Football and Fall Sports Preview 2010

and Fall

Sports Preview

2010

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

PAGE 2

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Underdogs Again Patriots Hopeful Despite Heavy Graduation Losses

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Pinecrest football coach Chris Metzger refers to the unit that will try to stop opposing offenses this season as the no-name defense. His offense begins the season with a new quarterback in Travis Scales and a completely new offensive line.

The Patriots had 33 seniors and 15 players who earned all-conference first team or honorable mention recognition on the 2009 team that went 10-3 in Metzger’s third year as head coach. Count the coaches of the Southeastern Conference that picked the Patriots fifth out of six teams in a recent informal poll among those who think repeating last year’s success is a tall order.

“We definitely use the KISS theory — keep it simple,” the coach said before a recent practice. “We have great kids and they want to be great. I’ve been blessed in years one, two and three to have great leaders. This year is no exception.

“There’s a tradition, a foundation, and they want to keep it. They know about expectations. They know about desire, playing with fire and having some juice in the tank.”

The inexperienced Patriots will enjoy the support of home fans at least seven times this season, starting with Friday’s opener against Enloe. If the Patriots can match last season’s success, they might earn a couple of additional home dates in the state playoffs.

Defense Features Quickness

If last Thursday’s scrimmages at Pinecrest in the morning and at Fayetteville State in the evening are any indication, the defense will be an undersized unit that flies to the ball and creates turnovers.

Returnees include 5-foot-6, 165-pound senior inside linebacker Adam McDuffie, who was credited with 67 total tackles last season. Next to him will be David Smith, who opted to gain more playing experience with the jayvee team last season rather than playing behind the graduated Trent Fredericks and McDuffie.

“We’re not the biggest defense, but I think overall we’re going to be one of the fastest out there,” Smith, one of the players Metzger calls a leader, said.

Junior Julius Steele is another one of the

PATRICK LOVE/The Pilot

New Pinecrest quarterback Travis Scales lines up behind a completely rebuilt offensive line in 2010. inside linebackers, and seniors Marino Gillis, Chris Robinson and Terry Marsh are on the outside.

Seniors Dylan Gaffney and Travis Bonner are the two incumbents from last year’s rotation of defensive linemen.

Metzger plans to rotate nine players.

Senior Chris Zinky has moved over from the offense to provide some size to the unit, which also includes seniors Christo Bounthanom, Garrett Parks, junior Nick Kilgore and sophomores James Harrison and Luke Fetla.

Senior safety Hunter Ocheltree (66 tackles) and cornerback D.J. Simpson bring experience to the defensive backfield.

Senior Dannie Monroe has adapted well to the safety position after quarterbacking the jayvee team last year. Senior John Brown has been the other starting corner in the preseason, with Javonte Alston and sophomore Nick Lacey among those ready to contribute.

“What has helped us a lot is just everybody having the mentality to get better all the time,” Ocheltree said. “The unity is there with different guys. I think we’ll be

just as good as we were last year.”

Running Game Shows Promise On the other side of the ball, Scales will hopefully bring the playmaking ability he showed on defense last year as an outside linebacker (61 tackles, team-high seven sacks) to the quarterback position. At 6-

feet and 200 pounds, he’s a threat to run and has a strong arm.

“Travis has done a great job leading and working hard,” Metzger said. “He’s getting better every day, and that’s what has to happen.”

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PAGE 4

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Playoffs or Bust Making the Postseason Is Union Pines’ Goal for 2010

BY F.W. MANNING II Special to The Pilot

The mood within the Union Pines football camp is one of anticipation and excitement, as the Vikings prepare to open the season Friday in a home game against Red Springs at Woodrow Wilhoit Stadium.

Coming off a 2009 campaign that saw the Vikes fail to qualify for the postseason, Union Pines finished 4-7 overall and 1-5 in Cape Fear Valley 3A Conference play under first-year coach Ryan Riggan.

As Riggan readies for his second year on the sidelines as the Vikings’ head coach, he does so with a strong feeling about the state of Union Pines football.

“I feel like this football program is going in the right direction,” he said. “The preseason has gone great with our guys maintaining a great collective attitude. Despite some scorching temperatures here of late, the guys have kept their spirits up and continued to work hard to do the things we need to become better prepared for the season.”

Union Pines had approximately 80 athletes dressed out during the final week of the preseason, including varsity and junior varsity players. As of last Sunday, Riggan anticipated another 10 to 15 freshmen to hit the practice field when school began, bringing that total close to the 100 mark.

The team has set the playoffs as its primary goal, and Riggan promises Union Pines football will do all it can to make that goal come to life.

“We just have to believe in what we’re doing and play together,” he said. “I think this team is really different from last season’s team in terms of mindset coming in.”

Union Pines lost a sizable number of seniors from its team last season and returns only six players who competed as juniors last year. However, the Vikings do have a group of players from last year’s successful JV team that displayed strong promise through their season-long strides and onfield performance.

“Even though those guys were playing JV last year, they had a chance to play with some of the best programs in the state and competed well with them,” Riggan said.

“Now they are juniors, and the game is played at a faster, more physical level up here.

“When things don’t go the way they did for them on Thursday nights, they cannot

get discouraged. Instead, they have to keep coming to work every day, strive to always improve and continue to iron out those small details that make a huge difference in the big picture.”

The Vikes competed in two scrimmages last week. Thursday, Union Pines welcomed Lee Senior to its practice field as the Vikings got their first chance to hit against an opposing team. Then on Friday night, Union Pines played what Riggan referred to as a “dress rehearsal scrimmage” during Meet the Vikings Night at Wilhoit Stadium.

Senior Taylor O’Neil returns for his second year as the starting signal caller for Union Pines, and according to Riggan, he has had an excellent offseason.

“Taylor was 145 pounds at the beginning of last season and has worked his way up to about 170,” he said. “His strength gains have been tremendous, and his arm strength has really gotten a lot better too.”

O’Neil believes that he has gotten a good feel for his receiving corps during preseason, and has a firm grasp of the Union Pines offense.

“With the opener coming up, I feel more confident than last year, but I still get a little nervous before every game,” said O’Neil.

“As a unit, the offensive backfield has taken tons of reps, so we have grown very comfortable with each other and also developed some good chemistry on and off the field.”

Among the group of incoming JV players, Riggan feels Josh Huskey and A.J. Ritter have both made huge gains in the weight room.

“We really expect those two guys to be major contributors on Fridays this fall,” said Riggan.

Riggan has been quite pleased with the progress his defense has made, feeling the group has done a great job this summer of gelling as a unit. With the departure of Ron Delusme, Terry Gittens has come over from Pinecrest and will be coordinating the Vike defense this season.

“Coach (Terry) Gittens does a tremendous job with the defense when he gets them in the film room,” said Riggan. “The results have been apparent out on the field lately, as the defense is playing faster and has a better understanding of where they need to be and what they need to do in any given situa-

see VIKINGS, page 9

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Quarterback Taylor O’Neil has returned for his senior season bigger and stronger.

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PAGE 6

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

‘Not the Same North Moore’

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

100 percent. 100 percent of the time.

If you check out a North Moore football practice these days, you’ll see that motto emblazoned on the coaches’ T-shirts, and you’ll hear it chanted in the huddle. It’s a mentality that new head coach Greg Simmons wants his kids to apply not only to football, but to all aspects of their lives.

