Fall Sports Preview 2011

FALL SPORTS PREVIEW Friday, Aug. 19, 2011

PAGE 2

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Pinecrest Season Begins With a Rush of Adrenalin

DONNA FORD/Special to The Pilot

Coming off a 2010 season with 15 regular season non-league wins in a row, the Pinecrest Patriots will kick off their 2011 season at home tonight against Jack Britt.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Pinecrest football fans have become accustomed to waiting until October and the start of conference play before the real excitement begins.

In fact, the Patriots begin the 2011 season with 15 regular season non-league wins in a row.

An early rush of adrenalin is a certainty for all involved tonight (7:30 p.m. kickoff) when the Patriots open the season by entertaining a Jack Britt squad that has won 10 or more games in six of the last seven years, including appearances in state championship games in 2008 and 2009. The Buccaneers are ranked

No. 4 in the Carolina Preps/NCPrep Report preseason top 25 media poll.

Barron Collier of Naples, Fla., and New Hanover are two other marquee-quality opponents in the toughest non-conference schedule put together since Chris Metzger became the head coach in 2007. Southeastern Conference opponents Richmond Senior and Scotland County are ranked No. 5 and No. 6, respectively, in the poll.

“To my knowledge, and based on the people I know, this is the toughest schedule Pinecrest has ever faced,” Metzger said after scrimmages against Northwood and Douglas Byrd last week.

see PINECREST, page 3

PAGE 16

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Viking Squad Facing An Uncertain Season

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

The Union Pines boys’ and girls’ cross country teams begin their 2011 campaigns Aug. 31 in a Cape Fear Valley Conference trischool meet in Lillington against Western Harnett and Southern Lee. Although the Viking boys did capture the 2010 CFVC championship — marking their third straight league title and 10th over the past 12 years — an air of uncertainty surrounds the makeup of their top seven runners as the season draws near.

At last year’s CFVC championship meet, Union Pines had five runners place in the top 12.

However, three of those runners are no longer part of the Viking squad.

Not all the news is bad for the Union Pines boys, however.

Summer turnouts are high and younger runners have started to make their mark on the sandy, shady trails of Reservoir Park — a place the Union Pines cross country team has trained in the preseason for the past several years.

“We have been working out in

the mornings and I am very pleased by the numbers we’ve had,” said head coach Nat Carter. ”There have been 17 guys who have consistently showed up for workouts, which is an improvement over last year.

“As a group they have all been working pretty hard. We do not have our top five to seven spots figured out yet, but we do have some solid returners, including Storm Jessup and Tre’ Egerton.”

Jessup placed ninth in the 2010 CFVC championship race, while Egerton took 10th place. Both runners earned all-conference honors last season and figure to be leaders for the Vike squad this year, according to Carter.

“There are a lot of new faces,” Carter added, “but I suspect some will step up because of the consistency of depth we have as a team.”

Meanwhile, the Union Pines girls’ team is coming off a thirdplace finish in last season’s CFVC standings.

The Lady Vike squad does feature some experience, including seniors Savannah Mangrum and Alyssa Radel.

North Moore Cross Country Heating Up

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Special to The Pilot

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Union Pines’ cross country teams are working hard.

“We have about seven returnees out of the 12 girls who came out this summer,” said Carter.

“Laura Haulsee has been one runner who is looking particularly good after an injury sidelined her for the half of the year last season,” he added. “Also Savannah and Alyssa, our two senior leaders, have both been much more focused. So as we get closer to the first race there will be some serious competition for our top seven spots and some good competition for individual slots within the top seven.”

When accessing the girls’ overall times, Carter is optimistic about Union Pines’ ability to compete for

a league title.

“I like our chances to contend for first in the conference, but it is going to be tough because Overhills is the reigning champion and returns five of its top six girls.

Even still, I feel like we are going to give them a run for their money.”

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 21 @ Western Harnett*; Sept. 3 @ Jungle Run Invitational; 7 @ Overhills*; 10 @ 5Stage 8-Mile Relay; 14 Union Pines*; 21 @ Southern Lee*; 24 @ Bulldog Stampede Invitational; 28 @ Westover*; Oct. 5 @ Douglad Byrd*; 12 Union Pines*; 19 @ CFVC Championship; 29 @ Mid-East Regional; Nov. 5 State Meet * Cape Fear Valley Conference Meet

Talent, Experience Earn PHS Top 25 Ranking

BY MICHAEL WARREN Special to The Pilot

Heading into the 2011 edition of Pinecrest cross country, both the boys’ and girls’ teams are predicted to be among the top in the state.

The similarities between the two teams are plentiful. Both start the season ranked in the top 25; the boys are 18th and the girls are 12th. Both return the majority of their top runners. Most importantly, both are filled with young talent.

The boys are looking to improve on a 2010 season that saw them finish third in the region and 25th in the state. Having to replace three seniors, the preseason top seven runners are senior Ben Kaiser; juniors Becket Killam and Jacob Troutman; and sophomores Will Proulx, Matt Harmody, Chris Kelly and Javier Bustos.

As a whole, the team depth has improved, and coach Jeremy Swofford is anticipating runners moving in and out of the top seven.

Some of the younger runners on the team are adjusting from jayvee to varsity racing.

“It’s more fun, but it kind of hurts,”

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

remarked Bustos.

“This might be one of the fastest teams Pinecrest has ever had,” Swofford said. “The boys are looking to win the region and finish in the top five at the state championship meet.”

“Usually the state winner comes from our region, so a good showing at regions should translate to states,” said Killam. “With such a young team, one can’t help but look ahead to the 2012 season and a shot at the state championship.”

“It looks good,” said Swofford, looking forward. “We’ll have almost all of our top seven returning and if you look at the state overall we should be top three.”

Like the boys, the Lady Patriots are looking to improve on a 2010 season in which they finished second in the region and 12th in the state. After losing only one senior from the top seven, the girls line-up of senior Jenna Woronoff; juniors Jennie Cunningham, Hayden Rudd, and Kara Zoellner; and sophomores Katie Hayes, Jaleigh Jensen, Mulloy Manning looks much the same as last year’s.

The depth of talent on the girls’ team is comparable to the boys’. Coach John Buchholz expects senior Katana Lemlin and sophomore Zia Matti to be among those who shuffle into the top seven.

Where does this depth come from? Hard work in the summer.

“I don’t think there’s another group in the state that works as hard as these girls do,” said Buchholz.

“This year’s girls’ team is also looking to take its place among the best in Pinecrest history,” says Buchholz. “Time-wise, this could be the fastest team we’ve had.”

Buchholz is looking to see his girls finish in the top two in the region and among the top 10 in the state.

The teams will open the season with the Patriot Invitational on Aug. 18, where the girls will face their main regional competition, West Johnston, for the first time this season.

On Sept. 3, the teams travel to South View High School for Jungle Run, where the boys will get their first real test against rivals South View and Terry Sanford.

Interest in North Moore cross country is high heading into the 2011 season with 31 runners turning out to summer workouts — and there could be more.

Head coach Chris Coble enters his sixth season as the Mustangs’ coach, and his boys’ team is one of the deepest yet. The boys are coming off a fifth-place finish in the Yadkin Valley Conference last year.

The girls’ squad, fresh off a fourth-place conference finish last year, is more of a question mark. But Coble is optimistic about both teams this season.

“I’m really pleased with where we’re at,” he said.

“Workouts have been good. Obviously, practice so far this start of the season has looked good.”

The boys’ team returns five of its top seven runners back from last season. Alex Landers, who was one spot away from being all-conference last year, looks to lead the pack this season. Justin Marley also returns.

