2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 wilsontimes.com 1D
High School Football Preview ‘The boys are back in town’ FIKE 7B
Beddingfield
6B
Hunt
8B
southwest Edgecombe
4B
Southern Nash 9B
Greene Central
3B
North Johnston
AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO
11B
The heWilson WilsonTimes HUNDREDS OF PLAYERS THOUSANDS OF FANS ONE OFFICIAL RESOURCE The Wilson Times 2012 High School Football Preview is your resource for team and conference features, player profiles, schedules, rosters, stats and much more.
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Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 2F
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Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 3F
With 6 seniors, Rams hope to mature quickly Greene Central faces tough rebuilding task in rugged Eastern Plains By Jimmy Lewis
2012 SCHEDULE Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
QUICK FACTS
Staff Writer
Fifth-year Greene Central head coach Kenneth Grantham fully anticipates his 2012 Rams will, at some juncture, mentally identify the speed of the varsity game and allow their athletic abilities to take over. However, the one wildly uncertain variable in the equation is time. “I think the key thing is going to be, how fast do we grow up?” Grantham mused. “Is it one game, two games, five games, or eight games? We’ll see. I think we have a good football team on our hands, it’s just how long before they mature and make the adjustment to varsity football.” The adjustment question is certainly valid after a glance of Greene Central’s 29-player roster reveals only six seniors and 19 juniors, most ascending from a capable junior varsity squad. With 17 seniors in 2011, the Rams vaulted to a 4-1 start that represented a high-water mark for the Grantham era. But discipline issues at the quarterback position soon caught up with Greene Central, as it proceeded to drop five of its final six games on the way to a 5-6 record and 2-4 mark in the 2-A Eastern Plains Conference, falling to Jacksonville Northside in the first round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-A playoffs. Now, an untested group must find its way in the final season of the rugged EPC.
Mascot: Rams Colors: Royal blue and red Conference: 2-A Eastern Plains Head coach: Kenneth Grantham (5th season) 2011 record: 5-6 overall, 2-4 EPC (T5th) Top returning passer: Austin Batchelor (19-6-3, 108 yds., 0 TDs) Top returning rusher: Akeem Bynum (4 yds., 0 TDs) Top returning receiver: Akeem Bynum (1 rec., 3 yds., 0 TDs) ball — if I compared him to (former QB) Brandon Suit a couple years ago, he’s probably more athletic than what Brandon Suit was back there, and
* 2-A Eastern Plains Conference game
key performer
Junior Austin Batchelor, dropping back to pass in last week’s Greene Central jamboree, takes over starting quarterback duties for the Rams this season. Jimmy Lewis | Times
fort to create short fields for the Rams offense. Greene Central forced 22 turnovers last season, which ranked third in The Wilson Times readership area. Three starters on the offensive line will play both ways, with Travon Williams and Wilson occupying the two defensive end positions. Jordan Williams will occupy the nose tackle spot. At linebacker, Grantham points to junior Ronshon Bullock as a player that had a strong second half of 2012. With 10 linebackers listed on the Rams roster, the 5-10, 205-pound Bullock is joined by Carmon, Braswell, junior
bATCHELOR PAD The controls of the Greene Central tripleoption offense now fully rest in the hands of junior quarterback Austin Batchelor. While the 6-foot-2, 150-pound Batchelor joins a large collection of his teammates who are low on varsity experience, his first 2012 snap won’t be his first activity on Friday nights. The junior connected on 6-of-19 passes for 108 yards in spot duty at the end of games last season, giving Grantham optimism that Batchelor’s learning curve this season will not be as steep. “I think, with him, he brings a different skill set that what Rasheem (Shackleford) did last year,” Grantham said of Batchelor. “He can run the
Senior Akeem Bynum, taking off with the ball in last week’s Greene Central jamboree, is the Rams’ only running back with varsity experience, totaling just three carries in 2011.
Jimmy Lewis | Times
he brings you the ability to throw the ball some. He’s a tall presence in the pocket and has a strong arm.” Senior Joseph Biggs, formerly a quarterback turned wide receiver, and sophomore Bailey Ormond, last season’s jayvee backup passer, are available in emergency situations. In the backfield, senior Akeem Bynum returns as the Rams’ sole running back with varsity experience and has seen time at a variety of positions in the Greene Central backfield. “He’s been a jack of all
2012 roster NO. 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 42 44 50 52 54 58 64 65 72 73 74 80 84
NAME Deondra Sutton Shikwon Suggs Joseph Biggs Brett Shackleford Daryn Parker Micheal Mitchell Austin Batchelor Terris Batts Shyheem Carmon Kurtis Braswell Ronshon Bullock Akeem Bynum Raheem Carmon Curtez Braswell Jamar Jones Bobby Evans James Head Thomas Radford Lamarcus Brown Eric Barfield Javan Rozzelle Alton Perry Jurman Leveston Davis Wilson Laettner Fulford Jordan Williams Travon Williams Bailey Ormond Alex Gilbert
POS. RB-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB WR-DB QB-DB WR-DB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB WR-DB RB-LB RB-LB RB-LB TE-DL TE-LB OL-LB OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL WR-DB WR-DB
HT. 5-0 5-8 6-2 5-5 5-7 6-1 6-2 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-10 5-7 5-8 6-0 5-4 5-7 6-2 6-2 5-10 5-7 6-2 5-9 5-9 5-9 6-2 6-2 6-1 5-9 5-9
WT. CLASS 115 Sr. 130 Jr. 180 Sr. 130 Sr. 150 Jr. 160 Jr. 150 Jr. 155 So. 175 Jr. 165 Jr. 205 Jr. 165 Sr. 195 Sr. 165 Jr. 165 Jr. 145 Jr. 165 Jr. 185 Jr. 175 Jr. 175 Jr. 225 Jr. 185 Jr. 175 So. 245 Jr. 220 So. 285 Sr. 315 Jr. 150 So. 145 Jr.
NORTH LENOIR AYDEN-GRIFTON @ C.B. Aycock @ Eastern Wayne BEDDINGFIELD* @ North Pitt* TARBORO* Open KINSTON* @ SW Edgecombe* @ Farmville Central*
trades for us,” Grantham said of Bynum. “He understands what we’re trying to do and he knows what to do. It will be his turn now to shoulder some of that load.” Bynum, despite his three carries for for four yards a season ago, is expected to be the workhorse of a backfield that includes Kurtis Braswell and Shyheem Carmon, both up from the junior varsity. The offensive line will also be a youthful unit, led by senior Jordan Williams at left guard. A quartet of juniors in Alton Perry, Travon Williams, Davis Wilson and Lamarcus Brown round out the starting unit in front of Batchelor. Travon Williams will man the center spot. Biggs, who saw time at tight end last year and caught just two passes for 20 yards, moves to a wideout position and gives Greene Central a rangy target on the outside that can exploit single coverage caused by the triple option. Junior Daryn Parker is the other receiver, while fellow junior James Head will line up at tight end.
MULTIPLE LOOKS Greene Central will run a base 3-5-3 defense in 2012, but that’s where the predictability ends. Veteran Rams defensive coordinator Andre Quinerly, a noted proponent of pressure defense, will bring multiple looks at the opposition in the ef-
Thomas Radford and junior Lamarcus Brown as tentative starters. In the effort to limit twoway play, sophomore Bailey Ormond will log snaps at safety with Biggs as his backup. Senior Raheem Carmon, who was out of football last year and Terris Batts, a sophomore, are penciled in at the two cornerback spots. On special teams, Grantham noted that the kicking game remained a work in progress, and was noncomittal on a punter and possible kicker. Curtez Braswell and Shyheem Carmon are options in the return game.
Jordan Williams Senior • OL-DL 6-foot 2 • 285 pounds Will be entering third year as a starter on Rams offensive line. Earned all-EPC second-team honors as a junior. Will be counted upon to provide leadership for the Rams along the offensive line at left guard, while playing nose tackle in Greene Central’s 3-5-3 scheme. One of only six seniors on Greene Central’s 2012 roster.
“He shoulders a heavy load, but he’s a great leader and he’s a great worker. I think sometimes one of the drawbacks is he’s worried about everyone else around him. Sometimes you communicate with your fellow linemen and you can then turn around and still play football.” — Kenneth Grantham
jlewis@wilsontimes.com | 265-7807
They play.
You vote.
Cast your vote on wilsontimes.com beginning Sunday, August 19 Winners will be announced each Friday in the sports section of The Wilson Times
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 4F
SWE seeks redemption in Cobb’s farewell season Cougars return 27 in hopes of reversing 2011 malaise By Tom Ham Senior Staff Writer
PINETOPS — The SouthWest Edgecombe High varsity football team braces for a season like none other during the nine-year tenure of head coach Raymond Cobb. Led by 27 returnees, the Cougars are coming off the first losing season during Cobb’s 25 years as a head coach. Also, this will be the final high school football team coached by Cobb. The immensely successful 54-year-old coach plans to retire at the end of the first semester of the 2012-13 school year. SouthWest, the preseason pick to finish third in the rugged 2-A Eastern Plains Conference, kicks off its season at home Friday night against Southern Nash of the 3-A ranks. The 2011 Cougars surged to a 4-7 finish and exited in the opening round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-AA playoffs. “Nothing has changed,” Cobb insisted. “It has always been about the kids. I want to see these kids succeed and be the best they can be. Quite a few of them had a lot to do with turning last year around, and they’ve probably got a chip on their shoulder.” A roster of 40-plus is bolstered by 24 seniors. All but three played varsity or junior varsity last season. Cobb admits that, in the past, the presence of a large senior class has meant success. “It will be interesting to see how this group responds,” SouthWest’s veteran head coach remarked. “When last season ended, we had a good feeling about our team. We feel good about having the experience we’ve got. Last season turned out to be mighty rewarding.” Back are six starters on offense and five on defense. Depth is a plus in the offensive line and backfield and, defensively, at linebacker. Also back after a year’s absence is assistant coach Jonathan Cobb, the head coach’s son who was extremely successful in directing the junior varsity program. Jonathan Cobb is returning to teaching and coaching after a year in the insurance business. “I’m excited,” Raymond Cobb said of his son’s presence on the varsity staff. “He’s a really good coach and adds to our staff. To add Jonathan makes us stronger.”