“I always tell them that there are very few things in your life that you can control,” he said, “but you can always control your effort. You can always control your enthusiasm.”

Simmons is the man charged with turning around the Mustangs, who are coming off back-to-back one-win seasons and have just five victories in the past four years. That process will require a complete culture change in the program, and Simmons made it clear that he and his staff are changing everything.

“If they walked with their left foot first, I’m teaching them to walk with their right foot first,” he said.

The players have taken notice.

Senior Tyler Wallace is known for his prowess on the baseball diamond but decided to play football for the first time since his freshman year. He said there’s a completely new atmosphere — a liveliness and passion that hasn’t been there in a while.

“Everybody’s passionate about it, and Coach is enthusiastic, and he’s really wanting to get it done,” Wallace said. “I want to be a part of turning the program around, starting that off right with Coach Simmons.”

Junior offensive lineman and defensive end Mitchell Wright added, “It’s like everybody wants to be out here. It’s actually feeling like a team this year.”

The players appear to be responding to Simmons’ energetic coaching style.

Simmons said the effort he’s seen in practice so far has been “phenomenal” and is pleased with how hard his players have been working. The kids are starting to see that hard work paying off.

“I’ve heard a lot of people say they’re a lot more in shape than they were last year,” said junior wideout and cornerback Billy Person. “Flipping tires, carrying water, pushing sleds — whatever it takes to get better. We need to be more conditioned and play the whole game instead of just quitting in the third quarter, and we have to go in with the mindset that we’re going to win.”

Two challenges that North Moore could face this year is a lack of depth and inexperience. Simmons said he’s had around 40 kids out at practice so far but would like to get those numbers up into the 50s. Simmons said he has been impressed with a group of

PATRICK LOVE/The Pilot

New head coach Greg Simmons is trying to change the culture around North Moore football. younger players that have been committed all summer long, but if possible, he’d like to give them time to develop at the JV level, as opposed to “throwing them to the wolves” right away.

“We’re hoping that we can keep our freshmen and sophomores at a place where they can have some success and play with each other so when they’re juniors and seniors, they’ll be used to playing with each other and they’ll be used to success,” he said. “But if our numbers don’t come up, some of these younger guys are going to have to step up.

And I think some of them are ready for the challenge.”

North Moore began practicing in full pads last week, and Simmons said he wouldn’t decide starting positions until he saw the guys hitting and could determine who are the most aggressive players. He’s going to count on a core group of 15 guys making plays on both sides of the ball.

Offensively, the Mustangs will run a spread option. Simmons said he’s got some good athletes, and the coaching staff will look for creative ways to get the ball in their hands.

“We’re going to be a zone read team,” Simmons said. “We feel like we’ve got some pretty good quarterbacks and some pretty good tailbacks, some pretty decent-sized younger offensive linemen. We’re going to try to keep things simple and give those guys the opportunities to make plays.”

One of those guys is senior Xavier Scotton, who started at quarterback last year. His knack for making big plays accounted for much of North Moore’s offensive production last year. While he will continue to see time under center, Simmons

said he will move him around in the offense and play him as a tailback and out of the slot as well.

Look for the Mustangs to be aggressive on defense. Simmons, the defensive coordinator at Northwest Guilford before coming to North Moore, said he will use multiple fronts and won’t hesitate to bring the heat.

“We’re going to try to disguise things, and we’re going to bring stuff from different places and different areas,” he said. “We want people to understand that we’re not going to be afraid to blitz on first or third down, and we’re going to bring pressure, and we’re going to get in people’s faces.

“Defensively, I want to see us become a team that people recognize. I want us to become a team that teams don’t want to play. We’re planning on hanging our hat on our defense over the next several years.

That’s going to be kind of where we put our best players and where we’re going to cause

the most havoc.”

The Yadkin Valley 1A Conference is traditionally a tough league, but Simmons said that’s the least of his concerns. Instead, he and his players are focused on taking care of their own business.

“We’ll cross those bridges when we come to them,” he said.

The Mustangs kick off their season at home on Aug. 27 against Princeton.

Simmons understands the key to sustained success is continuity, and he knows that’s going to take a while. Rebuilding the Mustangs will be a process, and it’s a challenge that Simmons is enjoying.

“It’s fun to build something,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of pride, and I’ve got a lot of pride in the kids that are out here right now. I can’t wait to show them off. I can’t wait until they get the opportunity to prove to people that North Moore’s not the same North Moore.”

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PAGE 8

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Pinecrest Girls’ Tennis Eyes Repeat Performance

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Pinecrest girls’ tennis coach Gail Deese recently welcomed back four of the six players who qualified for last year’s East Regional Girls’ Tennis Championships.

The Patriot squad that won the 2009 Southeastern Conference regular season title didn’t lose a match until it was defeated by J.H. Rose in the second round of the 4A state dual team championships.

Graduated from that Patriot team are the state qualifying doubles duo of Brooke McLean and Hailey Cioccolanti.

“Brooke and Hailey were strong, and we’ll miss them,” Deese said during a recent practice. “I feel we’re working the girls hard to get them good and strong. We should do well in the conference.”

Junior Ally Parziale, the conference runner-up in singles, is expected to retain her position as the Patriots’ No. 1. A state qualifier as a freshman, Deese is looking for Parziale to return to that level.

Senior Mariotti Meyers and sophomore Chrissy Nurnberg, who came on strong

toward the end of last year, will be looking to move up from the fourth and sixth spots, respectively.

Senior Caroline Hudson earned all-conference recognition in 2008 and 2009, as did Parziale and Meyers. She and Meyers were conference runners-up in doubles last year. Hudson, senior Allyson Grine, sophomores Karen Smith and Casie Jingle and freshman Caroline Decker are among the others vying for regular singles and doubles action.

Deese has coached the Patriot boys for five seasons and began her third year with the girls with a home match against New Hanover yesterday. She looks for Scotland and Lumberton to again provide the stiffest competition in the conference.

A few more dates are expected to be added to the schedule shown below.

Schedule (* conference): Aug. 17 - New Hanover; 25 – Cardinal Gibbons; Sept.

2 – Lumberton*; 7 – Scotland*; 9 – at Purnell Swett*; 14 – at Richmond*; 16 – Hoke*; 20 - at East Montgomery; 23 – at Lumberton*; 24 - at New Hanover; 28 – at Scotland*; 30 – Purnell Swett*; Oct. 5 – Richmond*; 7 – at Hoke*; 11 – Conference tournament; 19 – First round state dual team; 22 - East Regional; 29 – State championship

On the Cover:

Center: Pinecrest senior Damion Pride.

Clockwise from top left: North Moore senior Xavier Scotton; North Moore senior Caroline Childers; Union Pines head football coach Ryan Riggan; O’Neal senior Bryce Baldelli; Union Pines sophomore Melissa Tally; O’Neal School junior Tori Fedder, junior Claire Russell and senior KellyAnn Miller.

About This Issue:

and Fall

Sports Preview

2010

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cover Design Martha J. Henderson, Page Designer Supplement Design/Layout Patrick Love, Sports Editor Contributing Writers Charlie Bergmann, John Krahnert III, F.W. Manning II Photography Donna Ford, Philip Taylor, Patrick Love For advertising information, contact Pat Taylor at (910) 693-2505 or e-mail advertise@thepilot.com

145 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387 (910) 692-7271 • thepilot.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Falcons Look For Improvement

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

The O’Neal girls’ tennis team has a lot of experience to work with in 2010.

