defense, as happens on most small (1-A) area schools. Overall team strengths include a “great work ethic and desire to win,” Barnett said. “We rely less on great stars. We’re going to be real good teammates, fighting together.” - Pete Zamplas

Head Coach:.. Russell Barnett Nickname:........Mountaineers School colors: purple, silver, & white 2009 Record: .......................4-8 Directions:...From Asheville take the new I-26 W toward Weaverville. Take exit 9 toward Burnsville/ Spruce Pine.Turn right onto US-19/ US-23. Continue to follow US-19. 10.8 miles. US-19 becomes US-19E. Turn left onto NC-1126.Turn right onto old US-19E. 1.3 miles turn left onto US-19E. 4.6 miles turn left onto NC-197. 11.2 miles turn right onto NC-226. 3.4 miles turn left onto Cub Creek Rd. 1.4 miles turn right onto NC-261/Roan Mountain Rd. 0.2 miles.

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

Page 35

Polk County Wolverines Roster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 14 17 22 23 24 28 33 34 40 43 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 57 58 61 66 67 71 76 77 78 88

NAME

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

Jacob Christiansen RB/DB/K 5’9” 150 Trey Couch RB/DB 5’10” 175 Tyler Ridings RB/DB 5’6” 135 Cody Orick WR/DB/QB6’0” 175 Micheal Bell K/P 6’0” 180 Andre Overholt QB/DB 5’10” 160 TJ Fincher WR/DB 5’9” 145 Alec Philpott WR/DB 5’11” 150 Ryan Thomas WR/DB 5’10” 165 Kerry Littlejohn WR/DB 6’1” 185 Chandler Miller TE/DE 6’1” 210 Joel Booker WR/RB/DB6’1” 170 Jay Sutton RB/DT 6’0” 230 Josh Kujawa WR/DB 5’8” 150 Heber Najera RB/LB 5’9” 145 Josh Metcalf RB/DE 6’0” 225 Rooster Ross WR/DB 5’11” 175 Juan Hicks FB/LB 5’10” 175 Micheal Gifford RB/DB 5’11” 175 Floyd Graber TE/DE 5’11” 195 Tyler Hanson WR/LB 5’8” 160 Jaylon Twitty RB/LB 5’8” 165 Jacob Painter OL/DT 6’1” 240 Ian Harper OL/DT 5’10” 190 Joe Graber OL/DL 5’11” 200 Markece Cunningham OL/DL 6’2” 220 J.J. Maxwell OL/LB 6’0” 190 Tyler Philpott OL/DL 6’3” 280 Caleb Wilson OL/DL 6’1” 230 Raheem Palmer OL/DL 5’10” 175 Chase Harris OL/DL 6’0” 220 Chandler Standfield OL/DL 6’4” 195 Chase McMurray OL/DL 5’11” 240 Tanner Ramsey OL/DL 5’11” 250 Gabrial Mingorance OL/DL 5’9” 250 Tyler Johnson OL/DL 5’10” 230 Nick Logan OL/DL 6’0” 330 Lucas Williams TE/LB 6’0” 185

12 12 11 12 12 11 10 10 12 11 12 11 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 10 11 11 11 12 11 11 12 12 11 11 10 12 9 12 11 11 11 10

Polk County Wolverines Photos courtesy of Jordan Parker

Coaches

Head Coach: Bruce Ollis Assistants: David Powell, Pat McCool, Jamie Thompson, Josh Hill, Josh McEntire, Todd Philpott, Brandon Gentry, Ethan Edwards

Head Coach:.......... Bruce Ollis Nickname:............. Wolverines School colors: royal blue, silver, & white 2009 Record: .................... 10-3 Directions:...Take I-26 to US-74 E/NC-108 exit, exit 67 toward Columbus 0.3 miles. Merge onto US-74 E. 1.7 miles take the NC-108 exit, exit 163 toward Columbus/ Mill Spring. 0.2 miles turn left onto NC-108. 1.1 miles. School on left.

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 Tuscola 08/27/10 Brevard 09/03/10 RutherfordtonSpindale Central 09/10/10 Landrum 09/24/10 Madison* 10/01/10 Mountain Heritage* 10/08/10 Mitchell* 10/15/10 Avery County* Thomas Jefferson 10/22/10 Academy* 10/29/10 Owen* 11/05/10 Hendersonville* *Conference Game

A H A H A H A H A H A

Coach Bruce Ollis

hree pre-season all-state stars among 18 returning starters help make Polk County at least a co-favorite in the Western Highlands Conference. Coach Jim Ollis’ three senior stars, among 13 in the mountains honored by N.C. Prep Football News, are sharp quarterback Andre Overholt (5’ 10”, 160), strong lineman Tyler Philpott (6’ 3”, 280) and robo-tackling linebacker J.J. Maxwell (6’ 0”, 190). “But you don’t win championships with three good players,” Ollis said. “We need the entire team to come together, to be special.” The Wolverines are eager to reach the third round of playoffs for the first time and keep going. They reloaded in 2009 with merely 10 seniors, winning 10 games including a playoff over Brevard. They won at least a share of the WHC crown for the third time in four seasons. In ’09, the Wolverines won by 12 points to both open and close the regular season. First,

they upset 3-A power Tuscola (for its only loss until 14 games later in a state semi-final) and its N.C. State-bound Shrine Bowl QB Tyler Brosius. (They opened 2010 at Tuscola.) Later Polk beat rival Hendersonville (HHS), to share the WHC crown with Heritage which dealt Polk its lone WHC loss. Polk doubled up foes by an average score of 27-13.4. Overholt missed one-third of ‘09 games with a broken arm in the opener. He still produced 23 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards running and passing. He ran for at least 145 yards and three or more touchdowns to beat HHS then Brevard. He is overcoming a recent hairline ankle fracture, but ready for another year of evading defenders. “Andre’s our game-breaker,” Ollis said. “He’s best with the game on the line. He makes the big throw or run. He’s at his best improvising, when a play breaks down.” Ollis praised passing of Overholt, who he threw for three TDs against Tuscola in ‘09. “People underestimate Andre’s arm strength. He’s thrown the ball 55 yards, for a score. He can be the most dynamic player in Western North Carolina — in running, throwing, returning, and as a free safety.” He picked off six passes in ’09. Ollis added, “he’s a leader. He’s a talented

player, and an even better person.” Overholt is the newest ace in Ollis’ decade-long “full house” of standout “O”-named quarterbacks. There were his three sons Jim, Austin, and Jordan Ollis who’ve played football for Air Force. Jordan was sandwichedbytwoOverholtbrothers — Derrick, and now smaller but faster Andre. “I was dealt a pretty good hand,” Coach Ollis quipped. The Wolverines on offense “put kids in space, and make guys miss,” Ollis said. “We play basketball on grass.” He mixes formations including power I or hybrid I. “We run right at you, or by you,” Ollis said. “We’ll spread out with two shotgun backs, and run some option.” No longer as run-heavy, Polk surpassed 2,000 yards in both passing and running for each of the past three seasons. Ollis said, “We’re tougher to defend, as more of a two-headed monster.” Runners include tailback Tyler Ridings (5’ 6”, 135), a gutty JV star in ’09 and track sprinter with “breakaway speed,” and “tremendously athletic” Joel Booker (6’ 1”, 170) who runs the 40 in 4.5. “He can fly. He can give and take a hit. He’s a hybrid [runner-receiver].” Fullback Josh Metcalf (6’ 0”, 225) transferred back from Roberson. Receivers include Ryan Thomas (5’ 10”, 165), Kerry Littlejohn (6’ 1”, 185), Rooster Ross (5’ 11”, 175),

Alec Philpott (5’ 11”, 150) and Booker wide or in the slot, and TEs Chandler Miller (6’ 1”, 210) and Lucas Williams (6’ 0”, 185). Up front, 280 lb. left tackle (LT) Tyler Philpott is “one of the top two or three linemen” in WNC, Ollis said. Center Caleb Wilson (6’ 1”, 230) is vital, with his long shotgun snaps. Other likely starters are LG Ian Harper (5’ 10”, 190), RT Jacob Painter (6’ 1”, 240), and RG Tanner Ramsey (5’ 11”, 250) who are among six Wolverines weighing at least 240. The heaviest is Philpott’s backup, Nick Logan (6’ 0”, 330). On defense last year, Maxwell made 154 tackles and two interceptions, and fellow LB Juan Hicks (5’ 10”, 175) added 95 tackles and seven sacks. Line starters are DE Metcalf, NG Jay Sutton (6’ 0”, 230), and tackles Tyler Philpott (76 tackles, 21 for a loss) and Markece Cunningham (6’ 2”, 220) who registered 80 tackles and five sacks. The secondary has Thomas (four INT) and Ridings in corners, free safety Overholt and star strong safety Cody Orick (6’ 0”, 175) who made 81 tackles. “Our biggest assets are overall team speed and conditioning,” Ollis said. This experienced group is “used to winning. We’re gonna be doggone good.” - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

Madison Patriots

Roster #

1 2 3 4 10 15 17 20 21 22 24 25 33 35 39 40 44 50 57 65 66 70 72 73 75 78 80 85 89

NAME

Daniel Perez Victor Tikhonov Keith Shelton Travis Rice Robbie Shelton Ethan Ball Joe Allman Andy Buckner Dalton Ledbetter Craig Mace Deryck Hileman Emanual Norton Dalton Nash Dustin Fender Blake Moore Ricky Shelton Brandon Henderson Bryson Anders Robert Taffer Ronnie Gosnell Brandon Lisenbee Nicholas Rice Lucas Garrett Gaston McGill Luke Zeigler Leon Terry Jacob Middleton Dakota Snelson Tyler Gonzalez

POS

WR/DB WR/LB RB/LB WR/DB QB/DB QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB RB/C WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB TE/LB C/NG OT/NG OG/DT OT/DT OG/DT OL/DL OT/DT OT/DT TE/LB WR/DB TE/DT

HT. WT. CLASS

6’0” 150 6’2” 170 5’9” 170 5’8” 150 6’0” 160 6’0” 170 6’1” 170 6’0” 165 5’8” 140 5’10” 175 5’10” 175 5’9” 165 6’2” 195 5’10” 185 6’1” 240 5’5” 164 6’1” 185 6’0” 188 6’0” 255 6’4” 280 5’10” 245 5’9” 235 6’0” 230 6’3” 240 6’4” 220 5’11” 265 5’10” 175 6’1” 160 6’0” 205

11 12 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 10 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 10 11 12 12 11 12 11 11

Coaches

Head Coach: Mark Gosnell Assistants: Richard Williams, Harry Dillingham, Caleub Rice, Jeff Suttles, Zach Ball, Tony Rogers, Woody Ammons, Bill Panzenhagan, Rick Matthews

Madison Patriots Photos courtesy of Jordan Parker

Coach Mark Gosnell

Head Coach:..... Mark Gosnell Nickname:................... Patriots School colors: red, white, & blue 2009 Record: .......................4-8 Directions:...From the Smoky Park Bridge in Asheville take the new I-26 W toward Weaverville. After 8.4 miles take the US-25/US-70 exit, exit 19A toward Marshall.Turn slight right onto US-70/Weaver Blvd./US-25. Continue to follow US-70 W/US-25 N. 11.3 miles. End at Marshall School on right.

adison took the entire nation by storm, on television at least, with the series “Mad Men” about high-pressure Madison Avenue advertising in New York a half-century ago. The local Mad Men are true Patriots, in the high-pressure Western Highlands Conference. Mark Gosnell, in his second year coaching the Patriots, has reason to figure on improvement. He has

back his quarterback, top runner, and entire gigantic line. Madison returns nine of 11 starters on offense, seven on defense, and overall 21 players which is twothirds of the varsity. The 13 seniors is twice as many as a year ago, but less than half of a still-young and developing 2010 squad. “We’re very excited about the kids who are returning,” continued on page 37

SCHEDULE

08/27/10 09/03/10 09/24/10 10/01/10

North Buncombe Erwin Polk County* Hendersonville* Jefferson 10/08/10 Thomas Academy* 10/15/10 Owen* 10/22/10 Avery County* 10/29/10 Mitchell* 11/05/10 Mountain Heritage* *Conference Game

A H H A A H A H A

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

continued from page 36

Gosnell said. “We hope they’ll grow more in their understanding on the field. We’re much physically stronger this year. We have a decent-sized football team.” Hopes start with all-conference tailback Brandon Henderson (6’2”, 197). In 2009, he rushed for 1,632 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was consistent week to week. He is both a power runner and “slasher,” Gosnell said. “He has great speed, and he’ll lower his shoulder at you.” Madison’s multi-I formation features the tailback and also fullback in carries. “We’ll take what you give us,” Gosnell says. “Our fullback is just as valuable as our tailback.” With the starting fullback graduated, sharing duties are two husky seniors — Blake Moore (6’1”, 230.) and Dalton Nash (6’ 0”, 215). Quarterback Robbie Shelton (6’ 0”, 165) returns. “Robbie is a smart, all-around great athlete with a good arm and great feet,” Gosnell said. “He is a good decisionmaker, too. He’s top in his class. He’s quiet but a very good leader.” Madison lines up two wideouts, with six sharing time. Top returnees are possession receivers Deryck Hileman (5’ 9”, 180), who had the most receptions in 2009, and Andy Buckner (5’ 10”, 160).

The Patriot front line is intact from ‘09, now all seniors. “Our offensive line is the strength of our team,” Gosnell said. “They’re very smart and strong.” The unit is left tackle Luke Ziegler (6’ 4”, 240), left guard Brandon Lisenbee (6’0”, 235), center Robert Taffer (5’10”, 262), right guard Lucas Garrett (6’0”, 238), and all-WHC right tackle Ronnie Gosnell (6’5”, 282) who is not related to the coach. Tight end Tyler Gonzalez blocks and catches well and is among those getting college scouts’ attention. “He is the strongest kid in our program. He’s a great athlete. He can move,” Gosnell said. On defense, Madison operates out of the 5-3. Returning leading tacklers include all-WHC middle linebacker Moore with 103, and linebacker Dalton Nash with 79 tackles. Other defensive cornerstones include cornerback Craig Mace (5’7”, 180), nose tackle Gosnell, and tackle Gonzalez. The Patriots have depth on the defensive front with six players, rotating three at a time into the game. In conference play, Gosnell said, “I just hope we improve and keep competing closer. As long as we play sound football, we’ll have a fair shot.” - Pete Zamplas

Smoky Mountain Conference 1-A

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

wain and Murphy are lauded as frontrunners by a consensus of Smoky Mountain Conference head coaches, who see Robbinsville, Hayesville, and Cherokee also strong and Rosman and Andrews improved. One constant among most SMC schools is working in newer skilled position talent behind massive lines, bigger than usual in the 1-A conference. Robbinsville (11-3 overall), Swain (9-4), and Murphy (8-5) tied atop the Smoky Mountain Conference at 5-1, each handing one of the others its lone conference defeat in 2009. In this footballfrenzied conference, home field advantage often decides showdowns. It happened last year, as defending champ Murphy beat consensus frontrunner Robbinsville. Robbinsville pummeled Swain 39-0 mid-season, and then at regular season’s end when Swain upset Murphy and won the draw as SMC top playoff seed. They all reverse fields this time. Swain Coach Sam Pattillo hopes the big win over Murphy provides momentum into this season. He is among many who see the same top three teams in a SMC race “up for grabs.” As tough as it is playing at Robbinsville October 8, Murphy Coach David Gentry said playing Swain is usually “our toughest game” and especially on the road. MurphySwain seems to many more in-

tense than Army-Navy or the ancient rivalry of Cain-Abel. Gentry seemingly has been around since those days, leading Murphy for the 29th season. Though Swain has to reload its backfield, “we know they’re going to be there” among leaders. He relishes hosting the big game this time. That home edge could decide the title. Swain (five) and Murphy (four) have combined for nine state titles since 1986, and even today their game often decides the SMC title. Swain surpassed Murphy in enrollment since 2006, as biggest SMC school. Those two have depth edges, making it easier to reload. Others shoot for the top. The SMC went to the Cherokee-Murphy victor in 2005-07. Robbinsville, the dominant team statewide a generation ago, is again a big player in the Smoky. In ’09, Dee Walsh led the Black Knights furthest of any SMC squad into playoffs, to a state semi-final. “I see Swain, Murphy, and us fighting for the top,” Walsh said. “Others likely put Swain and Murphy ahead us. But we’ll try real hard.” Hosting Murphy is fine, but he travels to Swain. “You gotta win on the road, too.” After the top three, it’s a “coin toss,” Andrews Coach Dane Rickett said. Rosman’s new head coach, Freddie Whitman, agrees spots are “up for grabs.” Others see three tiers, with Cherokee and Hayesville wild cards in standings. Gary Miller helped coach those