A rising freshman, Tristan Mackey, is expected to be a real talent and should contribute right away.

Coble thinks the team should be competing in the top half of the conference. Gray Stone is always a factor, and West Montgomery is coming off a strong second-place finish last year.

“Our boys’ team should be, I hope, one of the stronger teams in the conference,” Coble said.

“We’ve got several pieces coming back from last year.”

On the girls’ side, only three of the top seven from last year’s team are back this season after losing several seniors to graduation. Junior Jourdan Wofford is the squad’s best runner returning this season, and like Landers, just missed out on allconference last year. Several freshmen will also be contributing, but Coble said it could take a couple more weeks to figure out just how his girls’ team is going to look.

Gray Stone, South Stanly and Chatham Central are the girls’ teams to beat.

“Obviously our goal is the same as the boys’,” Coble said. “We want to finish in the top half of the conference.”

Coble is excited about the turnout for the program and is enjoying working with the kids.

“Probably what I love to see most, especially with 31 out there, is the encouragement going on among them. They’re high-fiving as they’re going by, they’re telling each other ‘good job,’ and they’re saying ‘keep working hard’ as they pass each other on the trail.

“The team concept is really strong for us right now.”

SCHEDULE: Aug. 23 Preseason Meet; 30 @ Chatham Central*; Sept. 6 @ East Montgomery*; 13 North Moore*; 20 @ Chatham Central*; 27 @ North Rowan*; Oct. 11 @ East Montgomery*; 18 YVC Championship Meet *Yadkin Valley Conference Meet

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

Youth to Define O’Neal Tennis Team’s Season

BY HUNTER CHASE Sports Editor

Young is the key word for the O’Neal girls’ tennis team this season.

Veteran coach Don Woodfield noted that he lost three seniors from last year’s team that finished 11-5. Four of the losses came against Cape Fear Academy and Westchester Country Day. Cape Fear finished the season as the 2-A independent school state champion, while Westchester finished near the top in state play.

“We had a good year last year,” Woodfield said. “But we lost three seniors from that team and we lost three seniors the year before. This year we have no seniors.”

What he does have is a squad of 13 girls that returns only a few players with varsity experience. Included in that group are freshman Greyson Keel and juniors Maggie Hacas, Ally Hoehn-Saric and Dana Averbook.

Woodfield knows that Hacas and Keel are going to be in the top-two spots, while Hoehn-Saric and Averbook are also going to be in the starting lineup. High school tennis has six singles and three doubles teams competing in each match.

For the final two spots in the six singles lineup, there are four or five players fighting for position.

“We’ve got a lot of new girls,” Woodfield said. “Most of them were former jayvee players and have only been in the program one or two years.”

He said the Cape Fear Independent Conference boasts a lot of strong teams in addition to Cape Fear, and that his team might suffer a few growing pains this season.

“It’s a great group of kids,” Woodfield said.

“But we don’t have the depth we’ve had in the past. We are a young team.”

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

UP Golf Is On Track

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

In 2008, the Union Pines women’s golf team won its second straight 1-3A state golf championship. Three years later, the Lady Viking golfers are looking to get back on track under second year head coach Raymond Groseclose.

“At the beginning of last year the team only had two players and no coach,” said Groseclose. “They missed the first conference match because no one was able to take them.”

The squad was without a coach because Matt Ragsdale, Union Pines’ head wrestling coach, vacated the position one year after seeing the Lady Vikes win back-to-back state titles. He resigned from the post after the 2009 golf season to focus full time on lifting the Union

Pines wrestling program to the status of a true state power.

“I soon told (athletic director) Bobby Purvis I would take team to their next match,” Groseclose said, “and serve as their coach so the girls could play.”

He took freshman Lindsay Dakin and sophomore Lauren Clark to the next conference match only to learn Union Pines could compete but not score as team, because they needed at least three players.

“The very next day I started recruiting in the halls (at Union Pines) and soon had seven players,” said Groseclose. “We managed to improve as the season went on and even finished second in a conference match.”

The 2010 Vikings did not qualify for postseason play, but Dakin was selected as a member of the 3A Cape Fear Valley Conference all-conference team.

According to Groseclose, this season looks much brighter.

“We return all but one player from last year,” he said, “and this group of girls is one of the most enjoyable groups I have ever had the privilege to coach. They are all good students and have great attitudes.”

PAGE 15 The 2011 Viking golf team includes Dakin, along with freshman Kayla Jackson, sophomores Olivia Blue, Shannon Burns, Sheldon Koppenhofer, Jaden Roy and Channah Valkos, junior Lauren Clark and seniors Mackenzie Koppenhofer and Riley Whalen.

Groseclose admitted his team’s overall goal is to win a conference championship.

“We may not meet that goal this year,” he said, “but I think we will have much more success than last season. Most of our team is still very young and inexperienced. Some have really just taken up golf. But Dakin is experienced in tournament play and will lead us again as well as Clark, who is very talented and has been working hard on her game.

“I expect Lauren and Lindsay to push each other to become better. Mackenzie (Koppenhofer) is a senior and our captain. She has played on the golf team for four years and is capable of scoring well. More importantly, however, she is a tremendous leader, both on the course and in the classroom.”

S C HE D U L E : Aug. 15 @ Lee County; 29 @ Southern Lee; Sept. 6 @ Western Harnett; 12 @ Overhills; 26 @ Gray’s Creek; Oct. 3 @ Douglas Byrd; 10 Union Pine

Crider, Pinecrest Golfers Eyeing Third Title

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Player of the year Hailey Crider, and three teammates who also earned all-league honors in 2010, make the Pinecrest girls’ golf team a good bet to win their third Southeastern Conference title in a row.

The left-handed swinging Crider, now a junior, has been playing plenty of tournament golf, including participation in the recent U.S. Kids Golf event. Sophomore Savannah Thompson, last season’s league runner-up in stroke average, was the leading point earner among girls in this summer’s Tin Whistles First Tee Junior Tour.

The other all-conference returnees are junior

Haley Robinson and senior Becky Anderson.

Sophomore Elaine Kearney is also back from last year’s squad. Newcomers are junior Shayla Virath and freshman Katherine Cirigliano.

The Patriots will be led by Pinecrest staff member Jennifer Kearney, who succeeds the retired Sandy Sackmann, the only coach in the state to win both girls’ and boys’ state titles during her tenure. Kearney will be assisted by Pinehurst Resort golf professionals Rich Wainwright and Eric Alpenfels.

“I am very appreciative of their help,” Kearney says.

After finishing sixth in last year’s Central Regional tournament, one of the Patriot goals will

be to finish in the top four in order to qualify for the 4A state championships. This season gets under way with a conference match at Pinehurst No. 8 on Sept. 6.

The new coach has been impressed with the determination of her players during the heat wave.

“They seem to have a desire to play no matter how hot it is.”

S C H E D U L E : Sept. 6 - SEC at Pinehurst No. 8; 12 – SEC at Bayonet; 14 – Clayton and Leesville Road at Pinehurst No. 6; 19 – SEC at Pinehurst No. 3; 20 – Northwest Guilford and Grimsley at Pinehurst TBD; 26 – SEC at Pinecrest CC, Lumberton; 28 – Grimsley and Page at Starmount Forest CC; Oct. 4 – SEC at National; 10 – SEC at Scotch Meadows; 17 – SEC at Pinehurst No. 5; 25 – NCHSAA Regional TBD; Oct. 31, Nov. 1 - NCHSAA State at Pinehurst No. 6.