Veteran head coach Don Woodfield has six players who lettered last year, including four seniors, coming back for this year’s team. Three of those seniors played in the team’s top six last season.

Last year’s squad posted a 10-5 overall record and went 6-4 in the Cape Fear Independence Conference. Woodfield is expecting another solid season this year and would like to increase the win total.

“My goal is to have them have a better record this year than last year,” he said.

Cape Fear Academy, which Woodfield described as a “powerhouse,” is the perennial favorite in the conference. But he expects his girls to finish near the top.

Senior Brianna Ek, who was the Falcons’ top singles player last year, should continue her strong play. Other top returnees include Amelia Schirmer, Mary Garner, Victoria Scarpa and Jordan Fisher. Woodfield said that eighth-grader Greyson Keel could also have the opportunity to be a starter after her solid play at the varsity level last year.

Ek, Scarpa, Schirmer and Garner all played in the top three doubles as well.

“It gets down to working real hard and getting into the state tournament and playing well there,” Woodfield said.

Woodfield said he’s excited about the solid participation his program enjoys. O’Neal consistently fields rosters of 14 to 16 girls.

“That’s why we built these courts a few years ago,” he said, “so we could get a nice program going. And I think we have that, and the kids like it.”

Schedule: Aug. 19-St. David’s; 26-at Flora MacDonald Academy; 27-29 Myrtle Beach Tournament; 31-Cape Fear Academy; Sept. 2-at Cary Christian; 7-at Westchester Country Day; 9-Flora MacDonald Academy; 13-at St. David’s; 14at Harrells Christian Academy; 16-at Fayetteville Academy; 27-at Fayetteville Christian; 28-Village Christian Academy; 30-Harrells Christian Academy; Oct. 5Fayetteville Academy; 7-at Cape Fear Academy; 12-at Fayetteville Christian; 14-at Village Christian Academy; 15-Westchester Country Day.

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 9

Vikings Hope to Add More Titles

BY F.W. MANNING II Special to The Pilot

The Union Pines girls’ tennis team enters the 2010 season as the five-time defending Cape Fear Valley 3A Conference champion.

According to Viking head coach John Frye, Union Pines fully expects to compete for conference, regional and state honors again this year.

“Our team should be among the early favorites for the Cape Fear Valley Conference championship,” said Frye.

“With Melissa Tally and Madison Kramer, who were state doubles qualifiers, both returning, the squad looks to challenge in the state playoffs.

“There is no denying the graduation of our 3A singles state champion, Neena Wanko, and conference singles runner-up Jordan Smith has left a sizable void.

However, we do return four all-conference players, three of whom are sophomores, which gives the team quality and depth.”

Shannon Simpson is the Vikings’ lone senior. She will be joined by Brittany Jones, an all-conference selection last year as a sophomore, along with fellow juniors Virginia Priest and Gabrielle Roback.

Simpson is 12-7, Jones 23-9 and Priest 7-3 on the career wins list, while Roback joins the team for her initial season.

Vikings From Page 4 tion.”

Last season, Union Pines yielded 318 points, an average of 28.9 points per game.

Seniors Cameron Person and Garrison Peele have been consistent standouts on defense. Person is the strongside linebacker coming off a junior year where he was among the team leaders in sacks, forced fumbles and solo tackles.

The Lady Vikes’ sophomores include Tally, Kramer and Laura Cameron.

“These girls are a talented trio of all-conference performers and were each key players in 2009 as freshmen,” said Frye.

In addition to their state tournament qualification, Tally and Kramer were regional semifinalists and conference doubles champions. Tally was 29-4, Kramer 303 and Cameron, who teamed with Jones and reached the conference doubles finals, 19-5 last season.

Other sophomores are Elena D’Argenio and Maddie Walden. D’Argenio was 7-1 and Walden 3-3 as freshmen a season ago.

They will be joined by incoming freshmen Celine Bullock and Michelle Shireman.

“Following a summer of extensive workouts, the girls are playing with composure and confidence,” said Frye. “So the challenges to determine the team’s lineup should be spirited.”

Frye admitted that the greatest area of concern for the Lady Vikings will be how best to determine the most advantageous combinations for doubles.

“Without Wanko and Smith, the No. 1 duo in 2009, the team will be challenged at all three positions,” said Frye. “If the squad adapts well to higher levels competition, it could go deep into the state playoffs.”

Union Pines finished its 2009 campaign

with a team record of 12-1. The Lady Vikes’ only loss on the year came via a 5-4 defeat against the Rocky Mount Gryphons in a highly competitive second-round dual team playoff match.

The Vikings open the 2010 season today at 4 p.m. on the road against Scotland in a nonconference tilt.

“As a team, things have gone well so far,” said Person. “The guys are coming out to practice ready to work. Coach Gittens has come over and helped us a lot with our conditioning, as well as helping us realize defense is not all about how strong or fast you are, but also how aware you are of what’s going on during each play so you can anticipate rather than react.”

Peele, a converted quarterback, has proven to be a savvy player over the past two seasons. This year, he will anchor the secondary as a safety making all the onfield audibles.

“This defense seems to be much more complete than it was last season,” said Peele. “We don’t really have any holes out there on the field, and as a group, we seem to have much more confidence. At the same time, we are displaying some aggressiveness in our play, which is a new and welcome trend.”

More so, the players emphasized that there is a different feeling among team members this season.

“It’s a new season, and as a team it seems like we have all been moving together from day one with a common purpose in mind,” said Peele.

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Madison Kramer

PAGE 10

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Lady Falcons New Season, Look to Surprise 2009 in O’Neal’s

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

Communication is the operative word for this year’s O’Neal School volleyball team, according to head coach Kendall Harper.

The Falcons are coming off a strong 2009 campaign, which included a Cape Fear Independent Conference (CFIC) championship, four all-conference selections and coach of the year honors for Harper. With six seniors departing, it would be easy to call 2010 a rebuilding year, but Harper is convinced her squad is talented.

Harper has 11 players on the roster, five of whom are seniors. But only two played on the varsity team last year. Two have come back to O’Neal from public school, having played with Harper in the past.

“They’re experienced as far as practicing, stuff like that,” she said, “but as far as playing time, not as much. Not that it’s going to be a rebuilding year, but it’s going to be a hard-working year. They’re going to have to work extra hard.”

Harper said the Falcons have great servers but lack the power hitters that she’s had in the past. She said it would take a little more time to develop that.

Harper said senior setter KellyAnn Miller is expected to assume a leadership role and praised her positive attitude and work ethic.

Harper is also expecting big things out of senior outside hitter Katie Tighe, who adds great passing and digging.

Big-hitting freshman Kaitlyn Hunt will be stepping right onto the varsity squad.

“She has a tremendous amount of power, we just gotta learn how to control it as far as her hitting,” she said, “but she’s going to be one of our strongest hitters this year.”

One of the biggest challenges the Falcons face is learning to play together. Many players in the past have come up through the ranks together, but this year’s team features a “mixed and matched” group coming together from different schools and levels.

“They have not played together and don’t have that experience where they know each other, so communication is going to be the biggest key,” Harper said. “They’re not comfortable with each other yet.”

Harper expects that to happen, but it will take time. But the objective remains the same — win the conference title.

“That’s the big goal for us,” she said.

“We’re going to be the underdogs this year, and I think they’re going to underestimate these girls that are coming up.”