Black Knights before commanding Hayesville troops since 2009. Cherokee’s new head coach Craig Barker who won two state titles with Heath Shuler at Swain. As he notes about the Smoky Mountain Conference, “We play a great brand of football, with all the powerhouses and state championships. So many kids know each other. It makes an intense atmosphere.” MURPHY (8-5; 5-1) counts most on a swarming defense led by pre-season all-state lineman Tyler Mulligan, all-SMC LB Jonathan Lovingood, DE-LB Michael Kernea, LB Jesse Beaver, and DB Brooklyn McKeon. “Our defensive strength is pursuit and sure tackling,” Coach David Gentry said. Using more spread this year, Bulldogs’ QB Seth Curtis will look to all-WHC TE Kernea and WR McKeon. Chris Edwards and Kyle Bernier are main running backs. Eyeing the schedule and licking his chops, Gentry notes “Swain has to come here.” SWAIN runs its newest pair of Shulers, Austin Shuler and Mark Shuler. Also filling shoes of stars past is new QB Colby Hyatt, familiar with the Maroon Devils’ veer. Christian Crowe and Jacob Wildcat lead a strong front. The defense is paced by all-SMC nose guard Thomas Lambert, Chris Cochran, and Lee Pattillo. Swain Coach Sam Pattillo has many “strong, good athletes.” He foresees the usual dogfight atop the conference, with the Maroon Devils looking

to stick the fork to their rivals. ROBBINSVILLE (12-2; 5-1 SMC), graduated the nucleus that won 23 games in ’08 and ‘09. But the Black Knights reload in the backfield, with FB Chris Daniels, TB C.J. Williams, with Jaron Ayers or Cassidy Galaviz at QB. Blocking for them is a monstrous line featuring ’09 SMC Lineman of the Year Jeremiah Holder, J.R. Nunez, and Cale Anderson. All-SMC DE Daniels and LB Colton McClung are among top tacklers. Coach Dee Walsh likes overall “size, strength, and speed,” and how for newer Knights “it’s their turn to shine.” HAYESVILLE (3-7; 3-3) returns several backs in its triple-option attack, including QB Brack Martin, Dakota Lyvers, Cody Gibson, Jocquise Lloyd, and Blake Dockery. In the trenches, Brett Graves, Ross Miller, and Josh Dowiatt are on a mobile unit. Coach Gary Miller is in his second year, after helping coach Army. He sees the Yellow Jackets learning his system so, as with perennial contenders, “young kids know what to do, and they step right in.” He likes the fight in his troops, in their mission to move up the SMC ranks. CHEROKEE (6-6; 2-4) has both newness and continuity, as defensivecoordinatorCraigBarkerisnow head coach. The new backfield includes QB Jessie Blanton, Greg Bradley, and Dorian Walkingstick. Up front, senior twins Buddy Arch and Buster Arch, Troy Arch, Forrest Stamper, and Justin Littlejohn are

formidable. They also shine on a defense Barker terms “attackstyle...aggressive, up-tempo.” He sees the athletic Braves thirsting to renew a SMC ritual of 2006 and ‘07, as “we’re used to winning conference championships here.” ROSMAN (0-11; 0-6), with Freddie Whitman as the new “director,” revises the plot for its “Brady Bunch” encore season with Brady Owen at QB. That is, the Tigers will run the triple-option veer, instead of hurry-up passing as before. WB Micah Morgan, FBs Blaize McCall and Dylan Whitmire get many of the touches. Ray Owen and Blake Burgess bolster the line. Defensive standouts include LBs Justin Whitman and Brody Mullenax. “We have good quickness, and a nose to the ball,” Coach Whitman said. He sees SMC positions up for grabs, and his Tigers are hungry to claw their way up the ladder. ANDREWS (1-10; 1-5 SMC) switches to a spread offense, with QB Ian Curtis and senior targets Jeremiah Jacobs, Tyler Prendergast, and Cory Hancock. TB Jordan Collins carries the running load. The line features center John Allen and Alex Ledford on offense, John Self on defense. Defense may carry the Wildcats, as the offense is learned. Coach Dane Rickett likes “our strength up front, and quickness at other positions. We can win some games.” - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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

ROBBINSVILLE BLack kNIghtS Roster #

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 12 15 17 20 22 23 32 44 50 52 54 55 56 60 61 63 65 66 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 79 81 82

NAME

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

Cassidy Galaviz QB/DB 5’10” 161 Kelby Sherrill WR/DB 5’9” 156 Jaron Ayers OB/DB 5’8” 160 Trevor Radford WR/DB 5’6” 109 Zack Waldroup FB/LB 5’11” 185 Chris Orr WR/DB 5’9” 145 Colton McClung TE/LB 6’1” 230 CJ Williams RB/DB 6’0” 165 Kade Bowman WR/DB 6’0” 158 Brett Jones WR/DB 6’2” 175 Coy Buchanan WR/DB 5’9” 163 Hunter Phillips WR/DB 6’0” 180 Austin Hill RB/DB 5’6” 140 Wade Smith RB/DB 5’8” 152 Chris Daniels OB/DE/LB 6’1” 222 Tevin Smoker TE/WR/LB 6’0” 175 Jagger Queen OL/DL 5’6” 216 Dylan Orr OL/DL 6’1” 226 Dakota Phillips OL/LB 5’8” 225 Taylor Teesateskie OL/DL/LB 5’10” 231 Devin Viar OL/DL 6’3” 262 Jake Denzer OL/DL 5’11” 196 Jeff Orr OL/DL 5’9” 262 JR Nunez OL/DL 5’10” 290 Darvin Orr OL/DL 5’5” 166 William Grindstaff OL/DL 6’3” 225 Brendlyn Phillips OL/DL 6’5” 276 Dillion Daniels OL/DL 5’10” 230 Jeremiah Holder OL/DL 6’0” 275 Cale Anderson OL/DL 6’0” 215 Stuart French OL/DL 6’2” 195 Matt Jones OL/DL 5’11” 207 Michael Brooms OL/DL 5’10” 202 Jesse Aldridge OL/DL 5’11” 185 Stone Phillips WR/DB 5’9” 160 Greg Burchfield WR/DB 5’8” 140

Coaches

11 11 12 10 11 10 12 12 11 11 12 12 10 10 12 10 11 10 12 12 10 10 11 12 10 10 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 10 11 10

Head Coach: Dee Walsh Assistants: David Mauldwin, Kevin White, Cullin Buchanan, Stuart Nelms, Lucas Ford, Randy Moody, Kyle Garland, and Steve Hall

ROBBINSVILLE BLack kNIghtS Photos courtesy of Richard Jabaley

Coach Dee Walsh

Head Coach:.......... Dee Walsh Nickname:.........Black Knights School colors: ..... black, silver and white 2009 Record: .................... 11-3 Directions:...Take I-40 W to exit 27. Merge onto US-74W .Turn right at Hwy. 19 W.Turn right at US 129.Turn right at Tallulah Rd.Turn right at NC 143/ Sweetwater Rd.

obbinsville graduated 1-A Player of the Year Kurt Odom and a slew of stars who won 23 games over the last two years and reached the Western Regional Championship Game, but reloads with a huge line to continue resurgence. Head coach Dee Walsh is in his 31st year coaching, led Robbinsville for 10 years before, and is in his third year back at the helm. In 2008, he promptly improved the Black Knights by five wins. They won 12 times, then 11 more in ’09 when they fell by one point in a 1-A state semi-final a year after losing by a point in the third round. “We came with one point of the state championship game,” Walsh noted. That was the best

finish since 1999, also the fourth round. Robbinsville dominated a generation ago, winning nine of 11 state titles in 1973-1983. “That’s what we shoot for,” Walsh said. “We were not satisfied with last season. We were disappointed.” Still, the Black Knights scored at least 40 points in eight of 14 games including their three playoff wins, averaging 43.7-9.1. They beat everyone but Murphy in the SMC, over two years. Fullback Odom ran for 2009 yards in 2009, scoring 36 times and notching SMC career marks of 90 TDs and 5,600 rushing yards. All-SMC flanker Randy Hernandez, all-SMC QB Blake Anderson, QB Luke Perkins (injured most of ’09) and all-SMC LB Taylor Wachacha also graduated.

But opposing coaches point to the Knight line with two 285-pounders, as reason for continued SMC title contention. AllSMC guard Jeremiah Holder (6’ 0”, 285) earned area and SMC Lineman of the Year honors as a junior. “He’s very strong and quick on defense too,” Walsh said. “He practices hard. He sets the bar.” J.R. Nunez (5’10”, 284) is also huge on the other side. Guard Cale Anderson (6’ 2”, 225), Taylor Teesateskie (5’10”, 215), Stuart French (6’ 2”, 190), and tight end Colton McClung (6’0”, 220) are getting good blocking grades. The new backfield has two athletic contenders at quarterback. Jaron Ayers (5’9”, 170), all-SMC continued on page 39

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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continued from page 38

as a defensive back, played some fullback and receiver in ’09. He’ll start as an RB if not at QB, Walsh said. Cassidy Galaviz (5’ 11”, 150) can play QB or possession receiver. “He, too, is an excellent athlete andstudentofthegame,”Walshsaid. “He can run, throw, and catch well.” Robbinsville will “mix up a variation of wing T, multiple option runs, from such formations as pro I with a deep back, power I with a third back to block, as well as split backs, Walsh said. The backfield varies from one to three runners, plus QB and wingback. Look for plenty of yards from speedy tailback C.J. Williams (6’ 0”, 175). “He was right on the heels of Kurt [Odom] in the 200-meter dash,” Walsh said. He can line up

“Our returning line should be good, on both sides of the ball,” Walsh said “Our skill kids have size, strength, and speed to be good. They were backups last year. It’s their turn to shine. We’ll see how they produce.”

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 11/05/10

Avery County Christ Rabun County Mountain Heritage Union County Swain County* Andrews* Murphy* Rosman* Hayesville* Cherokee*

A H A H H A A H H A H

*Conference Game

in the slot. Versatile Chris Daniels (6’ 1”, 220) moves to fullback, succeeding Odom, but can again play tight end and also split wide. FB Zach Waldrop (5’ 11”, 185) blocks well. Hunter Phillips

(6’ 0”, 180) is a primary receiver. In the 4-3 defense, the star is athletic all-SMC DE Daniels, who plays post in basketball. He punts. Other top tacklers returning are LBs McClung, Williams, and Teesateskie.

“Our returning line should be good, on both sides of the ball,” Walsh said “Our skill kids have size, strength, and speed to be good. They were backups last year. It’s their turn to shine.

We’ll see how they produce.” In the SMC, “others likely put Swain and Murphy ahead us. But we’ll try real hard.” - Pete Zamplas

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

Andrews wildcAts Coach Dane Rickett

ebuilding Andrews has won three total games in the past three seasons, including once in 2009, but is making strides and unleashes a spread offense this fall. With a huge junior class, merely a half-dozen seniors, and star runner Nikko Williams graduated, the best seems ahead for the Wildcats under Dane Rickett. But don’t count them out in 2010. Those juniors are “very talented. They’re young, but were all on varsity last year,” said Rickett, a 1993 alumnus in his third year at the helm. He has a plan to boost endurance, to help pull out close games. “Last year, we were often tied or ahead in the fourth quarter. Now, we’ll use more two-platoon to stay fresher.” Tailback Jordan Collins (5’ 9”, 180) ran for 751 yards last year, and moves into a full-time role this fall. Collins bench presses 260 lbs. “He’s phenomenally strong,” Rickett said. He’s extremely quick, with good vision in open space. Jordan take pressure off passing game.” Andrews has switched from wing T to a spread, with one back and three receivers plus a tight end, who along with the back, can line up wide for five receivers. Quarterback Ian Curtis (6’ 0”, 180) is poised with a strong, accurate arm. He “has really matured.

Head Coach:...... Dane Rickett Nickname:..................Wildcats School colors: red, black & white 2009 Record: .................... 1-10 Directions:...Go west through Nantahala Gorge on Hwy. 19-74. Just after mile marker 36 turn left at stoplight onto Locust. Go straight through ﬁrst stoplight. At stop sign go right on 6th. School on left.

He’s making good quick reads of the defense.” He started three games in ’09. Tyler Prendergast (6’ 3”, 190), the ’09 QB, is a physical and athletic tight end with “great hands,” Rickett said. Top receiving targets also include swift and sure-handed slot receiver Jeremiah Jacobs (6’ 2”, 180), fast wideout Justin Watson (6’ 0”, 165), and crafty Cory Hancock (5’ 11”, 160) with “great hands and leverage, who runs great routes and gets open.” Eric Arreaca (5’ 9”, 165), quickest in moves, is a talented midfielder in soccer. The line’s anchor is returning center John Allen (6’ 2”, 200), a 4.0 student who now “makes the calls, and runs everything up front.” The finesse spread requires mobile blockers, and the Wildcats have good footwork. “We’re using our quicker, more agile linemen on offense for pass protection,” Rickett explained.“Our strongest ones are on defense. That’s opposite of what many people do, who run more power offenses.” Linemen are stronger than in ’09, when only one benched 200 lbs. “Now they all do, and several are pushing 300,” Rickett said. Strongest blockers are Alex Ledford (6’ 3”, 260) and Christian Humble (6’ 2”, 240). Left tackle Caleb Stiles (6’ 2”, 195) has “unbeliev-

Andrews wildcAts Photos courtesy of Richard Jabaley

able footwork and speed,” shifting from tight end, while Jacob Gilbert (5’ 8”, 210) is quick and also strong. The 52 defense features the three strongest Wildcats, all juniors who played often last year, as interior linemen. They are John Self (6’ 2”, 225), and 6’ 0”, 235-lb. buddies Brady Payne and David Kelley who are much stronger now, Rickett said. “We want these strong guys to put their ears back, and go for it more” in attacking ball carriers and the quarterback. Fierce rushing end is lanky Jaylon Johnson (6’ 3”, 195), who is “quick and extremely strong.” Weakside end is Pendegrast, the only two-way

lineman. “He can line up on scrimmage, or four yards back and out and drop off into coverage like a safety,” Rickett said. LB Dylan Perrone (5’ 10”, 180) who “sticks his nose in there to make a tackle.” LB Daniel Ledford (5’ 8”, 190) is “strong, solid, and moves well as a gap control player.” They succeed all-SMC LBs Derrick Raxter and Williams. The secondary has safeties Arreaca (also an LB), Jacobs, or Jordan Collins, and swift CBs Logan Crawford and William Morgan, both 5’ 8”, 165 juniors. The defense may be the strength, while players learn the new offense, Rickett reasons. “Overall, we have strength up

front and quickness at other positions. We can win some games.” - Pete Zamplas

SCHEDULE

08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Thomas Jefferson University Christian Asheville School North Stokes Copper Basin Robbinsville* Rosman* Murphy* Swain County* Cherokee* Hayesville*

*Conference Game

H H H A H H A A H A H

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 40

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

Cherokee Line Trio Forms GoLden ArCh oF Triumph P

aris, France has the world’s largest arch in the Arc de Triomphe, while Cherokee football’s trio of Arch linemen forms its own “Arch of Triumph.” The Cherokee Braves line features three Arch seniors — twins Buster Arch (6’1”, 270) and Buddy Arch (6’ 2”, 228), and their second uncle (“cousin”) Troy Arch (6’ 2”, 235). Buddy anchors the line at center, and Troy and Buster are tackles with Troy typically on the “strong side” with the tight end. Wearing Cherokee maroon and gold, they are Golden Arches. The Braves have pep rallies at the high school and often also at the local elementary where they create a human archway. They form a processional double line, as cheerleaders do for players to run through onto the field. But in role reversal, the youngsters proceed between Braves players to “high-five” them. “They holler, and go crazy,” Troy said. Also, players autograph and toss souvenir mini-footballs. This bonds older and younger youth, in the close-knit Cherokee community. The Arches treasure serving as role models. They help coach youth football in technique and attitude right after their own practices, and counsel youths at an activity center. They relate football to school, work, and life. “You have to have a work ethic and the proper mindset,” Buddy said. “Do whatever it takes, to get the job done. Listen to your coach. Do it his way, not your way, because his way is the right way.” He said, “I like being a role model. It’s important. They’re our future. We have to watch after them and teach them to do what’s right.” A bonus inner reward is celebrity. “Kids ask us how it feels to be on the team,” Buddy said. “We’re like Gods, to them.” He added, “I see them and think, ‘that used to be me.’” Buster also recalled admiring varsity starting when 5 playing Pee Wee ball. Now it’s their turn in the spotlight. Troy said, “they sure look up to us.” But with Cherokee football adulation comes extra pressure. “We represent not only this community but also the whole Cherokee nation,” Troy figures. Expectations rose further last season with new Cherokee Central High School and athletic facilities debuting for a college-like presence. “To get that new stuff, we have to pay them back by winning games,” Buddy reasons. Instead, Cherokee (6-6) lost half of the games in 2009, af-

ter recent, long playoff runs. The .500 season was “mind-boggling,” Buddy said. Shaking off a defeat, he figures “that game’s past. Now, look ahead, and get better.” David“Skooter”McCoy stepped down as head coach, after ‘09. But defensive coordinator Craig Barker took over, providing continuity. The Arches respect both. McCoy urged “hitting people in the mouth,” Buddy said. They like Barker’s encouraging style and belief in mind over matter (i.e. fatigue). The Arches are self-motivators, especially fiery Buddy. They agree he is the most “aggressive” and competitive Arch, including in grades (getting B’s and C’s). “I try to work harder than my brother,” Buddy said. “I figure ‘if you can do it, I can do it better.’” Bigger Buster bench presses 315 (to Buddy’s 250) and squats 500 pounds. But in the 40-yard dash, Buddy said, “I beat him by five yards. I finish with the backs.” Buddy is like an assistant coach, urging fellow Braves on the field. Born two minutes ahead of Buster, “older brother” Buddy said “I lean hardest on him, because he’s my brother and I expect more out of him.” Coach Barker said “we breed a family atmosphere, and preach being accountable.” Buddy relishes offering senior leadership after learning (when the Arches were varsity freshmen) from Langston Wood and others to “never give up, never back down.” Buster is more jovial, Buddy said. “He smiles all the time. He gets along with anybody. He’s very caring. But in football, he’s

