2018 Football Insider Rocky Mount Telegram Twin Counties

DOUBLE
COVERAGE
2018
TWIN COUNTies
FOOTBALL
Jaquan Lynch:
Jason Battle’s
quarterback project SOUTHERN NASH’s
p. 22 ZONOVAN KNIGHT
Melik Ward:
Tarboro’s
defensive
engine
P. 24
Shyheim and
Zonovan:
Get to know
252’s fINEST
P. 8
Title replay: Relive

Tarboro and Rocky
Mount Academy’s
championship GAMES
P. 26
2 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018
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The
Able Home The
Playbook Health Care, LLC
Telegram
8-11 Q & A with Zonovan Knight
locally owned & operated
L
ineup
in-home health care services
& Shyheim Battle
Team Previews AHHC employs quality Personal Care Services:
• 12 Rocky Mount
caregivers to assist • Bathing • Grooming
• 14 Southern Nash
individuals and families • Dressing • Toileting
• 16 Northern Nash
in their homes. • Hygiene • Walking
• Mobility • Eating
• 18 Nash Central We are dedicated to
• 20 SouthWest Edgecombe helping our clients lead Respite Care:
22 Jaquan Lynch & Jason Battle dignified, independent Community Alternatives
24 Tarboro’s Melik Ward lifestyles in the comfort
Patrick and
Mason
Program Samuel
for Disabled
Evers
26 Tarboro State Title safety of theirSports
own homes
Writer Adults (CAP/DA)
Sports Writer
28 Rocky Mount Academy State Title
Team Previews Medicaid may pay for up to 80 hours per
• 30 Tarboro month for an in-home caregiver to provide
• 32 North Edgecombe
personal care services. Light housekeeping
• 34 Rocky Mount Prep
tasks and meal preparations are also covered
• 36 Rocky Mount Academy
• 38 Faith Christian
by the personal care program.
40 Coaching Breakdown We accept private pay.
41 Master Schedule
43 Staff Picks AHHC promise
Alan to you... is Sarah
Campbell basedLouya
on
44 2017 Players of the Year Photographer
our family’s Photographer
values and our commitment to
On The Covers, Photos by Alan Campbell excellence that has distinguishedPublisher
Able Home
“A Passion for Compassion” Kyle Stephens
Health Care since its beginning in 2000.
Editor
Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Expertise & Cost-Compassion Gene Metrick
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2018
BISHOPS FOOTBALL
Thomas More Sept. 1 12 p.m. Season Opener
@Shenandoah Sept. 8 7 p.m.
@Bridgewater Sept. 15 7 p.m.
LaGrange* Sept. 29 1 p.m. USA South Opener
Home games, @Greensboro* Oct. 6 1 p.m.
shown in bold,
are played at the Averett* Oct. 13 7 p.m.
Rocky Mount @Brevard Oct. 20 1 p.m.
Athletics Stadium.
Methodist* Oct. 27 1 p.m. Homecoming
Huntingdon* Nov. 3 1 p.m. Senior Day
@Maryville* Nov. 10 1 p.m.
NCWCSPORTS.COM *USA South Conference Game

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Next
stop:
N.C.
State
There’s a recognizable amount of respect between there’s a knowing handshake you give to a fellow
Zonovan Knight and Shyheim Battle. power five recruit from your area who’s been through
They aren’t necessarily best friends, and they didn’t all the same pitches and pressures along the way.
grow up together learning the game that has unlocked Knight, a running back and rising senior for
a considerable amount of opportunity for both of Southern Nash, committed to N.C. State in early
them. They go to different schools, play different July. Battle, a cornerback and rising senior for Rocky
positions, and were raised in different towns, but Mount High, followed along with his word to the

An exclusive
Q&A with
Zonovan
Knight
& Shyheim
Battle
Written By Samuel Evers

Photos by Alan Campbell
Wolfpack later in the same month. of the school year, making that scenario a reality.
In between, there was some nudging from The two met up earlier this month at Rocky
Knight to his contemporary, throwing out the idea Mount High to discuss their future team, their
of two athletes from the 252 area code teaming up two current teams, who’s going to win the Big East
in Raleigh in 2019 for N.C. State. this year, long visits to Indiana, group chats, the
After this football season, both will graduate time Knight got a step on Battle for a touchdown,
early and enroll in college for the second semester and more.

me, when he first offered me, he sold that
SB: He was persuading me to commit. — ‘You won’t have to travel far. You can
Rocky Mount Telegram: How well do I kept telling him I would think about. I save money. You’ll have that connection
you guys know each other? When did you might make a move. When it all came with the area.’ That type of thing. You
guys meet? down to the end, I thought about who was don’t have to travel way on the other side
there the longest. of the country. You won’t have to start a
Shyheim Battle: Middle school. Seventh new life. That’s a good thing to me.
grade. RMT: What kind of stuff were you telling
Shyheim? RMT: What did your moms say when you
Zonovan Knight: I didn’t really know- decided to stay close?
know Shyheim until high school. I think ZK: At first, he was kind of telling me that
our relationship really clicked this year State was his first option. That was back SB: She was shocked, surprised. But
when we played them. He was a wide when I was committed to Duke. And, like, they’re behind me. They supported me.
receiver and I had to guard him. I just kept once I decommitted, that’s when I started They can just drive up the street. They say
telling him, ‘Good job,’ ‘Good job,’ after seeing, and we’d talk about, all the good they’re going to move, too.
every play. That’s where we clicked. stuff (Shyheim) liked about State. When I
committed, I tried to recruit him. Tell him ZK: My mom kind of already knew. I
RMT: When did you take notice of we had a good class coming in. He kind think when I went on my official visit to
Zonovan? of surprised me when he committed. Purdue, that kind of sealed the deal. I
knew I wanted to be close. I didn’t want
SB: When we first played Southern Nash RMT: How’d you find out? Twitter? to be too far from home. I wanted to go
in middle school, I didn’t know who he visit my parents.
was, but every time he got the ball he was ZK: No, we were messaging each other
running up the sidelines. He frustrated on Instagram. He said he “flipped the RMT: All the way in Indiana?
me. In high school, I come to find out he’s switch.” I didn’t know what that meant.
a fast kid. A pretty good kid. Had to keep Then I started getting all these alerts ZK: Yessir. It was a different kind of
my eye on him. He’s a good baller. — four-star cornerback commits to N.C. feel. The first day there I knew it wasn’t
State. I texted Coach Doeren, he said he for me. It was a great school. I just
RMT: Of Shyheim? did. knew I wanted to be home.
ZK: I think my sophomore year when RMT: How’d you find out about Zonovan? RMT: Maybe that visit was a good
Sherrod Greene was here. We played thing, just to know you wanted to be
them and they came to us. SB: He told me right after, but I had close.
a feeling he was going to go there. He
RMT: You’re in the same grade and in visited N.C. State a lot of times. I was ZK: Before that, I was telling coaches
the same area getting the same kind of like, ‘Man, he’s at N.C. State everyday.’ I didn’t mind going across the country.
recognition. Did that make you closer as That one visit showed everything to me.
friends? ZK: Yeah, everybody already knew. (Laughs)
(Laughs)
SB: Yeah. I started hitting him with the RMT: Dave Doeren is a champion for
direct messages. I think we followed each SB: Yep. I said, ‘He’s got to be going.’ Raleigh. He’s always touting the city
other, starting DMing each other: Who and the facilities. Did his passion stick
you like? Where you going to go? That RMT: It seems like it’s the movement out to you guys?
type of stuff. Our relationship started right now for in-state players to go to N.C.
growing when we found out we were the State. Did that matter to you? SB: He’s really big on the area. He
top two guys in our area. We started hasn’t been there so long but he says
communicating more. ZK: It played a big role. We had a group he doesn’t want to leave. He wants to
chat. We were all connected through the raise his family there. He really likes
RMT: Who followed who? group chat, saying what we liked about it, the people he works with. My dad
State. showed me something the other day,
(Pause) that another program was trying to take
RMT: All you guys with a bunch of offers his guys, so he offered them raises so
ZK: I can’t even remember. (Laughs) had a group chat? they won’t leave.
SB: I just know we started texting around ZK: It wasn’t everyone. I don’t think ZK: Really, he was family-based.
the time we got some more offers. Shyheim was in it. We had (N.C. State Making sure my family was close, so
commit) Josh Harris, he was in it. (N.C. they wouldn’t have to spend much
ZK: It’s just something that happened. State commit) Drake Thomas was in it. money coming to the games. I grew up
We all knew we were going to commit in Raleigh before I moved to Middlesex,
RMT: What do you remember about before we said it, but we didn’t really say so he didn’t so much have to sell me
those conversations? anything. on the city. I already knew it was a great
city.
ZK: Like Shyheim said, most of the time RMT: You guys both had chances to
when we were talking we were just asking go pretty far. When you see a guy like RMT: What sticks out to you about
what our top schools were. Zonovan commit close to home — and Shyheim as a cornerback?
there are a bunch of others from around
RMT: You guys committed to N.C. State here — is that a perk to be familiar with ZK: His break on the ball. He’s a great
pretty close to each other. (Zonovan) was teammates? Instead of somewhere you player. Most of the time, I guard him
in early-July. (Shyheim) was later that wouldn’t know many people? when we play. I watched his film. His
month. In that time between, did you guys ability to break on the ball is really good.
talk at all? SB: When Coach Doeren was recruiting He’s lanky. It gives him an advantage.