Schedule: Aug. 10-Grace Christian School; 12-at Lee Christian School; 17-Union Pines High; 24-at Union Pines High; 26-at Carolina Friends; 30-at Cary Christian; 31-Cape Fear Academy; Sept. 2-at Flora MacDonald Academy; 7-St. David’s; 9-Flora MacDonald Academy; 14-at Harrells Christian Academy; 16-at Fayetteville Academy; 27-Fayetteville Christian; 28-Village Christian Academy; 30-Harrells Christian Academy; Oct. 5-Fayetteville Academy; 7-at Cape Fear Academy; 12-at Fayetteville Christian; 14-at Village Christian Academy.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

New Outlook

Rear-View Mirror

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

The difficult 2009 season is firmly in the rear-view mirror for The O’Neal School boys’ soccer team.

Last season saw the Falcons go winless over 17 games, but instead of the hangover that one might expect, head coach Ted Hassenfelt has seen a determined group of players ready to move forward this year.

That was evident in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Grace Christian to kick off the new season on Aug. 10.

“It’s tough when you go through something like that from last year,” he said. “It’s the mental side, the confidence side. I think it’s in the past. I think they really have put it behind them.”

The coaching staff has been focusing on developing mental toughness and a positive mindset with its players to keep memories of last year from creeping into this season. Despite 2009’s 0-17 record, Hassenfelt said the team competed in a lot of games but couldn’t close them out.

This season, Hassenfelt has an older team, but not necessarily one with a lot of experience. The Falcons are senior-heavy, but some of them are newcomers. He said they’re solid players, and this team could have the pieces to make some noise.

“I thought this might be more of a rebuilding year, waiting for some of these younger guys to come up,” he said, “but I

PATRICK LOVE/Sports Editor

O’Neal coach Ted Hassenfelt has placed a premium on team chemistry in 2010. think that with the seniors that have come out, I think we can compete this year.”

Some players to watch are senior striker Bryce Baldelli, senior center back Colin Jameson and sophomore outside midfielder Jacob Talbert. Senior Brandt Davis returns as goalkeeper.

Hassenfelt is also looking for big things from freshman center midfielder J.R. Moore, who was an honorable mention allconference player as an eighth-grader.

In preseason practice, Hassenfelt has placed an emphasis on defense. The team has worked on defensive shape, defensive responsibilities and defending as a team.

The Falcons are expected to play a possession-style of soccer.

“We’re going to attempt to possess the

ball, move it into the attacking third, get some opportunities on goal and see what happens,” Hassenfelt said.

But the biggest key to success is getting the boys to come together as a unit.

“Without a doubt, they have to gel as a team,” he said. “I think that we have enough talent, enough athletes to compete this year. If they come together as a team, I think they may surprise a lot of people.”

Schedule: Aug. 10: Grace Christian School; 12-at Lee Christian School; 18-at North Moore High; 20-at Gaston Christian School; 21-at First Assembly Christian School; 24-Scotland High; 26-at Carolina Friends; 31-Cape Fear Academy; Sept. 2-at Flora MacDonald Academy; 7-St. David’s; 9-Flora MacDonald Academy; 16-at Fayetteville Academy; 27-Fayetteville Christian; 28-Village Christian; Oct. 5-Fayetteville Academy; 7-at Cape Fear Academy; 12-at Fayetteville Christian; 14-at Village Christian Academy.

Young Harriers to Compete With the Best

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

The O’Neal School cross-country team will continue its quest to develop a new identity this fall.

Head coach Josh Roberts said he wants to build a “new kind of program” at the school, and a young, raw core of runners should help that process along.

Roberts has had a consistent group of 10 runners during the preseason and expects to have 17 to 18 join the team by the first meet on Aug. 19. Without any seniors on either the boys’ or girls’ teams, Roberts will rely on a group of juniors to lead.

The top returning member of the boys’ squad is junior Austin Puleo, who comes from a family of runners. Roberts said that Puleo is hoping to continue to attain personal records below the 18-minute mark, with the ultimate goal of breaking 17 min-

utes by the season’s end. “(He’s) certainly the anchor that we will be rallying around for a good example for strong performances,” Roberts said.

Junior Evan Davies is another name to watch, as Roberts said he continues to shave time off his personal best.

Both Puleo and Davies have been in the program since the seventh grade and should provide valuable leadership to a talented group of seventh-graders joining the team this year.

On the girls’ side, the Falcons will get some help from overseas. Junior Theresa Berg, an exchange student from Germany, looks to make an immediate impact on the squad and could be the girls’ top runner.

“I think she’ll be a very strong finisher for us,” Roberts said.

Junior Alana Godbey, who was the girls’ No. 2 or 3 runner last year, returns.

Roberts said she brings a lot of effort to the program, and he expects her to have another strong season this fall.

The Falcon Harriers have stiff competition in the Cape Fear Independent Conference (CFIC), and Roberts hopes his team will continue to aspire to beat its conference mates.

“It’s been good for us to be able to run against schools who challenge us, maybe as opposed to being in an even smaller conference if we were on top, where we weren’t necessarily that good,” he said. “I would rather be where we are as an underdog against great schools than on top of a smaller heap somewhere else.”

Schedule: Aug. 19-at Pinecrest High; Sept. 1-North Moore High; 8-at Village Christian Academy; 15-at Cape Fear Academy; 18-Wolfpack Invitational in Cary; 29-at Fayetteville Christian; Oct. 2-Hagenstone Classic; 7-at Cary Christian; 20-CFIC Conference Championship at O’Neal.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 11

NM Kickers Experienced And Resilient

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

DONNA FORD/Special to The Pilot

Richard Palmer is one of the few returnees with notable varsity experience for Pinecrest’s boys’ soccer team.

Pinecrest Soccer Looks to Reload

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

Successful athletic programs like the Pinecrest boys enjoy in soccer have a common characteristic. When graduation losses are heavy, they have the capacity to reload and continue their winning ways.

Six of last year’s seven all-conference players, and all five who earned all-region honors, graduated from the squad that made it to the 4A state semifinals for the first time in the program’s history. Coach Todd Abbey’s team finished the season 175-1 and ranked No. 4 in the state.

One of the returnees is senior Gray Anderson, who scored the dramatic overtime goal against New Hanover that put the Patriots within one match of playing for the state title. New Hanover also provided the opposition for yesterday’s season opener, played at a neutral site at Fayetteville Academy.

Even with the turnover in players and a tough nonconference schedule to get through, all-conference right back Patrick White is optimistic about the team’s chances to make another strong playoff run.

“We still have a solid corps from last year, and we have our chemistry,” the sen-

ior said before a recent practice. “We’ve picked up a lot of good kids, so we know we still have the talent. We’re expecting big things this year.”

The returnees are pretty well spread out all over the field. Juniors Morgan Van Camp and Nick Kruyer, who came up from the jayvee team for the state playoffs, are the other players with experience in the back. Juniors Richard Palmer and Barrett Goulden bring two years of varsity experience to the midfield.

“I have Richard back, which is a huge plus,” Abbey said. “I feel in the playoffs, he was the best player in the midfield, especially the last two or three games we had.”

Anderson, the leading goal scorer among returnees (10), senior forward Kevin Grasso and junior forward-midfielder Dane Nelson also bring varsity experience to the table.