TWO-WAY STARTERS The Cougars step into the
2012 schedule Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
QUICK FACTS Mascot: Cougars Colors: Columbia blue and navy Conference: 2-A Eastern Plains Head coach: Raymond Cobb (9th season) 2010 record: 4-7 overall, 3-3 EPC (4th Top returning passer: Tyquavious Wooten (84-30-5, 441 yds., 6 TDs) Top returning rusher: Gerald Hinton (1,175 yds., 13 TDs) Top returning receiver: Gerald Hinton (13 rec., 109 yds., 0 TDs)
key performer
Eric Webb Senior • OT-OG 6-foot-4 • 285 pounds Will be starting in the Cougars’ offensive line for the third year. Proclaimed All-Eastern Plains Conference first team and Wilson Times All-Area as a junior. Possesses the versatility to play tackle and guard. Described as big and strong as well as a good drive blocker. Efficient at pulling and trapping.
SOUTHERN NASH @ North Edgecombe HUNT ROCKY MOUNT @ KINSTON* FARMVILLE CENTRAL* @ Beddingfield* NORTH PITT* @ Tarboro* GREENE CENTRAL* Open
* 2-A Eastern Plains Conference game “We have an experienced offense, but defense is the key,” Cobb summarized. “It should get better as the young kids grow. Regarding 2012 expectations, Cobb responded: “We expect them to compete every night with a chance to win football games. We don’t have great players, but Junior quarterback Tyquavious Wooten drops back to pass as senior offensive lineman Justin we have a chance to have a Ferrell (50) blocks during Friday’s Tarboro jamboree. Both players will be instrumental in the lot of good football players. The goal is always to make Cougars’ offensive fortunes this season. Jimmy Lewis | Times the playoffs. We’re the same ly monitor Davis’ progress as everybody else — we exin coming off a knee injury pect to win football games. that limited his play in 2011. We’ll see where it leads us.” Hinton and senior JereThe players, said Webb, son Whitehead are ticketed don’t sense additional presto start at the corners, while sure in Cobb’s final season. junior Quatavious Harris “Our approach is to have has impressed at safety. fun and make it worthJunior Katrell Whitehead, while,” Webb said. “But senior Delonta Dupree and without a doubt, I feel lucky Coley are ready to step in. to finish out on his last Wooten and Eric Williams team.” will handle the kicking rehammer@wilsontimes.com | 265-7819 sponsibilities.
2012 roster
“He can do a lot of things. He is the leader of an offensive line that we hope is going to be one of the strengths of our football team. We really feel good about our offensive line. Eric is probably the most versatile of the five (offensive linemen). He knows what we’re doing. “He has gotten the interest of a lot of small (NCAA Div. II and FCS) schools.” — Raymond Cobb
SouthWest Edgecombe head coach Raymond Cobb has announced he will retire from coaching and teaching in December after 25 years as head coach, the past eight at SouthWest. Paul Durham | Times
season with senior running back/linebacker Gerald Hinton and junior tight end/ linebacker Fabrion Bandy as the only two-way starters. Both started defensively in 2011 along with senior secondary performer Jereson Whitehead, 220-pound senior linebacker Omar Parker and senior lineman Eric Williams. Hinton also started offensively along with junior quarterback Tyquavious Wooten, senior running back Milton Ransome, 260-pound senior lineman Justin Ferrell, 6-foot-4, 285-pound senior tackle Eric Webb and 6-3, 245-pound senior lineman Laquan Harris. Hinton and Webb were all-conference performers in 2011.
Head coach Cobb is confident Wooten now has a grasp of the wishbone offense. Hinton, the big-play back and game-breaker, piled up more than 1,200 rushing yards last season, while Ransome rushed for over 500. Junior Devante Williams is welcomed back at fullback after not playing last season. Sophomore Devontrell Hyman and Parker are capable backups. Sophomore Barry Smith and junior Isaiah Lewis provide depth at running back. Bandy and 6-2 Anthony Coley man the tight-end position, with Coley touted as a big receiving threat. Up front, Webb and Ferrell will be starting for the third season, while Harris is a two-year starter. Cobb describes the trio
as big and strong. Senior center John Skinner and 280-pound senior Edward Dickens saw action last season. “We’re going to know what we’re doing,” Cobb said of offensive strides from last season. “We have put in a game plan, and the kids understand the game plan.”
LINEBACKER DEPTH The 4-4 defense features Lewis at end and Eric Williams and Hyman at the inside positions. The other defensive end slot, said Cobb, is wide open. The wealth of depth at linebacker is provided by Bandy, Parker, junior Eason Harrington, senior Rakese Davis and sophomore Jadavian Richardson. The coaching staff will especial-
NO. 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 24 28 32 33 34 38 40 44 47 50 52 54 55 56 58 61 62 65 68 70 73 74 75 78 82 85 89
NAME Rakese Davis Gerald Hinton Tyquavious Wooten Jereson Whitehead Delonta Dupree Quatavious Harris Sherman Cobb Taquan Battle Isaiah Lewis Anthony Coley Delvon Edmondson Fabrion Bandy Marques Wooten JayQuan Dupree Milton Ransome Jadavian Richardson Malik Battle Barry Smith Katrell Whitehead Devante Williams Jabez Nicks Ricardo White Devontrell Hyman Keshawn Anderson Omar Parker Khalil Wilkins Justin Ferrell Ronald Bandy Edward Dickens Eason Harrington Brandon Jones Eric Williams Aquillus Wooten John Skinner Jeremy Calhoun Jovan Farmer KaDaris Joyner Eric Webb Oliver Washington Jeremy Parker Laquan Harris Kenneth Plemmer Joseph Hall Ethan Boggs
POS. HB-LB HB-LB QB-LB SE-DB SE-DB QB-DB SE-DE QB-DE HB-DE TE-DB HB-DE TE-LB SE-DB SE-DB HB-LB HB-LB HB-DB HB-LB HB-LB FB-LB HB-LB TE-DE FB-DL HB-LB FB-LB TE-DE OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-LB OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-DE TE-DE TE-DE
HT. 5-8 5-10 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-6 6-0 6-2 5-8 6-1 5-7 5-7 5-8 5-7 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-11 6-1 6-2 5-9 5-7 5-6 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-11 5-9 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-0 5-8 6-3
WT. CLASS 140 Sr. 165 Sr. 175 Jr. 150 Sr. 140 Sr. 167 Jr. 170 Sr. 150 Sr. 161 Jr. 182 Sr. 157 Jr. 200 Jr. 148 Sr. 146 Sr. 171 Sr. 149 So. 154 Jr. 161 So. 162 Jr. 234 Jr. 165 Sr. 230 Sr. 231 So. 170 Sr. 220 Sr. 195 Jr. 260 Sr. 200 Sr. 280 Sr. 215 Jr. 236 So. 186 Sr. 280 Sr. 290 Sr. 173 Jr. 262 Sr. 290 Jr. 285 Sr. 380 Jr. 295 Jr. 245 Sr. 148 Sr. 156 Jr. 170 Jr.
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With This Coupon SouthWest Edgecombe senior Jereson Whitehead, left, tries to strip the ball from a D.H. Conley rusher during Friday’s Tarboro jamboree. Jimmy Lewis | Times
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Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 5F
final 2011 standings 3-A Big East Team Conf. All PF PA Hunt 5 0 13 1 403 188 Nash Central 4 1 9 3 394 275 Fike 3 2 4 7 253 322 Southern Nash 2 3 7 4 320 235 Northern Nash 1 4 2 8 121 196 Rocky Mount 0 5 3 6 1 187 283 2-A Eastern Plains Team Conf. All Kinston 6 0 13 2 Tarboro 5 1 13 2 North Pitt 3 3 6 6 SW Edgecombe 3 3 4 7 Greene Central 2 4 5 6 Beddingfield 2 4 3 7 Farmville Central 0 6 0 10
PF PA 515 284 520 287 301 238 244 280 206 303 179 278 178 409
2-A Northern Carolina Team Bunn Roanoke Rapids Franklinton North Johnston Louisburg NW Halifax Warren County Corinth Holders
Conf. All 6 1 9 4 6 1 8 4 5 2 10 3 4 3 8 5 3 4 3 7 2 5 4 6 2 5 3 7 0 7 0 11
PF PA 492 277 396 131 383 239 393 346 194 382 202 236 204 307 141 518
3-A Eastern Carolina Team Triton Cleveland South Johnston Eastern Wayne Southern Wayne C.B. Aycock North Lenoir
Conf. All 6 0 10 2 5 1 11 4 4 2 7 4 3 3 3 7 2 4 6 5 1 5 2 8 0 6 1 10
PF PA 434 148 565 368 489 345 173 326 271 243 171 348 115 381
2011 team-by-team results BEDDINGFIELD (3-7, 2-4 EPC) Opponent Result W @ Northern Nash @ Southern Nash L @ Fike L L Hunt Greene Central L @ Kinston L @ SW Edgecombe L Farmville Central W North Pitt W @ Tarboro L TOTAL PER GAME
PF 13 28 21 8 14 14 20 34 20 7 179 17.9
GREENE CENTRAL (5-6, 2-4 EPC) PA 3 56 26 46 21 20 40 7 14 45 278 27.8
C.B. AYCOCK (2-8, 1-5 ECC) Result Opponent Rosewood W Hunt L @ Greene Central L @ Goldsboro L Triton L @ North Lenoir W @ South Johnston L @ Cleveland L Eastern Wayne L L Southern Wayne TOTAL PER GAME
PF PA 33 14 0 21 13 28 19 31 0 49 21 6 35 73 6 42 16 33 28 51 171 348 17.1 34.8
FIKE (4-7, 3-2 Big East) Opponent Result @ D.H. Conley L @ Bunn L Beddingfield W L Jacksonville Northside L @ Hunt Southern Nash W @ Nash Central L Rocky Mount W W @ Northern Nash Hunt L @ West Carteret L TOTAL PER GAME
PF PA 14 48 23 35 26 21 21 49 0 21 34 28 23 31 63 14 21 14 14 28 14 33 253 322 23.0 29.3
HUNT (13-1, 5-0 Big East) Result Opponent Eastern Wayne W W @ C.B. Aycock SW Edgecombe W @ Beddingfield W Fike W @ Northern Nash W @ Rocky Mount W W Southern Nash W Nash Central @ Fike W W West Brunswick Nash Central W Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons W L Northern Guilford TOTAL PER GAME
PF PA 48 6 21 0 28 8 46 8 21 0 28 0 27 14 31 27 23 21 28 14 21 13 37 31 31 17 13 29 403 188 28.8 13.4
Opponent Result @ North Lenoir W @ Ayden-Grifton L W C.B. Aycock Eastern Wayne W @ Beddingfield W North Pitt L @ Tarboro L @ Kinston L SW Edgecombe L W Farmville Central @ Jacksonville Northside L TOTAL PER GAME
sportscaster Alton Britt, in his 38th year of broadcastThere will be no shorting, will reprise his role age of area high school behind the WLLY microfootball on the radio this phone with longtime partseason as a pair of local ner F.T. Franks. stations, WLLY-1350 AM of The 12-game WLLY Wilson and Rocky Mount’s schedule includes two WZAX 99.3-FM will once week 3 clashes as Hunt again fill the airwaves. travels to SouthWest EdgeVeteran Wilson County combe on Thursday, Aug.