Puleo, Morrison Return to Lead O’Neal’s Cross Country Team

BY HUNTER CHASE Sports Editor

O’Neal cross country coach Josh Roberts wants to see his number of runners creep up, while the numbers associated with their times creep down.

“It has been and will continue to be a time of growth by drawing from younger students,” Roberts said, “and molding them into performance runners and into a team.

“I would like to see another heavy round of recruiting from the younger grades to draw on interest from students who are unsure of what they want … We will see a few older individuals creep up the school Top 10 records and make some respectable showings at our seasonal meets.”

One of those older individuals is Austin Puleo.

A senior now, he has been running for O’Neal since his seventh-grade year. He is expected to be a leader for the boys, helping to solidify a team feel, while also working on bringing his own times down.

“He has several records for the school in cross country,” Roberts said. “We’ll be leaning on him for his presence.”

On the distaff side, Roberts says that junior Courtney Morrison is his most seasoned performer. The first time she ran cross country was last year.

Roberts is also excited that a new coach for the girls’ team is on the way. Laura Kerr has four years of collegiate Division I experience, having

run four years of cross country and track for the University of Arkansas. She is expected to join the team in early October.

“I’m looking forward to her joining us,” Roberts said.

O’Neal is a member of the Cape Fear Independent Conference, a tough conference in which to compete, Roberts said. Last season, the Falcons earned middle of the pack status in the state championship, and Roberts hopes to build on that as he enters his fourth year at the helm of the Falcon harriers.

Right now, the Falcons have seven boys and six girls practicing for the first meet that is scheduled for Sept. 1. With school set to start on Monday, Roberts is hoping those numbers will grow when

the younger students start arriving on campus.

But until then, he’s working with whom he said to form “a solid core” for the teams.

His approach to the coaching of the runners who have joined his squads is simple and direct.

“I support a high volume of miles on trail with good rest and recovery days about once a week,” Roberts said. “I don’t have much running science to throw at the team — hydrate, get natural rest, spur one another on and run like the forest is on fire.”

Schedule: Sept. 1 — Lee Christian School; 7 — at Cape Fear Academy; 14 — at Fayetteville Christian; 17 — adidas CC Challenge in Cary; 28 — at Fayetteville Academy; Oct. 5 — CFIC conference teams; 11 — at Lee Christian School; 18 — at Village Christian Academy; 28 — NCISAA state championships at McAlpine Park.

PAGE 14

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

UP Tennis Early Favorites for Championship

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

The Union Pines Lady Viking tennis team enters the 2011 season as the six-time defending 3A Cape Fear Valley Conference champions.

The 2010 team finished with an overall record of 17-2 and reached the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

Head coach John Frye admitted Union Pines is approaching the season expecting to compete for conference, regional and state honors.

“Our squad should be among the early favorites for the CFVC championship,” he said during practice Thursday. “Following a summer of intensive workouts, the girls are playing with composure and confidence.”

Viking junior Melissa Tally went 38-7 overall in 2010 and returns as the two-time defending CFVC singles champion, a 2010 Mideast regional finalist and a state quarterfinalist.

Tally will be joined by fellow juniors (and CFVC doubles champions) Madi Kramer (33-4) and Laura Cameron (29-8).

Kramer is the Vikings No. 2 singles player, while Tally occupies the No. 1 slot.

“I look for good things from these two girls,” Frye said about his junior duo of Tally and Kramer. “They have both won championships in the past, so they know what it takes to reach that level and then perform and succeed at that level.

“When their teammates see Madi and Melissa winning championships and making the big shots, they tend to fall in line.”

Back for their senior year at Union Pines are Brittany Jones (31-9 and a 2010 CFVC singles semifinalist) and Virginia Priest (33-4), who teamed with Shannon Simpson to reach the finals of the CFVC doubles championship.

“All of the girls on this team excel in the classroom and are bright intellectually,” said

NM Tennis Is Hard at Work

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Special to The Pilot

The North Moore girls’ tennis team has been working hard in preparation for its second year under head coach Cheryl Brewer.

Last season was the first for the Lady Mustangs since the program was restarted after a two-year hiatus. The 2011 edition of the team returns key players from last year’s team, including last year’s No. 1 player, Shannon Marley.

Brewer said her team comes to practice focused and ready to learn every day and is a very coachable group.

“They’re willing to work, “ Brewer said. “They’ve got a great attitude about them. They’re a great group of kids to be around.

They don’t fuss, they don’t complain. They get along well together.”

Other key returnees are last year’s No. 3, Ciera McDonald, and seniors April Warren and Julie Williams, who were a formidable doubles team. Both played in the top six in singles last year.

Brewer expects Warren and Williams to provide the leadership for the young team.

Several freshmen join the team, as well as a couple of sophomores who didn’t play last season.

“We are young,” she said. “I’m sure East Montgomery and Gray Stone are going to be loaded. And Chatham Central, I don’t know what they’ve got back. I know they had a really strong team last year. I’m not exactly sure what they’re returning.

“I think it will be a toss-up as far as filling in the rest of the pack between us and South Stanly and Albemarle.”

North Moore opened the season Monday at home against Albemarle.

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 15 Albemarle*; 17 Chatham Central*; 22 @ South Stanly*; 24 North Rowan*; 26 East Montgomery*; 29 @ West Montgomery*; 31 South Davidson*; Sept. 7 Gray Stone*; 12 @ Albemarle*; 14 @ Chatham Central*; 19 South Stanly*; 21 @ North Rowan*; 26 @ East Montgomery*; 28 West Montgomery*; Oct. 3 @ South Davidson*; 5 @ Gray Stone* * Yadkin Valley Conference Match

Frye. “Brittany and Virginia were both junior marshals this past year. They are both quite cerebral — always thinking of ways to improve their own game — and are frequently willing to offer help to their teammates.

“They have played a lot in the offseason prepping for this and I think you are going to see a lot of strong matches from both of these girls as they provide the team with leadership during their senior seasons.”

According to Frye, juniors Elena D’Argenio (10-2), Maddie Walden (10-3) and Gabrielle Roback (7-1), sophomore Celine Bullock (7-1) and incoming freshmen Tabitha Hamilton and Audrey Van Arsdale also figure to compete for playing time.

D’Argenio and Walden were 2010 CFVC doubles semifinalists and regional qualifiers.

With the season fast approaching, Frye closed by discussing his 2011 Lady Vikings’ prospects

as they set to embark on their 2011 campaign.

“This is a talented group,” he said, “and it is a deep group. We can go down and play six, seven, or even eight kids if we need too.

“From day one, out here we constantly focus on improving skills while making all aspects of our game stronger. The girls have all worked really well on volleys and serves in the preseason, and this has maybe been the best off-season an entire team of mine has had for some time.”

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 15 @ Asheboro; 17 @ Scotland; 22 Douglas Byrd*; 24 Overhills*; 29 @ Gray’s Creek*; 31 @ Southern Lee; Sept. 6 Western Harnett*; 8 Open; 12 @ Westover*; 14 @ Douglas Byrd*; 19 @ Overhills*; 21 Gray’s Creek*; 26 Southern Lee*; 28 @ Western Harnett*; Oct. 3 Pinecrest; 5 Westover*; 12-13 CFVC Tournament; 18 State Duals; 21-22 Individual Regional Tournament; 25 State Duals; 28-29 Individual State Tournament; Nov. 1,3,5 State Duals *Cape Fear Valley Conference Match

Parziale, Numberg and Decker Head Up Strong Patriot Team

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

has gone undefeated in its last two years of conference play are juniors Karen Smith and Casie Jingle. Smith is just getting back into the swing of things after suffering a knee injury while playing lacrosse in the spring.