RMT: Shyheim? ZK: Being an NCAA Division I athlete, a grew through football, basketball and
lot of people expect different things from track.
SB: Everytime he gets the ball, I know you. Expect you to do better. That was a
he’s going to take a couple of steps, hard adjustment for me. RMT: How’s he doing at Charleston
find a hole, and from there, ain’t nobody Southern?
touching him. I can promise you, he’s got RMT: Was all the attention weird?
breakaway speed. He got three steps on ZK: Last time I talked to him, he was
me one time. I knew it was over. I know ZK: At some point it feels like people beat. He said they hadn’t touched the
how it is when you have that speed. want to be around you for that reason. ball yet. Just conditioning. (Laughs)
Before all the offers not too many people
RMT: If you both switched positions, were around. RMT: The last thing I’ll ask — being
who would be the better player at what? from this area, being two marquee
RMT: You guys are all wrapped up athletes in your grade — do you guys
ZK: I’d probably be the better corner college-wise. But there’s still a senior take pride in that?
(Laughs). But I like the feeling of scoring season to be played. Who’s going to win
versus defense. the Big East this year? SB: I take pride. I know I’m a competitor.
I don’t like to be beat. I lost an All-Star
SB: I was a good running back in middle SB: Good question. I’m pretty confident Game and it got me good. I want to be
school. On the high school level I might in my team. Other than us two in the the best at what I do. I’m going to work
not be so good. Maybe quarterback, conference though, I don’t think there’s for it.
wide receiver, not running back. nobody else there.
ZK: I feel like I have a lot to prove. You
RMT: What’s one thing that surprised ZK: I’m going to go ahead and agree hear all those stories about the people
you throughout the whole college with that. that almost make it or don’t make it
recruiting process? because of injuries and other things. I
RMT: Are you going to miss playing with don’t want to be one of those people.
SB: The attention. Once you’re a big- Kendrick Bell? I want to be one of those people that
time recruit they treat you like a celebrity. actually makes it. I want to change my
It’s kind of like a respect thing. It makes ZK: I’m going to miss it a lot. Our families lives and take care of my mom.
you feel good but you’ve got to know relationship was pretty good. This
what you’re worth too. past season we had to take over. The
relationship over the course of the year
Rocky Mount High's Shyheim Battle, left, answers a question while being interviewed with Southern Nash's Zonovan Knight
at Rocky Mount High School. The duo has committed to N.C. State.

R Able Home
ocky Healthount
Care,LLC
M
it most by defeating Northern Nash
AHHC employs qualityin the final Personal
game Care
of theServices:
regular season
caregivers to assist to qualify • Bathing
for the• playoffs
Groomingwith four
individuals and families wins. • Dressing • Toileting
This year’s squad should be more
in their homes. • Hygiene
competitive in •a Walking
leveled-out Big
East Conference. The Gryphons lose
We are dedicated to their top three rushers to graduation,
helping our clients lead though Respite
a trimmedCare:down backfield
will help
CommunityTashaun
junior Lawrence
Alternatives
dignified, independent and senior Rodell Bridges to get more
lifestyles in the comfort and Program
consistent carries.for Disabled
safety of their own homes BattleAdults (CAP/DA)
is looking forward to his
rushing attack, as both players will
compete for the lion’s share of the
Rodell Bridges Medicaid may pay for up
touches. to 80 hours
Elsewhere, RMHper has high
expectations for its passing game.
month for an in-home caregiver to provide
the 2018 Gryphons personal care services.
Jaquan Lynch returns
Light housekeeping
after spending
as a junior
a full season as starter
a year ago. Lynch showed promise as
Story by Patrick Mason tasks and meal preparations
a sophomore are withalso covered
a strong, accurate
Photo by Alan Campbell
by the personal
arm incare program.
throwing for 1,415 yards
When the Rocky Mount High having Revis,” Gryphons coach Jason and 16 touchdowns with just four
interceptions.
football team opens its season on Aug. Battle said. “You’re talking about We accept
a guy private pay.
“He’s coming along well,” Battle said
17 against visiting Apex Middle Creek, that started the last 43 games at one
the Gryphons will do so without position, never missed a game. That’s of Lynch. “He’s a quick learner and he
De’Trell Revis.
AHHC promise to you... is based on
hard to replace because for the most grasps concepts well. He’s got to work
Revis will long be remembered by part nobody else played ourfree
family’s values
safety for on and our all
his touch commitment
the time, and to I stay on
the 99-yard touchdown reception he 43 games. him about footwork things, but as far
made in the 2016 playoffs that forced
excellence that
“We talked all the time, as coaches,
has
as distinguished
understanding, Able
you Home
couldn’t ask for
“A Passion
overtime for inCompassion”
against Havelock a game that he made up for so Health
many Care a better kid.”
thingssince its beginning in 2000.
the Gryphons would win in the extra that could have happened, but the fact Speaking of talent, Shyheim Battle,
Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Expertise & Cost-Compassion

period to advance to the state title that we had him back there negated a recently committed N.C. State
game. a lot of big things that could have recruit, will play corner and receiver
But in the coaches room, the happened to us over a three-year span. again. Battle, a player who projects as
graduation of Call
Revisusmeans
todaythat
forthe
a complimentary
He could find theconsultation…
ball, man.” weawill comedefensive
high-level to you!back in college,
RMH secondary will have a lot of As the Gryphons search for the doesn’t get to show off his skills around
(252) 535-4400 | (252) 973-8534 | www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
work to do. Revis started since his next safety of the future, the team the ball as often at the high school
sophomore year, and started 43 is working on rebounding after the level as a lot of teams on the Gryphons
consecutive games for the Gryphons, first losing season under Battle, who schedule prefer to run the ball. This
pulling down
1078interceptions
Hwy 48 in bunches, 114 is entering his St.
East Main seventh season the means
854asTiffany that the coaching staff has to
Blvd. #101
and making game-saving tackles. head man. The Gryphons played hard find ways for the star defensive back to
Roanoke Rapids,
“We’re pretty NCacross,
solid all 27870but the Conway, NC a27820
throughout Rocky
tough season, and Mount,
gained NC 27804
impact a game when a team decides to
first thing that sticks out to me is not a much-needed win when they needed not throw his way.

Gryphons
Schedule STATS
Classification: 3-A, Big East
Aug. 17, 7 p.m.....................Apex Middle Creek Last season: The Gryphons lost to
Aug. 24, 7 p.m................... @ Greenville Conley Fayetteville Terry Sanford, 36-16, in the
first round of the playoffs.
Aug. 30, 7 p.m......................... Hertford County Record: 4-7, 3-2 Big East Conference
OPEN Points for: 278
Sept. 14, 7 p.m.................................. Havelock Points against: 325
4-1: That’s the ratio of touchdown passes to
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.........................@ Nash Central interceptions for quarterback Jaquan Lynch,
OPEN which is tops in the conference. Lynch threw for
Oct. 5, 7 p.m................................... Franklinton 16 TDs against 4 picks. Only two quarterbacks
even threw more touchdown passes than
Oct. 12, 7 p.m....................................... @ Hunt interceptions in the conference
Oct. 19, 7 p.m.................................Wilson Fike Key losses: De’Trell Revis, Jalen Watson, Charlie
Oct. 26, 7 p.m........................@ Southern Nash Williams III, Kevon Daniels, Marquez Pittman
Key returners: Jaquan Lynch, Shyheim Battle,
Nov. 2, 7 p.m.............................Northern Nash Daquon Horne
Did you know: These Gryphons

marched together
Story by Patrick Mason
band and walk to the stadium. It soon “It was incredible because it felt like
grew into a tradition that involved not the whole town was out,” said Fonte
A calendar was never really needed in only the football team and the band, but
Rocky Mount when it came to figuring Lyles, a 1992 RMH grad and current
with the neighborhoods, too.
out when football season had arrived. It was a short walk, several blocks, coach. “You got the bass drum boomin’,
“You knew it was football season but a memorable trip. and the whole atmosphere of the
when you saw the team coming down “It was one of those things that we community around you.”
your street,” longtime Rocky Mount did. We didn’t ride no bus, just walked, The team switched stadiums after
High athletic trainer Darrell McCalop every game,” McCalop said. “We had
said. “There was no mistaking that for 1990, so Lyles got just one varsity year
neighborhood kids following behind
anything else.” the team the whole way. I still remember to make his walk. He soaked up every
The “click-clack” sound of cleats it. We came out the back of the school bit of it.
on the sidewalk, the cadence of the from the fieldhouse, crossed Hammond “We switched stadiums after 1990,
Gryphons’ marching band echoing Street, (we’d) go down Pine Street, (we’d) so we didn’t have to walk like that,”
through neighborhoods that reached go about three blocks and take a left.”
eardrums blocks away, and the laughter Lyles said. “We wanted to do it like the
Those who lived in the homes along
from children that followed the line of the streets would sit outside and watch Gryphons did, and I got in there just in
uniformed players signaled a happy the procession. Players remember kids time to get my walk.
moment in the community. and people reaching out for handshakes. “It was a great tradition and
When the old high school was Some even waited at the gate to greet something you looked forward to doing
downtown on Tillery Street, most of the their favorite Friday night performers.
after-school sports were held off-campus. It was a throwback to the days where once you got to high school. These kids
So before every home game the football Rocky Mount football was a community don’t know now how big a deal that was
team would follow behind the marching event. for us. It was truly a great tradition.”