PF PA 19 3 13 22 28 13 30 20 21 14 9 31 7 48 12 40 14 20 53 42 0 50 206 303 18.7 27.6
NORTH JOHNSTON (8-5, 4-3 NCC) Opponent Result W Cleveland Wake Forest Heritage W @ East Bladen L Princeton W Bunn L Warren County W L @ Roanoke Rapids @ Northwest Halifax W Louisburg L @ Franklinton W Corinth Holders W @ Roanoke Rapids W L @ Edenton Holmes TOTAL PER GAME
PF PA 28 27 19 7 36 43 49 20 6 34 34 26 55 40 35 20 28 29 30 29 58 6 12 7 18 43 393 346 30.2 26.6
SOUTHERN NASH (7-4, 2-3 Big East) Result Opponent SW Edgecombe W Beddingfield W Bunn W W @ Roanoke Rapids @ South Granville W L @ Fike Northern Nash W @ Hunt L W @ Rocky Mount Nash Central L @ Triton L TOTAL PER GAME
PF PA 43 0 56 28 21 17 14 7 42 20 28 34 28 13 27 31 34 9 14 34 13 42 320 235 29.1 21.4
SW EDGECOMBE (4-7, 3-3 EPC) Opponent Result @ Southern Nash L L @ Hunt @ Rocky Mount L Kinston L @ Farmville Central W W Beddingfield L @ North Pitt Tarboro L @ Greene Central W North Edgecombe W @ Kinston L TOTAL PER GAME
Gridiron battles return to radio this season From staff reports
RETURNING AREA LEADERS
30. One night later, Fike ventures to Beddingfield. WLLY listeners may also follow along on the internet at www.ihigh.com/ absports. On ZAX 99.3, Mike Laird will broadcast the Wilson County Game of the Week, beginning with Fike hosting Bunn on Aug. 24.
PF PA 0 43 8 28 14 34 12 40 43 14 40 20 28 32 19 21 20 14 54 8 6 26 244 280 22.2 25.5
Joyner
Lavender
Peterson
RUSHING Name, school Josh Joyner, HUNT Gerald Hinton, SWE Austin Snowden, CBA Daniel Williams, NJ Kelvin King, BED Milton Ransome, SWE Cody Garris, CBA Deon Lavender, SN Waverly Powell, SN Tyquavious Wooten, SWE
(Minimum 15 rushes)
G Att. Yds. 14 280 1,780 11 150 1,175 10 187 968 13 116 725 10 113 470 11 90 401 10 42 244 11 55 209 11 16 158 11 71 120
TDs 25 13 10 8 1 3 5 2 0 5
Avg. 127.1 106.8 96.8 55.8 47.0 36.5 24.4 19.0 14.4 10.9
PASSING
Name, school Deon Lavender, SN Javius Nixon, BED Tyquavious Wooten, SWE Austin Snowden, CBA Austin Batchelor, GC
(Minimum 10 attempts)
G 11 10 11 10 11
A-C-I 57-32-5 74-43-5 84-30-5 77-33-6 19-6-3
Yds. TDs Rating 546 6 91.81 496 4 89.86 441 6 68.50 430 2 68.18 108 0 25.88
RECEIVING Name, school Terrence Peterson, BEDD Tim Eatmon, BED Neil Clark, CBA Trey Daniels, NJ Jamal Morgan, NJ
(Minimum 5 receptions)
G 10 10 10 13 13
Rec. 26 22 13 15 6
Yds. TDs Avg. 412 3 41.2 398 5 39.8 288 2 28.8 252 5 19.4 208 2 16.0
2012 radio schedule Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
WZAX 99.3-FM Bunn at Fike Fike at Beddingfield Beddingfield at Hunt Hunt at Fike Kinston at Beddingfield Northern Nash at Hunt Beddingfield at Farmville Central Hunt at Southern Nash Northern Nash at Fike Fike at Hunt
Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 30 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
WLLY 1350-AM Hunt at Eastern Wayne Southern Nash at Beddingfield Hunt at SW Edgecombe Fike at Beddingfield Beddingfield at Hunt Hunt at Fike Kinston at Beddingfield Fike at Southern Nash Beddingfield at Farmville Central Fike at Rocky Mount Hunt at Nash Central Fike at Hunt
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 6F
Bruins take more grounded approach into 2012 After missing playoffs last season, Beddingfield retools offensive approach By Jimmy Lewis Staff Writer
After a 3-7 campaign in 2011 that saw the Beddingfield High varsity football team miss the N.C. High School Athletic Association postseason, the Bruins are far from taking a cautious mindset into a new season. Instead, buoyed by eight returning starters on both sides of the football, veteran head coach Tyrone Johnson was effusive in his praise of a group that will try to make headway into the upper half of a difficult 2-A Eastern Plains Conference, where the Bruins compiled a 2-4 record a year ago. “Definitely, our ultimate goal is to get to the play-
offs,” Johnson said. “Our maximum goal is hopefully we will do a lot of special things in the playoffs. I really feel that this is one of the best teams I’ve had in a long time and I really feel good about this team.” A total of 17 seniors now step to the forefront in the effort to return to postseason play.
key performer
MORE RUN, LESS SHOOT? Any observer of Beddingfield football over the years will know the Bruins have no qualms putting the football in the air. But to hear Johnson tell it, 2012 will bring a more balanced look to the Bruins offense. The backfield, led by junior Kelvin King, will be asked to shoulder
Terrence Peterson Senior • WR-DB 6-foot-1 • 185 pounds Returns as Beddingfield’s leading receiver after compiling 26 catches for 412 yards and three TDs last season. Will be expected to provide leadership on both sides of the ball as the All-Eastern Plains Conference first-team selection at defensive back anchors what is expected to be a capable Beddingfield secondary. Was tabbed as a Wilson Times Ironman selection in 2011.
Junior Kelvin King (3), running behind teammate Marvin White at the East Duplin jamboree last week, expects to be Beddingfield’s top rushing threat this season. Scott Jones | Special
to the Times
“We’re only going to go as far as our quarterback takes us,” Johnson assessed. “I expect him to take us a long way. I laugh about it and joke about it, but I said he was 14 2012 schedule (years old) last year and now he’s 15. He’s really Aug. 17 NORTHERN NASH stepped it up and matured Aug. 24 SOUTHERN NASH a lot over the year and Aug. 31 FIKE he’s more comfortable in Sept. 7 @ Hunt what we’re doing.” Sept. 14 @ Greene Central* Junior Chavis Collins, Sept. 21 KINSTON* making his return to footSept. 28 SW EDGECOMBE* ball, will be the backup Oct. 5 @ Farmville Central* quarterback. Oct. 12 Open In the backfield, King Oct. 19 @ North Pitt* returns as Beddingfield’s Oct. 26 TARBORO* leading rusher, toting the ball for 470 yards on 113 * 2-A Eastern Plains Conference game carries and a score last season. The junior is also a receiving threat leaking more of a load as the ofout of the backfield and in fense tries to create more the screen game, catching advantageous situations five passes for 66 yards for the pass. and a TD. So is the famed run-andKing will be compleshoot approach dead? Not mented by sophomore Senior linebacker Dorian Edwards (52), fighting through Larry Taybron, a Fike Havelock blockers at the East Duplin jamboree last week, will entirely. “We’re a run and shoot lead the Beddingfield defense this season. High transfer, while senior Scott Jones | Special to the Times still, if you want to call it Terrence Peterson, the that, but we’ve always for team’s leading returning the last four or five years receiver and top defensive 2012 roster tried to take whatever the back, is a candidate to get defense gives us,” Johnthe ball on end arounds NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. CLASS son explained. “If they and jet sweeps. 1 Chavis Collins QB-S 5-9 175 Jr. give us run, we definitely Led by Peterson and his 2 Kelvin King FB-DB 5-8 175 Jr. want to run. If they give us 26 catches for 412 yards Terrence Peterson WR-DB 6-1 185 Sr. 3 Khamill McDonald WR-DB 5-10 165 Sr. 4 pass, we definitely know and three TDs last year, Ajay Williams QB-DE 6-5 205 Jr. 5 we’re going to try to pass. Beddingfield returns its 6 Wes Beamon K-P 5-10 155 Jr. I think we’ll be more of a familiar cast of characters Marvin White WR-DB 5-9 155 So. 7 balanced team this year, that can create after the 8 Tim Eatmon WR-DB 6-2 190 Sr. taking what they give us.” catch. Gone is Johnathan Tay Atkinson WR-DB 6-0 170 Sr. 9 In any form, the keys to Barnes, but the Bruins 10 Javius Nixon QB-DB 5-9 185 So. the Beddingfield attack also bring back a proven 11 Jayvonne O’Neal WR-DB 5-9 155 Sr. will rest in the hands of varsity commodity in 12 Monquel Anderson WR-DB 5-9 180 Sr. sophomore quarterback senior Tim Eatmon, who 20 Larry Moody WR-DB 5-6 130 Sr. Javius Nixon. As a freshled the squad with five TD 22 Quinton Williams WR-DB 6-0 190 Fr. man, Nixon completed grabs in 2011. WR-DB 5-9 155 Jr. 33 Matt Webb 43-of-74 passes for 496 Seniors Monquel At34 Jalen Honey WR-DB 6-2 180 So. yards and four TDs. Once kinson and Jayvonne FB-LB 5-10 190 So. 40 Larry Taybron EPC play began, Nixon’s O’Neal also figure into the 42 Alex Jones FB-DE 6-0 180 Sr. role began to evolve to receiving rotation, along 47 Coyee Farmer OL-LB 5-9 190 So. that of a wide receiver with a sophomore, Marvin 50 Dorian Edwards OL-DT 6-1 245 Sr. as Ajay Williams, then a White. 51 Cavonte Davis OL-DL 6-2 215 Sr. sophomore, moved into On the offensive line, OL-LB 6-2 220 Sr. 52 Success Chandler the quarterback slot and Johnson noted some of 54 Aaron Neal OL-DL 5-10 230 Sr. became the Bruins’ leadthe weight gains made OL-DL 5-10 205 Sr. 55 Will Caruthers ing passer before seasons by some of his returnees. 56 Nigel Barnes OL-DL 6-0 245 Jr. end. Back in the fold up front 57 Matt Fess OL-LB 5-10 215 Jr. However, with Williams are senior right guard 60 Joel Whitley OL-DL 5-10 250 Sr. expected to miss the balDorian Edwards and juOL-DL 5-10 260 Sr. 62 Zach Miller ance of the 2012 season nior Christian Medieros, a 66 Christian Medieros OL-DL 6-1 315 Jr. with a knee injury sus315 pounder at left guard. Garrett Pittman OL-DL 5-10 235 Jr. 71 tained while playing basAlso returning are senior 72 Jafaris Roundtree OL-DL 6-3 315 Sr. ketball over the summer, left tackle Joel Whitley 77 Terrence Settles OL-DL 6-0 325 Jr. the onus of the offense and junior right tackle 80 Bobby Knight WR-DB 6-2 185 Sr. squarely returns to Nixon. Nigel Barnes. Replacing WR-DB 6-0 160 Fr. 84 Quandarius White
“We expect him to make bigger plays this year. We’re really counting on him.” — Tyrone Johnson
linebacking corps,” Johnson said. “I feel the linebacking corps is the best EDWARDS PATROLS MIDDLE it has been in a while.” On the defensive line, While the Bruins record- seniors Success Chaned 20 takeaways in 2011, dler, Jafaris Roundtree they were also outscored and Zach Miller will see 278-178 and gave up an time at defensive tackle. average of 268.9 yards per Barnes and senior Alex game on the ground. The Jones will rush off the effort to repel opposing edges. backs in the Beddingfield The Beddingfield strong 4-4 front will begin with suit on defense is expectEdwards, who will begin ed to be in the secondary. the year at middle linePeterson returns to anbacker after moving over chor one corner position, from a defensive tackle joined by White. Collins, spot. the backup passer, is At 245 pounds, Johnson penciled in at the single lauded Edwards’ physical safety. condition and work ethic. Special teams will reTaybron and senior Aaron ceive a boost with junior Neal are battling for anWes Beamon stepping other linebacking posiover from the soccer tion, while senior Khamill team. Beamon will handle McDonald and sophoboth the kicking and puntmore Jalen Honey are in ing duties. line at outside linebacker. jlewis@wilsontimes.com | 265-7807 “I feel good about our the departed Chris Fess is junior — and brother — Matt Fess at center.