“Gray has a unique ability to shoot from anywhere within 30 yards and hit the frame,” Abbey said. “The guys used to call it luck, but once you do it as many times as he’s done it, you’d have to say he has a knack for it.”

The source of the reload is mainly a jayvee team that was undefeated last year and lost only twice the season before.

One of those promoted is junior Mitchell Dotson. He is expected to be the starting goalkeeper. Other potential contributors in the defensive end include seniors Chris Sanders, Brendan McKinley and Karon Kennedy, junior Chris Potter and junior goalkeeper J.T. Stillwell.

Midfield newcomers in the 3-5-2 Abbey favors include seniors Blaine Little and Will Price, juniors Jimmy Casey, Makonnan Clare, Justin Mace and Jordan Beck, and sophomore Hunter Oliver.

Sophomores Hayden Little and Taylor Morton will see action at the forward or midfield positions.

Abbey succeeded Larry Martin as the Patriot boys’ and girls’ coaches in 2009.

Martin led the Patriots boys to 12 conference titles in a row and 14 straight playoff appearances.

“To me, they were brand-new last year,” Abbey said of the players. “I think last year was a much bigger challenge with me being a totally different coach and bringing in a new system.”

While Palmer has more new teammates to adjust to than the previous year, he thinks the familiarity the team now has

see RELOAD, page 15

North Moore head boys’ soccer coach Michael Shamberger expects his club to be in the mix in the Yadkin Valley Conference.

Shamberger returns as head coach after a one-year hiatus to attend graduate school.

Last season, he turned the reins over to his son, Ben, and served as an assistant.

The elder Shamberger says he has an experienced and resilient squad. Most of the players that bounced back from an 0-6 start last season to finish 10-10 (9-7) are back, and out of the 17 players that have come out, eight are seniors.

“I’m expecting us to be competitive,” he said. “This will be the first time in a long time we’re going to be senior-dominated.”

Shamberger expects that experience to give this team knowledge of what it takes to compete against some of the stronger teams on the schedule, like Albemarle, Gray Stone and East Montgomery.

In addition to experience, the Mustangs’ strength is their defense. Shamberger said the team’s forward line is probably its weakness, and because the team doesn’t have a lot of natural scorers, scoring will have to come from the team as a whole.

Captain Noe Ramirez returns after a broken collarbone forced him to miss most of his sophomore season and all of last year. A former goalkeeper, he’ll be a center midfielder who will play some striker too.

Shamberger described him as an “excellent athlete” with good speed and good height.

Another captain is Jared McNeill, a forward whose growth as a player since his freshman year and confidence on the ball continues to grow.

Anchoring the defense is Junior Lopez, who Shamberger described as a “quiet assassin” because of his reserved nature and ability to kill an attack.

In goal is Jose Peralta.

“He can sling his body and make stops that you’d absolutely think he would never even get to,” Shamberger said.

If the team comes together like Shamberger hopes, it could be good enough to make a deep run into the playoffs.

“We just have to wait and see how our chemistry works out, which is always a key ingredient,” he said.

This season features the first Friday home game in the history of the boys’ program — Aug. 20 against Jordan-Matthews.

Schedule: Aug. 18-O’Neal; 20-Jordan-Matthews; 23-at Overhills; 25-at Albemarle; 30-West Montgomery; Sept. 1-at East Montgomery; 13-South Davidson; 20-Gray Stone; 22-at South Stanly; 27-at North Rowan; 29Albemarle; Oct. 4-at West Montgomery; 6-East Montgomery; 13-at South Davidson; 20-at Gray Stone; 25-South Stanly; 27-North Rowan.

PAGE 12

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Young Patriot Netters Showing Progress

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Pinecrest volleyball coach Barbara Foxx has 591 career victories entering 2010.

When Pinecrest senior Ashleigh McKenzie took her position on the volleyball court last season, she was often accompanied by three freshmen.

The young squad didn’t do too badly, finishing at 7-3 in the Southeastern Conference and 11-11 overall. Now going into a season that has coach Barbara Foxx closing in on 600 career victories at Pinecrest, the prospects for improvement are good.

“We didn’t lose that many players, and everybody has matured and gotten better,” McKenzie said.

Along with the left-handed swinging McKenzie, the Patriots should be very strong at the net. Senior Addey George (6foot) and sophomores Janae Williams (6-2) and Felicia Painter (6-0) are tall and athletic. George was an all-conference pick last year and Williams was an honorable mention selection. The four players accounted

for 91 percent of the team’s kills.

Senior Uniqwa Morrison, who moved up from junior varsity late last season, is another force to be reckoned with at the net, as is freshman Mollie Maples.

There is plenty of competition for the job of setting up the deep front line. Megan Thomas, another of last year’s freshmen starters, was second to the graduated Paige Horne in assists. Junior Callie Boone, sophomore Keegan Lynch and the versatile McKenzie are also working out at that position.

“I just like to win. I hate losing,” McKenzie said when asked about her expanded duties. “I’m going to do whatever I have to do to win.”

The position of defensive specialist is without an incumbent and is shaping up as a competition between senior Sarah Harrison and juniors Addison Nelson and Ashleigh Welton.

In her 33rd year at Pinecrest, Foxx will go into the Aug. 17 opener at Western

Harnett seeking her 592nd career victory.

Even though Scotland County had heavy graduation losses from the team that has won four league titles in a row, she expects them to be strong again.

“I don’t expect them ever to have a down year,” she said.

Pinecrest alumni Toni Boney, Dawn Bright, Ashley Craven and Mel Watson will again be assisting Foxx. The Patriot coach thinks accuracy in passing and consistency at the serving line will be keys to a successful 2010 season.

“We’ve got talent, and basically this year we’re looking for more consistency,” she said. “Hopefully this will be a real good year for us.”

Schedule (*conference): Aug. 17 at Western Harnett; 19 – at Overhills; 24 – Western Harnett; 25 – at E.E. Smith; 31 – at Union Pines; Sept. 1 – at Lee County; 2 – Jack Britt; 7 – Lee County; 9 – Lumberton*; 11 – at Laney; 14 – Scotland*; 16 – at Purnell Swett*; 21 – at Richmond*; 22 – Union Pines; 23 – Hoke*; 27 – E.E. Smith; 29 – at Jack Britt; 30 – at Lumberton*; Oct. 5 – at Scotland*; 7 – Purnell Swett*; 12 – Richmond* (Senior Night); 14 – at Hoke*; 18 – First round conference tournament; 23 – First round state playoffs

North Moore Volleyball in Rebuilding Mode

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

The North Moore volleyball team is looking to rebuild after a solid 2009 campaign.

The Mustangs saw 10 seniors graduate this spring, creating a big void that younger players will now have to step up and fill.

Second-year head coach Melissa Powers, however, is enthused about the 2010 edition of her club. After a few days of tryouts, she completed cuts on Aug. 10 and is welcoming 14 girls to this year’s team.

“I’m really excited,” she said before a practice last week.

“They’re a great group of girls. Obviously, it’s going to be a rebuilding year. We lost a lot of seniors last year. But I’m excited. They’re excited. They have a great attitude. So, we’re looking forward to a good year.”

Last year, the Mustangs finished third in the Yadkin Valley 1A Conference.

“We had a really good year, but like I said, we lost about 10 seniors,” she said.

Powers likes what she sees from her new crop of seniors this year, saying that they all have positive attitudes and push each other. Two of them are Jamie Garner and Rachel Garner, and they are expected to make a big impact this season.