S Able
outhern Homeash
Health Care,LLC
N
every one of them. All seven of our
AHHC employs qualityblockers,” Foster said.
Personal Care Services:
Luckily, the one player still
caregivers to assist standing• Bathing is a good• Grooming
one. Zonovan
individuals and families Knight,•one Dressing
of the •state’s
Toileting
top running
backs who • Walking
recently committed to
N.C. State, is back
• Mobility for a senior year
• Eating
We are dedicated to that will follow a special junior
helping our clients lead season. Respite
He teamed Care:with Bell to create
a monstrous rushing duo in 2017.
Community Alternatives
dignified, independent
With the latter now gone, Foster
lifestyles in the comfort thinks Program Cooley,
and Quinton for Disabled
a junior who
safety of their own homes Adultsto(CAP/DA)
was named NCPreps’ Preseason
All-State Team as a kick returner,
can help fill the void and act as that
Medicaid may pay for up to 80 hours per
co-rusher with Knight in an offense
month for an in-home caregiver
that favors to provide
a balanced rushing attack
rather than one
personal care services. Light housekeepingfeatured player.
Quinton Cooley Cooley played outside linebacker
tasks and meal preparations are alsoandcovered
the 2018 Firebirds
last year on defense, only got 12
by the personal
carries care program.
on offense because of the two
Story by Samuel Evers
players ahead of him.
Photo by Alan Campbell We accept“He’s private
a football pay.
player,” Foster said.
Another hot and sticky summer what I’m doing.” “He’s real smart to the game. He’s got
training camp, another year coaching Like any, this AugustAHHC has promise
been talentto on
you...
top ofisit.”
based on
for Southern Nash’s Brian Foster, who about replacing those who have At quarterback, Matt Foster,
our family’s values and our commitment
enters his 29th overall season with moved on. This one just happens to Brian’s son, will start the season to as the
the Firebirds and his 21st as the head be a little more dramatic.excellence that has distinguished
replacement Able Sessoms.
for Lorenzo Home
“AthisPassion
point, the for Compassion”
coach. From a season ago, where the On defense, Nadir Thompson
At seasons blend Firebirds were among Healththe best Care
in 3-Asince its beginning in 2000.
(Virginia Tech) and Dae’one Wilkins
together. The fleeting moments of with a 12-2 record and a run to the
summer are mopped up by August, third round of the playoffs, they’ll have (Furman) are among the handful of
and this preseason in particular has to reassemble a defensive backfield key departures.
been as bad weather-wise as he can and almost the entire offense. But despite the turnover, most of
remember it. Call us today for a complimentary On that side,consultation…
the tight ends arewethe will22come
starters toare
you!penciled in. Play
But all is (252)
well for535-4400
a man who knows| (252)gone.
973-8534 | www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
The offensive line is gone. on the field will determine Southern
he’s doing what he’s meant to do. Kendrick Bell, a prolific high school Nash’s fate.
“I know where I’m supposed to running back who is just getting “We’ve got people that are capable.
be,” said Foster after a rain-drenched started at Charleston Southern, is
practice last week. “If48
you’re down on 114 gone. And so St.
is their quarterback. They just haven’t done it in a varsity
1078 Hwy East Main 854 Tiffany Blvd. #101
what you’re doing, or don’t believe in In all, 10 starters graduated this past setting,” Foster said. “It’s going to be
Roanoke
what Rapids,than
you’re doing, NC 27870
you’re doing Conway,
spring. NC 27820 Rocky Mount, NC 27804
totally different. But we deal with
the wrong thing. I feel good about “Tight end to tight end — we lost that every year.”
Firebirds
Schedule STATS
Aug. 17, 7 p.m............................... Green Hope Classification: 3-A, Big east
Aug. 24, 7 p.m..........................@ Nash Central Last year: Lost to Havelock, 49-39, in
Aug. 30, 7 p.m......................................@ Bunn the third round of the 3-A playoffs
Sept. 7, 7 p.m............................ West Johnston Record: 12-2
3,404: The number of yards that
Sept. 14, 7 p.m.......................... @ Wake Forest Zonovan Knight and Kendrick Bell
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.................................White Oak rushed for last season
OPEN One: The number of starting returners
Oct. 5, 7 p.m...................................Wilson Fike the Firebirds will have on offense
Oct. 12, 7 p.m........................ @ Northern Nash Key losses: Kendrick Bell, Nadir
Thompson, Dae’one Wilkins, Hunter
Oct. 19, 7 p.m................................Wilson Hunt Perry, Lorenzo Sessoms
Oct. 26, 7 p.m...............................Rocky Mount Key returners: Quinton Cooley, Zonovan
Nov. 2, 7 p.m............................... @Franklinton Knight
Did you know: These Firebirds

FLock together
Story by Samuel Evers the assistant or as the lead man. Matt’s hero used to be Kwamaine
Anyone who has covered, attended, The one exception is Robbie Battle. Now Battle coaches Matt. On
coached, or played at a Southern Nash Kennedy, who has been with Foster all the sidelines these days during summer
home game understands the campus 21 years of his head coaching life. practice sessions, are other young
isn’t your friendly neighborhood high That list, of course, includes the Firebirds.
school. seven assistants Southern Nash will take “You hardly ever come to one of our
It’s off of US-64, but it’s not right into the 2018 season: Brian Batchelor, practices and not see our coaches’ kids,”
off of US-64. There are still miles to be Brian Rice, Kwamaine Battle, Adam Foster said. “It’s a lot like how my kids
driven from the exit. It’s winding and MontsDeOca, Jordan Bass, Sterling grew up.”
dark at night. Leonard, and Foster’s son, Zack. It’s The only person missing, as Foster
When it’s time to send out report hard to overstate the importance of the pointed out, for this year will be
cards, the slips get sent out to seven familiarity. Aaron Keen, the assistant and “water
different area codes. “They know what I’m thinking, boy” who died in a car crash this past
In short speak, it’s rural. That’s part what I’m going to say, before I say it,” February. He was on his way to being a
of what makes the continuity in the Foster said. “They’ve heard it since they Southern Nash lifer, a personality that
Southern Nash coaching staff notable. were eighth graders. Some before that stuck out among the sometimes-too-
“It’s not a little city where everybody’s in youth ball.” serious world of football.
together,” Foster said. “Not talking bad Such tradition has created a chain. “He was part of us,” Foster said.
about other teams, but if we can do it Matt, Foster’s other son, who enters “That’s something that’s going to
here — you see where we are.” the season as the Firebirds’ starting be difficult. He was beside me every
In head coach Brian Foster’s 21 years quarterback, and Zack have only football game. Coaches knew he was
of coaching the Firebirds, all but one known their father as SNHS’s football the only one who could get away with
of his assistants has played for him in coach. They’ve been going to practices asking questions. Southern Nash was
some capacity, either with he himself as since they could walk. him.”

Northern N
Able Homeash
Health Care,LLC
AHHC employs quality Personal Care Services:

We are dedicated to
helping our clients lead Respite Care:
dignified, independent Community Alternatives
lifestyles in the comfort and Program for Disabled
safety of their own homes Adults (CAP/DA)

personal care services. Light housekeeping
Davontae Wiggins
tasks and meal preparations areback,
alsoincluding
coveredsenior
the 2018 Knights
offense is coming
quarterback
by the personal careDavontae Wiggins.
program.
“Offensively we feel pretty good,”
Farriss said. “Davontae Wiggins has got
Story by Samuel Evers We accept to be private
big time forpay.
us this year.”
Photo by Alan Campbell
On defense? Not so much. The
All the assistant coaching seasons in Smithfield-Selma. He joined AHHC promise
the Knights to you...
Knights have onlyisthree
based on starters
returning
the world can’t prepare a new head coach last season as the offensive line coach, and
for the onslaught of phone calls, practice he’s familiar with the team ourhe’s
family’s from
values
inheriting. andlast our
year, acommitment
fact Farriss hopesto
will help
questions, and paperwork checkups on Still, there’s nothing like the first training breed some healthy competition for those
the first day of a new high school football camp. excellence that has distinguished
eight open spots. Able Home
“A Passion for Compassion”
season. “I’ve talked to someHealth “We have kids who
Care since its beginning
of my buddies, look good,” he
in 2000.
That’s what Northern Nash’s Andrew and they’re kind of on cruise control,” he said. “They’re just unproven.”