Sophomore Javius Nixon (1), passing in a scrimmage against East Duplin last week, will be Beddingfield’s starting quarterback this season. Scott Jones | Special to the Times
BEDDINGFIELD HISTORY Mascot: Bruins Colors: Columbia blue, gold and black Conference: 2-A Eastern Plains Head coach: Tyrone Johnson (17th overall season, 7th straight) 2011 record: 3-7 overall, 2-4 EPC (T5th) School Bertie C.B. Aycock Clayton D.H. Conley
OPPONENTS
Record 5-8 8-1 0-2 1-1
Eastern Alamance Eastern Wayne Eliz. City Northeastern Farmville Central Fike Gaston Goldsboro Greene Central Greenville Rose Harnett Central Hertford County High Point Andrews Hope Mills Gray’s Creek Hunt
0-1 4-4 3-8 7-6 11-22 0-1 2-0 12-5-1 2-8 5-3 3-5 0-2 1-0 7-29
Kinston Manteo Nash Central North Edgecombe Northern Nash North Johnston North Pitt Oxford Webb Raleigh Athens Drive Raleigh Millbrook Reidsville Roanoke Rapids Rocky Mount Smithfield-Selma
11-12 1-0 4-2 1-0 9-8 1-0 3-0 1-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 2-14 3-4
South Central South Johnston Southern Durham Southern Nash Southern Wayne SouthWest Edgecombe Tarboro Triton Wake Forest-Rolesville Warrenton Washington Washington, Va. West Craven West Johnston
1-0 5-0 0-4 14-10 5-2 11-12 1-3 3-1 4-0 3-1-1 1-1 0-1 1-4 2-0
Western Harnett
4-0
HEAD COACHES Name Years Record Ray Barger 1978-83 27-31-2 Lonnie Lamm 1984-85 8-8 Jim Tabb 1986-87 4-16 Clark Harrell 1988-89 10-11 Tyrone Johnson 1990-99 51-59 Bennett Jones 2000-01 11-11 Tom Nelson 2002-05 33-19 Tyrone Johnson 2006-present 35-37
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 7F
Defense, special teams to key Golden Demons Fike looks to continue turnaround that began last year By Tom Ham Senior Staff Writer
Senior Shane Tripp, listening to instructions from referee Richard Frazier during the Fike jamboree Friday night, will be part of a strong defensive line for the Golden Demons this season. Brad Coville | Times
2012 roster NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 34 40 42 50 51 52 54 55 56 58 61 62 64 67 68 70 71 72 74 79 81 84 89
PLAYER POS. HT. Anthony Evans RB/DB 5-8 Pat Goliday WR/DB 6-0 Mike Richardson WR/DB 5-7 Drayton Williams K 6-2 Shakka Blackston RB/DB 5-9 Alcindor Winstead WR/DB 5-11 Sedarius Williams RB/DB 5-8 Charlie Vaughn QB/WR/DB 5-9 Scottie Shelton WR/DB 5-9 Geronne Yelverton RB/DB 5-6 Sam Ellis QB/DB 5-10 Hunter Cockrell RB/LB 5-11 Craig Overby WR/DB 5-9 Ranzell Bassa RB/LB 5-9 William Renfrow WR/DB 5-6 Ian West RB/LB 6-0 Allen Hopkins RB/DB 5-9 Joe Ellis QB/DB 5-8 D.J. Daniels QB/DB 6-1 Shakuan Daniels WR/DB 5-8 A.J. Hines RB/LB 6-0 Jeremy Vick RB/LB 5-11 Jorelle Farmer RB/LB 6-0 Tykeem McCray RB/LB 5-10 Brandon Gray TE/DE 6-2 Ronald Cook OL/DL 6-4 Trae Hudson OL/DE 62 Brandon Williams OL/DE 5-11 Jalal Jalal OL/DL 5-9 Shane Tripp OL/DL 6-3 Daniel Klein OL/LB 5-10 Zach Bland OL/LB 5-10 Beau Sharpe OL/DE 6-0 Freddie Branham OL/DL 6-2 Chavis Hammonds OL/DE 6-0 Deandre Edmundson OL/DL 6-2 Tony Horne OL/DL 6-0 Demonte Battle OL/DL 6-1 Jamar Jones OL/DL 6-3 Bennie Elliot OL/DL 6-3 Eric Wyatt OL/DL 6-4 John Holder OL/DL 6 1 Tashawn Montgomery WR/DE 6-3 Blake Coley TE/LB 5-9 Braderick Isom RB/DB 5-8
WT. CLASS 137 10 147 12 134 12 181 12 155 12 163 11 174 10 161 10 145 11 132 11 175 12 198 11 133 10 160 10 137 11 157 10 146 11 140 10 175 9 165 9 180 9 243 11 191 12 174 11 200 12 211 12 231 12 210 12 185 10 243 12 180 11 170 10 185 10 270 12 221 12 230 12 286 12 259 10 405 12 281 11 269 10 271 11 174 11 190 12 150 10
FIKE HISTORY Mascot: Golden Demons Colors: Old gold and blue Conference: 3-A Big East Head coach: Tom Nelson (2nd season) 2011 record: 4-7 overall (3-A first round), 3-2 Big East (3rd) OPPONENTS School Beddingfield Bertie Bunn Chapel Hill C.B. Aycock Clayton D.H. Conley Durham Durham Hillside Eastern Wayne Eliz. City Northeastern Fayetteville Byrd Fayetteville Pine Forest Fayetteville Smith Fayetteville Sanford Garner Gastonia Ashley Goldsboro Greensboro Dudley Greensboro Smith Greenville Rose Harnett Central Henderson Vance Hertford County High Point Central Hoke County Hunt Jacksonville Jacksonville Northside 0-1 Jacksonville White Oak Kinston Manteo Nash Central
Record 22-11 6-9 0-1 3-0 7-4 0-2 4-3 10-12-1 4-0 3-3 7-1 1-3 1-4 1-0 5-6 2-0 1-0 23-17-2 1-1 1-0 3-9 2-2 1-1 1-9 1-1 0-2 14-25 4-2 1-1 19-11 1-0 3-7
New Bern Northeast Guilford Northern Nash Raleigh Millbrook Raleigh Wakefield Richmond County Rocky Mount Scotland County Smithfield-Selma South Central South Johnston South Durham Southern Nash South Mecklenburg Hope Mills South View SouthWest Edgecombe Tarboro Triton Washington West Carteret West Craven Wilmington Hoggard Wilmington New Hanover Winston-Salem Atkins Winston-Salem Carver Winston-Salem Parkland Winston-Salem Reynolds
7-1 0-1 19-10 1-1 0-2 0-1 20-31-2 0-1 8-0 4-0 4-2 0-1 12-9 1-0 0-1 6-8 1-6 2-2 6-4 0-1 0-2 7-0 0-6-2 0-1 0-1 0-1 0-4-1
HEAD COACHES Name Years Record Paul Marklin 1958-63 26-34-2 Henry Trevathan 1964-69 45-22-1 Gary Whitman 1970 7-3 Bob Paroli 1971-75 35-11-7 Dick Knox 1976-77 14-8-1 Maxie Williams 1978-80 13-18 Gus Andrews 1981-84 30-13 Tim Karrs 1985-86 11-9 William Huffstetler 1987-90 18-22 Eddie Summerlin 1991-94 14-22 Richie Pridgen 1995-2008 80-83 Kim Brown 2009-2010 4-18 Tom Nelson 2011-present 4-7
Relying upon an improved defense and special teams while learning offensively looms as the success formula for the 2012 Fike High varsity football team of second-year head coach Tom Nelson. The Golden Demons, preseason picks to finish third in the heralded 3-A Big East Conference, expect to build upon a turnaround that occurred the second half of last season. Fike surged to the point of compiling a 4-7 record and returning to the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs. Boosting 2012 hopes are 19 returnees, including three starters on offense and five defensively. Nelson is also encouraged the coaching staff has not only been in place for a year but has been enhanced by the addition of veteran David Pridgen, who had not coached for three years after assisting his brother, Richie Pridgen, during his tenure as Fike’s head coach.