“They’re two players that I’m so excited about, because it’s not about them, it’s definitely about the team and that’s the most important thing to them,” Powers said. “They’ve

Second-year coach Melissa Powers will have to replace 10 graduated seniors off last year’s team. been big leaders for me, and so I’m excited to see this year how they lead the team.”

Senior Jennifer Ryan and hard-hitting junior Shakorya Brower are a couple of other players to keep an eye on.

The Mustangs are without both of their starting setters from last year’s team, so that’s one area that will have to be addressed as the season progresses.

“Our setting position is going to be something. They know they have to step up,” Powers said. “Hitting and setting is mostly what we’ve got to work on.”

As far as season expectations, Powers said the team would take things one day at a time.

“It is a rebuilding year, so they’re just hoping to take it day by day and put all of what they’re learning together,”

she said.

Powers has been impressed with the team’s attitude and communication in practice so far, assets that should help them throughout the season.

“They’re talkative on the court,” she said. “I told them that’s something they can’t lose. The communication is very good, and they’re very supportive of each other.

“They’re a great group of girls, and I’m excited to work with them.”

Schedule: Aug. 17-at Albemarle; 19-West Montgomery; 24-at East Montgomery; 26-Chatham Central; 31South Davidson; Sept. 7-Gray Stone; 9-at South Stanly; 13-Jordan-Matthews; 14-at North Rowan; 16Albemarle; 21-at West Montgomery; 23-East Montgomery; 28-at Chatham Central; 30-at South Davidson; Oct. 7-at Gray Stone; 12-South Stanley; 14-North Rowan.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 13

Not Settling Lady Vikings Think This Is Their Year

BY F.W. MANNING II Special to The Pilot

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

Crystal Hicks is one of eight juniors on the Vikings’ volleyball team.

The Union Pines volleyball team features a new look and attitude as the Lady Vikings prepare to begin their 2010 season with high hopes.

“There is certainly a different vibe with this group,” said head coach Leslie Fish. “They are not out here just going through the motions. Instead, they are focused on improving in certain areas where it is needed, while also shoring up the things that we already do well.”

That look features some formidable size on the front line, a speedy and veteran backline, along with true depth in the form of a 12-player roster.

Fish said the Vikings first made a commitment to improve their overall fitness level starting last season but put even more emphasis on that area in preparation for this year’s campaign.

“Our eight juniors have now really bought into this, and the results have showed this summer,” said Fish. “Those girls took a weight training course last semester, which really helped them, and then we hit the weight room three days a week all summer, and I feel they realize just how important that aspect is in our overall development.”

Union Pines has eight juniors, including Crystal Hicks, Morgan Bridgers, Lexi Byrd, Anna Sadler, Amanda McCoy, Chantele Carr, Cassidy Walker and Meredith Campbell.

Hicks echoed the sentiments of her coach about the benefits of hitting the weight room.

“The strength training has helped this team a lot,” said Hicks. “We were in the weight room all summer and entered preseason in excellent shape and stronger as a group.”

Hicks, Bridgers and Byrd are returning starters, while Sadler was a key situational sub last year.

Although the Vikes began the season 1-6, they finished third in the final Cape Fear Valley Conference standings with a league mark of 8-4 and an 11-11 overall record, before falling in the first round of the state playoffs.

In addition, sophomore Tyler Ross returns after a stellar freshman season as a frontline force. She will be joined by Hicks at the net along with incoming freshman Tiffany Hicks, Crystal’s younger sister, who stands close to 6 feet, 2 inches tall.

Sophomore Zazil Porras, who has a long, lean frame, also figures to see some time up front.

Fish feels another key addition for Union Pines is sophomore transfer Brittany Erickson, who will be a libero.

“Brittany has a no-nonsense approach that has spread through this entire squad,” said Fish. “She brings so much communication and game knowledge to the table that it gives the girls more confi-

see VOLLEYBALL, page 14

UP Kickers Prepared for Season Despite Adversity

BY F.W. MANNING II Special to The Pilot

The Union Pines boys’ soccer team has been working out this preseason without a head coach.

Jeremy Blake, who was the head coach the past three years, resigned back in June, opting to focus on the Lady Viking soccer program. During his three-year stint, Union Pines went 38-21-5 with a Cape Fear Valley Conference record of 31-9 and qualified for the postseason in all three years.

In 2008, the Vikings reached the third round of the state playoffs for only the second time in school history. Last season, Union Pines finished 9-9 overall and 8-4 in league play to place third in the final conference standings before falling to Cardinal Gibbons in the first round of the 3A playoffs.

Senior standout Allen Cha was a freshman when Blake took over the Union Pines’ program. Subsequently, he has seen both the best and worst of times as a Viking soccer player.

In a recent interview, Cha, who led Union Pines in goals and assists last year as a junior, admitted that it has been a tough ride thus far in 2010 but was still confident in his

fellow players and their prospects for becoming a competitive team.

“Summer workouts have been rough,” said Cha. “At first, the guys all thought we were doomed because we did not have a coach and things were not how it used to be.

There was a lack of hope I had never seen before as a Viking that made me feel like our soccer program just does not have much support and is not truly appreciated.”

But all was not lost. Cha says the team reached a point where it just had to put the adversity aside and focus on improving.

“We decided to place all our focus on our progression as players in order to show that if we continued to work together to improve as a team, that we will be OK, no matter what,” Cha said.

Cha said that a big lift came for Union Pines when they attended an 8-on-8 preseason tournament at Pinecrest.

“That event was our first real chance to come together and play as a team,” he said. “We started off playing very shaky, but throughout the day, I began to see the fire and pride in the team come through, and our game started to show.”

Union Pines was down 3-0 to Jack Britt at the tourna-

ment but managed to fight back to earn a 3-all tie, as Cha finished with a hat-trick “Right then, I saw how much our team was willing to fight till it was over,” said Cha. “The going is still tough, but that is always to be expected. Nothing comes easy, and hard work is always needed.”

Union Pines has made the playoffs the past five years while contending for the regular season league championship late into each season. Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the program, Cha likes Union Pines soccer’s chances this year.

“The old UP spirit is always there,” he said. “Once the guys settle in and we get our feel, that spirit will come shining through. This is my senior year. It’s all out there on the table, so you can never count us out.”

Union Pines has not won the Cape Fear Valley Conference regular season championship since 2006.

Despite everything, that is one thing Cha hopes to change.

“I honestly feel like we have a good chance of capturing the conference title this year,” he said. “We have not done it my first three seasons at Union Pines, so that is what I am trying my best to accomplish along with my teammates.”

PAGE 14

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Lady Pats Thinking 19 in a Row

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

The Pinecrest girls’ cross country team is a good bet to make it 19 conference titles in a row this fall. Winners of 15 league titles in the last 16 years, the Patriot boys should have little trouble wrapping up another one.

The goals always go beyond that for one of the region’s top programs. The girls and boys will try to improve on their third- and fourth-place finishes, respectively, at last year’s regional meet.

The new season begins on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Elks Course in Southern Pines with the Patriot Challenge. Union Pines, The O’Neal School and East Chapel Hill are the other schools scheduled to participate.

The Patriot girls’ top two runners from last season have graduated. Columbiabound Lexie Schustrom won the Southeastern Conference and East Regional titles. She also holds the school record of 18.37 in the 5-kilometer run.

Ashley Brock, another spring graduate, was very often the second Patriot to finish the races.