Troy (right tackle), center Buddy, and left tackle Buster (Photo courtesy of Tim Sparks)

very aggressive.” Troy’s father is brother to the twins’ grandfather, making Troy their second uncle. All three Arches are like brothers, “hanging out” such as in fishing. Meanwhile, making the nonidentical twins more distinctive, Buster bulked up by 20 pounds in a year. He lifts weights four hours a day, four times a week. Feeling stronger is “awesome,” he said. “Hard work pays off at the end.” All three Arches dream of playing college football and perhaps coaching. Buster wants to major in college in physical education, Buddy in sports medicine or graphics design. Troy wants to be a wildlife firefighter. This fall, blending those aspirations, Cherokee’s Arches will bethewildlifeonthegridirongiving foes a graphic physical education. - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 Smoky Mountain Christian 08/27/10 Wake Academy 09/03/10 Towns County 09/10/10 Choctaw Central 09/17/10 Highland Tech 09/24/10 Hayesville* 10/01/10 Murphy* 10/15/10 Swain County* 10/22/10 Rosman* 10/29/10 Andrews* 11/05/10 Robbinsville* *Conference Game

H A A H H H A H A H A

Head Coach:.......Craig Barker Nickname:......................Braves School colors: maroon & Vegas gold 2009 Record: .......................6-6 Directions:...I-40 W to exit 27. Merge onto US-74 W. Taxe exit 103 to merge onto US-19 toward Maggie Valley/Cherokee. Slight right at State Rd.1368.Continue on Acquiona Rd.

his seems the year of the (Atlanta) Braves in baseball’s National League; perhaps that is an omen for area prep football. Cherokee Central High School Braves start a new era, with Craig

Barker as head coach. He succeeds David “Skooter” McCoy. McCoy stepped down after winning nearly 10 games a year (49-16) in five seasons, often driving deep into playoffs. But Cherokee slipped to 6-6 last year, flipped from 4-2 to 2-4 in the SMC, and fell 56-12 to rival Robbinsville which has the next-most number of Cherokee players. Barker was promoted after four seasons as defensive coordinator. He is eager to continue Cherokee’s reputation for fierceness.“We have a good core group to play a physical style on. That’s what Cherokee and the conference are known

1 2 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 17 20 21 23 25 33 34 35 36 50 52 53 54 55 56 64 65 68 70 72 73 78

NAME

POS

Jeremy Wolfe QB/C Seth Littlejohn RB/DB Jesse Blanton QB/FS Jay Bradley DB/WR Eli Crowe TE/DL Skylar Botchenbaugh RB/LB Wesley Bird DB/WR Dre Jackson OL/DL John Roper DB/TE Mark Kanott RB/LB Tyler Williams WR/FS Gabe McMillan WR/C Greg Bradley WB/C Wesley Long WR/C Cory Ross OL/DL Dorian Walkingstick RB/LB Poncho Ramirez TE/DE Corbin Wright RB/LB Russell Blankenship TE/DE Shane Sneed OL/DL Cole Allison OL/DL Frisco Javier OL/DL Stevie Sherill OL/LB Buddy Arch OL/LB Buster Arch OL/DL Forrest Stamper OL/LB Troy Arch OL/DL Joseph Morales OL/DL Darius West OL/DL Willie Arch OL/DL Justice Littlejohn OL/DE Ray Montelongo OL/DL Stephen Gammon OL/DL

CLASS

11 10 12 12 12 12 10 10 12 12 10 11 12 11 11 10 11 10 12 11 12 11 10 12 12 11 12 10 11 12 10 10 10

Coaches

CHEROKEE bRavEs

Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

Roster photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

CHEROKEE bRavEs

Page 41

for.” He also guides a Coach Craig Barker new era begun last year, with a new school and athletic college-like facilities fueling “excitement. It sounds intimidating.” Barker respects players’ Eastern Band of Cherokee cultural identity. “We speak Cherokee on defense. We incorporate every aspect of the culture.” Playing for Swain, Barker was a three-time all-conference standout and two-time state champion. He and Benjie Shuler graduated in 1993, two years after their quarter-

Head Coach: Craig Barker Assistants: Tom Sargent, David Hines, Dale Galloway, Andrew Maney, Matt Maney, Jack Davis, Chuck Patterson, Terry Adams, Heath Robertson, Micah Swimmer, and Brandon Daniels

back Heath Shuler. Barker continued championship ways as a college outside linebacker, winning the 1995 Southern Conference title with Appalachian State. His degree is in criminal justice. He’s laying down the law for team preparation on-field and in classes. “He expects you to work, every time you practice,” Troy Arch said. He said Barker suggests mind over matter, to combat fatigue. continued on page 43

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 42

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

Murphy bulldogs

SCHEDULE

Foundation 08/20/10 Q Academy 08/27/10 Franklin 09/03/10 Ringgold 09/10/10 Smoky Mountain 09/17/10 Fannin County 09/24/10 Rosman* 10/01/10 Cherokee* 10/08/10 Robbinsville* 10/15/10 Andrews* 10/29/10 Hayesville* 11/05/10 Swain County*

H H A A H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

ast season, Murphy won at least a share of the SMC championship for the fifth time in nine years, which is just over half of the time.

Head Coach:.....David Gentry Nickname:..................Bulldogs School colors: ....black & gold 2009 Record: .......................8-5 Directions: From I-40 take exit 27 toward Clyde/ Waynesville. Merge onto US-74 W via the exit on the left. 95 miles. School Coach David Gentry on right. The Bulldogs won their first five SMC contests before falling at arch-rival Swain, and won one playoff game. Might history repeat? Three years ago, Murphy also lost five games including at Swain, then the next season in 2008 went 13-1. The five-time

state champion Bulldogs hope for a huge turnaround again, under veteran head coach David Gentry who leads them for the 29th season. They return 15 lettermen with four all-conference in ’09 — seven starters on a ferocious and swarming defense including pre-season all-state lineman Tyler Mulligan (6’ 0”, 210), merely five on offense but including the quarterback. Murphy and Robbinsville led the SMC with eight all-conference performers each in ‘09. Murphy annually has depth, having had the largest enrollment in the SMC through the first half of the last decade and is now second behind Swain, but well ahead of others. The offense has sizzled, scoring 50 or more in five of seven games in ’08, then five times in ‘09. They outscored foes by an overall av-

Photos courtesy of Richard Jabaley

erage of 40.6-11, then 46-9 last year. And now they plan to open up the offense with the spread at times, which they did late in ‘09 after primarily running the wing-T and double wing. Running backs moving into more prime-time roles are Chris Edwards (5’ 6”, 175) and Kyle Bernier (5’ 10”, 183). Both make “real good moves,” Gentry said. He said stocky Edwards “reads holes and follows blockers well.” Bernier, all-SMC punter and a punt returner, was a wingback in ’09 and has good hands. A pivotal star is Michael Kernea (5’ 11”, 215), already twice all-SMC at tight end. Brooklyn McKeon (6’ 2”, 190), cousin to Bulldog great Cort McKeon, was a halfback in ’09 but is now a split end in the spread. “He’s tough,” Gentry said. “He’s big and

Roster #

1 2 3 4 5 7 9 10 11 12 14 17 20 21 23 24 25 28 35 42 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 60 62 63 64 65 66 68 70 71 73 74 76 78 79 88 89

NAME

POS

Devon Reese RB/DB Trey Oliver WB/DB Thai Welborn K Devantae Sudderth SE/DB Brooklyn McKeon SE/DB Seth Curtis QB/DB Travis Edwards SE/DB Brooks Brown QB/DB Tony Swezey SE/DB Chris Lloyd TE/DE Chris Tarnowski K Michael Kernea TE/LB Taylor Cordell RB/DB Kyle Bernier WB/DB Brice McKeon SE/DB James Posey RB/LB Matt Cook RB/LB Chris Edwards RB/DB Cody Terry TE/LB Evan Miller RB/LB Tyler Mulligan OL/DE Matt Guthrie OL/LB Matt Harper OL/LB Drew Allen OL/DL Tripp Ledford OL/LB Donovan Sudderth OL/DE Mustafa Mugharbil OL/DL Jonathan Lovingood OL/LB David Anderson OL/DL Mohammad MugharbilOL/DE Aaron Powell OL/DL Nick Richarme OL/LB Jesse Beaver OL/LB Adam Burgess OL/DL Dalton Welch OL/DL Austin Balzer OL/DL Chris Craze OL/DL Austin Helton OL/DL Anthony Mariano OL/DL Brandon Stiles OL/DL Jonathon Fleming OL/DL John Newton OL/DL Mark Ferguson TE/LB Dillon Neal TE/DL

HT. WT. CLASS

5’9” 180 5’10” 181 5’4” 112 6’3” 154 6’2” 194 5’10” 170 5’11” 130 5’8” 141 5’9” 148 6’3” 223 5’8” 136 6’0” 216 5’9” 160 5’11” 182 5’10” 143 5’10” 164 5’9” 187 5’6” 171 5’9” 172 5’9” 152 6’1” 220 5’8” 163 5’9” 165 5’11” 175 5’9” 156 6’3” 239 5’11” 194 5’9” 185 6’1” 251 6’0” 188 6’1” 218 5’8” 164 5’8” 175 5’11” 249 6’1” 289 6’0” 255 6’2” 263 6’1” 252 5’10” 299 5’7” 200 5’7” 191 6’0” 237 6’2” 175 5’8” 182

12 11 9 12 12 11 11 10 12 12 10 12 12 12 10 10 12 12 10 11 12 10 10 10 11 12 10 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 10 11 11 10 12 10 10 11 12 10

Coaches

Head Coach: David Gentry Assistants: Caesar Campana, Thomas Nelson, Joseph Watson, Gary Thompson, Michael Thompson, Eric Brinke, Ray Gutierrez, Adam Clonts, Nathan Davenport, Kevin Williams, and Danny Coleman

fast, making a good target. He has good hands.” continued on page 43

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 43

CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES • CHEROKEE BRAVES continued from page 41

“You can’t be tired. Your head tells you you’re tired, but you’re really not.” The Braves are instead tired of losing as in ’09, and are hungry to return to winning ways. The team rebuilds with merely six of 26 as seniors. Gone are linemen Marty Medina and Humbo Corral, who graduated, and Christian Crowe, who transferred as did runner William Carmichael. But quarterback Jessie Blanton (6’ 0”, 170) transferred in, going from Smoky Mountain High to the Smoky Mountain Conference. “He’s extremely agile and quick and throws well off playaction and on the run,” Barker said. “He’s a very heady ballplayer, a playmaker, and a great safety.” The Braves will be grounded in tradition. “Historically, we’re known as a running team,” Barker said. “Last year we were in a flex option. Now, we’re in a plethora of sets — some wing T, option, and veer,” Barker said. “We’ll throw in some spread, mix it up to give defenses different looks.” Versatile Greg Bradley (5’11”, 160) plays wingback, wide receiver, or tailback. Two

other main ball carriers, both sophomores, are likely quick, hard-running tailback Dorian

A.J. Welch (5’ 10”, 175) who excels in basketball, and tight end Eli Crowe (6’2”, 225) who catch-

terchangeable.” Up front, senior twins Buddy Arch (6’2”, 225) at center and

“Historically, we’re known as a running team, “ Coach Barker said. “Last year we were in a flex option. Now, we’re in a plethora of sets —some wing T, option and veer... We’ll throw in some spread, mix it up to give defenses different looks.” Walkingstick (5’ 9”, 175) and FB Corbin Wright (5’ 10”, 175). Receivers include sure-handed split end Gabe McMillan (5’ 9”, 150) who is also an RB, athletic

es and blocks well using “great technique.” Versatility and twoway “ironman” football reign as usual, due to limited numbers, Barker added. “We gotta be in-

tackle Buster Arch (6’ 1”, 270) team with their uncle (“cousin”) Troy Arch (6’ 2”, 235), a tackle, plus guards Forrest Stamper (6’1”, 225) and Justin Littlejohn

(6’ 0”, 230). The Arches show “great work ethic,” Barker said. “As three-year starters, we expect them to set the pace.” On defense, Cherokee goes back to mostly a four-man front, some three-man, and cover two or three deep in the secondary. “We are attackstyle, with stunts and blitzes,” Barker said. “We’re aggressive, up-tempo. We try to dictate.” Returning leading tacklers include LBs Stamper and Buddy Arch, Buster Arch and DE Littlejohn up front, and CB Bradley. Overall, “we’re a very athletic team. We run all over the field, and play fast,” Barker said. He is forging a near-term goal, to honor tradition. “We’re used to winning conference championships here.” - Pete Zamplas

MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS • MURPHY BULLDOGS continued from page 42

Quarterback Seth Curtis (5’ 10”, 161) is a “great runner (6 ypc.), and a good passer” and is counted on for a quick release and accurate tosses in the spread. Curtis won the starting job in week three last year as a sophomore and has further matured this year, Gentry said. Mulligan and Jonathan Lovingood (5’ 8”, 185) are among standouts up front on offense and on defense. On defense, all-SMC lineman Mulligan is N.C. Preps pre-’10 allstate. In ’09, he wrecked havoc,

delivering 11 sacks and causing six fumbles. All-SMC linebacker Lovingood (113, 111), who made 13 tackles versus Cherokee, and Mulligan (104, 114) seek their third straight 100-tackle seasons. Other top tacklers are fierce DE-LB Kernea, McKeon, and Bernier in the secondary and LB-OG Jesse Beaver

(5’ 7”, 165). DT Adam Burgess (5’ 11”, 230) is among emerging standouts. “Our defensive strength is pursuit and sure tackling,” Coach Gentry said. Murphy uses a multiple 34 (3-4) against the spread, or four or five-man fronts against the run. Murphy likes its schedule

better this year. “Robbinsville is tough to beat over there. But we’ve done better there than at Swain,” Gentry said. “Swain has to come here. We like that” — not to mention the chance to win another SMC crown. - Pete Zamplas

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 44

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

Swain County Maroon devilS

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 09/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/24/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Mitchell Smoky Mountain Providence Day Franklin Robbinsville* Hayesville* Cherokee* Andrews* Rosman* Murphy*

A A H H H H A A H A

*Conference Game

wain looks for a championship encore to an outstanding 2009 campaign that extended into the third round of playoffs. The Maroon Devils were ousted by eventual state champ Albemarle by a mere point, after boldly going for but not making a two-point conversion to win — thus reflecting Swain Coach Sam

Head Coach:....... Sam Pattillo Nickname: ..... Maroon Devils School colors: maroon & white 2009 Record: .......................9-4 Directions:...From I-40 take exit 27 toward Clyde/Waynesville go 38.9 miles. Take exit 67 toward Bryson City. 0.2 miles keep right at the fork to go on Franklin St./ Bennett Rd. Spring St. 0.6 miles turn right onto US-19/Main St. 0.1 miles turn left onto Everett St. 0.1 miles Everett St. becomes Fontana Rd./NC-1364. 1.3 miles. School on left.

Pattillo’s daring quest to win. When taking over the program a year ago, he said “Our goal is to win every ballgame and the state championship.” He quarterbacked Swain to its first of seven 1-A state titles in 1979. Swain (five) and Murphy (four) have combined for nine state titles since 1986. Swain surpassed Murphy in enrollment

Photos courtesy of Terry Sparks

since 2006, as biggest SMC school. Last Coach Sam Patillo year, Swain at home won the huge rivalry game, 20-13, to earn a three-way share of the SMC. The most heralded position in

who was all-SMC in ’09. Now, it’s the turn of Colby Hyatt (6’ 2”, 185). Hyatt is “a good passer and runner,” Pattillo said. Hyatt has run the varsity’s veer offense for four years. He piloted a junior varsity that was unbeaten the past two years, winning at least a share of the SMC title for four years in a row. Swain mostly runs a split-back veer option with two running backs, some single-back Nebraska I, trap runs, and at times no backs in a spread, Pattillo said. Swain again has a pair of Shulers in the backfield, à la QB Heath and RB Danny in the early nineties, making it feel like good ‘ol times in Bryson City. This fall, two Shulers should carry much of the rushing load. Mark Shuler (6’ 0”, 185) is a “quick slashing” tailback-fullback, Pattillo said. He said tailback Austin Shuler (5’ 10”, 185) is “very shifty with his hips,” but may not play until conference season after knee surgery in spring. He started at fullback last year and was “an offensive leader.” Quick Jose Otero (5’ 8”, 160), ’09 JV star, is a prospect at tailback, with Drew Huskey (5’ 10”, 180) among fullbacks. The fullback and tailback typically split carries in Swain’s veer. Last year’s all-SMC TB Corey Greene graduated, along with two of his blockers.