2012 schedule Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
D.H. CONLEY BUNN @ Beddingfield @ Jacksonville Northside HUNT Open @ Southern Nash* NASH CENTRAL* @ Rocky Mount* NORTHERN NASH* @ Hunt*
Senior Sam Ellis, throwing a pass in last Friday’s jamboree, will start at quarterback for Fike this season after playing wide receiver last year. Brad Coville | Times
at the Tiger position in the backfield. Coley and Gray played on the varsity last season, while West is up from the jayvees. Losses were significant up front. Earning a shot at filling those holes are senior right tackle Tony Horne, junior right guard John Holder, senior center * 3-A Big East Conference game Chavis Hammonds, junior left guard Benny Elliott and either senior Trae “We’re excited,” NelHudson or senior Brandon son assured. “The kids Williams at the other tackhave put in a tremendous le slot. Horne, Hammonds, amount of time and work Hudson and Williams posto get better. We have some sess varsity experience. inexperience but we are Hudson (6-foot-2, 231 further along. We played pounds) started at defencatch-up about all of last sive tackle last season. year. We’ve had no issues “He’s legit good,” Nelson or problems. If that hapsaid of Hudson. pens, the wins and losses Definitely proven is acwill take care of themcurate senior place-kicker selves.” Drayton Williams. Ellis is However, the offense also capable. must replace performers at “We have quickness,” the skill positions, includNelson reviewed the ofing quarterback and wide fense. “We have a chance receiver. to be pretty danged good Senior Sam Ellis, who and put points on the played receiver last season, scoreboard. We have to steps in at quarterback. treasure the football.” He has established himself DEFENSE BETTER as an option threat in the Nelson reasoned the spread offense and, says defense will be better behis head coach, is a cacause of being stronger pable passer. and more physical. “He is doing great,” Williams and Hudson are Nelson declared. “He’s formidable anchors at end. had a year to work in, be around and practice in the Senior returnee Shane Tripp, senior returnee Jaoffense. The quarterback mar Jones and Elliott will has a lot of decisions to share time at the tackle make — and very quickly. If he doesn’t make them, it positions. Slated for duty at outside looks bad. linebacker are junior Ty“And Sam thinks he’s a keem McCray, West and linebacker; we have to get Farmer. Junior Jeremy that out of him. He has to Vick and junior Hunter learn self-preservation.” Cockrell have impressed at OFFENSIVE CAST inside linebacker. Ellis, primarily a defen“He’s got a chance to be sive player last season, pretty danged good,” Nelis complemented in the son remarked of Vick, addoffensive backfield by ing: “Hunter does a great returning backs Jorelle job of reading keys and Farmer, a senior; senior being where he’s supposed Shakka Blackston and An- to be.” thony Evans, a sophomore Depth is a plus in the up from the junior varsity. defensive backfield. Junior Blackston and Evans are Scottie Shelton will starter described as the “fly guys” at cornerback. Candidates while Farmer doesn’t mind at the other slot are Hoppounding for yardage bekins, Overby, Winstead and tween the tackles. Goliday. Sophomore SeA corps of receivers darius Williams has nailed lists senior Pat Goliday, down the starting job at junior Alcindor Winstead, safety. junior Allen Hopkins, “He’s a ballhawk,” Neljunior Tashawn Montgom- son described Williams. ery, sophomore Charlie “He’s tough, physical and Vaughan and sophomore can tackle.” Craig Overby. Goliday and McCray and Vick are not Winstead are returnees. strangers to varsity comSenior Blake Coley, sepetition. nior Brandon Gray and ‘JUST CRAZY’ promising sophomore Ian Registering a huge upset West are battling for time
coaches’ poll to finish third again. To exceed that expectation is motivation Fike welcomes. “The kids understand it’s a building process,” Nelson reasoned. “There’s good stuff and bad stuff. We are cautiously optimistic. “Hunt is always going to be there and Nash Central and Southern Nash will be competitive. But our goals every year include being county and conference champions and advancing in the playoffs. We have to stay healthy; we are paper Senior * OL/DE thin in several places.” 6-foot-2, 231 pounds Perhaps, in 2012, the DeStarted at defensive end last sea- mons will not have to deal son. Expected to start at defensive with the adversity of playend and offensive tackle this seaing home games away from son. His coaches say he possesses home. As the result of last great speed. Has gained weight season’s dilemma, Fike will and done a phenomenal job in the play six of its 10 games in weight room. Not a vocal player, Buddy Bedgood Stadium. but does a good job of leading by Nonetheless, progress at example. skill positions from newcomers will be critical. And, “He will have to stay on the field for us a as Nelson alluded, lack of whole lot. We don’t like to do it, but he’ll depth in areas is noticeable. have to be an ironman. Trae will have to play big for us on both sides of the football. Winning has to become habitual. He’s very intelligent and hard-working. He But Nelson speaks of gives it 100 percent in the classroom and excitement for Golden on the football field. He was a workout Demons’ football growing warrior in the off-season. We are counting within the student body and on him a bunch on offense and defense.” — the community. The mood is tremendously upbeat in Tom Nelson readying for Friday night’s opener at home against along the way, the Demons D.H. Conley. surged to a third-place “I guess we’re just crazy,” conference finish at 3-2 Nelson said with a grin. last season. They are prohammer@wilsontimes.com | 265-7819 jected in the preseason
key performer
Trae Hudson
Sophomore Anthony Evans, running against Roanoke Rapids in the Fike jamboree Friday night, will start at halfback for the Golden Demons this season. Brad Coville | Times
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 8F
Warriors hope to travel same path — and beyond Veteran Hunt looks to advance beyond state semifinals this season Joyner, who ran for 1,780 yards and 25 touchdowns last year while averaging High expectations have 20 carries per game. Joyner become a tradition for the understands that, as the only Hunt High football program returning starter at a skill in the 22 years Randy Raper position, his stamina will be has been head coach and the required again. 2012 season is no different. “I look forward to it, every After all, the Warriors game,” he said. “But maybe went unbeaten in the 3-A not the first couple. (Raper) Big East Conference and tries to limit my carries so I’ll reached the N.C. High stay fresh.” School Athletic Association With Joyner expected 3-AA semifinals in each of to see limited action in the the past two seasons, both first few games, Raper and times being turned away offensive coordinator Steby eventual state champion vie Hinnant will look for Northern Guilford. With complements to the slashseveral key starters back, ing, spinning, hard-to-tackle the Warriors hope those tailback. high hopes — played out, as “We’ve got to find four or Raper’s mantra goes, one five things that we’ve got day, one practice, one game and get good at it for these at a time — will result in a first two or three games,” long-awaited state crown for Hinnant said. “We’ve got a the program. lot of people back but we’re “It’s just like I tell the kids, missing some folks in some yes, we have high expectakey areas. The thing that tions and we should have concerns me is how quick high expectations every year are they going to catch on?” you walk into camp,” Raper The biggest question mark said. “But we can’t let those is at quarterback where seexpectations control what niors Daniel Westbrook and we do. Brad Williamson are vying “Yes, we want to do well to fill the shoes of graduated but there’s no guarantees in four-year starter Jacob Page. nothing and we’ve got to get Raper indicated that both better each and every day players will see ample time. and every week and take it “We just feel like we have one game at a time. We’ve two quarterbacks and both just got to do what we do are very capable of doing a and that’s play hard-nosed, lot of different things and smashmouth football and if we’re going to try to utilize we continue to improve each that to our advantage,” he and every week and stay said. away from the injury bug, Westbrook, at 6-foot-9, we could compete for just was efficient in spot duty last about anything we want to.” season, completing all three Hunt won a school-record of his passes. He is more of 13 straight games last seaa drop-back passer while son before falling to NorthWilliamson comes to Hunt ern Guilford in the 3-AA after starting the past two Eastern final. But with a few seasons for Princeton of the gaping holes in that squad 1-A Carolina Conference. created by graduation, the Williamson threw for 1,648 Warriors will look to their yards and 11 TDs while runveterans to carry the banner ning for 353 yards and seven into the 2012 wars. TDs in the Bulldogs spread offense. BEGINS WITH JOYNER While Hunt operates priOffensively, that begins marily from a power-I forwith senior tailback Josh mation, Hinnant reminded
2012 schedule Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 30 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
By Paul Durham Sports Editor
* 3-A Big East Conference game safety. “Defensively we’ve got a lot of guys back and we’ve got some talent out there but there again, it’s just a matter of getting those new guys out there and elevated up to their playing level,” Raper said. Freshman Bryan Orellana is stepping in at placekicker after impressing Raper and his staff during a summer tryout. Raper said Orellana is already hitting placekicks in the 35-40-yard range. Williamson will handle punting chores. If this is the team that finally secures a state championship for Hunt, Raper may have the chance to go out on top. But the 32-year coachHunt senior defensive end Lewis Neal wraps up a Smithfield-Selma ball carrier during the Warriors’ scrimmage at Cleveland High last week. Neal, who has verbally committed to LSU, ing veteran demurred when asked if the 2012 season is one of the leaders of a Hunt defense that returns seven starters. Sheldon Vick | Special to would be his last. the Times “I’ve been asked that a ers while senior Shakez thousand times,” he said Fike’s head coach for 19 Edwards and junior Ty with a grin. “Right now, I’m key performer seasons and most recently having a lot of fun, I’m enserved as an assistant at Big Keen, both first-year starters, are outside. Senior Cody joying everything that’s goEast rival Northern Nash. Pittman, who started last ing on; we’ve got great kids, “One of the things we season, is recuperating from a great coaching staff.” have done, in addition to offseason surgery. Then he added: “I’m just Coach Pridgen coming in, Returning starter Dexter taking it one practice, one we have been able to simday, one game, one month at plify our blocking scheme a Wright, a 6-3, 205-pound little bit,” Raper said. “That junior, is at left corner while a time.” Brown at right corner and way, some of the kids that struggle with the concept of junior Malik Williams is the paul@wilsontimes.com | 265-7808 what’s going on and having to remember all these num2012 roster bers, we’re able to use some of the kids on the offensive NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. CLASS side that we haven’t used in 1 Darien Ballard WR-DB 5-10 170 So. years past.” 2 Brian Brown RB-DB 5-11 160 Sr. Besides Joyner, sophoSenior • RB-DB 3 Bryan Orellana K 5-9 160 Fr. 4 Ty Keen WR-LB 5-8 150 Jr. 5-foot-10 • 185 pounds more Gustavo Wences will start at fullback while 5 Otis May WR-DB 6-0 170 Jr. His 1,780 rushing yards account- seniors Brian Brown and 6 Justin Jefferson WR-DB 6-1 190 Jr. ed for 55 percent of Hunt’s 2012 Adam Bennett are among Shakez Edwards RB-LB 5-9 160 Sr. 7 total yards on the ground. Strung those who will carry the ball 8 Peety Phelps WR-DB 6-0 155 Sr. together seven straight 100-yard when Joyner is not. 9 Brad Williamson QB-DB 6-0 180 Sr. rushing performances and blitzed Junior Kentrell Brown 10 Daniel Westbrook QB 6-9 185 Sr. Southern Nash for a season-high 11 Marquavious Hampton WR-DB 5-10 165 Sr. and senior Peety Phelps are 261 yards in a 31-27 Warriors win. 12 Khy’Tari Wiggins RB-LB 5-11 210 Sr. expected to start at receiver, Was named Wilson Times Offen14 Dexter Wright WR-DB 6-3 205 Jr. another position that Hunt is sive Player of the Year. 15 Tre Spearman TE-DE 6-1 190 Jr. lacking in experience. With Hunt losing all its starters 17 Markus Barnes WR-DB 5-7 150 Sr. but him at the skill positions from “We’re tall, we’re rangy, last fall, the burden of the War18 Lewis Neal TE-DE 6-2 240 Sr. we can run, we catch the riors will fall even more on Joyner’s ball extremely well,” Raper WR-DB 5-11 168 Jr. 20 Malik Williams churning legs. Javis TE-DE 6-2 195 Sr. 21 Neal Hill said. “It’s just a matter of 22 Kentrell Brown WR-DB 5-11 170 Jr. getting better and better “No doubt, he’s the most experienced Jr. 23 Dominique Singletary WR-DB 5-9 155 with game experience.”