The reasons to be optimistic about this year’s prospects begin with sophomore Jennie Cunningham, who finished first in the 800-meter run at the conference and regional meets last spring. Then, she set a new school record in the event while coming in third at the state meet.

Cunningham and senior Lauren Bonville both have personal best times under 20 minutes. Seniors Haley Germain, Alexa Zoellner and Madison Hart and sophomore Sarah Pressley have all gone under 21, giving the team a good foundation from which to start.

Seniors Beth Hieronymus and Brittany Sayers, juniors Katana Lemelin and Jenna Woronoff and sophomores Kara Zoellner, Hana Bornhorst and Hayden Rudd have all earned points in meets for the Patriots.

Ten freshmen girls have come out for the team so far, including Mulloy Manning, who recorded a time of 21:57 last year at

Volleyball From Page 13 dence, because they know we have another strong passer now to go along with Lexi.”

Fish has made it clear to her players that the expectation level for Viking volleyball has reached a new level.

“I told the girls that we are not rebuilding anymore,” she said. “This season, we are determined to be competitive and play the

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

Mustangs Eye Top Finishes

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

DONNA FORD/Special to The Pilot

By the end of the spring track and field season, Jennie Cunningham (left) was finishing in front of Columbia-bound senior Lexie Schustrom.

O’Neal as an eighth-grader. That was the second-best time on the school’s all-time list.

The graduation losses were heavier for the Patriot boys coached by Jeremy Swofford. Among those they will miss are conference runner of the year Craig Baggett and brothers Dalton and Jacob Allen. It also appears that two of the potential top returnees will not be running this season.

Swofford has a talented returning trio in seniors Tyler Clark, Connor Kelly and Landon Sherwood. Senior George Hayes, junior Garrett Williams and sophomores

Schedule: Aug. 19 – Patriot Challenge (Elks); 28 – East Wake Invitational (Wendell Park); Sept. 4 – Jungle Run (South View); 7 – Hoke, Richmond (Hoke)*; 14 – Scotland, Purnell Swett (Elks)*; 18 – Elon Invitational; 21 – Swett, Richmond (Swett)*; 26 – Hagan Stone Invitational (Hagan Stone Park); 28 – Lumberton, Richmond (Lumberton)*; Oct. 5 – Lumberton, Hoke (Elks)*; 9 – Beeson Park Invitational (Kernersville); 12 – Scotland, Richmond (Scotland)*; 19 – Conference championship (Elks)*; 30 – Regional (Wendell Park); Nov. 6 - State Meet (Beeson Park)

way we know we can.

“The best way I can explain it is that we mean business, and the girls have enthusiastically embraced that concept.”

Hicks was the glue that held last season’s teams together, consistently filling the stat sheets with high numbers in kills, service points and digs as a sophomore.

“I think we are going to do really good this year and have built great chemistry during preseason practice,” said Hicks. “Our expectations are to win conference this season, and I think we can do it.”

Meanwhile, Bridgers was the team’s

assists leader and court-general. She also racked up a high serving-point percentage.

“I am so ready to get the season under way,” she said. “Last year, we were young, and it feels so nice to have an experienced and deep group of girls who all have a great feel for individual roles and talents.

“Everything has come together nicely in terms of strategy. Our fundamental skills development is much improved, so as a group we are optimistic about our prospects.

I am just excited for the season to start and have the opportunity to be a leader on such a great team.”

Graham Hawes, Jacob Troutman and Becket Killam are among the hopefuls to give the boys a strong top seven.

Highlights of this year’s schedule include the evening Jungle Run at South View on Sept. 4 and the conference meet at the rigorous Elks Course on Oct. 19.

North Moore cross-country coach Chris Coble thinks both sides of his team should be competing near the top of the Yadkin Valley 1A Conference this season.

Coble returns almost all of his runners from last year on both the boys’ and girls’ teams. Though the Mustangs compete in a competitive conference, Coble’s very optimistic about their chances.

“If everybody can stay healthy, we’ve got the pieces in place that we could definitely, on both sides of our team, be in the top half of the conference,” he said. “That’s our goal. You never know where it’s going to fall, but we definitely want to have some allconference runners and be in the top half of the conference, both boys and girls.”

Seventeen boys have come out this year, giving him “easily” the deepest boys’ team he’s had at the school. He said the guys have a really good opportunity to make some noise in the conference.

Top runners on the boys’ team are Jonathan Gomez, Kenny Bales, Alex Landers, Justin Marley, Cody Aklus, Jeremiah Wofford, Nick Renzi and newcomer Dillon Dunn.

“We got a whole host of guys that could really make a push on it,” he said. “We’ve been running strong.”

Coble said the girls also have an opportunity to be strong. Paige Garner, the girls’ best runner statistically last season, is back this year.

Other top girls include Madison Sewell, Abigail Avalos, Jordan Wofford, Bethany Robbins, Ester Pascual and Laura Lambert.

There’s a lot of parity among the runners on the girls’ team, Coble said, so they’ll be focusing on pack running this season.

In preseason training, Coble has stressed a theme of showing a lot of heart and working hard.

“This is a very hard sport, and mentally, it’s draining,” he said, “and we just gotta have a lot of toughness mentally and physically about this year.”

Schedule: Aug. 24-preseason meet; 31-at Chatham Central; Sept. 1-at O’Neal; 7-at East Montgomery; 14-home meet; 21-at Chatham Central; 28-at North Rowan; Oct. 5-at West Montgomery; 12-at East Montgomery; 19-Conference meet.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

PAGE 15

High Expectations for UP XC Pinecrest Girls

The SEC Favorite

BY F.W. MANNING II Special to The Pilot

The Union Pines boys’ cross-country team will enter this season with some high expectations.

NCrunners.com has the Vikings ranked eighth in its preseason Class 3A poll.

Last season, Union Pines was the undefeated Cape Fear Valley Conference champion and also captured the league championship meet to run its record to 22-0 before placing seventh at the Mid-East Regional.

The 2010 Vikes return five of their top seven runners from that team, including seniors Trevor Morris, Joseph Morris, Brandon Berry and Daniel Deardorff, along with junior Dylan Blue.

The five Vikings earned all-conference honors by placing in the top 12 at the conference championship meet.

However, this did not stop head coach Nat Carter, who was the conference boys’ and girls’ coach of the year last season, from describing the preseason as “helter skelter.”

“We did not go to a running camp this year, and it has been hard to get all the kids training at the same time with summer vacations and that sort of thing,” said Carter. “So it will probably be mid-season before we will really get a true picture of how we are going to be.”

Back for her senior year, Brittney Stevens is the Lady Vikes’ top runner and was the only all-conference performer for Union Pines last season.

Carter feels that Stevens has a chance to be the top runner in the conference this year.

“Brittney had a bit of an off year last season,” said Carter. “Even still, I believe she can contend strong for

Reload From Page 11 with Abbey is a plus.

“It’s going to be a lot easier this year, because we know him better and understand how he wants us to play,” Palmer said.

Last year’s squad hung onto its goal of winning a state title even after getting shut out three times by teams from Raleigh in the first five matches. Two of those, Sanderson and

BY CHARLIE BERGMANN Special to The Pilot

PHILIP TAYLOR/The Pilot

The Union Pines boys’ cross-country team, including senior Trevor Morris, pictured, is ranked eighth in one preseason poll. that top spot in the league if she can maintain the focus and dedication she has displayed so far this summer.”