With the roster still being finalized, other members of the team include seniors Auden Laurence and Savannah Kittrell, juniors Kailey Osterman and Riley Mecimore, sophomores Mary Mitchell Morris, Amanda McCauley and Josie Lee, and freshmen Piper Davis, Amanda Salloum, Brittany Jenkins and Willa Mitchel.

The first conference match is scheduled to be at Lumberton on Sept. 1.

“I think we’re going to be match-smart,” Deese, who is in her fourth season as coach of the girls, and has coached the Patriot boys for six years, said. “I’ll probably have the strongest three or four.

It could be pretty interesting.”

The Pinecrest girls’ tennis team has plenty of returning talent to draw from in the pursuit of its third Southeastern Conference title in a row. That includes singles champion Ally Parziale and the league’s top doubles team made up of Chrissy Nurnberg and Caroline Decker.

Parziale, a senior, is a two-time state qualifier and the conference runner-up in singles in her freshman and sophomore years. She has also earned allonference honors in soccer.

Patriot coach Gail Deese plans to pair up Nurnberg, a junior, and Decker, a sophomore, again this season.

Back with the team after taking a year off from tennis is Antonia Meyers, who occupied the fifth singles slot in 2009. The senior earned all-state honors as a member of the Patriot soccer team last PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot spring.

Southeastern Conference singles champion Ally Parziale S C H E D U L E : Aug. 23 – East There will be plenty of Montgomery; 29 – at Chapel Hill; Sept. 1 competition to fill out the and the Pinecrest girls’ tennis team are proven winners.

– at Lumberton*; 6 – at Scotland*; 8 – other singles and doubles Purnell Swett*; 13 – Richmond*; 15 at spots between now and the season opener against East Hoke*; 22 – Lumberton*; 27 – Scotland*; 29 – at Purnell Swett*; Oct. 3 – at Union Pines; 4 – at Montgomery at home on Aug. 23.

Richmond*; 6 – Hoke*; 10 – SEC Tournament Among the other returnees that saw action from a squad that *Southeastern Conference Match

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Pinecrest Volleyball Working to Improve

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

The loss of two of the top returnees to injuries will make it difficult, but not impossible, for the Pinecrest volleyball team to improve on last season’s 24-7 record that included a pair of state playoff wins.

The Patriots were scheduled to open the season at home against Lee County on Tuesday.

Coach Barbara Foxx had known for some time that 6-foot-3 all-conference front line player Janea Williams would be undergoing seasonending shoulder surgery during the summer break. The junior is expected to recover in time for the basketball season.

Unanticipated was a knee injury suffered by Molly Maples in practice. A promising outside hitter last year as a freshman, she was the team leader in service points.

“We lost two important hitters so we’re regrouping for the outside,” Foxx said earlier in the week. “But I’m really pleased with the way we look. We started three freshmen two years ago so we’re still young and still having fun.”

Graduation losses included another outside hitter, and dominating presence at the net in conference player of the year Addy George, who is about to begin her season at West Carolina.

The departures mean more responsibility for 6-0 Felicia Painter, who was one of the team captains

last season as a sophomore. She finished third Creech, Carina Houseman and Katelynn Pace. on the team in kills and second in blocks.

Foxx begins the season with 615 career wins, Junior middle blocker Amber Goodwin, and the third most in state history. After finishing senior outside hitters Ashleigh Welton and Keyasa second in the Southeastern Conference in 2010, Martin, and Devin Lally, a junior, will be among the Patriots will try to derail a Scotland County those counted upon squad that has won six league titles in a row. up front.

Most of the Patriot regulars played Painter thinks the Junior Olympic team is capable of volleyball in the offovercoming the season. injury losses.

Boone, one of the “It was tough to senior captains, feels lose both of them, the team has a good but we have other chemistry. hitters that are “We have a lot of going to step up passion this year, a lot this year,” she of hard workers and said. good team communiCoach Barba DONNA FO RD ra “Everybody’s her Lady Patr Foxx is pleased with th /The Pilot cation, which is great,” iot team is lo e way she said. been doing a oking. great job and I’m definitely looking forward to the season.”

S C H E D UL E: Aug. 16 – Lee Senior; 17 – Jack Britt; 18 – Western Harnett; 22 – at Jack Britt; 23 – Overhills; 25 Back are the team’s top two assist leaders in juniors Keegan Lynch and Megan Thomas, along at Western Harnett; 29 – at E. E. Smith; 30 – at Overhills; Sept. 7 – at Lee Senior; 8 – at Lumberton*; 10 – at Laney; 13 – at Scotland*; 14 – Union with senior setter Callie Boone and sophomore Pines; 15 – Purnell Swett*; 20 – Richmond*; 21 – at Union Pines; 22 – at Katie Smith. Sophomore defensive specialist Rae Hoke*; 26 – E. E. Smith; 28 – Middle Creek; 29 – Lumberton*; Oct. 4 – Nunez was moved up to the varsity late in the Scotland*; 6 – at Purnell Swett*; 11 – at Richmond*; 12 – at Middle Creek; 13 season and received valuable playoff experience.

- Hoke*; 18 – Conference tournament TBD Lynch could also see action in that role. Other *Southeastern Conference Game members of the team include seniors Samantha

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PAGE 13

Netters From Page 12 simply because she doesn’t know how the other teams in the conference are looking.

“Who knows what can happen,” she said. “I’d love to win conference and go from there, but I want to at least finish third, if not better. I think that these girls can do that, and I just expect them to get better every single day.”

Frey came over to North Moore after serving as an assistant at Union Pines. It’s Frey’s first head coaching gig. She said she’s enjoyed making the decisions, but it can be stressful at times.

She said everyone at her new school has been very welcoming and the transition has gone well. She said her new players are open and willing to learn.

“I told the girls from day one, attitude and effort is my big thing,” Frey said, “and that’s all I’ve seen from them — positive attitudes. They’ve given me 100 percent.”

North Moore opened the season at The O’Neal School Thursday.

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 18 @ O’Neal School; 23 Gray Stone; 25 Chatham Central; 30 @ South Stanly; Sept. 1 @ East Montgomery; 6 Albemarle; 8 @ West Montgomery; 13 @ North Rowan; 15 South Davidson; 19 @ South Davidson; 22 @ Gray Stone; 27 @ Chatham Central; 29 South Stanly; Oct. 4 East Montgomery; 6 at Albemarle; 11 West Montgomery; 13 North Rowan

PAGE 12

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

North Moore Netters Giving 100 Percent

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Special to The Pilot

This will be a season of transition for the North Moore volleyball program as it welcomes first-year head coach Emily Frey.

The Lady Mustangs had a strong season in 2010, finishing third in the Yadkin Valley Conference with a 10-7 overall record (9-7 YVC). Six seniors from last year’s team have graduated.

Frey has brought with her a new, 6-2 offense that features two setters that will work on the back row, allowing the team to have three hitters at all times.

It’s a completely new system for the Lady ’Stangs, and one that is difficult, Frey said. But she has been impressed with the improvement so far.

“It’s going well,” Frey said. “Every day they’re getting better. They’re working hard.

It’s all new to them. It’s nice to see every day something’s getting a little bit better.”

Shakorya “Coco” Brower, a three-sport star at North Moore, returns for her senior season.

A powerhouse, she’ll be the team’s No. 1 hitter. Cadie Lowe and Alex Williams will be holding down the setter positions. Both were on the varsity team last season.

Another senior, Holly Green, has stepped up in summer practice with her passing ability.