Josh Joyner
person we have back and, with the numbers he put last year and the things he’s capable of doing for our team are immeasurable.” — Randy Raper
Hunt’s Brad Williamson, a senior transfer from Princeton High, will split quarterback duty with classmate Daniel Westbrook. Sheldon Vick | Special to the Times
@ Eastern Wayne C.B. AYCOCK @ SW Edgecombe BEDDINGFIELD @ Fike Open NORTHERN NASH* ROCKY MOUNT* @ Southern Nash* @ Nash Central* FIKE*
the Warriors have several packages. “That’s a good thing about the offense we run, it gives you the ability to spread that thing out and still have the same concept as we’ve always had here,” he said. The offensive line returns senior left tackle Marcus Hendrix, senior left guard Tevin Speight and tight end Daquan Barnes as starters while senior center Will Horner, senior right guard Anfernee Taylor and senior right tackle Logan Tingler were varsity back-ups in 2011. New to Hunt is veteran offensive line coach Richie Pridgen, who was
VETERAN DEFENSE The Warriors defense returns seven starters, including three on its front line, which again will be Hunt’s defensive stronghold. That unit is anchored by 6-2, 240-pound right end Lewis Neal, who was the focus of an intense recruiting battle in the spring and summer. Neal, who verbally committed to LSU on the Fourth of July, will be complemented by 6-2, 195-pound Javis Neal Hill at the other end. Senior Nick Talley, who was missed most of the 2011 season after starting as a sophomore, is at left tackle while senior Jared Saunders McNeil, who saw limited action last fall, is at right tackle. Seniors Alvan Artis and Khy’Tari Wiggins are rugged veteran inside lineback-
24 25 28 30 32 33 38 40 48 50 51 54 56 58 60 64 65 66 67 70 71 72 73 75 79 80 84 88
A.K. Knight RB-LB Duane Spells RB-LB Josh Joyner RB-DB Adam Bennett RB-LB Gustavo Wences RB-LB Cody Pittman RB-LB Sam Mayo RB-LB Ervin Speight RB-LB Alvin Artis RB-LB Michael Hester OL-DT Aaron Jackson OL-DT Joe Eatman OL-DT Rufus Williams OL-DT Nick Talley OL-DT Jared Saunders McNeil OL-DL Will Horner OL-DL Brandon Hinnant OL-DL Tevin Speight OL-DT Julian Fuller OL-DT Anfernee Taylor OL-DE Darius Walker OL-DT Tavon Bynum OL-DT Logan Tingler OL-DL Christian Parker OL-DT Markus Hendrix OL-DT Daquan Barnes TE-DL Manuel Martinez TE-DE Joseph Hollis TE-DE
5-8 5-10 5-10 5-9 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-11 6-3 5-11 6-1 6-1 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-3 6-1 6-0 5-11
180 180 185 175 185 175 190 200 210 250 240 245 225 235 230 190 260 230 250 200 220 200 225 260 235 225 190 185
Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr.
HUNT HISTORY Mascot: Warriors Colors: Royal blue and silver Conference: 3-A Big East Head coach: Randy Raper (22nd season) 2011 record: 13-1 overall (3-AA semifinals), 5-0 Big East (1st) OPPONENTS
School Beddingfield Bertie Bunn Burlington Williams
Record 29-7 10-7 1-0 2-1
C.B. Aycock Clayton D.H. Conley Eastern Wayne Eastern Randolph Eliz. City Northeastern Fayetteville Byrd Fayetteville Ross Fayetteville Sanford Fike Fuquay-Varina Garner Gaston Greensboro Smith Greenville Rose
13-2 4-3 2-0 14-1 0-2 6-8 0-1 1-0 1-0 25-14 0-1 1-1 1-0 1-0 6-8
Harnett Central Havelock Hertford County High Point Central Holly Springs Kinston Lejeune Manteo Nash Central Northeast Guilford Northern Guilford Northern Nash Northern Vance North Johnston Oxford Webb
2-0 1-0 13-3 1-0 2-0 12-4 0-1 0-1 9-3 0-2 0-2 20-10 6-0 1-0 1-0
Pender County Raleigh Athens Drive Raleigh Cardinal Gibbons Raleigh Millbrook Roanoke Rapids Rocky Mount Roxboro Person Smithfield-Selma Southeast Guilford Southern Durham Southern Nash Southern Wayne SouthWest Edgecombe Tarboro Triton
1-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 13-16 0-1 5-3 1-0 1-1 20-6 3-1 19-7 3-2 3-1
Washington West Brunswick West Carteret West Craven Wilmington Laney Wilmington New Hanover Winston-Salem Parkland HEAD COACHES
5-1 1-0 1-0 0-1 0-1 0-3 0-1
Name Years Record Lawrence Edwards 1978 10-1 Bill Williamson 1979-1989 67-51 Bruce Snyder 1990 4-6 Randy Raper 1991-present 179-59
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 9F
Offensive backfield a question mark for Firebirds Southern Nash to rely on experience on lines, at QB By Natalie Sayewich Staff Writer
Southern Nash High School football coach Brian Foster isn’t quite sure how his offensive backfield might fill out this season just yet, but that won’t make him stray from the type of playcalling that has worked for the Firebirds in the past. They have some serious shoes to fill where skill positions are concerned if they hope to match or outdo their success from last season, when they finished 7-4 overall and 2-3 in 3-A Big East Conference play. Southern Nash will be doing without its top three skill players from last season, who accounted for 82 percent of the Firebirds’ yards. Tracey Coppedge, who finished as the program’s all-time leading rusher, and Terron Huffman, No. 3 on the career list, have moved to the collegiate ranks while Sextus Vane has exceeded the minimum age set by N.C. High School Athletic Association.
BACKFIELD EXPERIENCE AT A MINIMUM The only returning running back with any varsity experience is Waverly Powell, who had 16 carries for 158 yards in Foster’s runheavy offense last season. But the Firebirds will have a strong offensive line anchored by returning starting center Boris Burt and tackle Cameron Gardner. Junior and third-year starting quarterback Deon Lavender can also be a source of confidence, along with returning tight end Alonte Thomas, a possible two-way star who will also start at inside linebacker. “The offensive line, altogether, I think has done really good,” Foster said of the linemen’s work in the preseason. The Firebirds have key players to replace on defense, as well, including safety Josh Sessoms, the Big East Defensive Player of the Year who is now playing for
2012 schedule Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
QUICK FACTS Mascot: Firebirds Colors: Scarlet and navy Conference: 3-A Big East Head coach: Brian Foster (15th season) 2011 record: 7-4 overall, 2-3 Big East (4th) Top returning passer: Deon Lavender (57-32-5, 546 yds., 6 TDs) Top returning rusher: Deon Lavender (209 yds., 2 TDs) Top returning receiver: Desmon Jackson (1 rec., 9 yds., 0 TDs)
* 3-A Big East Conference game
key performer
Deon Lavender Junior • QB 5-foot-11 • 177 lbs. Though he’s only a junior, Deon Lavender already has two full seasons as a starting quarterback under his belt. Lavender rushed for 209 yards on 55 carries with two touchdowns last season and completed 32 of 57 passes for 546 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions.
“He’s pretty much seen everything that he could see. That’s one good thing about starting so many games. He has been in the playoffs, he has been in tough conference games, he has seen about every defense that you can throw at him. From that standpoint, he’s ahead of a lot of kids.” — Brian Foster
@ SW Edgecombe @ Beddingfield @ Bunn ROANOKE RAPIDS SOUTH GRANVILLE Open FIKE* @ Northern Nash* HUNT* ROCKY MOUNT* @ Nash Central*
Senior Chi Ali Bunn (1), going up for a pass against Louisburg in the Fike jamboree last week, will see action on both sides of the ball for the Firebirds this season. Brad Coville | Times
“Alonte Thomas, I think he’s been doing really well defensively,” Foster said of the multi-talented sophomore. “Richard Hall, who’s our safety, has done good at both scrimmages. I’m really happy with him.” The Firebirds have a promising group of new players moving up from last season’s undefeated junior varsity squad. Foster named sophomore linemen Francisco Trejo and Hunter Parris as newcomers from
the J.V. who could make an immediate impact. Foster also hopes to get some help from senior transfer Chi Ali Bunn at wideout and defensive back. “It’s been good,” Foster said. “We’ve just got to find some running backs and we’re going to have to replace an awful lot of good kids.” Junior Sebastian O’Neal and sophomores Clinton Whitaker, along with Powell are frontrunners to fill the
running back spots in the Firebirds’ three-man rotation.