Farriss was up against earlier this month, joked. “They know exactly what’s coming From the quarterback position,
and that’s what he had been waiting nearly and how to handle all that, and I’m just a Wiggins was a bright spot for the
20 years to get to deal with. little bit frazzled trying to make sure I get Knights in 2017. He completed 123
“It’s been fun Call us today for a complimentary
and stressful to have think everything covered.” consultation… wepasses, will come
averaged to more
you!than 150 yards
about all those things,” said Farriss, who Farriss and the Knights will indeed per game through the air, and compiled
was named (252)Northern535-4400
Nash’s new |lead(252)have 973-8534
a lot of work| and
www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
game-planning to 17 touchdown passes. But all that meant
man this past winter after Randy Raper’s get in this season.
retirement. “Even though I’ve done this A young Northern Nash team never little for the junior compared to the small
for almost 20 years, it’s like everything is found its groove last year in Raper’s last number in the win column.
new again.”1078 Hwy 48 114 Eastfinishing
season, Main St.with a 1-10854record. “We #101
Tiffany Blvd. understand how to win more than
Farriss, though new to head coaching, The good news, though, for Farriss, who we did last year,” Wiggins said. “We have
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Conway, NC 27820
has been on high school football staffs enters the season with a good amount
Rocky Mount,
keyNC 27804
parts coming back from a younger
in the area since 1999, starting with of team-familiarity, is that most of the group. I think we’ll do better.”
Knights
Schedule STATS
Classification: 3-A, Big East
Aug 17, 7 p.m....................................@ Orange Last year: Finished the season with a
Aug. 24, 7 p.m......................Southeast Raleigh 40-12 loss to Rocky Mount
Aug. 31, 7 p.m......................................Tarboro Record: 1-10
Points for: 154
Sept. 7, 7 p.m...............................Nash Central Points against: 418
Sept. 14, 7 p.m............................ Northeastern Seven: The number of wins Wiggins hopes to
get as the quarterback and leader of the
Sept. 21, 7 p.m......... @ SouthWest Edgecombe
Knights.
Oct. 5, 7 p.m.............................. @ Wilson Hunt Eleven: That’s the week the Knights head
Oct. 12, 7 p.m............................Southern Nash over to Rocky Mount for their annual rival
Oct. 19, 7 p.m................................. Franklinton game against the Gryphons
Key losses: Da’Shawn Liggins, Trevor
Oct. 26, 7 p.m............................. @ Wilson Fike Sledge, Bryce Miles
Nov. 2, 7 p.m............................@ Rocky Mount Key returners: Davontae Wiggins,
Austin Curtis, Michael Bunn
Did you know: That rock has staying power

Story by Samuel Evers idea of Jim Brett, who was then always having a habit of touching
the new coach of the Knights. it right after leaving the locker
All of these years later, despite He would go on to have two room, kind of like what Clemson
the immeasurable number of coaching stints with NNHS, first has always done with its rock.”
football-gloved hands that in the mid-90s and later in the With the plan in motion, the
have fingerprinted its stature, 2000s, also serving at a point as actual rock, about six-feet tall,
the black-painted rock over athletic director. was picked from a rock quarry
at Northern Nash still stands
Upon arrival, he looked around on U.S. 301. The owner of the
proudly on the locker room side
and figured his new digs could quarry brought it along to the
of Death Valley.
use a landmark; a notable and field, and helped dig up the
It’s become a small but
important tradition over the uniting factor. ground and install the future
years: Before a game, the Knights He had coached at Tarboro in staple of Northern Nash football
are to run out of the locker room the 1980s, and had done the same games.
and give the jagged rock a little thing there. (The Vikings’ rock, The initial reception, recalled
tap. On the side facing the field, painted purple with the logo in Brett, was warm. The players
the words ‘HARD, TOUGH, the middle of it, still stands in were happy to have an emblem
STRONGER’ are painted on. Tarboro as well, right before the they could attach themselves to.
But how did that symbol of entrance to the stadium). Figuring it would be around for
the football program get there? It “It was something I felt like the long haul, he loaded up on
took a new coach a few decades would motivate the kids when that supplies for its upkeep.
ago, who had the hope of creating they went to walk out on the “I just remember everybody
the type of routine it’s known for field before the game,” said Brett, really liked it,” Brett said. “So we
now. who is now retired and lives in knew we had to keep it painted
It arrived in 1994, and was the Emerald Isle. “I envisioned them and looking nice.”

Nash CAble Home
entral
Health Care,LLC
instead. Lee said that High’s athleticism
would be better served elsewhere on the
AHHC employs qualityfield as the Personal Care Services:
team is already searching to fill
caregivers to assist a number•ofBathing •
positions.Grooming
individuals and families “I have• Dressingyoung
a couple kids competing
• Toileting
at quarterback and if they can take it then
in their homes. I can play• (High)
Hygieneon•offense
Walking and defense.
That way•I’ll Mobility
get two•players
Eatingfor the price
We are dedicated to of one because if he plays quarterback
helping our clients leadthen he’llRespite
just play Care:
quarterback,” Lee said.
dignified, independent “So I’m Community
really counting on those two
Alternatives
sophomores, and I may just bite the bullet
lifestyles in the comfortand Program
androll with that for Disabled
because, number one,
safety of their own homes I’ll have Adults
them for(CAP/DA)
two more years after
this year, and number two, Chris is such a
KENDALL WINSTON good defensive player.
Medicaid may pay“He forcan
upplayto 80deephours
in thepersecondary
the 2018 Bulldogs month for an in-home for us and he can catch and play a little
caregiver to provide
running back,” Lee continued. “Chris is
personal care services.
a utility Light
guy, hehousekeeping
can do a lot of things,
sweeps, catch some passes, and he could
Photo by Alan Campbell tasks and meal preparations are also covered
line up at quarterback as well.”
The Nash Central football team finds receiver TaRod Brown. Kendallby the personal
Winston Onecare program.
position of comfort might be
itself in a unique position — at least is the top returning rusher, with 425 yards the offensive line, where three starters
through the lens of its school’s history. and two TDs last season. We accept returnprivate
from a unit pay.that blocked one
As practices opened across the state this “On offense we lost a ton,” Bulldogs of the more dynamic rushing attacks
month, the Bulldogs have been preparing coach Chris Lee said, “so that hurts us a around. While the depth isn’t much,
for a season that comes on the heels of the bit.” AHHC promise to you...
returning is based
players on Hines,
like Saivon
program’s first conference championship. On defense, coaches our will look values
family’s to JarodeandGarrett
our commitment
and KamerontoPender
With the 2018 season underway, Brandyn Petteway to soften the losses make it a formidable line, which in
expectations and aspirations to duplicate of Alex Nobles — aexcellence walk-on at UNCthat haspastdistinguished Able Home
seasons was athletic enough to
Only“A thisPassion
time, if the for Compassion”
a successful second year in 2-A coincide. — Malachi Ruffin, Kailum Cooper and block for sweeps to either sideline,
Bulldogs
Health Care since its beginning in 2000.
are to Zalon Brown — all of which had at least as well as power runs through the
make the playoffs for a third consecutive 60 total tackles a year ago as seniors.
middle.
season, it will come with a brand new cast Petteway, a rising junior, led all players
The success of the offensive line did
of players at important positions. in tackles last season with 134, and will be
The team loses a starter at just about the anchor of a transitioning defense. wonders for the Nash Central passing
Call us today for
every skill position on offense. Travis
a complimentary consultation…
As for available options for the
we will
game, come
as to threw
Griffin you!for 2,227 yards
(252)starter
Griffin, a two-year 535-4400 | (252)quarterback
at quarterback 973-8534 Chris High was the and 30 TDs last season. In 2016, he
| www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
position,
and the Telegram’s 2016 Offensive Player logical choice to step in as he is the lone also was the area’s top passer, throwing
of the Year, graduated, along with leading player on the roster who has experience for 1,506 yards, more than double
receiver Jay Smith and two-way player playing the position at the varsity level. anyone else.
McKinley Lyons.
1078 Hwy 48 HighEast
114 completed
Main St. each of his three pass Blvd.
854 Tiffany This#101
year’s front should be up to
Byron Hawkins, the team’s leading attempts for 32 yards in 2017. the task.
Roanoke
rusher with 688Rapids, NC927870
yards and touchdowns, Conway, NC 27820
Lee, however, Rocky
is leaning toward Mount, “No
starting NC 27804
worries up front except for
transferred to Northern Nash along with either one of two sophomore options depth,” Lee said.
Bulldogs
Schedule STATS
Classification: 2-A, Eastern Plains
Aug. 17, 7 p.m..................@ North Edgecombe Last season: Lost in second round of 2-A
Aug. 24, 7 p.m...........................Southern Nash playoffs to Randleman, 57-19
Record: 10-3, 4-1 EPC
Aug. 30, 7 p.m....................... Smithfield-Selma Points for: 515
Sept. 7, 7 p.m........................ @ Northern Nash Points against: 291
Sept. 14, 7 p.m..............................@Goldsboro One: Last year’s conference championship was a
first for the football program. The Bulldogs
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.....................Rocky Mount High finished 4-1 in the Eastern Plains Conference.
OPEN 4,185: That’s how many yards of offense that the
Oct. 5, 7 p.m.......................@ Farmville Central Bulldogs will have to replace - either through
graduations or transfers. Nash Central gained
Oct. 12, 7 p.m............... SouthWest Edgecombe 4,879 in total in 2017
Oct. 19, 7 p.m................ @ Wilson Beddingfield Key losses: Travis Griffin, Byron Hawkins,
Oct. 26, 7 p.m....................................North Pitt McKinley Lyons, Alex Nobles, Tarod Brown
Key returners: Chris High, Brandyn Petteway,
Nov. 2, 7 p.m........................ @ North Johnston Saivon Hines, Jarode Garrett, Kendall Winston
Did you know: The Bulldogs

are coming IN HOT
Story by Patrick Mason another year. And now we’re on top a pair of 0-11 seasons, Chris Lee took
for the first time and it feels good.” over in 2015 and managed to secure
It didn’t take long for Nash Central The conference title in football
to secure its first winning football one win, then guided the Bulldogs to
came on the heels of a school-wide
season. In 2004, the team posted back-to-back playoff appearances.
emergence of its athletic program.
an 8-3 mark which came soon after The girls track team won the 3-A Big The players, who dealt with one
the school was established in 2002. East Conference title in 2017, the losing season after another, felt
That productive year, so early in the final season before dropping to 2-A. It energized again. In the hallways, it
beginnings of the program, acted was the first time a team not named wasn’t hard to notice an uptick in
as a promising start that brought Rocky Mount High won the girls school pride. The stadium filled out,
optimistic feeling about the future. track title, and it signified a shift in
But in the seasons that followed, and the feeling of having a foundation
athletics at the newest high school in
Nash Central never really got much Rocky Mount. of success in place began to sink in.
better. The Bulldogs put together six The Bulldogs won the Wells Fargo “In the hallways people would
winning seasons across their first 14 Cup — given to the Eastern Plains come up and joke with you about how
years. But a breakthrough occurred Conference team that had earned much you’ll lose by,” two-way player
at the conclusion of last season — the the most cumulative points based on Chris High said. “Now we don’t get
team won a conference championship. conference standings — for the 2017-
“It’s a big step,” running back that. Once you start winning all of
18 school year. Simply put, teams
Kendall Winston said. “Just a few began to win. that switches. People start to realize
years back in our history we went And the football team was the that this group is starting a new
winless twice, and won one game hallmark success of the bunch. After culture.”