Frey said she was looking into the possibility of making her the libero.

Frey said she didn’t want to make any lofty expectations of how the team would finish, DONNA FORD/The Pilot

see NETTERS, page 13

Shakorya “Coco” Brower (8) will be the Mustangs’ No. 1 hitter again this year.

Confidence Is Goal at O’Neal UP Vikes Setting Sights High

BY HUNTER CHASE Sports Editor

O’Neal volleyball coach Kendall Harper thinks building confidence will be key to the 2011 campaign for the Falcons.

The squad has already gotten a dose of confidence by winning a match against Kerr Vance Academy and taking a hard-fought fiveset win over Richmond Senior High, a 4-A public school, in a scrimmage. Also on the early-season schedule are inter-county matches against Union Pines and North Moore, schools with strong programs.

“The conference we play in is tough,” Harper said. “So we’ve scheduled strong teams early in an effort to boost that confidence level.”

After finishing fifth in Cape Fear Independent Conference last season, the Falcons are hoping to soar higher this season. They will be doing so with a team that is a mixture of veterans and talented newcomers. The 13-member squad has five seniors, three juniors, two sophomores and an eighth-grader, with Harper expecting a number of the younger players to fill important roles.

“All the players have skills to play at the same level,” she said. “The younger players can step up and play.”

Harper said that freshmen Taylor Shelton and Scottie McGowan, the only setter on the team right now, along with eighth-grader Katja Ehlers, will see significant playing time. Kelly Griffin, a sophomore, is penciled in at the libero (defensive specialist) position.

Joining those young players in a possible starting lineup are seniors Jackie Chamberlain,

Claire Russell and Maeve Bartiss.

The Falcons did suffer an early-season setback when hard-hitting sophomore Katelyn Hunt rolled her ankle. Harper said she will probably miss several weeks, but should return by the time conference play rolls around.

Other members of the squad include Katie Dyer and Torry Sedder, both seniors, and juniors Leah Samaras, Colleen Tafoya and Teresa Griffin.

Harper said the strengths of her team are serving, digs and hitting, while developing communication is something the squad has developed as the season progresses.

“All the players are very strong servers,” she said. “(Kelly) Griffin is great at digging. We need to work on communication, especially on tipped balls, but that is probably just a lack of time spent together as a team. Over the course of the season we should start doing better at that.”

Harper said that tough competition early will lead to a stronger team later. She said the wins over Kerr Vance and Richmond Senior are good signs for the developing squad.

“Those games have been a good start on the confidence level,” she said.

Schedule: Aug. 12 — Kerr-Vance Academy; 16 — North Moore; 18 — Union Pines; 23 — at Fayetteville Academy; 25 — Carolina Friends; 29 — Flora MacDonald Academy; 30 — at Lee Christian School; Sept. 1 — at Cape Fear Academy; 6— at Grace Christian School; 8 — at St. David’s; 13 — Lee Christian School; 27 — Harrells Christian Academy; 29 — Village Christian Academy; Oct. 4 — at Fayetteville Academy; 5 — Cape Fear Academy; 11 — at Harrells Christian Academy; 13 — Fayetteville Christian; 14 — at Flora MacDonald Academy; 18 — Fayetteville Academy; 20 — at Village Christian Academy.

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

After a breakout performance last year, the 2011 Union Pines volleyball team has its sights set higher, with the Vikings’ top goal entering this season being to claim a Cape Fear Valley Conference championship.

Union Pines finished 16-7 overall last season and second in the CFVC standings.

The 2010 Lady Vikes were winners in eight of their final 10 contests and collected the program’s first playoff victory since 2006 with an openinground home win.

“Last season we focused on building chemistry and making sure we played together as a team,” said head coach Leslie Fish. “In the process we accomplished our goals of competing for the conference crown and getting a home playoff match.

“Now there is nothing else to shoot for, other than winning a league title. As a group we know we are capable of accomplishing that goal, so it is what we are after.”

The Vikings return nearly all of their top-eight players from last season, including senior setter Morgan Bridgers and senior captain/middle hitter Crystal Hicks.

“We had a great experience at our camp at Campbell University over the summer,” said Bridgers, a two-time all-conference selection who led the team in assists the last two seasons.

“At practice we have been concentrating on the things we learned last season, plus the stuff we learned at camp,” she said. “So in the gym, every single day for like two and three hours we work on it all.”

A four-year starter, Hicks led the Vikes in killefficiency last season.

“We have worked really hard since the start of summer and have all done great things at camp and in the preseason,” said Hicks.

A two-time all conference selection, she was second for Union Pines last year in both total kills and total digs.

“Our chemistry is great,” said Hicks. “We are looking so much better and aggressive as a team because we saw our progress from last year. This year we are out to show everyone that we can do it and we are going to be conference champions.”

Other key top-right returners include seniors Lexi Byrd, Anna Sadler, juniors Brittany Erickson and Zazil Porras, and sophomore Tiffany Hicks.

The only notable absence on the roster is junior Tyler Ross. The right-hitter, who led the Vikings in kills last season and finished second in blocks, has opted to run cross country for Union Pines this fall.

Union Pines opened its season with three straight road matches in as many days starting Monday, Aug. 15, at Purnell Swett, followed by The O’Neal School and then Terry Sanford.

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 15 @ Purnell Swett; 16 @ O’Neal; 17 @ Terry Sanford; 22 West Montgomery; 23 Purnell Swett; 25 @ West Montgomery; 29 Terry Sanford; 30 Douglas Byrd*; 31 @ Pinecrest; Sept. 1 Overhills*; 6 @ Gray’s Creek*; 8 @ Southern Lee*; 13 Western Harnett*; 15 Open; 20 Westover*; 21 Pinecrest; 22 @ Douglas Byrd*; 27 @ Overhills*; 29 Gray’s Creek*; Oct. 4 Southern Lee*; 6 @ Western Harnett*; 11 Open; 13 Westover*; 17-18 CFVC Tournament * Cape Fear Valley Conference Game

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 11

Expectations High for Pinecrest Booters

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Can you name the only 4A boys’ soccer team in North Carolina to make it to the state final four in both 2009 and 2010? If you answered Pinecrest, you are correct.

The Patriots lost 2-1 to Green Hope in a 2009 semifinal match and knocked on the door again last year before falling 3-0 to eventual state champion Durham Jordan in another semi encounter.

“The final four is now expected I think by this group,” Todd Abbey, beginning his third season as the boys’ coach, said before practice on Thursday. “Nothing is going to come easy, but they’re not only going to work hard to get there, but they definitely want to get further.”

Led by 16 returnees, including five that have participated in two state semifinal matches, the Patriots were scheduled to open the season at home against Sanderson last Tuesday. A tough second week includes road dates at Leesville Road on Monday and Athens Drive on

Wednesday.

On a team that has plenty of talent throughout, a strong midfield is led by four-year varsity players Richard Palmer and Barrett Goulden. Up top, Dane Nelsen, another four-year performer, led last year’s squad with 23 goals.

Senior center back Nick Kruyer and left back Morgan Van Camp are three-year veterans in the back. Senior Christopher Potter is expected to start at right back. Seniors Mitchell Dotson and J.T. Stilwell will again share the goalkeeping.

“Richard and Barrett have been playing together there now for about two and a half seasons,” Abbey said. “Our midfield will be a strong point this year. You look at the defense and you have Nick Kruyer, one of the best defenders in the state, not only on the field, but he’s No. 1 in his class. I think this is the strongest all-around defensive team I’ve had because of the knowledge and talent.”