NO FRIDAYS OFF So which Fridays are circled on Foster’s calendar as must-win nights? “All 10 of them,” Foster said. “There’s not going to be an easy week, when you look at who we’re playing. I think SouthWest (the Firebirds’ opening opponent Friday night) is going to be a much-improved team.”
Southern Nash was picked to finish fourth in the 3-A Big East Conference by league coaches, but Foster knows it will be a tight race. “I think it’s going to be just like it’s been in years past,” he said. “You have an offnight, you’re going to lose. I think every team in the conference is capable of beating anybody they play. If you can just get to the playoffs and stay healthy, anything could happen.” Keeping players healthy has been an issue early this season for Foster, who had a number of players injured in the first couple of scrimmages. None are expected to be season-ending casualties. Lavender sustained a concussion prior to the Firebirds’ scrimmage with North Johnston on Aug. 8, but is expected to be available for the first game. Harris injured his knee during Wednesday’s scrimmage while starting offensive guard Matt Silver sustained a concussion the same day. Dunston suffered a midfoot sprain which kept him out of practice last week and a sprained ankle kept linebacker Trevor Phelps out of Friday’s scrimmage. “I expect Deon to be back this week,” Foster said. “With the others, I’m not sure. It just depends on how they progress.” nsayewich@wilsontimes.com | 265-8117
N.C. State University. Desmon Jackson returns at cornerback and joins tackle Roderick Dunston and defensive end Molik Harris as starters returning on the defense.
2012 roster NO. 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 20 22 23 24 26 28 30 31 33 34 40 44 46 50 51 52 53 55 60 61 62 65 68 70 71 74 75 76 77 78 81 82 85 87 88 89 90
NAME Chi Ali Bunn Josh Poland Keshun White Josh Collins Tevin Hedgepeth Brandon Garris Shayquan Murphy John Gulliford Maleak Mitchell Marques Taylor Kendall Parker Richard Hall Deon Lavender Rashid Campbell Taylor Finch Desmon Jackson Antonio Palacios Frank Hampton Waverly Powell Aaron Ware Dustin Pearce Clinton Whitaker Michael Taylor Alonte Thomas Stewart Hall Sebastian O’Neal Trevor Phelps Devin Denton Nick Owens Wayne Pittman Tyler Bateman Cody Brown Demarcus Lucas Francisco Trejo Darian Joyner Montrell Powell Brandon Harris Braxton Riggins Hunter Parris Matt Silver Roderick Dunston Boris Burt Cameron Gardner Jared Johnson JaJuan Battle Kody Frankford Cory Schulz Justin Alford Danny Womack Molik Harris
POS. WR-DB RB-DB RB-DB RB-LB RB-DB RB-DB RB-DB RB-LB RB-DB RB-DB QB-DB RB-DB QB RB-OLB RB-DB QB-DB RB-LB RB-DB RB-LB TE-DE RB-DB RB-LB RB-LB TE-LB TE-DE RB-DL OL-LB OL-LB OL-LB OL-DE OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DE OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL TE-LB TE-DE RB-DB TE-DE RB-LB TE-DE TE-DE
HT. 6-2 5-8 5-7 5-8 5-10 5-9 5-9 6-0 5-10 5-7 5-11 5-10 5-11 5-7 5-7 5-7 5-7 5-6 5-7 6-1 5-11 5-3 5-5 5-11 5-11 5-3 5-9 5-9 5-8 5-11 5-9 5-7 5-10 5-9 5-9 5-8 6-2 6-2 6-0 6-0 6-6 6-2 6-6 6-0 6-3 5-6 6-3 5-6 6-3 5-11
WT. CLASS 150 Sr. 135 Sr. 140 Jr. 185 Sr. 145 Jr. 165 Jr. 150 Sr. 186 Jr. 130 Jr. 135 Sr. 175 So. 168 Jr. 177 Jr. 135 Sr. 159 Jr. 150 Jr. 160 Jr. 150 Jr. 175 Sr. 155 Sr. 163 Jr. 140 So. 140 Jr. 200 So. 180 Sr. 193 Jr. 193 Jr. 170 Jr. 170 Jr. 250 Jr. 175 Sr. 205 Jr. 185 Jr. 215 So. 215 Sr. 230 Jr. 300 Sr. 290 Jr. 200 So. 270 Sr. 320 Sr. 288 So. 175 Sr. 200 Jr. 165 Sr. 145 Sr. 251 Jr. 122 Jr. 189 Jr. 228 Jr.
Sophomore wingback Clinton Whitaker (33), lunging for yardage against C.B. Aycock in the Fike jamboree, is one of several new faces in the Southern Nash backfield this season. Brad Coville | Times
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Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 10F
Snowden poised to lead more experienced Falcons With 18 seniors, CBA looks to reverse 2-win season in 2011 By Natalie Sayewich Staff Writer
QUICK FACTS
It’s almost a given to exMascot: Golden Falcons pect the C.B. Aycock varsity Colors: Columbia blue and gold football team this season Conference: 3-A Eastern Carolina will be better than its 2011 Head coach: Randy Pinkowski edition. (14th season) With its key players re2011 record: 2-8 overall, 1-5 ECC turning and a couple of very promising newcomers, head (6th) Top returning passer: Austin coach Randy Pinkowski is Snowden (77-33-6,430 yds., 2 TDs) confident the Golden Falcons will see improvement Top returning rusher: Austin in 2012. Snowden (968 yds., 10 TDs) But the Falcons, who Top returning receiver: Neil boast 18 seniors, have Clark (13 rec., 288 yds., 2 TDs) higher expectations of themselves as they head into Friday’s season opener at Rosewood. you, we’re going to run the football,” Pinkowski said. MOVIN’ ON UP “I think that either Cody When asked at the 3-A or Austin can do that, but I Eastern Carolina Conferthink when Austin’s back ence coaches kickoff meetthere, he’s got more potening how he thought his team tial to break a long run and would fare in the league this score on a big play than season, Pinkowski said he Cody did.” figures C.B. Aycock to finish Garris, who will still serve in the top three, “if we stay as a backup quarterback, healthy.” will focus mostly on defense That could be a tall order, as a linebacker. considering the ECC coach“We have a little bit more es voted Cleveland would experienced group this finish first and Triton would year,” Pinkowski said. “We take second, and given started five sophomores on CBA’s 2-8 finish (1-5 in ECC both sides last year so we play) last season. have those guys coming C.B. Aycock senior quarterback Austin Snowden, against Roanoke Rapids in the Fike jamboBut the consensus among back with some experience.” ree last week, ran for more than 900 yards last season. Brad Coville | Times the other coaches was that, after the top two, the rest of the league would be more evenly matched and the remaining five teams would battle it out.
LESS QUESTION MARKS ON OFFENSE Aycock will not be employing the same two-quarterback system that fans witnessed during the 2011 season. As juniors last year, Austin Snowden and Cody Garris shared time behind center. “Austin Snowden will take all the snaps at quarterback this year,” Pinkowski said definitively. “We kind of ran a two-quarterback system last year, not knowing exactly what we had at quarterback. “Last year was kind of a prep year for us so Snowden showed us that he’s the guy there. Austin will take all the snaps at quarterback this year and Cody will go to the defensive side of the ball. Snowden completed 33-of-77 passes last season for 430 yards and two touchdowns with six interceptions. A dual-threat quarterback, he ran for 968 yards on 187 carries, averaging more than 5 yards per carry and 96.8 yards per game with 10 rushing touchdowns. “We’re a ball-control possession type of team. We’re going to short-pass
2012 schedule Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
@ Rosewood @ Hunt GREENE CENTRAL GOLDSBORO @ Triton* NORTH LENOIR* SOUTH JOHNSTON* CLEVELAND* @ Eastern Wayne* Open @ Southern Wayne*
* 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference game
key performer
Austin Snowden Senior • QB-DB 5-foot-10 • 170 pounds A dual-threat quarterback, Snowden rushed for 968 yards on 187 carries with 10 touchdowns and passed for an additional 430 yards on 33 completions with two TDs. After competing as part of a two-quarterback system last season, Snowden will be the starter behind center this year.