SouthWestAbleEHome
dgecombe
Health Care,LLC
AHHC employs quality Personal Care Services:

We are dedicated to
helping our clients lead Respite Care:
dignified, independent Community Alternatives
lifestyles in the comfort and Program for Disabled

Darntrell personal
Councilcare services. Light housekeeping
the 2018 Cougars by the personal care program.
Photo by Alan Campbell We accept private pay.
As prep football practices opened a passing game that would make the third on the team in rushing last
up across the state during a rain- team more versatile onAHHC offense.promise
Even season to you...
with is 477based
yardsonand six
filled couple of weeks, the SouthWest a slight uptick in pass attempts would touchdowns on 64 carries. Council
Edgecombe football team spent a lot be a shift in playingour stylefamily’s
for a teamvalues andinour
played ninecommitment togames.
of the team’s 13
of time keeping the football off the that traditionally excellence
owns a run-firstthat has distinguished
A series of injuries Able Home
that piled up kept
wet grass. mentality. Council off the field.
The ball was airborne often Last season, SWE Health
attempted Care51sinceSWEits beginning
turned its infortunes
2000. around
as throwing and catching drills passes while rushing 587 times. with a 10-3 campaign that reached the
dominated portions of practice time. Lewis will have a big target to throw second round of the playoffs, a stark
The practice content signals a shift to, in 6-foot-3 junior receiver Keishon improvement from a 5-7 showing in
— the Cougars could look a little Porter. Porter played on junior varsity 2016 that featured a leaky defense
Call nights
different on Friday us today for a complimentary
this fall. last season, thoughconsultation…
he had a breakoutweand willinconsistent
come to you!offense.
The Cougars are excited about year in basketball, and has impressed The Cougars opened the 2017
quarterback Jayden Lewis, who was coaches during summer workouts. season 9-1, with their lone loss in
forced into action last season after the In the backfield, the Cougars that stretch coming against rival
team scrambled to find a replacement lose leading rusher Alex Foster to Tarboro High — the eventual 1-AA
at the position
1078 Hwywhen48 its original 114graduation.
East MainFoster
St. had 1,461854 Tiffanystate
rushing Blvd.champions.
#101 It was SWE’s only
starting quarterback was injured yards and 12 touchdowns. Darntrell shutout loss of the season, having
Roanoke
before WeekRapids, NC 27870
1. Lewis, because of Conway,
Council NCis 27820
next in line toRocky Mount,
fill that NC 27804
scored at least seven points in every
his throwing ability, could open up production. Council, a senior, was other game.

Cougars
Schedule STATS
Classification: 2-A, Eastern Plains
Aug. 17, 7 p.m....................Pasquotank County Last year: Lost to Southwest Onslow, 63-28,
Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m.............@ North Edgecombe in the second round of the 2-A playoffs
Aug. 30, 7 p.m........@ Winterville South Central Record: 10-3
Points for: 412, Points against: 270
OPEN Six: Cougars coach Jonathan Cobb is entering his
Sept. 14, 7 p.m................................. @ Tarboro sixth season as head coach. Cobb has turned in
Sept. 21, 7 p.m..........................Northern Nash winning seasons in three of his first five years,
with no worse than a 5-7 finish
Sept. 28, 7 p.m....................... Currituck County Four: That’s the week of the season in which the
Oct. 5, 7 p.m......................................North Pitt Cougars travel to Tarboro. The rivalry between
Oct. 12, 7 p.m...........................@ Nash Central the two squads made for a much-anticipated game
last season. SWE kept the score close for a
Oct. 19, 7 p.m.........................Farmville Central while, but couldn’t find a way to score in a 28-0
Oct. 26, 7 p.m...........................North Johnston loss. SWE brings back a lot of talent, and is
always looking to upend the Vikings, which should
Nov. 2, 7 p.m................. @ Wilson Beddingfield
make for a memorable game
Did you know: SouthWest

Edgecombe has booming tradition
Story by Patrick Mason sounds from a brass cannon situated near in pine needles. That stopped in 2004
the nearby baseball field. That cannon when Raymond Cobb took over the
Some teams take the field by bursting — which consumes gunpowder and program. SouthWest Edgecombe wasn’t
through a breakaway sign. Others might old newspapers — is active throughout known as a football powerhouse, and the
enter at the urging of the school band. the game with a blast for every home new coach was looking to make some
At SouthWest Edgecombe, you get the touchdown. changes.
entrance to a WWE match. Unsuspecting visitors, and even And Cobb had an idea that involved
For those arriving late, or in the longtime Cougars fans, are often startled an introduction that would shake
popcorn line, the signal that football is on by the loud staccato blast that shakes the things up. Recently retired SouthWest
the way is clear. After lining up along the grounds. Edgecombe JROTC instructor Col.
hill behind the north endzone, the team “When I used to be in the crowd I Mike Whitehurst and his students
parades down a concrete staircase to the remember me getting that chill when have operated the cannon, siren and
sounds of cannon blasts and church bells. it’s going on,” senior Tanner Wittig said. bells ever since.
“You get pumped. You got your “Now, it’s a great feeling knowing you’re When current coach Jonathan
helmet on, walking down the stairs and in that line and they’re in the stands Cobb took over in 2013, he kept the
hearing that cannon, it’s a thrill,” senior feeling that way for you.” traditions as is. But he has added
running back Darntrell Council said. For the players, the introduction tweaks throughout the years, though
“You know it’s about to be game time.” is special. It makes the home games not many stick. For one home game,
The routine is the same for each home more enjoyable, and even makes for a the Cougars had a blackout theme.
game. The players exit the locker room wry smile when their road opponent’s The stadium lights shut off, and
and line up on the hill behind the north tradition pales in comparison. students surrounded the field with
endzone. The captains head to midfield “We see their entrance and we know glow sticks.
for the coin toss, then make their way that we out-do it,” Zykei Callahan said. That wss a one-time deal.
toward the hill as the show begins. It wasn’t always this way. The team “We lost that game so we don’t do
A siren blares before giving way to used to walk onto the field via a ramp, that anymore,” cracked Cobb. “I’m a
loud church bells. Soon, cannon fire which is now almost entirely covered little superstitious.”

Armed LCoach Battle,
and ynch look to
switch the
ready: style up
Gnats buzzed in bunches across Rocky hearing since last season ended. I’ve been been searching for.
Mount High’s practice football field. The working on it and getting better. The big “You always look for that kid, you look
flying insects parted when an athlete thing is reminding myself to not throw it for kids that got it. I always say, of all the
barrelled through a swarm. Heavy rains 100 mph every time.” positions, it’s difficult to build a quarterback
washed through hours earlier, and the thick, Important work is being done on the because there’s so many parts to the
humid air seemed to suspend the flying back fields behind the bricked school. The position,” Battle said. “The kid has to be
annoyances. Gryphons and their coach Jason Battle have a confident kid, he’s got to have ice water
No grouping seemed safe from disruption spent the past couple years working with the in his veins, stay even keeled, but also has
as Jaquan Lynch sent footballs all over the young quarterback with the hope that he to have leadership skills. The biggest thing
field during a practice in early August. It was will guide the team back from its first losing now is our team follows (Lynch). They trust
as if each cluster was a target. season since 2011. him as a guy who will get us in the right
The junior quarterback showed off a And there’s reason to believe he’s the guy position.”
strong arm by zipping a tight spiral to a to do so. A successful first year as a starter •••
receiver on his right. The next play called made a promising project turn into a safe Jaquan Lynch caught the eye of Rocky
for Lynch to attack the secondary. He tossed bet with great upside. As a sophomore, Mount High football coaches when the
a downfield pass that traveled close to 50 Lynch showed he has the physical tools to young quarterback was in the eighth grade.
yards before landing just out of reach. make difficult throws, and the mental acuity At that point, it was Lynch’s ability to
“Touch, it’s all about touch,” Lynch to make proper decisions. comprehend what was being asked of him
said after the practice. “That’s all I’ve been It’s the blend of attributes that Battle has that drew the interest of Gryphons coach
Jason Battle.
The two talked often, and it was during
those conversations that Battle knew he had
something in the young athlete. Everything
just seemed to click. Battle found himself
being able to speak about passing concepts,
what different defensive alignments look
like and what they are trying to take away, as
well as emergency plans once a play breaks
down.
It was clear that Lynch wasn’t
overwhelmed by the wealth of information
spewed his way.
“Some kids, they play quarterback in
middle school or wherever and you just talk
football to them and everything just looks
and sounds foreign,” Battle said. “But with
him, we were throwing things at him and
five minutes later he got it. The next day,
you’re building on the things you talked
about. You’re not going back. You might
Coach Jason Battle review, but you’re not re-teaching.”
Since that initial meeting, Battle began