Nelsen, who scored five of his goals in the playoffs, might be able to fall back into the midfield at times because of the arrival of Bryan

Vancleave, a senior playing soccer for the first time after three years as a member of the football team.

“Bryan is probably the fastest player I’ve seen and I’ve seen some pretty fast ones,” Abbey said. “He has a good left foot and his biggest asset is going to be his defensive ability. He’s just on top of people and doesn’t foul. Allowing Dane to fall back into the midfield makes use of his creativity. There are just a lot of options this year.”

Also operating in the middle with Palmer, who earned all-state honors last year, and Goulden, an all-conference and all-region selection, is a group of returnees that includes seniors Jimmy Casey and Jordan Beck, and juniors Oliver Hunter and Hayden Little. The wing players include seniors Max Clare and Koron Kennedy, and junior Taylor Morton. Senior Justin Mace is one of the leading goal scorers among returnees.

Other newcomers to the varsity include seniors Thomas Barkley and Shane Bridgeman, juniors

Luke Lynch, Jake Harbeck and Drew Phillips, and sophomore Rene Cruz.

“We’ve got a great team coming back and players moving up that will definitely help us,” Palmer said. “I think we have a team that can take us really far.”

This year’s squad will be seeking its 15th conference title in a row. In addition to Sanderson, Leesville Road and Athens Drive, the tough non-league schedule includes East Chapel Hill, Hoggard and Terry Sanford. The new jayvee coach is Evan Saleeby.

“Expectations are high this year,” Goulden said. “A bunch of these players have been to the semifinals. We hope to do better this year.”

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 16 – Sanderson; 20 – at Greensboro Day; 22 – at Leesville Road; 24 – at Athens Drive; 27 – at Brittany Showcase; 31 – at East Chapel Hill; Sept. 6 -at Hoggard; 12 – New Hanover; 14 – at Lumberton*; 19 – at Scotland*; 21 -Purnell Swett*; 26 – Richmond*; 28 – at Hoke; Oct. 5 – Lumberton*; 6 – at Terry Sanford; 10 -Scotland*; 12 – at Purnell Swett*; 13 – at Jack Britt; 17 – at Richmond*; 19 – Hoke; 24 – SEC Tournament *Southeastern Conference Game

UP Soccer Looks Promising O’Neal Will Be Fun to Watch

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

The Union Pines boys’ soccer team will be playing under its third head coach in as many seasons during the 2011 campaign, which wrapped up its first week of action Wednesday.

Mike Mibb, the newest head coach for the Vikings, has officially been on the job close to seven weeks. During that time, he and the Union Pines players seemed to have set the foundation for a promising relationship.

“We started preseason in July doing three practices a week,” said Mibb. “Then since the first (day) of August, we have been going twice a day.

“Although the first week was real hard on the guys, their legs adjusted and now the team’s fitness has improved drastically.”

According to Mibb, fitness is part of a three-pronged plan he feels will allow Union Pines to be more competitive overall and challenge for wins against the upper level teams in the CFVC and the 3A division.

“The first priority to compete at a high level was to improve our fitness, which we have done with our two-a-day practices,” said Mibb. “We must also improve our technical abilities, such as our first-touch on the ball.

“Our tactical awareness needs work, as does our team play, and that is going to be an ongoing process throughout this season.”

The last two seasons have been lackluster efforts for the Vikings. Both campaigns resulted in first round losses in the state playoffs.

In 2009, under head coach Jeremy Blake,

the Vikes went 9-9 overall and finished third in the Cape Fear Valley Conference with a league mark of 8-4. Jeremiah Johnson was the program’s head coach last year, as Union Pines again placed third with a league mark of 7-4-1, while finishing 8-7-3 overall.

“Overall the guys have been progressing well,” said Mibb. “They were third in the conference last season with apparently little supervision, so I am excited about the season and the boys are definitely looking forward to it.

“Both the players and I hold great expectations for the upcoming season and firmly believe we have a very good opportunity to win our conference.”

Southern Lee has dominated the CFVC over the past two seasons, compiling a perfect 24-0 record to win consecutive league titles. Meanwhile, Gray’s Creek has been steady in second position with a league mark of 19-4-1 over that span, while the Vikes have compiled a 15-8-1 two-year mark in conference competition.

“I want the players to grow in their abilities and understanding of the game,” Mibb said, “and grow as a team. That is why I believe they should set a goal of winning their conference and getting past the first stage in the state playoffs.”

S C H E D U L E : Aug. 15 Lee County; 16 @ East Montgomery; 17 North Moore; 22 @ Scotland; 24 @ Lee County; 29 O’Neal School; Sept. 6 Jordan Matthews; 8 Harnett Central; 12 Douglas Byrd*; 14 Overhills*; 19 @ Gray’s Creek*; 21 @ Southern Lee*; 26 Western Harnett; Oct. 3 @ Westover*; 5 Douglas Byrd*; 10 @ Overhills*; 12 Gray’s Creek*; 17 Southern Lee*; 19 @ Western Harnett*; 26 Westover* *Cape Fear Valley Conference

BY ANDREW SOBOEIRO

the system.”

Hassenfelt will have to cope with losing some of his players in important, established positions. Colin The O’Neal School boys’ soccer team has Jameson, who started at fullback, Brandt Davis, the progress to maintain. goalkeeper, and Bryce Baldelli, the leading scorer, After a year of losses in 2009, the Falcons have all gone off to college. While the new players bounced back in 2010, winning 10 games out of may well have the talent, they haven’t yet 19. The team placed third in the Cape Fear established which positions they can Independent Conference, narrowly best occupy. losing to Cape Fear Academy in the “It will take a few games to get first round of the state tournament. the right players in the right spots,” Coach Ted Hassenfelt must now the coach said, “but we do have maintain and improve upon this some returning players and some progress, even as much of his team new players who will be fun to has graduated and gone to college. watch. From last season, we are “We lost nine seniors last year, six returning all-conference players of whom were starters,” said Jacob Talbert and J.R. Moore. In Hassenfelt. “This season we will addition, I am expecting big things have only one senior on the team, from newcomer Zach Eiserman and so it will be fun to see the other returning player Rick Catania. Rick players step up and become leaders played as an eighth-grader last on this team. I am expecting a slow season and was solid. I am start, but a fast finish.” expecting an all-conference-type Last year, Hassenfelt focused on year from him this season.” training his players to toughen DONNA FORD/The Pilot Finally, it is essential that the themselves mentally and not get players come together as a team. discouraged. This year, his energies Rick Catania They must learn to respect each are directed toward helping new other, and influential members must step up and players understand their roles in the team. take leadership roles.

“Our main focus will be on being as organized “We have just started practice and two-a-day on the field as possible,” he said. “We are young, practices,” said Hassenfelt. “The team chemistry is so we are working very hard on getting the players definitely not there yet, but after the first few games to understand their roles and responsibilities within and away showcase tournament, the players will the system we will play.” bond. Getting the players to understand their roles When asked about tactics, the coach is on the team is something we are working on. unconcerned. “I think we are technical enough,” he Once that is in place, clear leaders will emerge and said, “to possess the ball fairly well against most team chemistry will follow.” teams once each player understands his role within Newsroom Intern

PAGE 10

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

‘Stangs Set to Gel As Season Progresses

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III

rising freshman. Catalan will most likely playing at midfield or forward and Ugarte will be playing in the midfield.

Shamberger cautioned that the team might encounter rougher waters than it did last season, especially early on. But he thinks once the team figures out how to play with one another, things will come together.

“I think the team that we start out being is not the team that we’ll end up being,” he said, “once we figure out who’d be good at what and who’s good playing where and all of this kind of stuff, because the way some guys play in practice can be two different things.”