“Our goal is to win every ballgame and the state championship.” — Coach Sam Patillo Swain football history is quarterback, from Heath Shuler to the recent string of Scotty McMahan, Corey Hipp, then Ryan McMahan,

Up front, Swain has much new varsity talent including transfer Christian Crowe (5’ 11”, 260), a continued on page 47

Roster #

2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 20 22 23 25 30 31 33 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 47 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 66 67 71 73 75 77 78 79 80 82 84 85 86

NAME

Garrett Lowe Matthew Maennle Sean Webb Cody Rich Colin Petty Logan Woodard Dylan Rose Evan Sneed Lee Pattillo Colby Hyatt Austin Curtice Robert Duplak Mark Shuler Drew Burns CJ Shephard Drew Huskey AJ Ledford Dylan Wincester Garrett Lane Tanner Beldon Caleb Queen Tyler Bryant Josue Otero Austin Shuler Trevor George Bradley Greene Will Ferguson Tim Woodard Tyler Cook Tristan Watty Drew Cook Sean Cipriano Chris Cochran Jesse Mason Thomas Lambert Payton Parker Corbin Panther Victor Jones Christian Crowe Nate Sellers Donald Dickson Louis Saeli Lyndon Higdon Richard Dickson Jacob Wildcatt Jordan Bennett Chris Hatcher Elias Huskey Michael Elrod Logan Ogle Greg Tisho Jeffrey Peppers Jared Turbyfill

HT.

6’1” 5’9” 5’6” 5’11” 5’10” 5’9” 6’1” 6’1” 6’0” 6’2” 5’6” 6’0” 6’0” 5’9” 6’2” 5’11” 5’11” 5’11” 5’6” 5’8” 5’6” 5’10” 5’6” 5’10” 5’11” 5’5” 5’8” 5’9” 5’8” 6’0” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 6’3” 5’11” 5’11” 6’2” 6’1” 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 5’7” 6’0” 5’4” 6’4” 6’1” 6’1” 5’11” 6’0” 6’2” 6’3” 5’10” 5’10”

Coaches

WT. CLASS

170 150 135 155 143 160 187 200 200 185 120 145 170 145 170 170 185 165 155 145 145 143 154 175 168 127 215 175 195 220 240 190 175 245 240 220 218 244 285 160 162 151 265 238 262 275 195 280 190 200 187 160 190

11 10 10 11 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 12 10 11 11 12 11 10 11 11 12 10 11 10 11 10 11 11 11 11 10 12 12 12 10 10 10 12 10 10 10 12 12 10 11 12 10 12 12 10 12 11

Head Coach: Sam Pattillo Assistants: Andy Turbyfill, Billy Jenkins, Erin Dorsey, Frank Maennle, Emily Sneed, Neil Blankenship, Darren Blankenship, Jeff Marr, Baxter Baines, James Phillips, Tommy Dills, Randy Arvey, Nathan Medlin, and Evan Clapsaddle

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 45

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS

SCHEDULE

08/27/10 09/03/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Rabun County Copper Basin Towns County Cherokee* Rosman* Swain County* Robbinsville* Murphy* Andrews*

H A H A H A H H A

*Conference Game

ayesville’s second-year head coach Gary Miller sees progress in the Yellow Jackets, with a nest of backs and a quarterback more savvy from experience. “We felt toward the end, we were getting it,” he said of learning his wishbone option offense in 2009. Miller was an adept motivator who was special teams coordinator at the U.S. Military

Academy at West Point where fitness is a priority. He is pleased with Hayesville’s weight workouts. As a result, “we are stronger.” It takes strength and much speed for the new linemen and experienced backs to block in the tripleoption run by both Hayesville and Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets, also Navy and Air Force, and now former Army assistant Miller. Hayesville often fights its ground war out a double slot formation, with short possession receiving and varying the run-pass ratio of the run-oriented attack. A lot hinges on the quarterback reacting to defenses, seeing where holes are and thus figuring who should carry the ball. The returning QB starter is quick Brack Martin (5’ 8”, 160). He and players around him are more confident, Martin said. “He’s more comfort-

Photos courtesy of Richard Jabaley

able with the pre-snap read [of defensive formations], and what to do after snapping the ball. You gotta be smart in our offense.” Martin grew two inches taller, and 17 lbs. heavier. “He’s much stronger and faster, too,” Miller said. “He has more arm strength and greater accuracy.” Several runners emerged in ’09 as juniors, and are among merely seven seniors on the squad. Quick and strong Dakota Lyvers (6’ 0”, 185) gained nearly 20 lbs. He will share crucial fullback duties with Cody Gibson (5’ 8”, 180). The fullback is the first option the QB can hand off to, and a key blocker. The second option is a QB keeper, off tackle. The third option is pitching wide to either two slot backs, Jocquise Lloyd (6’ 0”, 170) and Blake Dockery (5’ 7”, 165). They are backed up by Josh Maddox

(5’ 7”, 135). The periodic passes go to athletic sophomores Coach Gary Miller Zach Wall (6’ 1”, 150) and TE-SE Matt Danielson (6’ 1”, 175). In the trenches, the returning starter is RG Brett Graves (5’ 11”, 180). Other likely starters are center Ross Miller (6’ 0”, 180), LG Josh Dowiatt (6’ 3”, 275), and tackles Kyle Vardo (5’ 11”, 185) and Dylan Williams (6’ 1”, 205). This unit is mobile and fundamentally sound, Miller said. “They are all smart, honor-roll kids.” Though smaller than many foes up front, Miller said, “we’re big enough, to make the [quicker-sustained] blocks in this offense. We just have to mix continued on page 47

Roster #

2 5 7 8 9 10 11 13 17 18 20 25 27 31 32 41 42 44 45 50 51 52 53 54 55 58 62 73 75 77 78 80 85 88

NAME

Blake Dockery Johnny Garrett Zach Wall Dakota Lyvers Brack Martin Austin Layton Austin Moss Jeremiah Ledford Brody Dancer Cody Neumann Josh Maddox Kyle Chastain Jocquise Lloyd Orren Weaver Robert Lund Matt Danielson Cody Gibson Ryan Hagler James Fleitas Jordan Ashe Brett Graves Kyle Vardo Ross Miller Tyler Worden Alex Cothren Caleb Tallman Robby Chaffin Timmy Kelly Evan Hughes Dylan Williams Joshua Dowiatt Tyler Norris Cale Maddox Derek Kendall

POS

LB/RB LB/RB DB/REC LB/FB DB/QB DB/REC DB/TE DB/REC DB/RB DB/REC DB/RB DB/REC DB/RB K DB/RB DL/TE LB/RB DL/TE LB/RB DL/OL DL/OL LB/OL DL/OL LB/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DL/OL DB/REC LB/REC DB/REC

HT.

5’8” 5’7” 6’0” 6’0” 5’7” 6’0” 6’2” 5’8” 5’4” 5’10” 5’8” 5’10” 5’11” 6’0” 5’8” 5’10” 5’7” 6’4” 5’4” 5’9” 5’10” 6’0” 6’0” 5’7” 5’11” 5’7” 5’7” 6’3” 6’0” 6’1” 6’3” 5’6” 5’7” 5’7”

WT. CLASS

154 166 160 170 148 165 174 127 160 145 140 152 155 215 150 170 170 170 134 180 185 195 180 150 175 195 170 221 235 225 258 147 150 130

12 12 10 12 11 12 11 10 10 10 10 10 11 12 11 10 12 11 11 12 12 10 11 11 10 10 10 11 10 10 11 12 10 12

Coaches Head Coach: Gary Miller Assistants: Kenneth Dockery, Smith Danielson, Wade Byers, Aaron Hawkins, Jon Hensley, and Nic Rumfelt

Head Coach:......... Gary Miller Nickname:....... Yellow Jackets School colors: Black & Georgia Tech gold 2009 Record: .......................3-8 Directions:...From I-40 W take exit 27 toward Clyde/Waynesville 1.3 miles. Merge onto US-74 W/US-23 S via the exit on the left. 24.9 miles. Merge onto US-23 S/US-441 S via exit 81 toward Dillsboro/Franklin/ Atlanta. 20.5miles. Stay straight to go onto US-64 W. 32.3 miles.Turn right onto NC-1140. 0.4 miles.Turn left onto NC-1313/Yellow Jacket Dr. 0.1 miles. End at 205 Yellow Jacket Dr.

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 46

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

ROSMAN tigeRS

SCHEDULE

08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10

North Henderson Mountain Heritage Hendersonville Asheville School Murphy* Hayesville* Andrews* Robbinsville* Cherokee* Swain County*

H A H A H A H A H A

*Conference Game

Head Coach:Freddie Whitman Nickname:.......................Tigers School colors: orange & black 2009 Record: .................... 0-11 Directions:...Go through Brevard, then 11.6 miles on US-64 W. Left on Hwy. 178. School on right.

mash-mouth football returns to Rosman, as Freddie Whitman takes over and returns the tough identity he helped mold for over a dozen years as defensive coordinator. Whitman, a 1985 Rosman alumnus, is in his 23rd season coaching football at his alma mater. He started in 1988 as an assistant and has been Tiger defensive coordinator since 1997 when Rosman reached the 1-A state title game. Whitman is simplifying the offense, emphasizing fervent rushing. He replaces spread-passing enthusiast Brian Bailey, whose third and final year was 0-11 with 48.4-7.3 average loss. Players are responding to Whitman. Forty-two made varsity. The ’09 squad ended with 17, but

Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

most returned as underclassmen. There are 15 sophomores, a dozen juniors, and only nine seniors. Whitman preaches fundamental skills. “I’m a stickler for technique, for perfection.” He is a “tough but fair coach. He expects physical play,” said longtime head basketball coach Mick Galloway, Rosman’s new athletic director. “He has experience. He’s paid his dues here, learning under such coaches as (fiery Dan) Essenberg and (crafty Jim) Fox.” Whitman realizes when Rosman fans line around the field fence, “they want their money’s worth. You want you to be successful, clawing and fighting to the bitter end. When you play us, you’d better pack a lunch. It’s on.” Whitman likes player attitude

and preparation. Many are benchp r e s s i n g Coach Freddie Whitman 50 more lbs. since last season. “These kids have worked so hard in the weight room. They are aggressive with contact. They’re going flat out after it. They want to be successful. We’ll try to turn that into wins.” At assistants’ urging, Bailey in ’09 switched to simpler double wing and some veer triple option. The Tigers again line up that way, but run different plays, Whitman noted. “We’re going to run the football, and pass when we want to.” Quarterback Brady Owen (6’ 1”,

# 3 4 5 7 8 10 14 17 20 25 30 31 34 40 42 44 55 56 58 60 62 64 65 66 67 68 73 75 76 77 81 82 84 85

Roster

NAME POS Alex Clay WR/DB James Jones RB/DB Duran Scruggs QB/RB/DB Brody Mullenax RB/DB Dillon Whitmire FB/LB Justin Whitman WR/LB Brady Owen QB/DB Logan Roland TE/LB Brett Sisk RB/DB Micah Morgan RB/DL TJames Henderson TE/DL Braden Fisher RB/DB Steven Justus FB/LB Samuel Johnson RB/LB Dakota Owenby WR/LB Blaise McCall FB/DL Cody Galloway OL/DL Hunter Rutledge OL/DL Christian Davis OL/DL James Hendricks OL/DL Brandon Lonic OL/DL Keith Owen OL/DL Steven Landreth OL/DL Blake Burgess OL/DL Zach Cozart OL/DL Lane Barnett OL/DL Zane Shipman OL/DL Austin Curto OL/DL David Moman OL/DL Ray Owen OL/DL James Diaz OL/DL Matt Poteat WR/LB Chaz West TE/LB Caleb Rice WR/DB

HT. 5’6” 5’7” 5’8” 5’9” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 6’0” 5’8” 5’11” 5’11” 5’6” 5’6” 5’8” 5’11” 5’8” 6’0” 6’0” 6’0” 6’0” 6’2” 6’1” 6’0” 6’4” 5’10” 5’10” 5’10” 6’2” 6’0” 6’2” 6’0” 5’11” 6’3” 6’0”

WT. CLASS 130 11 135 11 145 10 155 11 175 11 120 12 165 12 158 11 160 10 165 12 172 11 120 10 160 10 163 11 140 11 215 10 181 12 190 11 230 10 180 11 190 11 160 11 252 11 305 10 230 12 240 10 200 11 260 10 190 12 300 12 165 12 144 12 190 11 165 10

Coaches Head Coach: Freddie Whitman Assistants: Packy Chapman, Derrick Huggins, and Dusty Robinson

160) looks for much better “ratings” in the Rosman Network’s encore season of the “Brady Bunch.” Owen, hurt much of ‘09, has muscled up and improved footwork, seeing holes and cutting upfield, Whitman said. “He’s taking control of the (veer) offense. He’s making good reads. Brady could always throw. Now, he’s better running.” Hard-running Duran Scruggs (5’ 9”, 145), Owen’s backup and heir apparent, is more run-oriented. continued on page 47

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 47

SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS • SWAIN COUNTY MAROON DEVILS continued from page 44

top Cherokee lineman last year, and Jacob Wildcat (6’ 4”, 280) who squats over 400 lbs. He is agile enough to play basketball and among several sophomores who could eventually start this year. “He’s a potential D-1 prospect,” Pattillo said. “College-strong”Crowe benchedpressed 185 lbs. nearly 30 times in a row, at a national combine,

Pattillo said. Tough returning center Tim Woodard (5’ 10”, 185) is a superb wrestler. Tight end

On defense, Swain runs 4-3 and some 3-5. Top returning tacklers include nose guard Thomas Lambert (5’ 10”, 240), Pattillo, and Chris Cochran (6’ 2”, 185). Lambert is the lone returnee among six all-SMC Devils in ’09. Team strengths include abundance of runners and “strong, good athletes,” Pattillo said. He foresees the usual dogfight atop

Coach Pattillo said, “We hit the weights. We have a big line.”

Lee Pattillo (6’ 1”, 200) can block as an H-block. He gained 15 lbs. of muscle. Coach Pattillo said, “We hit the weights. We have a big line.”

HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS • HAYESVILLE YELLOWJACKETS continued from page 45

it up, with bigger guys.” Graduation losses hit hardest on the line with 297-lb. Erik Kimsey and all-SMC Evan Furby on defense, plus brutish all-SMC LBRB Bradley Nuckolls and all-SMC DB Chad Woody. Defensively, Hayesville uses

multiple fronts, but mostly the classic 4-3. Linebackers Gibson and Lyvers are keys, along with Dockery and Lloyd in the secondary. Coach Miller seeks to get Hayesville into the class of perennial frontrunners who, de-

spite being small schools, reload as “young kids know what to do, and they step right in.” He likes the fight in his troops, and their prospects to move up the ranks in the Smoky Mountain Conference. “I like our chances.” - Pete Zamplas

ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS • ROSMAN TIGERS continued from page 46

In the triple option, “everything sets up off of the fullback,” the first option to run, Whitman noted. He quipped about bulldozers Blaize McCall (5’ 9”, 220) and Dylan Whitmire (5’ 8”, 190). “If you don’t get all of them, you’re going to lose it.” D o u b l e wing-backs are athletic Micah Morgan (6’ 0”, 185) and Brett Sisk (5’ 8”, 165), who “finds holes well.” They are backed by Brody Mullenax (5’ 8”, 160), another “blue-collar hard worker” who bulked up, Whitman said. Morgan “can run through your chest, or dodge you.” Several rotate in as lone wideout. They include Justin Whitman (6’ 0”, 135), the coach’s son

and a state-qualifying wrestler, and Alex Clay (5’ 7”, 130) who also catches and blocks well. On the line, strong senior center Ray Owen (6’ 2”, 300) is “as good a lineman as there is in the

Henderson (5’ 9”, 180), now 35 lbs. heavier. Linebackers are Whitmire, Mullenex, good pursuer Matt Poteat (5’ 9”, 145) and crunching third-year starter Whitman. The secondary has swift safety Caleb Rice (6’0”, 145), Clay, Owen,and Scruggs. T h e Tiger defense is improving reads of foes’ plays, Whitman s a i d . “We have g o o d quickness and a nose to the ball. We’ll try to get nine to the football.” Whitman sees SMC positions up for grabs, and his Tigers are hungry to claw their way up the ranks. - Pete Zamplas

Coach Whitman quipped about bull-

dozers Blaize McCall (5-9, 220 so.) and Dylan Whitmire (5-8, 190 jr.), “if you

don’t get all of them, you’re going to lose it.” area,” Whitman said. “He’ll get after you.” Third-year starting tackle Zach Cozart (5’ 10”, 220) is alert. Guard Brandon Lonic (6’ 0”, 200), Blake Burgess (6’ 4”, 315), and Austin Curto (6’ 2”, 270) add bulk. The defense remains a multiple 44 and 43 with DE Morgan and McCall and DTs Owen and James

the conference, with the Maroon Devils looking to stick the fork to

their rivals. - Pete Zamplas

Page 48

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 49

2010

FOOTBALL

PREVIEW

Appalachian Athletic Conference

3A 2A

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

Can Tuscola Repeat for AAC Title?

ealignment worked out just fine for schools in the newly formed 2A/3A Appalachian Athletic Conference for 2009. The first conference crown went right down to the wire and

in the last week of regular season Friday night games, it was Tuscola emerging as the inaugural champs. Tuscola (12-2-1, 7-0) is among the top half of the field according

to most coaches in the conference. Even by graduating one of the best passers that Western North Carolina has ever seen in Tyler Brosius, the expectations of a meltdown in Waynesville are

highly unlikely. Running back Austin Chambers is among 12 returning starters that played significant roles in obtaining the conference title and accolades as the 3A West playoff runner-up last season. The buzz of the conference seems to be in Canton, at the house of Pisgah (9-5, 4-3). In spite of a minor early season setback, feature tailback Travis Smalling gives the Black Bears all the reasons why they can compete

for a conference crown and more in 2010. The big three (Kevin Robinson, Kevin Thomas, and Dillon Baker) are all back for West Henderson (6-6, 5-2). Those three combined to rush for over 2,500 yards of offense, and that will frankly put a scare on every defense in this conference. A Falcons assistant in 2009 is now the head coach at West, but his familiarity within the program continued on page 50

Page 50 continued from page 49

may pay big dividends this season. And for whatever reason, Franklin (10-3, 6-1) still isn’t getting a lot of talk despite reaching doubledigits in the win column during 2009. The Panthers’tenacious defense allowed just 16.3 points per game last season. That was mainly due to the play of linebacker Dewayne Isaacs, who returns in 2010. Although top rusher Blaine

Clark has graduated, Ben Carrion, Nathan Raby, and Thomas Evans are all impact players that return for this season. If Franklin’s offense helps its defensive efforts, it may be the kids from Macon County that run over the AAC competition. Some coaches are thinking that East Henderson (3-8, 2-5) could be the sleeper this season. A successful junior varsity program that has taken two years has now risen to the varsity level.

The Eagles return six defensive players and five on offense for 11 total, which includes Shack Davis. The athletic Davis nearly collected 1,500 yards of offense last season. Two-way force at fullback and linebacker Justin Owenby is back for another year at Brevard (6-6, 3-4). A coaching change has occurred for 2010, and 16 kids are back from a year ago. The Blue Devils do have strength in one particular area this season, and that could very

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

well spell trouble for any team in the AAC. While they are a bit of a sleeper, Brevard has finished with a .500 record in each of the past two football seasons. North Henderson (3-8, 1-7) is slowly improving after winning two games in 2008, they oneuped themselves for 2009. The Knights quarterback Nick Heim returns as more depth has been added to the backfield in 2010. And if all goes right, North Henderson could reach the post-

season for the first time since 2007. The return of Steven Taylor and Tom Pawlowski are at least two things going right for Smoky Mountain (0-11, 0-7) this upcoming season. While the Mustangs are dealing with tough times, the chance to be competitive and snapping a losing streak isn’t out of the question for 2010. -KC

‘The Kevins’ Blast the Past, Forge Falcon Resurgence

est Henderson’s Friday night prime-time drama “The Kevins” returns for an encore season, as Kevin Robinson and Kevin Thomas again batter and bewilder foes trying to tackle them. Known simply as “The Kevins,” the Dynamic Duo returns for their third season after a fabulous 2009. Last year, The Kevins rushed for a combined 20 touchdowns and nearly 2,100 yards. West Henderson, a school that opened 50 years ago, went 6-6 in ’09 in its first season back up at 3-A. The Falcons won their first four Appalachian Athletic Conference games to lead the AAC a while. They bulked up to win trench battles and close contests, for a marked turnaround. Robinson said, “We were not about to let 1-10 happen (in ’08) again.”

The Kevins, both straight-A students, are big backs. Stockier (5’ 11”, 230 lbs.) Robinson is a brutish runner, with “powerful center of gravity,” as Thomas notes. Robinson also has stamina, willpower, and enough quickness to break off long runs, as he did with a 51yard playoff score. On defense, he is now the nose guard. He’s drawing football interest from Brown in the Ivy League. Thomas this month accepted a scholarship to play for Wofford in 2011. He is 15 lbs. heavier than a year ago, at 6’ 3” and 235, which is NFL-sized for a runner. He blends speed and power in classic “slashing” style inside or out. The linebacker is West’s top returning tackler, with 127. He often runs behind lead blocking of HB Ryker Heatherly. FB Robinson is the inicontinued on page 58

Kevin Robinson and Kevin Thomas, also known as “The Kevins” (Photo courtesy of Pete Zamplas)

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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EAST HENDERSON EAGLES • EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES• EAST HENDERSON EAGLES

East HEndErson EaglEs T

he question for East Henderson is transition. Since the Eagles’ deep playoff run of 2008, East has sported a victorious junior varsity team over the past couple of seasons, while they tweaked the varsity program back into shape. In 2010, it’s now their turn to see how they can do at the varsity level on Friday nights. With half (11) of their starters and 16 overall seniors returning, the Eagles know that they can improve from last year’s 3-8 season.

“We had a very good off-season and have put ourselves into position for a successful year,” East Henderson football coach Brett Chappell said. The Eagles offense begins with tailback and dual threat — Shack Davis. Davis ran for almost 1,200 yards and scored 13 touchdowns on the ground for the Eagles in 2009, but calculated over 200 yards more receiving. While Davis is the feature back, Trenton Hill is a nice counterpart to have with speed to assist the Eagles backfield. Kaleb Hodsden and Thomas Waddell will likely

Roster #

1 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 15 16 18 20 21 28 31 34 35 39 40 41 42 43 50 51 52 53 55 61 64 70 72 77 80 81 82 88 99

NAME

Shack Davis Tyler Samotis Kaleb Hodsden Anthony Hampton Seth Owen Jonathan Maybin Andrew Case Moises Barbosa Caleb Smathers Daniel Moody Tyler Spurlin Jeffery Andres Trenton Hill Brandon Smith Mason Muong Jalen Ashe Thomas Waddell Josh Tankersley Jack Carver James Oliver Stephen Neill Tyler Messer Tanner Hill Dylan Carrol Hayden Cole Garrett Merrell Aaron Benfield Stephen Vaughn Grayson Schmidt Dillan Burrell Jaime Ruiz Brady Praytor Jincento Aguillar Stephen Land Mike Whittey Jamie McClure Michael Fisher Henry Hunt

POS

WR/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/LB QB WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB WR/LB LB WR/DB TE/LB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/DE RB/LB WR/LB TE/DE LB WR/LB LB LB OL/DT OL/DE OL/DE OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT OL/DE OL/DT OL/DT OL/DT WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB OL/DT

CLASS

12 12 11 12 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 10 12 12 11 11 11

Coaches

Head Coach: Brett Chappell Assistants: Wendell Ireland, Jeff Frady, T.J. Ballard, Jeff Floyd, Brian DeSua, Dan Essenberg, and Jay Norton.

share the role at fullback in the Eagles spread formation. Getting the snaps this season will be sophomore Seth Owens. Owens has a year of quarterbacking the junior varsity club under his belt and a little bit of varsity ex-

Photos courtesy of Kevin Carver

head coach: .... Brett Chappell nickname: ......................Eagles school colors: forest green & white 2009 record:........................3-8 Directions:...Take I-26 E/US-74 E to the Upward Rd. exit, exit 53. Turn slight right onto Upward Rd. Look for school on right. perience late in the 2010 season. Despite being placed in that spot, Chappell believes that he will be up to the task. Jonathan Maybin, who nearly had 900 yards of offense himself as the quarterback last year, moves to a wide receiver slot

East HEndErson EaglEs

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Chase R-S Central Enka Hendersonville Pisgah* North Henderson* Brevard* Smoky Mountain* Franklin* Tuscola* West Henderson*

A H H A H H A H A A H

*Conference Game

this season. The supporting cast of receivers are solid as well with 3-year starter Stephen Land and then fellow senior Anthony Hampton.

L a n d does have the best hands of the group, but Maybin has Coach Brett Chappell excelled in his leadership skills during the 2009 campaign. Jeffery Anders leads the tight end crop with Jalen Ashe a possible candidate to see the field in that spot. As for the offensive line, Hayden Cole will be the snapper at the center, Dylan Carrol and Jincento Aguillar will be the starting guards. At the tackles, continued on page 55

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 52

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS • WEST HENDERSON FALCONS

west henderson falcons Roster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 19 22 23 25 26 32 33 34 35 42 44 45 46 49 51 55 56 66 68 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 80 86 88 89

NAME

POS

Garrett Lancaster QB/DB Aaron Goforth WR/DB Dillon Baker QB/DB Chris Letchworth WR/DB Michael Marino WR/DE Sebastien Castellanos K Camen Royce QB/DB Tyler Johnson WR/DE Steven Gutierrez QB/DB Jordan Greer WR/DB Lyle Payne WR/DB Ryker Heatherly WR/DB Zach Rhodes WR/DB Corey Fisher RB/DB Josh Levi RB/LB Daquan Waters WR/DB Jacob Sitton RB/DB Kevin Thomas RB/LB Zach Cole WR/DE Taylor McGraw RB/LB Kevin Robinson RB/LB David Prado RB/DL Drew Martin TE/LB Gavin Parrish WR/DB Jordan Bell TE/DE David Kent WR/DB Chase Andrews OL/LB Tyler Ashba OL/LB Cody Ledford OL/DL Taylor Frizzell OL/DL Billy Thompson OL/DE Daniel Carroll OL/DL Cody Shipman OL/DE Marshal Harris OL/DL Joseph Wesson OL/DL Josue Gomez OL/DL Colin Thompson OL/DL Dylon Johnson OL/DL Eric Walker OL/DL Chandler Conoley WR/DB Colton Fouts WR/DB Coleman Hensley WR/DE Zane McGee WR/DB

HT. WT. CLASS

5’11” 150 5’11” 152 5’9” 175 5’10” 181 6’0” 175 6’3” 170 5’8” 142 6’3” 185 6’0” 176 6’2” 180 5’9” 157 5’11” 160 6’1” 143 5’11” 150 5’7” 171 5’11” 150 5’11” 203 6’3” 230 6’0” 195 5’9” 195 5’11” 230 5’7” 152 6’1” 215 5’11” 155 5’11” 195 5’11” 165 5’9” 212 6’0” 200 5’9” 210 6’3” 233 6’1” 205 6’1” 252 6’3” 203 6’1” 250 6’4” 225 6’0” 231 6’2” 216 6’4” 205 5’6” 210 6’0” 161 6’3” 160 6’0” 155 5’11” 148

Coaches

11 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 10 11 11 11 12 12 11 11 12 12 11 12

Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

Head Coach:....Paul Whitaker Nickname:....................Falcons School colors: blue, red, & white 2009 Record: .......................6-6 Directions:...Take Hendersonville Rd./US-25 south.Turn right at 4th Ave.W.

Head Coach: Paul Whitaker

est Henderson (6-6, 5-2) stepped up last season after opening with a 1-3 non-

conference record, battling back to finish third in league play. West carried that momentum into the playoffs, but fell, 34-31, to

west henderson falcons an explosive Burns offense in the first round of the 3A playoffs. Coach Paul Whitaker Now that a new football season is upon us, West Henderson is doing some restructuring as well. Jeff Bailey took over at Brevard and the

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Hendersonville Roberson Cherryville East Rutherford North Henderson* Smoky Mountain* Pisgah* Brevard* Tuscola* Franklin* East Henderson*

*Conference Game

A A H H H A H A A H A

Falcons promoted assistant coach Paul Whitaker to replace him. In retrospect, Whitaker does have some talent to work with this season, but picking how his group will fare this season, isn’t on his radar. “This is a tough football conference, and I hope we can compete for the conference title,” Paul Whitaker said. We are going to have to be ready to play every

continued on page 55

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 53

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

Franklin Panthers A

year ago, Franklin (10-3, 6-1) found the 10-win plateau Roster again for the first time since 2006, # NAME POS HT. WT. CLASS 2 Jordan Talley WR 6’0” 140 11 but a lot of people would point 3 JD Stanfield WR/DB 5’11” 160 12 to 2009’s success in the direction 4 Ben Maslin QB 5’7” 160 11 of running back Blaine Clark, who 6 Andre Dewhurst C, K 6’1” 185 12 8 Chris Dills QB 6’0” 160 12 chewed up well over 1,000 yards 9 Jacob Martin WR 5’9” 170 11 last season. 10 Austin Gibson QB 5’9” 140 11 Clark however, is no longer able 11 Nathan Raby DB/TB 5’9” 160 11 12 Tanner Piper DB 5’6” 125 11 to help and neither is last year’s 14 Cory Dills WR/DB 5’11” 170 12 quarterback Austin Bishop, due to 17 Jimmy Ear WR 5’3” 130 11 graduation, which does leave the 18 Billy Hibbett TE 6’3” 220 12 21 Tyler Rodgers RB/DB 5’5” 130 11 Panthers head coach Josh Brooks 22 Matthew Mathis B/K 6’1” 160 11 in a little discomfort on offense for 23 Aaron Wallace TB/DB 5’8” 155 12 the upcoming season. 25 Eric Olvera K 5’8” 140 11 26 Devin Willis WR/DB 5’6” 135 11 Especially with how the season 27 Devin Buchanan WR 5’9” 155 11 starts, Franklin will know what it is 29 Matt Impagliatelli WR 5’8” 140 12 made of fairly quickly. 31 DeWayne Issacs LB/TE 5’11” 200 12 32 Tim McAllister B 5’11” 175 12 “We have earned the respect 34 Jacob Young LB/FB/P 5’10” 180 11 of our opponents, but we have a 35 John Marr TE/B 6’1” 165 11 very tough schedule this year and 36 Parrish Young LB/FB 5’10” 175 11 DE/FB 5’8” 180 11 we look forward to that challenge,” 38 Cody Lindley 40 Chanz Fritz FB/TE 5’11” 170 11 Brooks said. 41 Nick Ledford DB/TB 5’9” 160 11 Despite five starters on offense 47 Brent Posey B 5’9” 160 12 50 Cody Viar DL 5’9” 240 11 that return, the most important 52 Anthony Bell DL 5’9” 190 11 may be the four offensive line54 William Brooks DL 5’10” 195 12 men in that group: Ben Carrion, 55 JC Nobles DL 6’3” 330 11 56 Stephen Tice DL 6’0” 195 11 Thomas Evans, Kaleb Shepherd, 57 Kaleb Shepherd OL 6’3” 225 12 and Issac Campbell. 58 Thomas Evans OL/DL 6’3” 235 11 Coach Brooks pointed out that 59 Jakob Sayer OL/DL 5’10” 175 11 70 Brandon Piper DE 5’11” 190 12 both Ben and Evan are possible 71 Hunter Collins OL 5’11” 230 11 college prospects, but all four are 72 Ray McKinnon DL 5’10” 260 11 very important to the Panthers 73 Ben Carrion OL/DL 6’3” 250 12 75 Jay Hartbarger OL 6’1” 200 11 this season. 76 Isaac Campbell OL 5’10” 285 12 “They have very good size, are 77 Justin Bohner OL/DL 6’3” 235 11 physically strong and intense play78 Francis Gillespe DL 5’9” 300 11 80 James Emrick WR 6’5” 160 11 ers, but we need all four of them in 88 Jeb Brewer WR 5’10” 170 11 order to do the things we want on Coaches offense,” Brooks said. Head Coach: Josh Brooks Carrion (6’ 3”, 250), a senior Assistants: Tony Plemmons, Jay Brooks, Bob Kupnow, was an All-Conference selecpers, Tim Hawkins, Seth Adams, Scott Hartbarger tion last season and is the biggest returnee in the trenches to run into this, his senior season. behind in the Panthers Multiple I Although he enters into his look. Shepherd (6’ 3”, 235) brings junior year, Evans (6’ 4”, 235) was two years of varsity experience

Photos courtesy of Jordan Parker

Head Coach:........Josh Brooks Nickname:................. Panthers School colors: ......red & white 2009 Record: .................... 10-3 Directions:...From I-40 W merge onto US-74 W via exit 27 toward Clyde/Waynesville then merge onto US-74 W/US-23 S via the exit on the left. 24.9 miles. Merge onto US-23 S/US-441 S via exit 81 toward Dillsboro/Franlkin/Atlanta. 16.8 miles.Turn slight right onto US-441 BR/NC-28. Continue to follow US-441 BR W. 1.3 miles.Turn left onto Phillips St. 0.3 miles.Turn slight right onto Panther Dr. 0.1 miles. End at 100 Panther Dr. impressive last season and will no doubt be a vital asset to the run game and pass protection for