that he’s already been there and played the
position before,” Lynch said. “He does a
good job of knowing how I feel, and what
questions I have, and because he’s done it
before he is a good person to talk about it
with.”
The two haven’t always had a smooth
relationship. Sometimes the growing pains
and failures that come with learning the
intricacies of the quarterback position
would cause tension.
Battle had to teach himself patience, and
to look for another avenue to get through to
a young mind. And Lynch had to come to
terms with the fact that he wouldn’t become
an elite passer overnight. Both parties grew
and came to understand the other a bit
better.
Jaquan Lynch “I feel like one of the biggest things of
playing as a sophomore in Game 1 last year
was he did get frustrated and rattled,” Battle
envisioning scenarios where Lynch would Lynch’s solution? Throw harder. He was said. “It’s going to happen because he’s never
be the quarterback of the future for a wild at times, but if he threw the ball hard been there before.
Gryphons team that hadn’t had, or needed, enough, he thought, it would get to where it “And at first it frustrated me to the point
a true passer in years. Oh, the opportunities needed to go before the defense could react. that me and him got off the same page.
this could create. Only it didn’t work out as planned. But I learned how to coach the kid better.
During the Gryphons state “Early on I would try to throw the ball
He still gets frustrated at times, he’s just an
championship-winning season in 2015, 100 mph every throw,” Lynch said. “I know
incoming junior, but I can see growth in
Forrest Bell threw for over 1,600 yards, that’s why I had a lot of overthrows. Or
him. He’s got a lot more growing to do but
but tossed just eight touchdowns with five I’d hit guys before they had time to react.
he has the opportunity to be real good.”
interceptions on a team that was carried by a Especially in the Middle Creek game, oh
•••
group of talented running backs and a hard- my, I overthrew like five touchdowns.”
hitting defense. Lynch can smile about those errors now, Jaquan Lynch threw for 1,415 yards to go
The following year, when RMH mostly because he knows how to fix the with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions
advanced to its second consecutive title problem in a more constructive way. The last year, which was good enough for the best
game, the team did so on the same merits — junior looks back at those games and sees a touchdown-to-interception ratio in the area.
tough defense and hard running. A pair of kid learning the ropes of the most important To do that as a sophomore is encouraging.
senior quarterbacks split time in that 2016 position on the field. The Gryphons are hoping Lynch can
season, and the tandem combined for 1,199 “It’s OK to make mistakes. I know that improve on those gaudy numbers, and
yards, eight touchdowns and four picks. now,” Lynch said. “As long as I don’t make lead a team in a year where the offense is
Lynch could be the answer to a more the same ones again.” populated by a number of young, unproven
balanced approach. ••• athletes. If the quarterback can make things
••• Those around the Rocky Mount High happen, RMH will follow suit.
Jaquan Lynch was frustrated. program see Jaquan Lynch’s ascendance to Even more encouraging is that Lynch is
Quarterback is a tough position and he was starting quarterback, and his future, as a a willing participant. He wants to work on
figuring that out on the fly. fulfilling project taken on by Jason Battle. his craft.
Lynch got his first varsity start in the Long before he became the Gryphons “I’ve always wanted to play quarterback
2017 season opener on the road in Apex. coach, Battle was a stellar two-sport athlete and I knew what it would take to play
The outcome was a 33-15 loss to Middle at Senior High. it successfully,” he said. “It sounds off,
Creek. Though the box score suggested he Battle went on to play baseball and but it’s not all about throwing. It’s about
had a strong game — passing for 210 yards, football at N.C. A&T, and played reading defenses and knowing matchups,
a touchdown and an interception — it quarterback for the Aggies from 1999-2002. and basically that’s what I’m interested in
could have been so much more. Battle ranks eighth in program history in learning about. It’s how I’ve always been.”
A series of overthrows, missing open career passing yards, and ranks ninth in As for Battle, he will make sure to keep a
receivers, and the lack of the ever-important career completions. close eye on his protege.
touch on his passes all amounted to a It would be fair to say that the education “More importantly than him being a
stressful Friday night. Frustrations began to of Jaquan Lynch is being handled by the quarterback, he’s a great kid and phenomenal
boil over. Then a sophomore, Lynch admits ideal man for the job, seeing as how Battle, student,” Battle said. “Just a good guy all
that he couldn’t escape his emotions and his himself, did it at a high level for years. across the board. Just a model kid that I
play would be altered. “It’s a real comfortable setting knowing appreciate having in our program.”
Since day one
Senior Melik Ward
sets the Tarboro tone

D
uring this past football- “I’ve coached some great ones. He’s ending injury that kept him out of
filled summer, senior maybe not as tall. Not as big. But he’s the playoffs. But he had his surgery
defensive lineman Melik just a really solid, good football player. on Dec. 19, 2016, and was back to
Ward traveled to about And now, you can see his work has paid full health, terrorizing other team’s
a dozen football camps off,” he continued. “I don’t know what offensive linemen, by about Week 3 of
throughout North school he’s going to go to, but it’s going the 2017 season.
Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. to be a really nice school and he ain’t Now, when many of the interested
To each one, he brought and wore going to pay for it.” college coaches check up on him with
his purple, team-issued shorts with that All of this success — the offers to go Craddock, they don’t suspect a thing.
familiar Viking logo on the side. It was to college on scholarship, the on-field “Trust me,” Craddock said. “College
more of an afterthought to bring and accolades, the praise from his coaches, coaches don’t even know it.”
wear them. the little advantages he finds during Ward was a foundational player of
It turns out, that color and that patch film sessions that even the coaches don’t
have become quite the recognizable last year’s dominant defense, drawing
pick up on — has been second nature double-teams and clogging up running
combination among people in the prep to Ward, who said he entered high
football scene. lanes for opposing teams. He’ll be back
school already knowing he wanted to
“Every camp I went to, they just for a final season of a notable high
do everything in his power to play the
knew Tarboro,” Ward said. “They school career that will likely end with
sport at the next level.
know we do it the right way, like I “There was never a moment I started more offers from more college teams.
had a reputation just because of those to think about it,” Ward said. “It just But he insists he isn’t worried about
shorts.” has always been my dream to play the individual stuff, at least not yet. It’s
Of course, Ward denied no such college football. Always.” the same attitude he’s had at Tarboro
praise. If there was going to be one potential since he got the nod to start for varsity
“I mean, I guess it was just that roadblock, it would have been when he as a freshman halfway through the
Tarboro tradition,” he said, smiling. tore his ACL during his sophomore year season.
Indeed, it’s been a solid run for the of high school. He sustained it toward “We heard he was good as an eighth
Vikings, who capped a 15-0 state title the end of the season in a game against grader,” Craddock said. “We needed
run in December, unveiled a brand new North Edgecombe. The team trainer some help that year so he came on up.
Home of Todd Gurley II sign in April, thought it could be one of two things: Shortly thereafter, we realized: that
heard graduate Tyquan Lewis get his only swelling, or a torn ligament. boy’s going to be good.”
name called at the NFL Draft later that When he went to the doctor’s, he Added defensive coordinator
month, and sent eight seniors from last found out it was the latter: a season- Andrew Harding: “And he has been.”
year’s team to various area colleges.
This year, Ward will be featured as
part of another competitive team in
1-AA. The senior, who so far has four
scholarship offers from NCAA Division
II and Division I-FCS teams, has been
an important piece of the program’s
success since he was a freshman. He’s
started for four years; one of only two
kids in coach Jeff Craddock’s time in
charge to do so.
And, if you ask Craddock, Ward is
one of the few key examples of what has
made Tarboro, Tarboro. It’s kids like
Ward, and players like Tyquan Lewis
and many others before him, who
are so vital to the program’s coaching
philosophy.
“With him we have some proof in
the pudding: If you do it in a certain
way, this is what you can become,”
Craddock said. “Melik’s been bought
in since day one.”