Traditional powers East Montgomery and Gray Stone should again rise to the top of the conference. But Shamberger said that if his team gels like he hopes it will, it should be competitive in the league.

The Mustangs began the 2011 campaign at home against non-conference foe Southwestern Randolph.

Special to The Pilot

Though the North Moore boys’ soccer team may be headed into a rebuilding season, expect the Mustangs to remain competitive in the Yadkin Valley Conference.

2010 was a season of firsts for the program.

It recorded its first-ever win over JordanMatthews and beat YVC rival Albemarle for the first time on the road en route to a 9-8-1 record and an appearance in the 1A state playoffs.

But six seniors from that team — Oscar Ramirez, Jose Peralta, Junior Lopez, Noe Ramirez, Juan Carlos Garcia and Jared McNeill — have graduated. Now new players will have to step up to fill that void.

“We’ve had a good summer of workouts,” head coach Michael Shamberger said. “This is definitely a rebuilding year for us, because we did lose six good seniors — not only good talent-wise but good leadership. So we’ve got a lot of holes to fill. But the group that I’ve got this year, they have been working hard. They’re eager.”

Led by three seniors, the team is balanced in terms of age — four juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen.

Shamberger said midfielder Oliver Castrejon (sister, Leslie, was a standout on the North

DONNA FORD/The Pilot

North Moore head soccer coach Michael Shamberger says his team has had a good summer of workouts. The Mustangs face a rebuilding year, but are eager to play.

Moore girls’ team), midfielder/fullback Gervacio Cabrera and goalkeeper Alejandro Mendoza are set to lead the way for his team.

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S C H E D U L E : Aug. 15 — Southwestern Randolph; 17 @ Union Pines; 22 Overhills; 25 @ West Davidson; 29 @ Gray Stone*; 31 South Stanly*; Sept.

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NO PLACE TO GO BUT UP FOR VIKINGS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

BY F.W. MANNING II Sports Writer

As Union Pines football gears up for the 2011 season, there is really no place to go but up for third-year head coach Ryan Riggan and the Vikings.

In his two-year tenure at Union Pines, the Vikings are 1-11 in Cape Fear Valley Conference play and 6-16 overall. After opening last season with a home win over 1A Red Springs, the Vikings were involved in an on-field incident during Week Two against intra-county rival Pinecrest.

The immediate impact was a ban by the NCHSAA from 2010 postseason play for the Vikings. The aftermath was an agonizing year on the gridiron that saw Union Pines finish with a 2-9 record overall that included a winless league mark of 0-6 and a sevengame losing skid to close the season.

Nevertheless, Riggan remains optimistic, as his team has been hard at work throughout the offseason preparing for a season that has now arrived.

“I think it’s very important that we take a good long look at ourselves and address some issues,” he said. “We have made some changes to our game plan as coaches to put our team in better positions to succeed. We looked at a lot of film this offseason and made adjustments to our offense and defense to help us better compete and succeed.”

Union Pines lost one all-conference selection and team captain to graduation in starting quarterback Taylor O’Neil. However, senior linebacker Josh Huskey, who also earned all-conference honors as a Vike captain last season, returns.

As a result, Riggan feels the 2011 Viking squad will be the most experienced one to take the field on opening day since he has been the Union Pines coach.

“Our leadership will actually be stronger this season than it was last year,” said Riggan. ”We have a team that has been playing together for us three years now, and had some success as JV players two years ago.

“We will be asking a lot from our young guys and we understand that there will be growing pains with that. We have made some changes to our systems to keep us in ball games and kind of do more things that suit our skill sets and will feel like these changes will give us a better opportunity moving forward.”

According to Riggan, the Vikings are most experienced in their skill positions.

“All these guys played varsity last season and are returning to their same roles,” Riggan said, “so we should be pretty good there.”

“At quarterback we do not have a clear starter yet,” said Riggan.

“If we played tomorrow we would go with Emmitt Carden, who is a rising 10th grader, but Braxton Ross is also in the mix for the job.

“The tailbacks are John McMillan, A.J. Ritter and Paris Manning.

Those three will be splitting the lion’s share of the carries. As seniors, they are very capable of moving the ball. We will be moving Lee Barber to fullback and he will be leading the way for us.”

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Actually, moving the ball — on the ground — as well as keeping possession of it is one area where Union Pines has changed its philosophy.

“We will work very hard on both sides of the ball to have a lot of possessions and time of possession as the season moves on,” said Riggan. “We will be a running team and work when we have the ball.”

Another philosophical change that will be evident is the style in which Union Pines plays the game of football.

“We are going to be very physical on both sides of the ball,” said Riggan. “That will be our character as a team. We are making a big move to go from a finesse team to being a hardnosed, banging, straight-ahead type.”

Riggan made it clear that in order to be successful at implementing this style, miscues must be kept to a minimum.

“We have to eliminate turnovers and penalties,” Riggan said, “and the reason is we are not going to be a good enough team to give our opponents a lot of chances to beat us. We need to play hard, tough, and mistake-free to move forward.”

Although Union Pines will be the least experienced on both sides of the line, Riggan noted it was not necessarily a negative.

“We have the potential for our O-line and D-line to be better than we were in years past,” he said. “We just need them to grow up quickly.

“On the O-line we have three guys who are pretty much settled with Huskey at guard, Tyler Southern, and Will Apple, who has been the glue for the unit at center.”

Two other spots on the offensive line remain up for grabs, with three players competing for them in Connor Dull, Greg Reeves and Grayson Johnson.

Shakeem McRae, who is a junior that played both ways last season, will be the starting tight end, while Zak Rodriguez will get the nod at wide receiver.

“On defense, the line will be anchored by Huskey and Lamont Legrand,” said Riggan “Byron Gaddy, Hugh Leighton and

PAGE 9

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Union Pines tailback A.J. Ritter

Shakeem McRae will be in rotation on the defensive line as well. Our outside linebackers will be some combination of Kyle Rakers, Phillip Hall, Hugh Leighton, Tyler Barber and Ritter, while Spencer Shadomy, Zack Jones, Lee Barber, Huskey and Ritter will be our inside linebackers.

“In the secondary, we have several players looking for spots. Tyler Mabe is making the calls for us back there, and will be surrounded by Derek Yang, Mike Quick, Brennan Cameron, Ethan Benitez and McMillan.”

Union Pines competed in three scrimmages during the final weeks of the preseason. At last count, Riggan estimated just more than 60 total players for Union Pines on varsity and jayvee combined.

“I expect to dress 35 guys on varsity to start the season,” Riggan said, “and 35-45 guys on J.V. this season as the school year starts and freshmen come out.”

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Excitement Growing Over Mustang Football

FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2011

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Special to The Pilot

Year two of North Moore football under Greg Simmons is under way, and the head coach, his staff and players are looking to

PAGE 7

continue to raise the bar for the program.

The Mustangs are coming off a 1-10 campaign in 2010. The team’s only win came as a result of a forfeit after the fact by West Montgomery for violating the state’s “eightquarter rule” that governs how much time jayvee players can play at the varsity level in a given season.

But Simmons has been hard at work laying the foundation to make the program stronger, and the kids are buying in.

“They’re working their tails off,” Simmons said at a recent practice, adding that the team has seen several newcomers, including some talented freshmen.

“We’re excited about some of the kids we have out here, but we sure would like to have a few more.”

Simmons would like to increase the overall participation in the program.

The team has averaged about 30 kids at practice this summer, but he would like to bump that up to 45 if possible, allowing the younger players to spend time developing at the jayvee level.