Courtney Voss, also a senior, was the inaugural winner of Union Pines’ Hannah Gibson Spirit Award.

Selected as the most dedicated female cross-country athlete during her junior campaign, Carter will look to her to be a vocal leader on and off the course.

“To have someone as inspirational as Courtney working with all the girls will really help this team realize its full potential,” said Carter. “She is

a natural leader and the best teammate an athlete can have.”

Junior Carly Lively will return to the team after playing volleyball her sophomore season. Other runners returning for the Lady Vikes include juniors Savannah Mangrum and Alyssa Radel, along with seniors Tyesha McLean and Jocelyn Rodriguez.

The Lady Vikes went 19-3 last year, finishing second in the conference regular season standings and at the league championship meet before placing seventh at the Mid-East Regional.

Cardinal Gibbons, are early opponents again along with another quality team from that area in Leesville Road, Thursday’s opponent at home.

In the Southeastern Conference, Abbey expects Hoke County, the team that ended the Patriots’ 67match unbeaten streak in league play last September, to be a strong contender.

“Our schedule will show, and I believe, we’ll take our lumps getting ready,” the Patriot coach said. “But, it’s the same philosophy we had last year. I scheduled the toughest teams I could possibly get.

“This is a good group, and they’re very talented. They have to understand the record doesn’t mean anything. Where we are in the program, one thing matters, something we’ve never accomplished, a state championship.”

Schedule (*conference): Aug. 17 – New Hanover (at Fayetteville Academy);19–LeesvilleRoad;25–atUnionPines;28–atBrittany Tournament; Sept. 2 – at Sanderson; 11 – Hoggard (at Fayetteville Academy); 13 – at Cardinal Gibbons; 15 – Lumberton*; 20 – Scotland*; 23 – Jack Britt; 27 – at Richmond*; 29 – Hoke*; Oct. 5 – at Lumberton*; 11 – at Scotland; 12 – at Terry Sanford; 14 – East Chapel Hill; 18 – Richmond*; 20 – at Hoke*; 25 – First round conference tournament; Nov. 3 – First round 4A state playoffs

Sandy Sackmann begins her 10th season as coach of the Pinecrest girls’ golf team with uncertainty about how many schools in the Southeastern Conference will field a squad.

That means the schedule is still a work in progress, but the 2009 conference champions have two all-conference players back in sophomores Haley Crider and Hailey Robinson.

Crider, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, finished just 0.6 strokes in back of teammate Elizabeth Hall for conference player of the year honors with an 83.8 stroke average last season. She also qualified for the state championships. Hall has since transferred to The O’Neal School.

Also returning is senior Keri Harbour, who will be the team captain.

The other two members of the five-girl squad are freshmen Savannah Thompson and Elaine Kearney. Thompson has been gaining experience in Tin Whistles Junior Tour events this summer. She also finished third in the junior division of the WCGA Junior Girls Championship held at Whispering Pines Country Club last month after posting scores of 85-85—170.

This year’s 4A regional tournament will be held at Pinehurst No. 6. Pinehurst No. 1 will be the site of the 4A state championship.

Familiar Face at Helm For North Moore Tennis

BY JOHN KRAHNERT III Staff Writer

The North Moore girls’ tennis team features a young squad but has a familiar face as its new head coach.

Cheryl Brewer — the former athletic director and longtime coach at the school — has stepped in this season and will continue to build the girls’ program, which was restarted last fall after a two-year hiatus. The team is coming off a one-win season in 2009.

Brewer said that she’s got a mix of returners and newcomers this year but is still getting to know her team. So far in preseason practice, they have been focusing on learning fundamentals. She said her girls are working and seem to be having a good time, which is important.

It’s difficult to make predictions about this year’s team, given its youth, and she’s unsure what to expect.

“You always want to set goals of having a winning and successful season,” she said.

Brewer said that returners Shannon Marley, Camilla Cockman, Maria Urquiza and Clarisa Gomez could be some of the players that feature in the team’s top six this season.

Brewer said she should begin to have a clearer picture of her team when it starts playing this week against Albemarle and East Montgomery.

Schedule: Aug. 16-Albemarle; 20-at East Montgomery; 23-Chatham Central; 25-South Davidson; 30-Gray Stone Day; Sept. 1-at South Davidson; 8-at North Rowan; 9-at Albemarle; 15-East Montgomery; 20-at Chatham Central; 22-at South Davidson; 29-at Gray Stone Day; Oct. 4-South Stanly; 6-North Rowan.

PAGE 16

THE PILOT — SOUTHERN PINES, N.C.

Pinecrest From Page 2

PATRICK LOVE/The Pilot

Senior safety Hunter Ocheltree looks up after making an interception during a Pinecrest scrimmage.

Senior running backs Raphael Alston and Damion Pride should be able to relieve some of the pressure on the quarterback. The pair combined for over 1,200 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in 2009.

“Raphael and Damion are two special individuals,” Metzger said.

“They wouldn’t care if they scored a touchdown or gained a yard if we’re winning.”

Juniors Bryan Van Cleave and Dee Kilpatrick and sophomore Zach Strickland are among the other running backs.

Senior Kyle Ocheltree is the back-up quarterback, and along with senior Patrick Moore, one of the two returning wide receivers.

Senior Marshall Smith was a jayvee standout at the position, and senior Steven Dean and junior Michael Johnson are the tight ends.

“We’ve been practicing all year long for this, and we’re prepared,” Kyle Ocheltree said. “I think we’re looking at a much better running

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2010

game than last year, and I believe we have a corps of receivers that will take us farther.”

Missing from the passing game are the 48 catches and nine touchdowns made by the graduated James Baldwin III. A film review indicated that he caught 95 percent of the fades thrown to him by last year’s quarterback, Ben Williams.

“That’s not normally a high percentage throw,” Metzger said.

“He’s the best wide receiver I ever saw catching the ball.”

The offensive line is all new.

Juniors Bryce Kennedy (6-4, 275) and Jerod McKenzie (6-3, 220) are the tackles with junior Octavius Rouse (6-1, 255) and senior Brett Heimrich (6-4, 245) at the guards.

Junior Steven Pollard (6-3, 245) is the center with juniors Matt Monska, Joe Santos and Alex Anderson among the reserves.

“They are hard-working, bluecollar kids,” Metzger said.

Two-time all-conference selection Dillon Maples should help make the Patriot punting and kickoff defense units special. The senior averaged 43 yards per punt and also converted eight field goals and 25 extra points last season. His 51yard winning field goal against the

wind in the win over Purnell Swett was of legendary proportions.

‘Something Special’

Metzger came to Pinecrest in 2007 following an 0-11 season. The Patriots finished 3-2 in the conference last year but grabbed the second seed for the state playoffs via a tiebreaker. The 10 wins were the most in a season in school history.

The poll of the conference coaches projected this year’s order of finish to have Richmond Senior on top followed by Scotland County, Hoke County, Lumberton, Pinecrest and Purnell Swett.

A Pinecrest home football game is now a major happening, with several games last year drawing 4,000 fans and the Richmond Senior game attracting more than 5,000. The new 2,000-square-foot refreshment and restroom building is expected to be ready for the opener.

“We’re excited about Friday nights and the support we get from the community and the love there is for high school athletics in this town,” Metzger said. “It’s become something special, and obviously we want to make it special by giving them a good product.”