Franklin Panthers

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/10/10 09/17/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

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

A A A H H A H A H A H

*Conference Game

2010. Campbell, who was reliable in 2009, will look to get every play on the right foot as the center.

Coach Brooks alsomentioned Jacob Sayer. Sayer (5’ 10”, 185) could be Coach Josh Brooks a valuable asset as a two-way player by starting offensive guard and maybe even on the defensive line. Signal calling is a little more tricky this season as Chris Deals and Austin Gibson are competing for the quarterback job. continued on page 58

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS • BREVARD BLUE DEVILS

Brevard Blue devils D

oes Brevard (6-6, 3-4), who held a mediocre record for 2009, have enough to climb in the top tier of the Appalachian Athletic Conference for 2010? With 13 starters back from a season ago, one would believe Brevard is no pretender. During the offseason though, Brevard went out and hired Jeff Bailey after Mark Barnes left for Crest High School. A good move for Brevard, perhaps? Bailey is quite familiar with the conference, only having to travel 15 miles south to his new job from West Henderson, and will implement a new offensive and defensive scheme during 2010. “With the changes, it might take a little time for everybody to figure everything out, but I can tell you that we will be a physical football team this season,” Bailey said. Already, Bailey does have a good problem to try and sort out before the first game of the season approaches. Who is going to quarterback this team? Sophomore Trey Pope and junior Matt Crisp were the two quickest to be mentioned, but Bailey also threw in Chase Redman as a possibility as well to lead the double wing formation. Colton Ashe, Nick Mooney, and Dominique Wynn are all likely to see the field as tailbacks, but the most notable backfield Blue Devil is Justin Owenby. Owenby (6’ 1”, 220), the fullback, earned all-conference honors last season, who is just a big, solid, hard-nosed kid to bring

Roster

2 3 4 7 9 10 11 12 15 22 24 28 33 34 35 41 52 53 54 55 61 65 66 68 70 74 75 77 79 80 85

NAME

Trevor Moore Nick Mooney Shawn Winbush Dominique Wynn Matt Crisp Matt Kurimsky John Freeman Tre Pope Jace Redmond Jackson Choate Colton Ashe Jiriya Robinson Shawn Harper Justin Owenby Tyler Mote Jacob Ashe Cody Smith Mabry Robinson Zack Davis Jalen Wilkes Paul Connell Randall James Caleb Sisk Yao Jiang Patrick Jones Anthony Perez Josh Smathers Jess Nichols William Hemphill Andrew Graham Tyler Queen

POS

HT. WT. CLASS

RB/LB/DB 5’9” 160 RB/DB 5’10” 175 WR/DB 5’10” 155 RB/DB 5’7” 160 QB/RB/DB 6’1” 180 WR/QB/DE5’11” 180 QB/WR/DB5’10” 170 QB/DB 5’11” 165 QB/WR/DB6’0” 170 WR/DB 5’10” 150 RB/LB 5’10” 175 RB/DB 5’10” 190 RB/LB 5’10” 205 RB/LB 6’0” 225 TE/RB/LB 6’1” 210 WR/LB 5’8” 135 OL/DL 6’0” 245 OL/DE/LB 5’8” 185 OL/DL 5’10” 195 OL/DL 5’10” 195 OL/DL 6’0” 235 OL/DE 5’9” 225 OL/LB/DE5’10” 190 OL/DL 6’1” 235 OL/DL 62” 210 OL/DL 5’9” 334 OL/DL 6’1” 245 OL/DL 6’0” 220 OL/DL 63” 250 WR/DB 6’0” 155 WR/DB 6’3” 170

10 11 12 11 11 12 10 10 11 12 12 10 10 12 11 11 12 12 11 10 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 10

Coaches

Head Coach: Jeff Bailey Assistants: Vernon Bryson, Mark Bumgarner, Dan Essenberg, William Hemphill, Mike Jordan, John McDaris, Dewayne Norman, Brooks Owenby, Mark Robinson, Bo Williams, and Shane Worley

down with the ball. Owenby also plays two-ways as an intimidating starter at linebacker on defense. Shawn Harper or Crisp may also lend a hand in the run game when needed. The wide out core looks to be Shawn Winbush with tight ends Matt Kurimsky and Tyler Mote. While Owenby is really the only

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

head coach: ............ Jeff Bailey nickname: ..............Blue Devils school colors: royal blue & white 2009 record:........................6-6 Directions:...Take Hendersonville Rd./US-25 south.Turn right at Butler Bridge Rd./NC-1345.Turn left at NC-1365/N. Rugby Rd.Turn right at Brevard Rd./US-64. Slight right at N. Caldwell St./US-64. Turn right at Country Club Rd. returning starter to make yardage last season, Brevard makes up for that on the offensive line. Cody Smith, Mabry Robinson, Randall James, Paul Connell, Patrick Jones, and Josh Smathers all return as seniors who played last

Brevard Blue devils ols also return, but as ju08/20/10 Owen H niors for 08/27/10 Polk County A 2010. 09/03/10 Mitchell H Mak09/10/10 North Buncombe A ing the 09/24/10 Franklin* A m o v e 10/01/10 Tuscola* A Coach Jeff Bailey with Bai10/08/10 East Henderson* H ley is former West 10/15/10 West Henderson* H Henderson player William Hemp10/22/10 Smoky Mountain* A hill. An all-conference choice dur10/29/10 North Henderson* A ing 2009, Hemphill is now a senior 11/05/10 Pisgah* H and will no doubt play a big part *Conference Game of the line on either side. Most of those kids on the ofseason on the line. fensive line will likely see a lot But wait, that is not all the lineof time on the defensive line as men that could see the field for well. Brevard. Yao Jiang and Jess Nich-

SCHEDULE

continued on page 58

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

EAST HENDERSON EAGLES continued from page 51

it’s clogged up by seniors, Brad Praytor and Grayson Schmidt. In a 3-5 scheme on defense, probable starters include Henry Hunt, Stephen Vaughn, and Ashe. Linebackers hold the key to East Henderson’s defense as Anders and Waddell are the inside backers, but it also includes key return, Tanner Hill. “Tanner has such a nose for the football and is usually at the right place at the right time to cause havoc for other teams,” Chappell said. Maybin and Hodsden are likely two-way players as both are outside linebackers on defense. Without a doubt, Brandon Smith will play safety, with Shack and Hampton likely to cover as corners. Tyler Samotis could also see some time there to give the other two some rest. In stressing success, Chappell elaborated a little more as to what it would take for them to become that kind of team in 2010.

“I think Shack [Davis] has to be successful for us to be successful,” Chappell said. “We have to create turnovers and finish games.”

East lost four games in 2009 by nine points or less. With the kids that attend the East Flat Rock school this season, if East Henderson can finish games and show growth like Chappell recalls from 2008, the sky could well indeed be the limit for these Eagles in 2010. - KC

WEST HENDERSON FALCONS continued from page 52

night because there are no gimmes on this schedule.” While some schools are in quarterback limbo, West Henderson doesn’t have that issue. Dillon Baker (5’ 10”, 175) will take the snaps from under center for the third year in a row as a rising senior. While Baker is the signal caller, who may get a carry or two a game, it’s a pair of Kevin’s that really get West Henderson rolling. Kevin Thomas (6’ 4”, 230) is an outstanding four-year starter at halfback for the Falcons. Thomas powered his way for over 800 yards rushing last season and is a bruiser among running backs in the conference. His counteract, Kevin Robinson (6’ 0”, 230) returns for his senior campaign as a three-year starter. Robinson, the fullback, doesn’t go down easy either, motoring for well over 1,000 yards last season as their leading rusher. Ryker Heatherly also stands as a returning senior halfback as West Henderson looks for him to do the little things that keep them mov-

ing the chains in 2010. When Baker decides it’s time to pass the pigskin, senior tight end, Drew Martin (6’ 1”, 210) is a big asset for the Falcons. Martin can also block and he rounds out the five returning starters in West’s flexbone offense. “Our younger kids look up to those five [Baker, Thomas, Robinson, Martin, and Heatherly] and hopefully they will carry the torch for us this season,” Paul Whitaker said. Juniors Aaron Goforth and Coleman Hensley will take lessons under Martin’s wing as wideouts. Considering that most of the West Henderson weapons return, Coach Whitaker is worried about one thing — lineman. The Falcons have nobody on the offensive or defensive lines that were starters last year. Taylor Frizzell (right guard), Chase Andrew (center), Billy Thomson (right tackle), and Josue Gomez (left tackle) are all seniors and were reserves last season on the line. Their previous experiences are helpful, but sophomore Daniel Carroll (left guard) is the lone Falcon that didn’t roster on varsity of

Page 55

this group. “We are excited and feel pretty good about the season, but we’re curious to see how long it takes for the linemen to gel,” Whitaker said. Most of the offensive linemen will play both ways to assist with only three returning starters on defense. In the heart of the defense, Heatherly goes weak side, Thomas is steady in the middle, and Martin is the probable starter at strong side linebacker. As for the Falcons secondary, Goforth is likely to play safety, Garrett Lancaster is the newbie and looks to be one of the cornerbacks. Senior Daquan Waters is the guide for the other two in the secondary, standing at opposite corner of Lancaster. On special teams, quality kicker Sebastien Castellanos comes back and will likely do both punting and placekicking. The bottom line is, West will be a tough opponent out this season. If progressive line play catches up quickly, the Falcons could be flying high again by playoff time. - KC

2010 Schedule

Brevard

Blue Devils

8/20 8/27 9/03 9/10 9/24 10/01 10/08 10/15 10/22 10/29 11/05

Owen Polk Mitchell North Buncombe Franklin* Tuscola* East Henderson* West Henderson* Smoky Mountain* North Henderson* Pisgah*

* Conference Game

H A H A A A H H A A H

Tuscola M o u n t a i n e e r s

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 57

TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS

TUSCOLA MOUnTAineerS T

uscola was a big force to be reckoned with last season after a 12-2-1 overall and 7-0 conference record. They won the conference crown and went all the way to the 3A west finals, until a very talented and eventual state champion, West Rowan got the best of the Mounties. The passing attack of N.C. State’s Tyler Brosuis and receiving ability of go-getter Eric Nelson (Lackawana Junior College) are no more a part of the Tuscola offense this season because of graduation, but after winning the MAC in 2008, Tuscola has prospects to add a third straight conference title to the trophy case. They have 12 returning starters with six on each side of the ball, which gives Mountaineers coach Donnie Kiefer a great outlook for 2010. “ If some of the key role players of the past two seasons can step up and take a leadership role, we will be able to contend for the AAC title again,” Kiefer said. “The AAC is a very good conference with lots of balance from top to bottom as anyone in the league is capable of winning it.” Even without Brosius, Kiefer believes he has the right person to step in at quarterback, Rob Howard. Howard (6’0”, 185) played well in the Tuscola secondary last season, but his new task isn’t all that different to him. Howard, a rising junior, actually threw 17 touchdown passes and scored another 10 on the JV team during his freshman year. Junior Tyler Hyde is a very capable replacement for Howard as

Roster

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 30 31 32 33 35 40 41 44 50 51 52 53 54 56 64 67 72 76 78 85 90

NAME

Tyer Hyde Garrett Martin Seth Hardin Cody Hilliard Rob Howard Sam Anderson Chase Justice Levi Duffield Dustin Messer Chris Smith Travis Burgess Aaron Herbertson Brent Chambers Blake Kirkpatrick Austin Chambers Devin Seals Chad Christopher Ethan Clark Josh Cafaro Matt Johnston Weaver Kirkpatrick Zack Adams Davide Krekelberg Cody Fisher Michael Stroupe Brendan Linder Dennis Butler Alex Bacon Kyle Langston Jesse Haney Ben Hooper Eli Woody Alex Parrott Ben Buchanan Ryan Bristle Josh Sharpe Devan Elingburg Slater Woodall Andrew Sutton

POS

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

HT. WT. CLASS

5’10” 165 6’0” 165 5’7” 185 6’0” 165 6’1” 183 6’0” 172 6’0” 160 6’1” 170 5’10” 190 5’9” 155 5’10” 215 6’0” 160 5’8” 165 5’9” 180 5’9” 170 6’0” 190 6’0” 160 5’10” 175 5’8” 160 5’10” 175 6’1” 175 5’11” 170 6’0” 205 6’1” 220 6’2” 185 6’3” 230 6’0” 210 5’10” 200 5’11” 230 5’10” 220 6’0” 240 6’1” 220 5’11” 230 6’0” 230 6’0” 270 5’11” 240 6’2” 285 6’1” 170 6’6” 260

11 12 12 11 11 12 11 10 12 12 11 12 11 11 12 12 12 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 10 11 11 10 12 11 12

Coaches

Head Coach: Donnie Kiefer Assistants: Brandon Allen, Michael Belue, Josh Gibbs, Mark Jackson, Greg Parrott, JT Postell, Ethan Rinehart, Justin Rinehart, Joey Robinson, Aaron Smith, John Green

the backup but could see some time at slot. At tailback this season is Dustin Messer. Messer

Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

Head Coach:.....Donnie Kiefer Nickname:........Mountaineers School colors: ....black & gold 2009 Record: .................12-2-1 Directions:...I-40 W to exit 27. Merge onto US-74 toward Waynesville.Take exit 104 for US-23 toward Lake Junaluska. Keep right at the fork.Turn left at Hospital Dr./NC-1929.Turn right at NC-1927/Tuscola School Road. School is on the left. brings good speed in his power running ability. Backing up Messer will be Brent Chambers and Zack Adams.

TUSCOLA MOUnTAineerS

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Polk County Asheville Huss Smoky Mountain Brevard* North Henderson* Pisgah* West Henderson* East Henderson* Franklin*

H H A A H A A H H A

*Conference Game

The most notable returner in Tuscola’s offensive huddle is

Austin Chamb e r s . Chambers (5’9”, 1 7 0 ) , who will be positioned at Coach Donnie Kiefer slotback and view time at tailback, racked up 1,200 yards of offense last season as he will be asked to represent the Mountaineers in senior leadership as well. Other possibilities at slot incontinued on page 62

Page 58 continued from page 50

tial option up the gut. Quick QB Dillon Baker is in his third year running the veer, adept on keepers and will do more play-action passing especially when in “I” formation, new head coach Paul Whitaker said. Thomas said under Whitaker, the smaller but mobile new line opens seams with “better blocking angles.”

The senior trio is “ready to carry the torch, bear the load,” Coach Whitaker said. He said Baker is a key, yet ultimately with The Kevins, “how they go is how we go. We’re thankful to have two workhorses.” QB Baker said, “We’ll be hard to stop, lethal with all of our weapons.”