He pointed out that a lot of North Moore students work over the summer, making it difficult to get to summer practice.

He was hopeful that more kids would come out for the team

once it got closer to the start of school.

“There’s a couple of guys here and there that we’d sure like to get out here, and I think this starting so early for kids around here, a lot of these kids work,” he said. “Some of these kids work two jobs. They’re pretty busy in the summer.”

The Mustangs lost several players from last year to graduation, including a talented trio in Jamar Brower, Xavier Scotton and Tyler Wallace, who played key roles in all three phases of the game. Simmons said a strong group of rising seniors and juniors will lead the way this season.

Simmons is also enthused about a group of freshman that have been working out in the offseason who have a lot of size and potential.

“All summer long I had about 10 or 15 freshmen that came to work out with me,” he said. “Big kids that I’m really excited about.”

Scotton and Wallace each saw time at quarterback last year, and now that they have graduated, both Xavier Richardson and Luke Auman look to have an opportunity to lead the Mustangs’ spread option offense.

Richardson, who has good size and a good arm, was under center for the jayvee team last year.

Auman played some quarterback for the varsity squad at the end of last season.

The focal point of the Mustang attack will be tailback Darius Greene. A big, physical back who is hard to bring down, Greene emerged last season as perhaps North Moore’s best option on the ground.

Simmons said he has worked extremely hard in the offseason.

“We think that this could be the year that Darius really takes off and establishes himself,” Simmons said. “This could be a really big year for him.”

On defense, Brower was a huge factor at outside linebacker. Defensive end Mitchell Wright will be moving to linebacker this season and should make an impact. Landon Auman, who played well at corner last season, will be moving to safety. Simmons said he will continue to utilize an aggressive and blitzing defense.

“I think we’re going to have some speed out there,” Simmons said. “I think we’re going to be a little undersized, but I think we’re going to have a little bit of athleticism out there that maybe we didn’t have as much of last year.”

The coaching staff has remarked at how much quicker the kids are picking things up now with a year of being in Simmons’ system under their belts.

The Mustangs kick off the 2011 season Friday, Aug. 19, at home against Union Academy out of Monroe.

PHOTO BY PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

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Pinecrest From Page 3 and sophomore Tristan Helms.

Returning Playmakers Lead Patriot Defense

Inside linebacker Julius Steele and strong safety D.J. Simpson, both seniors, were the team’s second and third leading tacklers a year ago. Simpson is a three-year starter. The pair combined to recover seven fumbles and accounted for 13 tackles for loss. The defensive line is anchored by 6-3, 245-pound nose guard James Harrison.

“He’s got a chance to be special,” Metzger said of ONLINE Harrison. “He’ll run sideline to Keep up with sideline. He’s a workaholic the Patriots all who has an opportunity to season long at make a big difference in the thepilot.com. middle.”

Juniors Josh McMillan and Luke Fetla are the tackles in the Patriot 3-4 defense coordinated by coach Jason Sparks, rotating with senior Doug Harrison and Reco Cain and junior Zayrick Boyd. Joining Steele as an inside linebacker is junior Jonah Caliri. A new group of outside linebackers includes seniors Kirkpatrick and Talij McNeil, and junior Frankie Painter.

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. Another returning starter in the defensive backfield is junior cornerback Nick Lacey. The free safety is senior David Alston and junior Sam Brower is the other cornerback with seniors Alan Watson and Josiah Smith also likely to be in the rotation.

“It’s a very disciplined defense, very cohesive and mentally tough,” Metzger said. “It’s a bend, but not break defense.”

Steven Kennedy succeeds graduated all-state kicker Dillon Maples as the punter. And sophomore Jackson Maples will take over for his brother as the place-kicker.

In separate polls taken at the SEC coaches meeting held two weeks ago, Scotland County was picked to finish first by both the coaches and media by slim margins over Richmond Senior. The Patriots were picked last among the six teams in both votes (tied with Lumberton in the coaches poll). Four of their first five games are at home.

PAGE 5

DONNA FORD/Special to The Pilot

Facing a tough schedule and a number of big games, the Pinecrest Patriots will look to their community for its continued support.

Changes Made to Coaching Staff The new coordinators are Metzger for the offense and Jason Sparks for the defense.

Sparks also coaches the inside linebackers.

Other defensive coaches are Willie Oglesby (defensive backs and special teams), Antwan Murchison (defensive line) and James Kazmareck (outside linebackers).

Ben Hammer coaches the offensive line assisted by Sam Cole. Barrett Merritt is in charge of the wide receivers and Bennett Johnson coaches the running backs.

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THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 3

Pinecrest

ever here. It’s the best offensive line I’ve been around as a coach or a player.”

While Scales established himself as a capable runner and passer in the veer option offense before his injury, the running back and receiver groups are mostly made up of inexperienced personnel.

Junior Dwayne Simpson, who missed last season because of an injury, has been the most consistent ball carrier in the preseason. Dee Kirkpatrick, who has been moved to defense, Tavis Pearson, a sprinter for the track team, and Zach Strickland are the only returning running backs with any carries from last season.

McKenzie feels the experience of the offensive of line will help offset the lack thereof at the running back positions.

“It’s easy for them because they can trust us to give them a hole,” he said. “We all know each other and what we’re capable of. We’re going to block for them and they’re going to get the yards.”

Playing football for the first time since he was a freshman, senior Traivon Williams brought back memories of standout wide receiver James Baldwin III (2010 graduate) with his play in the summer 7-on-7 passing competitions. The basketball standout’s progress has been slowed by a collarbone injury.

In addition to Johnson, seniors Steven Kennedy, Joe White and Ranier Agustin, and junior Justin Ray are other targets for Scales, who will be backed up by junior Aaron Reimer

From Page 2 “Jack Britt is the winningest and most dominant program of this decade. Our league is arguably the toughest in the state. I think it’s important our community understands the support that’s needed because of the tough schedule and big games.”

Coming off a 7-4 overall and 1-4 conference mark in 2010, the Patriots are 27-20 under Metzger after going 3-40 in the four years before his arrival.

Patriot Offensive Line Returns Intact

DONNA FORD/Special to The Pilot

Pinecrest head coach Chris Metzger prepares his team for “the toughest schedule Pinecrest has ever faced. Our league is arguably the toughest in the state.”

About This Issue Cover Design Martha J. Henderson, Special Sections Editor Cover Photography Philip Taylor and Donna Ford Supplement Design/Layout Martha J. Henderson, Special Sections Editor

Contributing Photographers Philip Taylor, Donna Ford Contributing Writers Charlie Bergmann, F.W. Manning II, John Krahnert III, Hunter Chase, Andrew Soboiero and Michael Warren For advertising information, contact Pat Taylor at (910) 693-2505 or email advertise@thepilot.com 145 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387 (910) 692-7271 • thepilot.com

Copyright 2011

Some of the reasons for optimism about this edition include the return of senior quarterback Travis Scales, who missed the last seven games of the 2010 season with a knee injury, and an all-senior offensive line that includes all of last year’s starters.

Left tackle Bryce Kennedy (6-3, 289) has received 10 scholarship offers, including South Carolina, UNC, N.C. State, Duke, East Carolina and Stanford. Center Steve Pollard is a threeyear starter. Jerod McKenzie is the other tackle, and Octavius Rouse and Mitch Monska are the guards. Senior tight end Mike Johnson is also back.

“They’re all just tremendous young men,” Metzger said. “They have an opportunity to put a stamp on being one of the best offensive lines

see PINECREST, page 5