A LOOK BACK
Tarboro takes home

fIFTH state title Story by Samuel Evers
after kicker Robert Brown recovered his

own ensuing onside kick.
Two plays later, however, with the
Granite Bears down just 11 at midfield,
Tarboro’s Zion Brooks jumped a slant
route for an interception. Four plays
after that, Deontae Williams was rushing
in the title-clinching touchdown. Jaquez
Edge punched in another a few minutes
later for good measure.
In all, the Granite Bears totaled just
four possessions in Tarboro territory.
Kicker Robert Brown punted away five
possessions, the most costly of which
came in the second quarter, when an
errant snap flew past Brown’s head. In an
attempt to salvage some field position, he
recovered the ball about 30 yards from
the line of scrimmage and booted it away.
An opportunistic Jyron Albritton was
waiting for it.
He hauled in the makeshift punt
Ja’viyes Massenburg Joseph Lyons at the 36-yard line and did the rest,
returning the play for a touchdown and
a 12-0 lead.
This story originally ran in the Dec. 10, the statistics weren’t exactly the first
Tarboro had taken the lead earlier in
2017 edition of the Telegram. priority for Vikings’ coach Jeff Craddock
the second quarter on a six-yard run by
RALEIGH — The snow, the rain, when the final kneel down was recorded,
Keon Caudle, which capped an 88-yard
the sleet and the cold only seemed to especially not with the possibility of a
drive that started with an interception of
serve Tarboro. The undefeated Vikings Gatorade bath as the final seconds ticked
Mount Airy quarterback Ian Holder.
this season were ground-and-pound away.
An 18-0 lead for the Vikings was
specialists, anyways, not passing experts. Stats-wise, Mount Airy entered
taken with 6:38 left in the game after a
On a stingy state title Saturday at the state title game with three prolific
scoreless third quarter — a one-yard dive
Carter-Finley Stadium, a faithful and players. One at quarterback, wide
from Deontae Williams.
bundled crowd from Tarboro watched its receiver and running back, respectively,
It looked for all the world like the
team clinch title No. 5 against Western and they flashed that for a brief moment
scoring for both teams would stop there,
opponent Mount Airy (14-1), a 32-7 midway through the fourth quarter,
but then came the flurry, started by
final in a contest that favored a few when Ian Holder lofted a pass to receiver
Mount Airy’s long touchdown pass.
key defensive possessions far more than Donavon Greene, who wrestled a 36-
But it was too little, too late. And
flashy plays. yard touchdown away from two Tarboro
soon after the adrenaline of that play
It was the second smallest offensive defenders to make the score 18-7.
died down, the Tarboro Vikings were
output of the year for Tarboro — a With the extra-point, suddenly a
state champions for the fourth time in
season that ended a perfect 15-0 — but formality became interesting, especially
nine years.
Tarboro Vikings get their
championship rings
This story originally ran in the March 6,

2018 edition of the Telegram.
The moment arrived, nearly three
months after the final snap.
The Tarboro High football team received
their championship rings on Monday
night during a ceremony at Edgecombe
Community College attended by players,
coaches and family members. The event
celebrated the Vikings’ 1-AA championship
this past fall, which was secured with a 32-7
victory over Mount Airy on Dec. 9.
It was the fifth state title in program
history, and this was a good a reason as any
to celebrate. Tarboro coach Jeff Craddock, center,
Tarboro coach Jeff Craddock, who has celebrates with Matthew Medford, left, and
Jaquez Edge following the Vikings’ 32-7 win
been a part of four of these ceremonies, said over Mount Airy in NCHSAA 1-AA state
his favorite part is watching his players’ faces championship game at Carter-Finley Stadium
after they unbox their ring. He likens the in Raleigh.
experience to gift giving around Christmas
time. at Christmas, and you can’t wait for them to and provide the rings was made possible by a
“Leading up to this I’m most excited to open it up to see their reaction. That’s how I host of generous donors in the community,
say ‘one, two, three’ and watch as these kids am today. I’m really excited for these boys to a close-knit group of Tarboro football fans
open these boxes and see these absolutely enjoy that ring on their fingers.” that have had much to celebrate over the
beautiful rings,” the longtime coach said. Craddock, who designed the rings, 79 in years.
“It’s almost like giving a nice gift for children all, said that the ability to host such an event The team held an awards banquet earlier
in the year to officially wrap up the season
and hand out team awards. There, more
time was spent reflecting on the season and
talking about specific moments or games.
Craddock took time to speak about each
player during a banquet that lasted around
two hours. That 15-0 season, including six
shutouts, was relived in detail.
On Monday, the focus was more about
gathering the team — players and coaches
— together for likely one final time to share
fun stories and memories.
“Tonight is an absolute celebration,”
Craddock said. “The last thing I’ll tell these
guys is that life is about the memories you
make. The rings will get lost or will lose
their color, and the T-shirts will become dust
cloths.
“But what never leaves is the memories
you put in the mind and the heart, and
tonight is, other than winning a title, is the
Tae Randolph
best feeling.”
A LOOK BACK
In overtime shootout,
Eagles emerge as
champions Story by Patrick Mason
Photos by Sarah Louya
This story originally ran in the Nov. 12, championship by their cars in the parking the win.
2017 edition of the Telegram. lot. “We got a great push,” Gazaway said.
KINSTON — Jacob Braddy got a Moments earlier, the Eagles capped “I saw the ball hit the lower part of their
haircut on Saturday in Kinston. an undefeated season with a defensive running back’s arm, the ball hit the ground.
His wavy, brown hair couldn’t escape stand in overtime to beat Kinston Parrott I’ve never held onto anything so tight in
the shears wielded by Rocky Mount Academy, 66-60, in the 2-A NCISAA my life. I probably will never even hug my
Academy coach Terrell Hudgins, who state championship game. RMA defensive mom that hard.”
proudly showed off a handful of his prize lineman Chandler Gazaway pounced on a The win gave RMA its first state
to those still celebrating the team’s state Patriots fumble on their first snap to seal championship since the 2014 season when
it also beat Kinston Parrott.
This one — the program’s third overall
state title —- was much closer. That’s
because Braddy made sure of it.
Braddy hadn’t cut his hair since the
season began, and if there were anyone
who deserved to be treated to a spa-like
experience right away, it was the junior
running back. Braddy turned in a monster
game for the Eagles.
He was unstoppable in the open field,
and his blockers made sure he got there. He
gashed the Patriots defense time and time
again with the football cradled in his arms.
He scored six touchdowns and finished
with 472 yards of offense. He dazzled with
cutbacks and spin moves for 318 yards on
the ground, and sliced through the Parrott
secondary for 154 receiving yards.
“I’m pretty tired,” Braddy said. “The
adrenaline was pumping and kept me
going. Coach T told us at halftime that he
believed in us to be able to score quickly.
And in the second half when we started
scoring I knew it was going to be a good
game.”
The Eagles defense was gashed right
away as Kinston Parrott broke off two
touchdown runs of 66 and 67 yards on
Isaiah Thomas
consecutive possessions. RMA trailed 16-0
after the first quarter.
RMA sandwiched a pair of scores
around a Patriot touchdown in the second
quarter, and trailed 24-16 at halftime.
“We were consistently down by two
touchdowns for a while,” Hudgins said.
“And we were kicking off to them in the
second half. But the guys got it together
and played one heck of a second half.”
Kinston Parrott (9-2) scored three plays
into its opening drive of the second half
to push the lead back to 16 points. But
Braddy ran them down.
“We knew to beat these guys we had
to keep our intensity up the entire time,”
offensive lineman Thomas Griffin said. “As
a lineman, there’s really no better feeling
than seeing your running back 15 yards
upfield making moves.”
The second half was a whirlwind of
touchdowns from both teams. Of the 16
combined drives in the second half, 11
ended up as touchdowns. Braddy had five
of those scores.
“He is devastating when he gets into
some space,” Hudgins said. “We wanted
Isaiah to throw, but we knew that would
take some carries away from Braddy and
Caleb (Lambert). All three of those have an
opportunity to change a game, and tonight Jacob Braddy
it was Jacob.”
Thomas ran for 213 yards in a regular-
season win over the Patriots, but he played
in Saturday’s title game with an injured left
knee that limited his run game. Thomas,
a two-way player who leads the Eagles in
interceptions, didn’t play defense until the
second half.
That left Braddy to man the safety
position, and he broke up four passes
intended for Patriots star receiver AJ
Banker. The 6-foot-4 Banker finished with
185 receiving yards, but he was denied a
pair of scores by Braddy.
“I had to step up on defense definitely,”
Braddy said. “It was a relief when Isaiah
came back in the second half. We had to
try to keep it together without him. Banker
was a tough assignment. He’s tall, and I
tried to stay with him the best I could.”
Kinston Parrott tied the score with 41
seconds left, and the Eagles couldn’t move
down the field in regulation. Braddy scored
on the opening possession of extra time,
then celebrated as the Eagles recovered a
fumble on the Patriots’ possession.
“I’m going to sleep good,” Braddy said.
Caleb Lambert
Rest up.
T Able Home
arboro
Health Care,LLC
weight room and on the practice
field, trying to replace a handful of
AHHC employs quality key figures Personal Care
to last Services:
year’s team.
caregivers to assist The• Bathing
Vikings • will
Grooming
be without
individuals and families linebacker • and defensive leader
Dressing • Toileting
Phil Willoughby, who will walk-
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• WalkingA&T, and
Tae Randolph,
• Mobility a• three-year
Eating starter
We are dedicated to at quarterback, who is continuing
his playing
Respitecareer
Care: at Louisburg
helping our clients lead College. Those two will be among
dignified, independent the toughest Community Alternatives
to replace.
lifestyles in the comfort and Program forthe
On offense, Vikings are
Disabled
still auditioning a few different
safety of their own homeskids atAdults (CAP/DA) and return a
quarterback,
deep running back group similar
to last year’s, where a second- or
Medicaid may pay for up to 80may
third-stringer hours
haveperbeen a
Ja’viyes Massenburg startercaregiver
on another 1-AA team.
month for an in-home to provide
the 2018 Vikings
Defensively, two names will be
personal care services.
making Light housekeeping
big plays for the Vikings this
season: senior Melik Ward, whom
tasks and meal preparations
Craddock and aredefensive
also covered
coordinator
Photo by Alan Campbell by the personal
Andrewcare program.
Harding could not speak
highly enough of, and junior Ja’viyes
Last month, during the North the seniors, because now theyWe want Massenburg, a 6-foot-4 defensive
Carolina Coaches Clinic
accept private pay.
in to get back and do it their senior end who made many big plays for a
Greensboro, Tarboro coach Jeff year.” great defense last season.
Craddock was talking to a colleague AHHC
Indeed, there seems to be promise to you...
What madeis based on
the Vikings so
who, like Craddock and his staff did something unique toour Tarboro and its formidable last year, among a couple
family’s values and our commitment to
with Tarboro last fall, had coached football program, which beat Mount of other reasons, was a phrase that
his own team to a 2017 state title. Airy last year, 32-7,excellence
to completethatthe has distinguished
Craddock Able were
used: they Homefocus-
In the Vikings’ head coach, he undefeated season and earn the 1-AA driven. They watched and broke
Health
confided: After a year on top, his state title, it’s fifth in school history Care since
downits beginning
film in a way in
that 2000.
was advanced
team had lost a good deal of its sense and first since the three-peat from for the high school level, and
of urgency.
He asked Craddock if the same was
2009-2011.
“With the teams I’ve coached in gameplan.
entered each game with a definitive
true in Tarboro: If, after a dominant the past, that was always the attitude. Can this group in 2018 match
Call us today for a complimentary consultation…
15-0 season, his team had lost some Right after we had won two, it was
we will
that come to you!
level?
“We have a long, long way to go.
(252) 535-4400 | (252)like,
of its hunger. 973-8534 | www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
all right boys, what do you want
But as far as the attitude, the coach-
The answer was no. to do? We want to win three,” said
“I told him, ‘I’m going to be Craddock, whose Vikings open up at ability, that’s what I tell them — you
honest with you, our boys are biting home on Aug. 17 against Washington can’t coach effort,” Craddock said.
at the bit.’1078
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little taste of it 114
County.
East “We
Mainwanted
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last year, finally. They’ve been talking came up short and didn’t win four, you, you have a chance to be great.
Roanoke
about Rapids, NCsaid.
it,” Craddock 27870 “There’s Conway, NC 27820 Rocky Mount, NC 27804
but that was the prevailing attitude.” This group will have a chance to be
been a great buzz. It’s coming from The summer has been spent in the great.”
Vikings
Schedule STATS
Aug. 17, 7 p.m.................@ Washington County Classification: 1-AA, Coastal Plains
Last season: Beat Mount Airy, 32-7, in the
Aug. 24, 7 p.m................................Washington 1-AA state title game for the School’s fifth
Aug. 31, 7 p.m....................... @ Northern Nash championship
Sept. 7, 7 p.m.......................North Edgecombe Record: 15-0, 6-0 Coastal Plains
4.4: That’s the number of points the Vikings
Sept. 14, 7 p.m............. SouthWest Edgecombe allowed per game last season
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.......................... @ South Creek 64: That’s the number where former Tarboro
Sept. 28, 7 p.m................................. Southside Viking Tyquan Lewis was selected in the 2018
NFL draft, after four successful years at
Oct. 5, 7 p.m............................. @ Jones Senior Ohio State
Oct. 12, 7 p.m.......................@ Pamlico County Key losses: Phil Willoughby, Tae Randolph,
Oct. 19, 7 p.m.................. Northside - Pinetown Deontae Williams, Jacoby Ward
Oct. 26, 7 p.m.....................................Riverside Key returners: Ja’viyes Massenburg,
Melik Ward, Clifton Joyner, Jr.
Did you know: Tarboro is