The Kevins take turns starring statistically, hinging on whom defenses key on most. Several coaches said they load up the middle versus bullish Robinson. Pisgah “made a constant effort to stop me,” Robinson said. “That opens the door, for others to get loose. Kevin [Thomas] ran for 150 yards.” Still, the big three each ran for a touchdown. Baker was the ultimate hero, tossing a touch-

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

down pass with 23 seconds left for a 28-24 upset spoiling Homecoming in boisterous Canton. Thriving as underdogs, the louder opposing crowds are, “the more it feeds our fire,” Thomas said. Such clutch wins “really helped our confidence.” Most satisfying, on Senior Night West destroyed arch-rival East Henderson 41-22. Robinson rumbled for 173 yards and three touchdowns in beating Brevard. He netted 143 yards in a seesaw 34-31 playoff loss at vaunted Lawndale Burn, which further fuels West confidence for 2010. The Kevins are friends with good-natured “smack talk” about statistical rivalries days after games, not during them. “I like the game in my hands,” Robinson said. “But if one of us rushes for 200 yards, and the other hardly any, we’re both fine with that.” Thomas agreed “only getting the ‘W’ [win] counts.” Both are low-key off-field, but intensify with helmets on. Robinson encourages rather than chastizes erring teammates. “If someone misses a block, I might say ‘c’mon, get that the next time.’ I remind them they’re better than that. I have faith in them.” He adds, “I’d love to coach.” After staging upsets, The Kevins do not worry about wearing targets for payback. As Kevin Thomas said of the AAC, “We’ll give our all, to try to win it all.” - Pete Zamplas

FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS • FRANKLIN PANTHERS continued from page 53

“Both have worked extremely hard and it has been a friendly competition, but we are trying to find the guy that plays within their means and can be the leader of this team,” Brooks said. At running back, Aaron Wallace and Nathan Raby are the two quick choices in Brooks’ mind. As experienced fullbacks, brothers Jacob Young (5’9”, 170) and Parrish Young (5’ 9”, 175) will try to provide the one-two punch in assisting the replacement of Clark. Both return as juniors and

An All-Conference pick from a year ago, Isaacs (6’ 0”, 200) led Franklin in about every statistical defensive category as a junior linebacker. Isaacs’ senior leadership and speed this year should make him a threat to top his previous highs in tackles (124), sacks (4), and forced fumbles (3) from 2009. The Young brothers should tag along with Isaacs at the linebacking spots like last season. The duo’s stats mirror each other from last season. Jacob compiled 70 tackles and Parrish 61 as both had

for nearly 60 tackles last season. On special teams, Dewhurst did exactly what was asked of him a season ago in making over 30 extra point tries, but his abilities are needed elsewhere. This year, it seems as though junior Eric Olvera will take over most of the kicking duties. Dewhurst could still kick extra points, but that is undecided. For Coach Brooks, the motto is simple for Franklin. “It’s no secret, if we can stop the run on defense and run the

“It’s no secret, if we can stop the run on defense and run the ball effectively on the other side of things, then there is no reason why we can’t be successful again this season,” Brooks said. gained over a combined 400 yards rushing with two touchdowns a piece last season. Both could also play as receiver if need be. Andre Dewhurst (6’ 1”, 185) will move from his special teams role of a year ago to possibly playing both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and a defensive back this season. Even with having a number of offensive weapons last season, a ferocious defense also did a fantastic job in holding opponents to just 17 points per game. Only three teams hung 30 points or more on them as the Panthers held five opponents to single-digit scoring in 2009. Leading the charge with seven defensive starters back is “the bruiser” himself, DeWayne Isaacs.

two sacks each. Covering receivers are dependable defensive backs J.D. Stanfield and Raby. Stanfield (5’ 10”, 170), who enters his final season with the Panthers as a senior, made 47 tackles and picked off three passes in 2009. Although, some consider Raby (5’ 6”, 160) to be at a little bit of a size disadvantage, Coach Brooks states that the two-year starter has proven himself and the stats don’t lie. Raby, a junior, wrangled up 46 tackles and recovered two fumbles, making himself a very probable starter for the third year in a row. Two-way starters Carrion and Evans will again take to the defensive line. The two combined

ball effectively on the other side of things, then there is no reason why we can’t be successful again this season,” Brooks said. Although Franklin may use four or more two-way players, the Panthers are not one to overlook in the AAC this fall. - KC

BREVARD BLUE DEVILS continued from page 54

“I think the line play is going to be a strength of this team,” Bailey said. “I feel like we have muchneeded depth there, and it’s great to have that kind of experience on this football team.” Owenby, Ashe, Mote, and Harper are the primary linebackers for Brevard in a Multiple 50 scheme. In the secondary, Mooney, Wynn, Crisp, and Winbush all could be starting two-way players or rotate out to give one another a breather on defense. Even considering that a number of kids could go both ways, make no mistake about Brevard being a tough opponent. “I feel like we have a good nucleus of coaches and players that all have a positive outlook,” Bailey said. “Depth is a bit of a concern, but I am pleased so far by what I have seen in practice.” - KC

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS

North heNdersoN kNights Roster

6 7 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 22 25 30 31 33 39 40 43 44 45 51 52 53 54 55 60 61 62 64 65 66 70 71 72 74 75 76 80 81 82 88 89

NAME

Corey Dickens Patrick Miller Michael Dunn Zach Erhard Nick Heim Jacob Peterson Kaleb Barner Alberto Gamez Steven Thomas Aiden Balkan Logan Jones Arron Jenkins Phillip Gee Tre Carter Lance Haney Aaron Andreotta Trey Millard Caleb Hysmith Ben Goode Tye Maxwell Bryce Caldwell Duncan Wilkie Jordan Deuter Blaze MeHaffey Cable Porter Noah Dunavent Brandon Hart Dylan Heath Darrel Torrey Sam Gordon Andrew Edwards Eric Hoots Michael Calloway Victor Gist Matthew Watts James Knowles Stephen Greene Aaron Bowen Landon Morse Adam Baldwin Eddie Dill Zach Holden Aaron Pryor Dalton Rhodes

POS

QB/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB QB/DB WR/DE WR/DB K/P WR/LB K/P RB/LB RB/LB RB/LB RB/DB RB/LB RB/LB WR/DB WR/DB WR/DB WR/LB WR/DB RB/LB OL/LB OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DL WR/LB TE/DL TE/DL WR/LB

Coaches

HT. WT. CLASS

5’10” 5’7” 6’2” 5’10” 5’10” 6’8” 5’11” 5’7” 6’0” 5’6” 5’8” 5’10” 5’10” 6’0” 5’11” 5’11” 5’8” 6’0” 6’0” 6’0” 5’11” 5’7” 5’5” 5’8” 5’8” 5’8” 5’10” 6’0” 5’11” 6’1” 6’1” 6’0” 6’0” 6’2” 5’10” 6’2” 6’3” 6’3” 6’0” 6’4” 6’0” 6’2” 6’3” 5’11”

143 142 166 162 172 201 152 153 176 153 187 187 188 180 188 206 157 183 183 183 168 188 182 183 226 243 217 244 253 206 248 233 188 243 248 283 323 276 226 232 168 201 202 178

11 12 11 11 12 11 11 11 11 12 10 11 12 11 10 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 12 11 12 11 10 12 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 12 10 12

Head Coach: Doug Justice Assistants: Dave Mains, Chad Inman, Dariel Sprinkle, Ronnie Coren, Justin King, Blake Hoover, Kirk Rebuck, and Jason Livingston

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

or North Henderson, the football program as a whole over the past couple of seasons has echoed about being competitive. This year, the Knights look to progress even better than the 3-7 overall, 1-6 conference mark of 2009. The predecessor of former Knights athletic quarterback, Chris Vanlandingham, is now an experienced senior himself, Nick Heim. Under center, Heim (5’ 10”, 170) returns for his third straight year as the Knights signal caller in the spread offense. “He started as a sophomore and has dealt through some

Head Coach:......Doug Justice Nickname:....................Knights School colors: purple, white, & gold 2009 Record: .......................3-7 Directions:...From I-26 E take US64 E via exit 49A toward Bat Cave. 1.8 miles.Turn left onto Fruitland Rd. 0.1 miles. School on left. tough times at quarterback, but he has learned over the last two years and he should do a good job for us again this season,” North Henderson football coach Doug Justice said. Patrick Miller and Aaron Jenkins were the two most noted tail-

North heNdersoN kNights

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Enka Rosman Hendersonville Erwin West Henderson* East Henderson* Tuscola* Franklin* Pisgah* Brevard* Smoky Mountain*

H A H A A A H H A H H

*Conference Game

backs, but Logan Jones (5’ 10, 200)

and Duncan Wilkie could also see plenty of carries. Wilkie, who Coach Doug Justice played on the offensive line for most of 2009, adds depth to the backfield as an alternative fullback for the Knights. In the receiving department, all four candidates are solid choiccontinued on page 62

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Page 60

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS • SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANgS Roster

1 2 3 4 7 10 11 14 20 21 22 23 29 42 52 54 58 61 70 71 72 73 75 77 78 81 83 88 99

NAME

Cody Briggs Tyler Chance Tyler White Anthony Hoxit Mike George Josh Trejo Drew Londo Hunter Robinson Dustin Wolf Taylor Beckett Brett Farley Blake Smith Cody White Jorge Guzman Clay Buchanan Tom Pawlowski Steve Broom Ethan Fortner Matt Mills Mike Moyle Evan Cagle Alec Bowers Hunter Gass Fabien Herevia Steve Taylor JD Deutschmann Jay Hartbarger James Marr Jarrod Couch

POS

QB/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/LB WR/DB RB/DB QB/DB WR/DB RB/DB WR/DB WR/DB TE/LB RB/LB RB/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/LB OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL OL/DL WR/DB TE/LB WR/DB K

CLASS

10 12 12 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 10 12 12 11 11 11 12

Coaches

Head Coach: Neil Setzer

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANgS

Photos courtesy of Tim Sparks

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 09/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

Cherokee Swain County 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

n Sylva, Smoky Mountain looks to erase 2009 completely from the memory bank. Last season, it was a down year as Smoky Mountain lost all 11 football games and currently retains a 12-game losing streak that dates back to 2008. The Mustangs haven’t posted a break-even season since they did so in 2007, but the issue of trying to make up for the loss of 26 seniors is a big question mark too. Despite those facts, Mustangs football still has a number of posi-

Head Coach:.......... Neil Setzer Nickname:............... Mustangs School colors: ......blue & gray 2009 Record: .................... 0-11 Directions:...From I-40 W take exit 27 toward Clyde/Waynesville for 21 miles.Take the US-23-BR exit 85 toward NC-107/Cullowhee/W Carolina Univ. 0.3 miles. Stay straight to go onto US-23 BR. 1.3 miles keep left at the fork to continue on US-23 Br. 0.1 miles turn slight left onto NC-107. 1.8 miles turn left to school.

tives marching into this year according to head coach Neil Setzer. And if there is any indication of good news insight, the Mustangs lost the 2009 regular season finale by one-point to North Henderson. The close loss holds argument enough to create hope for 2010. “We are in a tough situation, but we are going to keep on fighting,” Setzer said. “The kids who are here, they want to play football and you can count on them.” Back for another year under center is Smoky Mountain’s Drew

Londo (5’ 10”, 150). Londo was the t h i r d string q u a r terback Coach Neil Setzer last season, but after the first two signal caller went down with injuries, Londo stepped in. Londo started every varsity conference game last seacontinued on page 62

MUSTANGS

SMOKY MOUNTAIN

LETS GO TEAM!!!

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS • TUSCOLA MOUNTAINEERS continued from page 57

clude a speedy Devan Seals (6’2”, 185), with Michael Stroupe, Garrett Martin, sophomore Levi Duffield, and newcomer Seth Hardin. Senior Sam Anderson and junior Weaver Kirkpatrick will take over as wide receivers in replacing 69 catches and nearly 1,700 yards from outstanding Eric Nelson last season. Chad Christopher and Ethan Clark will likely get plenty of opportunities at wide out, and Cody Hilliard, Aaron Herbertson, Josh Cafaro, Slater Woodall, Chase Justice, and Chris Smith may get chances as well. Leading a core of tight ends will be a wide target in Andrew Sutton (6’6”, 260) with David Krekelberg, Cody Fisher, and Brendan Linder completing the four choices at that spot. On the offensive line, Tuscola will miss center Graham Fisher, who is now at Applalachian State, but they do return pre-season AllState lineman Devan Elingburg (6’2”, 285). Juniors Ryan Bristle, Ben Hooper, Eli Woody, and Jesse Haney will assist in anchoring the line. However, Josh Sharp, Alex Parrott, Alex Bacon, Ben Buchanan, and Kyle Langston may also rotate in for Tuscola. Experience puts the defensive line in good shape with Elingburg, Langston, Dennis Butler (6’2”, 210), and Fisher as projected starters. Parrott, Sharp, Woody, Sutton, and Hooper

all add depth when needed. But a mystery still surrounds in the linebacker department with the graduation of current Western Carolina football player John Austin Chambers. At inside backer, where Chambers played, it seems as though Matt Johnston will get that spot. Messer, Bacon, Burgess, and Haney are likely to receive time there as well. Aligning the secondary will be speedsters Chambers, Howard, Martin, and Stroupe which all started in 2009. Adams and Anderson could potentially find starting role there too. Linder, Hardin, and Clark could get the nod at outside linebacker, but from early hints, it seems to be Krekelberg for now. Deciphering on special teams play, Chris Smith is the projected placekicker with junior Blake Smith a possible candidate in the mix. Howard, who already has the most blindsided job in the lineup at quarterback, will likely add punting to his duties as well. Overall, to build strength in pursuit of a league three-peat, Tuscola’s first four games are no cupcakes with Asheville, Polk, Hunter Huss, and R-S Central on the schedule. “Our non-conference schedule will be brutal,” Kiefer said. “However I believe it will prepare us well for the intense battles we will face each Friday in conference play.” - KC

NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS • NORTH HENDERSON KNIGHTS

continued from page 59

es with good hands. Tre Carter (6’ 0”, 185) is the most experienced wideout, but Bryce Caldwell, Caleb Barner, and Aaron Andreotta are formidable downfield targets. Coach Justice believes that Andreotta (5’ 11”, 185) can make a big contribution with his strength and size as a senior. “Andreotta may be one of the main guys to go to, because he is such an athlete,” Justice said. To be something on offense, their front line will tell the tale, and it’s led by three-year starter Darrel Torrey. Cable Porter, Landon Morse, and Andrew Edwards are also among kids that will be a part of aiding Torrey on the offensive line this season. Coach Justice was also excited that they are able to add a little more beef up front with Aaron Bowen (6’3”, 300).

“Darrel [Torrey] is a big part of our game and physically, he is one of the strongest kids I have ever coached,” Justice said. “If the offensive line comes around, I feel like we can be a much better football team this season.”

Zach Holden is a veteran of North Henderson’s 3-3 stack defense, as Victor Gist and Aaron Pryor are new to the varsity team, but could play key in North’s added depth. Phillip Gee (5’ 11”, 210) is a starter at linebacker, but Andreotta, Wilkie, Blaze Mahaffey, Jones, and Jenkins could all see a number of minutes on defense this season. Michael Calloway is likely to be in that mix, considering that he is one of the strongest kids on the Knights roster, that according to Coach Justice. At defensive back, Carter is pretty much a lock in that category. Caldwell, Barner, Zack Earhard, and Michael Dunn could see the field in the other vacant spots. On special teams, Aiden Balken is a quick choice for the kicking game. Balken, who has junior varsity experience, continued his hard work at kicking camps over the off-season to be the frontrunner in the kicking game. The Knights, who came up short of a playoff berth last season have dreams of accomplishing that for this season. With a solid core of returning players and a new fearless mindset, the possibility is up for grabs. -KC

SMOKY MOUNTAIN MUSTANGS continued from page 60

son as the current junior leads a multiple I scheme for this season. To also help get the ball moving on offense, the Mustangs are very high on Tyler Chance (5’ 10”, 175). Chance, who moved into the area from Florida during the offseason, will likely get the start at tailback. Josh Trejo (5’ 6”, 140) will lend assistance in the backfield. In the receiving department, Jared Deutachmann (6’ 1”, 160) and Taylor Beckett are probable starters as wideouts. A strength in the lineup is the return of Steven Taylor (6’ 2”, 275). Taylor will play both ways, but holds a guard spot on offense.

“He [Steven] is a leader on this team,” Setzer said. “We build around him, he works extremely hard and he never misses a practice.”

Situated at center again this season is another key component of the offensive line, Tom Pawlowski (6’ 0”, 200). Pawlowski rounds out the three offensive starters (Taylor and Londo as well) that return for 2009. Alec Bowers, Clay Buchannan, Ethan Fortner, Stephen Broom, and Blake Smith are among those who will start or rotate into the offensive line. Anchoring the defense are the only two returners, Taylor and Pawlowski. Taylor finds himself as a tackle again and despite missing half of 2009 with an injury, Pawlowski led the team in tackles at middle linebacker. Bowers, Buchannan, and Fortner join Taylor along the defensive line. Smith and Chance should support Pawlowski in the linebacker core. Sophomore Cody Briggs, Trejo, Londo, and Beckett make up the Smoky Mountain secondary. Jarred Couch is the nice surprise on special teams. The senior placekicker has already showed tremendous promise with booting over 75 percent of his field goals in early practices and is a returnee from last season. Overall, Smoky Mountain is going through some tough times, but Setzer believes his team will not quit on him or each other. “It’s going to be iron man football with a lot of two-way players, but I think you will see improvement this season,” Setzer said. -KC

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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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 Roster #

1 3 4 5 8 10 12 13 19 20 21 22 24 25 30 32 33 34 35 39 40 44 47 48 50 51 52 54 55 56 63 65 68 69 70 71 72 75 77 80

NAME

Josh Noland Vadrey Crouch Caleb Harbin Matthew Inman Andrew Dalton Austin Wike Dylan McClure Rory McClure Tanner Rogers Travis Smalling Caleb Leatherwood Nolan Goodwin Phillip Styles Mitchell Smalling Tyler Hollingsworth Kyle Bloom Dalton James Blaine Williams Dayne Shuler Parker Bailey Grant Case Tyler Hannah William Leatherwood Kris Haney Michael Pressley Levi Holland Gage Norris Dakota Sneed Bo Farmer Chris Sanderson Jaron Conley Alex Gurner Nathan Braswell Adam Bennett Dalton Trammel Willy Loudenmilk Brian Holcombe Bo Henson Cameron Singleton Heath Stevens

HT.