“Austin definitely showed that he was the guy. I think it definitely gives us another big play threat on any given play. When Austin is in there, if he does miss something, he’s going to make up for it with his feet.” — Randy Pinkowski
We’ll find a way to move the ball. ...Our issue is playing lights-out defense. We’ve got to get some stops this year. I think that’s a big key for us.” The Falcons do have reason to believe it will be a better year defensively. CBA returns its entire starting linebacking corps including Garris and Clark, who will play both offense and defense. The secondary is also expected to be improved with Snowden and Graves playing both ways and corJunior Michael Eutsey (85) is expected to contribute at defensive end for CBA this season. Brad Coville | Times nerback Dylan Hinnant also returning. Senior tight end A.J. “It has been a good footthe heat off Snowden. that can play and we’ve got “The question is going to Mundle, who suffered an ball transition for him,” “As you take the pressure some speed.” be those three or four guys ACL tear during preseason Pinkowski said. “I don’t off Austin, you open up the DEFENSE A CONCERN up front,” Pinkowski said and missed his junior seaknow what the AAU (bascoaching possibilities and The concern for Pinkows- of his defensive line. “We’re son, is back, and, according ketball) coaches think of it, things like that,” Pinkowski ki is defense. not big and huge so we’re to Pinkowski, stronger than but he looks like a big-time said. “When you’re a oneIt’s not a new concern for going to have to hit and ever. tight end right now. He’s man show, I don’t care how the Falcons, who allowed move and run through the Also missing out on AAU catching the ball well. I need good of a coach you are, if just more than 400 yards football. Hopefully we’ll be basketball during the time him for his leadership and all you’ve got is chocolate, average per game from their able to do that. when he was rehabbing his we need him to block. He is you’re making chocolate opponents last season. “We’re going to find out knee, Mundle went from that. … Having him back is cake.” “We’ll find a way to move here real soon.” 185 pounds to 210, and ina big, big plus.” While the Falcons have creased the amount he was Pinkowski also hopes more experience, they don’t the football,” he said. “Ofable to bench press from getting Mundle back on the necessarily have more size. fense is smoke and mirrors. nsayewich@wilsontimes.com | 265-8117 225 pounds to 350. field will help take some of “We’re not big, but I will say, we’re probably as fast 2012 roster as we’ve been,” Pinkowski said. NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. CLASS The Falcons return their 3 Jacob Harrison K 5-9 145 Jr. top two receivers from last 7 Austin Snowden QB-DB 5-10 170 Sr. year. Junior Austin West10 Devin Graves CB-WR 5-9 168 Sr. brook, who has impressed 11 Cody Garris QB-OLB 5-9 175 Sr. 17 Shawn Simmons SE-CB 5-10 150 Jr. in early practices as a pos18 Khaliel Owens ILB-RB 5-10 170 Sr. session receiver, caught 21 Dylan Hinnant CB-WR 5-9 155 Sr. nine passes for 119 yards 24 Jeremy Hooks RB-S 5-10 168 Sr. and a TD last year while 25 Trae Woodard WR-P 6-3 170 Jr. junior Neil Clark — CBA’s 27 Jay Suber DB-RB 5-5 150 Jr. top receiver last year with 28 Tazmont Groves OLB-RB 5-9 179 Jr. 13 catches for 288 yards and 35 Dillon Baker RB-DE 5-7 175 Jr. two TDs — has put in hard 36 Daniel Romo CB-WR 5-9 150 Sr. work in the offseason, said 38 Charles Mills LB-RB 5-9 155 Sr. Pinkowski. 41 Devin Best LB-WR 5-10 185 Sr. Devin Graves, a senior 52 Parker Williford C-DT 5-9 195 Sr. transfer from Texas who Sr. 53 Nicholas Richardson OLB-OG 5-11 160 Pinkowski said is “every 55 Jowon Yelverton OG-DT 6-4 390 Sr. bit as athletic as Austin 58 Broc Doyle C-NG 5-10 185 Sr. Snowden,” could make an 59 Andre South C-DT 6-1 220 Sr. immediate impact at corner61 Victor LaBoy OL-DT 5-7 170 Jr. back and wide receiver. 66 Jackson Yelverton G-DE 5-11 160 Jr. Last season’s top running 69 Avery Creech OT-DT 6-3 215 Sr. back Jeremy Hooks, who 70 Matt Tucker OT-DT 5-10 295 Sr. ran for 329 yards on 79 car72 Landon Moore OT-DT 6-2 225 So. ries with four touchdowns 77 Battle Burnette DT-G 6-1 210 Jr. in 2011, returns as a senior OL-DL 5-11 201 Jr. 78 Ryan Morton this year. 79 Bruce Hunt OT-DT 6-0 255 Sr. “I feel like we have just 81 Christian Tinchner K 6-0 160 Sr. enough chicken salad this WR-MLB 6-1 118 Jr. 82 Austin Westbrook year on offense to cover 84 A.J. Mundle TE-LB 6-1 225 Sr. all the bread,” he said. “So, 85 Michael Eutsey WR-DE 6-0 171 Jr. while we may not be big, 87 Neil Clark LB-WR 5-11 181 Jr. Senior running back Jeremy Hooks (24), fighting for yardage during last week’s Fike jambowe’ve got some athletes 89 Chiquzie Umeofia TE-DT 6-1 181 Jr. ree, is the top returning rusher for the Golden Falcons this season. Brad Coville | Times
Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 11F
Winning with fewer is Panthers’ mission North Johnston opens with just 21 varsity players By Jimmy Lewis
QUICK FACTS
Staff Writer
While the North Johnston High varsity football team isn’t blessed with an abundance of depth in 2012, don’t expect second-year head coach Scott Meserve to stand around lamenting the fact that the Panthers will open the year with just 21 varsity performers. “We address that every day,” Meserve said of North Johnston’s numbers. “Everything we do is full speed. There is no walking on the field.” Even with an increased emphasis on conditioning for a squad that will see more than its fair share of two-way players, the 2-A Northern Carolina Conference Panthers must still go about the business of replacing standout quarterback Malik Adams. Adams, the 2011 NCC Offensive Player of the Year and The Wilson Times Ironman of the Year, accounted for 57.3 percent of North Johnston’s offense for a squad that posted an 8-5 overall mark and a 4-3 ledger in NCC play en route to the second round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association 2-A playoffs. However, Meserve said that North Johnston players and coaches alike are resolved to win with less. “As we all agree here — coaches and players — it only takes 11 to win,” Meserve said. “You only need 11 guys on the field to play ball.”
‘A LOT LIKE MALIK’ Entering last week’s scrimmages, the Panthers were still in the process of vetting the successor to Adams at quarterback, with junior Trey Daniels, junior Aaron Kopp and senior Alex Pilkington vying for the spot. But it was Daniels’
Mascot: Panthers Colors: Red and silver Conference: 2-A Northern Carolina Head coach: Scott Meserve (2nd season) 2011 record: 8-5 overall, 4-3 NCC (4th) Top returning passer: None Top returning rusher: Daniel Williams (725 yds., 8 TDs) Top returning receiver: Jamal Morgan (6 rec., 208 yds., 2 TDs)
key performer
Junior Trey Daniels, looking for a receiver in a scrimmage at Southern Nash last week, will move from slot back to wide receiver for North Johnston this season. Sheldon Vick | Special to the Times
2012 schedule
Daniel Williams Senior • RB-LB 6-foot-2 • 235 pounds Averaged 6.3 yards per carry on his way to 725-yard season and eight TDs on 116 carries in 2011. The physical running back will combine with quarterback Trey Daniels to give the Panthers a formidable speed-strength combination in North Johnston’s veer-option offense.
“Daniel will give us five yards everytime he gets the ball. He’s the type of kid that you have to defend him and you have to defend the offense. With Trey at quarterback running the option, you have to defend both. You have to be versatile in your defense to defend.” — Scott Meserve
shifty abilities in North Johnston’s veer-option attack that drew comparisons to the departed Adams.
2012 roster NO. 1 4 5 6 8 11 14 15 20 21 22 33 51 56 65 67 70 72 77 79 88
NAME Jamal Morgan Devan Larson Trey Daniels Clay Johnson Tanner Snipes Aaron Kopp Alex Pilkington Gregory Bryant Daniel Williams Quamel Kenyion Tyler Edwards Deangelo Tyson Jacob Cuddington Garrett Jerrnigan Clay Vick Seth Peele Justin Thompson Hunter Stephenson Gregory Castle Dalton Combs Corey Lee
POS. WR-DB RB-OLB WR-DB RB-LB RB-LB QB-DB WR-DB WR-DB RB-LB RB-LB K-P RB-LB OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL OL-DL OL-LB OL-DL OL-DL WR-LB
HT. 5-9 5-7 6-2 5-8 6-3 5-10 6-1 5-9 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-0
WT. CLASS 160 Sr. 150 Sr. 165 Jr. 165 Jr. 215 Jr. 165 Jr. 170 Sr. 155 Jr. 235 Sr. 195 So. 150 Sr. 165 Sr. 230 So. 185 Jr. 210 Jr. 200 Sr. 185 Sr. 215 Sr. 225 So. 260 Sr. 200 Sr.
Aug. 17 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Sept. 7 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 12 Oct. 19 Oct. 26
@ Cleveland WAKE FOREST HERITAGE EAST BLADEN @ Princeton @ Bunn* @ Warren County* Roanoke Rapids* NW HALIFAX* @ Louisburg* FRANKLINTON* @ Corinth Holders*
* 2-A Northern Carolina Conference game
“He’s a lot like Malik,” Meserve said of Daniels. “He can make a lot out of a broken play.” As a wide receiver in 2011, Daniels hauled in 15 receptions for 252 yards and five TDs, which ranked second on the team. In the backfield, bruising junior tailback Daniel Williams stands to be the complement to Daniels in the option. Last season, Williams, all of 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, churned out an average of 6.3 yards per carry on 116 totes, while scoring eight TDs. Joining Williams at running back will be senior Deangelo Tyson, making his return to football after not playing in 2011. Also returning is senior Devan Larson, with another running back, junior Clay Johnson, rising from the junior varsity ranks. Meserve hailed Larson, senior wide receiver Jamal Morgan and Pilkington, a formidable track standout for the Panthers, as “three of the fastest guys we’ve had here in a long time.” Add Pilkington to the
Senior Jamal Morgan (1), catching a pass in a scrimmage at Southern Nash last week, is North Johnston’s top returning receiver this season. Sheldon Vick | Special to the Times
wide receiver mix and Meserve likes his chances with North Johnston’s abilities in open space. “The quarterback situation, all we have to do is get it out in the flat and we’re good,” Meserve said. “If you don’t respect someone, we’re going to beat you with that person.” On the offensive line, two starters return in Hunter Stephenson and Seth Peele, both senior guards. Dalton Combs, a senior, will line up at left tackle. Junior Garrett Jernigan and sophomore Jacob Cuddington continue to vie for the center position.
DEFENSIVE OVERHAUL
For all the highlight reels that Adams produced a season ago, one easily overlooked fact with the Panthers is this — their defensive unit forced 31 turnovers in 2011, which was tops among teams in The Wilson Times readership area. However, North Johnston must now replace its front eight, while finding a defensive front that is most conducive to the new personnel. Currently, the Panthers will alternate between three, four and five-man fronts. Thompson, Peele, Cuddington and junior Clay Vick will factor into the defensive line rotation.
At linebacker, junior Tanner Snipes joins Jernigan and sophomore Quamel Kenyion. Williams, Stephenson, Johnson, Larson and senior Corey Lee supplement the rotation. In the secondary, Daniels and Pilkington are expected to give North Johnston ample range at the safety spots. Morgan, Kopp and junior Gregory Bryant will handle cornerback duties. Senior Tyler Edwards, moonlighting from the soccer team, will be entrusted with kicking responsibilities. Either Kopp or Edwards will handle punting chores. jlewis@wilsontimes.com | 265-7807
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Thursday, August 16, 2012 wilsontimes.com 12F
T
he glare of the lights. The roar of the crowd. The crack of the pads. The sight of eager young men ready to begin another high school football season, a tradition all across the country about to be renewed again. Even if the calendar tells us the beginning of autumn is more than a month away, football season is here!