6’1” 5’6” 5’10” 5’9” 5’9” 6’0” 6’1” 5’10” 5’9” 5’10” 6’2” 5’10” 6’0” 5’9” 6’1” 5’11” 6’0” 6’0” 5’10” 6’1” 5’8” 5’10” 6’1” 6’0” 5’9” 5’10” 5’10” 5’11” 6’0” 5’10” 6’3” 5’10” 6’0” 6’1” 6’5” 5’10” 6’2” 6’0” 6’5” 6’1”

Coaches

WT. CLASS

185 125 165 160 165 170 150 140 155 175 170 165 170 160 190 185 175 165 180 195 180 165 185 225 175 170 225 225 190 190 230 225 230 195 275 205 220 265 275 195

10 9 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 11 11 12 11 12 11 12 11 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 11

Head Coach: David Pressley Assistants: Curtis Cagle, Clint Conner, Matt Dawson, Jacob Hannah, Brandon Holloway, Casey Kruk, Jody Mathis, Clint McElrath, Bentley Rogers, and Will Warren

Photos courtesy of Camilla Calnan Photography

Pisgah black bears

Head Coach:...David Pressley Nickname:.............Black Bears School colors: ...... red & black 2009 Record: .......................9-5 Directions:...From I-40, take exit 37 toward East Canton. 0.2 miles turn left onto Wiggins Rd. 0.1 miles turn right onto US-19 S.US-23 S. 5.1 miles turn left onto Sorrells St./NC110. Continue to follow NC-110. 2.3 miles turn left onto Henson Cove Rd. 0.7 miles stay straight to go onto Abel Rd. 0.1 miles. School straight ahead.

rom the way they finished last season and with 14 starters returning, (some two-way players), a number of folks are pointing to Pisgah as the team to beat in the AAC play. The kids from Canton played into the North Carolina 2AA semifinals last season but were defeated by Salisbury, ending the season at 9-5 overall and 4-3 in the conference. “It does make us feel pretty good that people talk about us like that for this year,“ Pisgah Head Coach David Pressley said. “Honestly, we are excited with 20-plus

SCHEDULE

08/20/10 08/27/10 09/03/10 09/10/10 09/24/10 10/01/10 10/08/10 10/15/10 10/22/10 10/29/10 11/05/10

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

*Conference Game

A A A H A H A H H H A

seniors back.” B u t in Black B e a r countr y, there has been a Coach David Pressley m i n o r shakeup for 2010. Brian Curry, who was supposed to be the senior quarterback this season, is no longer with the team, which puts a question mark at the signal calling position. From early notions, it looks as continued on page 64

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS • PISGAH BLACK BEARS continued from page 63

though Josh Nolan would be the starter since he did lead them in two playoff games last season. Nolan finished with a 1-1 record, to fill in the injured Curry at the time.

Senior Caleb Harbin is also a part of that quarterback talk, which really is undecided in Pressley‘s mind. However, there is no controversy with lightning in the back-

“He [Smalling] is the hardest working kid we have in the offseason,” Pisgah head coach David Pressley said. “His height is one thing, but don’t mistake his strength.” field as Travis Smalling is back again. Smalling (5’ 9”, 185), who returns for his senior year, rushed for nearly 2,000 yards during 2009 in Pisgah’s spread formation. “He [Smalling] is the hardest working kid we have in the offseason,” Pisgah head coach David Pressley said. “His height is one thing, but don’t mistake his strength.” Smalling has also started the previous three years at tailback. In assistance, Kris Haney (6-0, 225) returns as the fullback. Haney should see plenty of time on the field in being a big, strong kid with solid blocking ability. All-Conference receiver and rising senior Caleb Leatherwood brings back a ton of experience and athletic skill to the Black Bears for 2010. “He is one of the best kids we have ever had come through here,” Pressley said. “He is just solid in everything he does for this program.” Among other wideouts, two names surfaced, which have been promoted from last season’s

junior varsity team in Matthew Inman and Dalton James. Solving the answer to an offensive line isn’t a puzzle at all along the banks of the Pigeon River. All-Conference selection Jaron Conley (6’3”, 230) returns as a leader and holds at tackle. Cameron Singleton (6’ 5”, 270) at the other tackle spot and Nathan Braswell (6’ 0”, 240) at center, round out the offensive line starters from 2009 who are back once again. Although he has played on the line, it was on defensive side of the ball last year in which Bo Henson (6’ 1”, 300) was successful for Pisgah. This year Henson is likely to play both ways as all four lineman in this group are seniors. As for the defensive line, Haney and senior Tyler Hollingsworth take the ends, with Conley and Henson reach starting tackle roles in a 4-3 scheme. Key line reserves are Heath Stevens and Brian Holcombe at defensive end and Gage Norris at tackle. Senior William Leatherwood is the lone returner at linebacker.

Helping out in that regard are Grant Case, Kyle Bloom, and Mitchell Smalling. The secondary is led by allconference safety Andrew Dalton. Harbin, Inman, and flanking at a corner is Caleb, which concludes all defensive starters. On special teams, Rory McClure assumes the placekicking duty from a year ago, and Dylan McClure (of no relation to Rory) will look to give Pisgah field position as the punter and kickoff on Friday nights. For thought, Pisgah has at least won nine games or more for the last six seasons, and there is no doubt that they have all the tools to add wins to its football tradition for 2010. “We made a deep playoff run last year and if you are playing at Thanksgiving, you have had a successful year and we hope to do so again this season,” Pressley said. -KC

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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Brevard Adapts and Holds Strong for 2010 BREVARD COLLEGE head coach:....... Paul Hamilton nickname:...................Tornados school colors:royal blue & white conference: ....... South Atlantic classification: ....... NCAA Div. II 2009 record:......................... 7-4

he Tornados made an impact in the South Atlantic Conference in just their second season as members, showing they could adapt to the physical play of the league in posting a 7-4 record. Head Coach Paul Hamilton looks to continue to build the Tornados into a program to be reckoned with, but the challenge will be greater this season as Brevard will look to replace the leadership of the first graduating class of seniors in program history. However, Brevard returns 14 starters from last year’s squad, including eight on the BC offense. Headlining this season are junior safety Michael Gist and junior linebacker Prince Simunyu. Gist finished second in the SAC last year with five interceptions and Simunyu led the SAC in tackles for loss with 14.5 on the season, receiving First Team All-SAC recognition. The offensive side of the ball should be a major strength as senior quarterback Michael Crumbaker returns. In the backfield, the Tornados return last season’s leading rusher in Neville Bryce as the senior fullback gained 598 yards on the

ground and five touchdowns on his way to garnering pre-season Second Team All-SAC honors. He’ll be joined in the backfield by fellow senior Derek Church. Church shared the touchdown lead with Bryce and is expected to gain the tough yards between the tackles. When Brevard takes to the sky, the Tornados bring back two of their top returning receivers as junior Eric Watts and senior Justin Fleming return to give Crumbaker his favorite targets. Watts is expected to see time at tight end this season and provides both size and strength. Watts scored twice at Wingate and caught the gamewinning touchdown in overtime against Tusculum. Fleming, moving from slot to wide receiver, recorded the longest play from scrimmage for the Tornados last season with a 74-yard carry against Chowan. Also returning for Brevard will be junior Jerel Drew and a pair of sophomores in Anthony Cestrone and Michael Smith. A major key to the Tornados’ success is the offensive line. The Tornados return with Darrell Neely, Caleb Campbell, Jacob Richardson, and Lamont Carpenter. Expected to challenge for a spot on the line and provide depth are juniors Adam Cordell, Tyler Fisher, and Jordan Bookheart as well as sophomores Chris Novack and Dusty Holder. Brevard returns three to the defensive line this year. Senior Chris Lumbu and sophomores Eric Con-

ner and Zach Taylor return, while Conner also chipped in a sack. Also expecting to make an impact on the defensive line are Curtis Washington and Trey Esslinger. Simunyu leads the returning linebackers and will be joined by sophomore C.J. Wilson. The remaining two linebacker positions will be filled out by Andrew Barrentine, Stephen Hicks, Drew Stanley, David Taylor, Ricky Morton, and Charles Chambers as well as several newcomers to the program. In the defensive backfield, Brevard returns a pair of juniors in Gist and Salonik Amos. Michael Duff is in the battle to line up opposite Gist in the secondary as well as returners Chris Jones, Phillip Curcio, Trey Bostick, and Rashad Dirton. Watts returns also to handle the punting duties for the Tornados as well and was named to the pre-season All-SAC Second Team after a season in which he finished second overall in the South Atlantic Conference with a 39.7 yards per attempt average, including a 75 yard punt launched last season against Tusculum. Chase Henry returns for his final season as place kicker for the Tornados. Henry currently sits one point behind the all-time BC scoring leader and connected on two of his four field goal attempts last season and was 27 for 32 in his extra point attempts. - Seth Montgomery Brevard Sports Information Director

BEST IN BEST IN

THE WEST THE WEST

Andre Overholt Polk

Ben Smith Mitchell

Austin Chambers Tuscola

Brack Martin Hayesville

Austin Davis Owen

Brady Owen Rosman

Austin Shuler Swain

Brandon Henderson Madison

Darius Drummond Ben Councell Asheville High Reynolds

BlaineWilliams Clark Brandon Franklin Asheville High

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST

Brett Graves Hayesville

Caleb Leatherwood Pisgah

Collin Lilly North Buncombe

Brooklyn McKeon Murphy

Caleb Pressley Reynolds

Courtland Clavette Reynolds

Buddy Arch Cherokee

Chris Cochran Swain

Dakota Lyvers Hayesville

Buster Arch Cherokee

Chris Daniels Robbinsville

Dallas Rice North Buncombe

Cale Anderson Robbinsville

Chris Edwards Murphy

Darrel Torrey North Henderson

Cody Orick Polk

Christian Crowe Swain

Colby Waddell Enka

Cody Fisher Tuscola

Zack Peterson Mitchell

Cody Gibson Hayesville

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST

David Kelly Andrews

Devon Reese Murphy

Forrest Stamper Cherokee

Jaron Ayers Robbinsville

Jeoffrey Pagan Asheville High

Denzel McKnight Asheville High

Dewayne Isaacs Franklin

Garrett Brown Erwin

Jarrod Couch Smoky Mountain

Jeremiah Holder Robbinsville

Desmond Whiteside Hendersonville

Dillon Baker West Henderson

Grant Petty Roberson

Jay Banks Owen

Jeremiah Jacobs Andrews

Devan Elingburg Tuscola

Drew Martin West Henderson

Ian McMillian Roberson

Jeffrey Anders East Henderson

Jessie Blanton Cherokee

Devin Calloway North Buncombe

Dwan Hanshaw Roberson

Jacob Young Franklin

Jeffrey Deleon Roberson

JJ Maxwell Polk

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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BEST IN BEST IN BEST IN BEST IN BEST IN

THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST THE WEST

Joey Papay Reynolds

Josh Bennett Mitchell

Kevin Robinson West Henderson

Matt Wilson Roberson

Monte Clampett Enka

John Self Andrews

Justin Owenby Brevard

Kevin Thomas West Henderson

Matthew Young Hendersonville

Myles Kimble Owen

Jonathan Maybin East Henderson

Justin Robinson Erwin

Kyle Bernier Murphy

Micah Morgan Rosman

Nick Heim North Henderson

Jordan Owenby Enka

Justin Whitman Rosman

LeQuon Young Hendersonville

Michael Kernea Murphy

Parrish Young Franklin

Jordon Collins Andrews

Kaleb Fowler Owen

Marquies Johnson Hendersonville

Milton Rufﬁn Asheville High

Preston Foster Roberson

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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Mars Hill Has Key Goals with Key Players

MARS HILL head coach:............. Tim Clifton nickname:..........................Lions school colors:royal blue & gold conference: ....... South Atlantic classification: ....... NCAA Div. II 2009 record:......................... 6-4

the star ting fullback . Patrick Fitzgerald, Brandon Golden, and Austin Young will compete for

playing time at fullback. The wide receivers may be the

BEST IN BEST IN

THE WEST THE WEST

continued on page 70

ars Hill had a chance to make the playoffs in 2009 but fell short after losing their final two contests of the season. The first half of the season went extremely well as the Lions won four of their first five conference games. Injuries, especially in the Lions’ secondary, hampered Mars Hill’s efforts. The goals set forth in 2010 are to have a winning season, obtain an SAC title, and then make the NCAA Playoffs. This is a very talented team, especially in the skill positions.

The keys to the Lions reaching their goals this season will be to stay healthy and to shore up a young front on both the offensive and defensive lines. The keys to the Lions reaching their goals this season will be to stay healthy and to shore up a young front on both the offensive and defensive lines. MHC graduated many linemen from the 2009 campaign. The strength of the offense will be the depth of the skill positions. The weakness will be a young offensive front that will see many new faces in 2010. Jon Richt and Luis Cruz will battle in fall camp for the starting role as the Lions’quarterback. Both saw a great deal of action in 2009. Richt threw for 1,188 yards and six touchdowns last season. Cruz had 420 passing yards and four touchdown strikes. Colton Harris and Joe Hoilman will add depth to the quarterback position in 2010. Jonas Randolph, a pre-season first team All-SAC pick who rushed for 1,804 yards and 19 touchdowns, returns at tailback. Garrison McDowell, Clarence Abraham, and Chappell Rose will battle Randolph for the starting nod at running back. McDowell averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season accumulating 227 yards. Patrick Park, a junior college transfer in 2009, will return as

Randall Conley McDowell

Ryan Langson McDowell

Ray Owen Rosman

Ryan Shiver North Buncombe

Robbie Shelton Madison

Seth Curtis Murphy

Robert Taffer Madison

Shack Davis East Henderson

Ronnie Gosnell Madison

Shaquan Curenton Erwin

IWANNA速 Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

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Shawn Jackson Mitchell

Tom Pawlowski Smoky Mountain

Tyler Chance Smoky Mountain

Stephen Land East Henderson

Travis Smallings Pisgah

Tyler Mote Brevard

Steve Taylor Smoky Mountain

Tre Carter North Henderson

Tyler Philpott Polk

Tanner Hill East Henderson

Trey Clark Erwin

Tysean Holloway Asheville High

Thomas Lambert Swain

Troy Arch Cherokee

William Hemphill Brevard

deepest and most talented group of players on the squad. Travis Prince, who led the team with 21 catches for 472 yards and four scores returns to highlight this group. Frankie Waters, an All-American hurdler, also returns along with Alex Rose, Joshua Young, Fred Elsner, Tee Howell, Shawn Esworthy, and Donald Gladden. Another surprise at wide out has been the addition of former basketball standout P.J. Gore, who decided to return to MHC and finish his degree work playing on the gridiron. In three seasons on the basketball court, Gore scored 1,104 points, averaging 18.5 points per contest his final season. The offensive line will be anchored by returning starters Brooklyn Isom, Tyler Hodgson, and Brandon Fogle. Brian Nath, Clinton Lawing, Zach Searcy, Nick Harp, Austin Wynn, Cody Cheek, Chase Erwin, and Mitch Williams will battle for playing time on the offensive front. Allen Woerner, Chad Fekany, and Josh Crumpton will handle the duties at tight end for the Lions during the 2010 season. The strength of the defense will be the linebacker corps. Five returning players will make the

middle portion of the Lions defense very strong. Stan Galbraith, who was injured in 2009, will start at outside linebacker while Rudy Cabral (22 tackles/3.0 TFL) will start at the middle position with Josh Baker starting at inside linebacker. Baker, a 2010 pre-season first team All-SAC selection, led the team in tackles in 2009 with 66. In 2008, Galbraith, a former All-SAC player, recorded 74 tackles, 11.5 tacklesfor-loss, six sacks, four fumble recoveries, and an interception. Nate Baxley, who made 27 tackles during his freshman campaign, will back up Galbraith. Corey Durben who made 22 stops last season, will back up Baker. Chris Willis will back up Cabral. The defensive line will be anchored by All-SAC defensive end Maurice Harris. Marzarius Samon also returns to start at defensive end for MHC. Both Harris and Samon are first team pre-season All-SAC selections. After spring practice, Allen Walker should start at tackle while Vernon Frett earned the nod at nose guard. Justin Broome will add quality depth to the defensive front in 2010. The secondary will be led by Brandon Edmonds and Darin continued on page 71

IWANNA® Football Preview ~ August 24, 2010

Baldwin. Edmonds was injured last season but started in 2008 and made 49 tackles from the free safety position. Baldwin led the team in 2009 with three interceptions. He added 44 tackles and 11 pass break-ups. He should start at left cornerback. Michael Robinson, who saw action last season making 31 stops and four pass break-

ups, should start at strong safety. Desmond Peterson and Maxavier Brooks will back up Baldwin at left cornerback. Enrique Moses came out of spring practice as a solid backup at strong safety after redshirting in 2009. Heath Curtis will back up Moses at that position. Tavious Banks, who saw action in several games last year, is slated

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as the starter at right corner heading into fall camp. Dexter Wells, Cornell Kelly, and Arnette Hughes will battle Banks for that position in 2010. Garrison McDowell, Frankie Waters, Darin Baldwin, and Jonas Randolph will be in the mix as the kickoff returners. Waters led this group with 15 returns in 2009

averaging 16.7 yards per attempt. Baldwin had the best average of 18.4 on eight carries. Michael Robinson will return as the Lions’ punt returner. He had nine returns for 42 yards last season. Michael Pinkerton and Nerman Imserovic will battle for the starting role as the Lions’ place kicker. A punter will be determined in fall

camp. Another important void to fill in the Lions’ special teams will be the holder. Battling for the job as the Lions’ snapper will be Allen Woerner, Rudy Cabral, Clint Lawing, and Chase Chambers. - Rick Baker Mars Hill Sports Information Director