building a pipeline
Story by Samuel Evers turn a football team into a pipeline was Lewis, Gurley, and so on.
for those who take all the right steps. “We have some great examples of
Though some of the players from Of the senior crop from last year’s young men who have shown in the
Tarboro football certainly have, not title team, eight in all will be playing classroom, weightroom and football
every high schooler can end up in football in college this upcoming field that you can go on and do it
the Big 10 or the SEC. fall. One is walking on at N.C. A&T, the right way and be successful,”
For the other talented players, three are at NCAA Division II St. Craddock said. “These kids
there’s junior college, NAIA, NCAA Augustine’s, and the other four are understand that, if you are blessed
Division III, Division II, Division at Louisburg Community College. with that God-given natural talent,
I-FCS and every other conference in “Oh, we loaded up that Louisburg the size and the speed, and if you
Division I-FBS. roster,” Craddock said. do work hard and do what you’re
The Vikings’ program has made This year’s class will have its share supposed to do, and your job is to
its splash in its recent era with flashy of players who move on to the next make it to the NFL — obviously
names like Todd Gurley (Georgia, level as well, including defensive we’ve had players here that have
Los Angeles Rams) and Tyquan end Melik Ward, who has already been able to do that, especially
Lewis (Ohio State, Indianapolis received offers from the Division II coming from a small town of 10,000
Colts), but the Vikings’ football and the FCS level. and 11,000 people.”
program, the defending champion He’ll serve as a prime example Want to know the next potential
in 1-AA, has served a tangible of what can be done for the juniors name in the Tarboro football line to
purpose to so many more than the — and the lower classmen, and the pay attention to? Junior defensive
few who make it big time. middle schoolers — when a player end Ja’Viyes Massenburg.
In a town of roughly 10,000 in buys in, goes to class and takes “Could he the next big name to
a downtrodden county, coach Jeff advantage of his ability. come out? He could,” Craddock
Craddock and his staff have helped Before Ward was the example, it said. “But that’s up to him.”

North Edgecombe
Able Home
Health Care,LLC
work cut out for him this season, with a
typically small roster for the 1-A school that
AHHC employs qualityfinished last Personal
year 4-7Care
with Services:
a loss in the first
caregivers to assist round of •theBathing playoffs•against
GroomingPlymouth.
Miller doesn’t expect this team to have
individuals and familiesoverwhelming • Dressing
size or• Toileting
strength like the
in their homes. • Hygieneteam
North Edgecombe • Walking
that finished 11-2
in 2016, but thinks the athleticism and skill
• Mobility • Eatingcould lead to
We are dedicated to from a few
success.
different positions
helping our clients lead One player Respitewho Care:could help that is
dignified, independent running back Devonte Barnes, who rushed
Community Alternatives
for 96 yards in the opening game last season
lifestyles in the comfortbutandlater Program for Disabled
left the field with a concussion,
safety of their own homes and didn’tAdults (CAP/DA)rest of the season
return for the
because of it. Barnes, along with upcoming
junior Erick Moss, could shoulder a good
Medicaid may pay amount forofupthe rushing
to 80 load hours for the
perWarriors.
“If it wasn’t for him getting hurt last year
month for an in-home — not to caregiver
say we could to have
providebeen a state
champion — but we would have been
personal care services.much better Light off housekeeping
if he were around,” Miller
said.
tasks and meal preparations “He’s kindareof quiet
also and he leads by
covered
example.”
Defensively, Tyvon Evans, a senior this
year, will help Miller in leading the unit.
The two have been together since Evans was
We accept private
a freshman on thepay.
junior varsity team with
Miller as the coach.
AHHC promise Attotimes you...duringisthat
basedseason,onthey’d have
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no more
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the 2018 WARRIORS excellence that has to be taken out of theAble

distinguished game.Home
Miller would

wave back, signaling for him to stay in the
Health Care since gameitssimply
beginning in 2000.
because there was no one else
Story by Samuel Evers to put in.

Photo by Sarah Louya “He just really embraced it — ‘Yeah, I’m
tired but I have to dig down deep and find
This past May, a few days after the that, whenever Parisher did choose to step something for my teammates,’” Miller said.
Memorial Day Call long usweekend,
today for a complimentary
former down, he wouldn’t consultation…
have to go very far towe will come
In his to you!
first year as head coach of the
North Edgecombe coach Keith Parisher find his replacement. varsity team, that so far has been his biggest
approached (252) 535-4400
Jason Miller, | (252) 973-8534
the Warriors’ And now, after| www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
starting his coaching challenge — to find a group of leaders.
longtime assistant and junior varsity coach, career at Phillips Middle School in “Some guys like Tyvon and Devonte,
with a tidbit of news. Battleboro 14 years ago, the head coaching they call guys and they’re like, ‘You need
“He just said, ‘You know what, I’m going job for North Edgecombe is finally Miller’s. to be here for practice, for this workout.’
to go ahead1078 HwyMiller
and retire,” 48 remembered 114“IEast have Main St.
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“But I Blvd.
want #101
those types of guys,” Miller said.
during a recent preseason practice. I’m a loyal person. I feel really fortunate to “The better leaders I have, the less work I
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 Conway, NC 27820 Rocky Mount, NC 27804
It was matter of fact, and that was that. have such a great mentor.” do, because it seems like they can hold kids
The two had talked previously and agreed The latest leader for the Warriors has his much more accountable than we can.”

Warriors
Schedule STATS
Aug. 17, 7 p.m..............................Nash Central
Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m......... SouthWest Edgecombe Classification: 1-A, Tar-Roanoke
Last year: Lost to Plymouth, 38-8, in the
OPEN first round of the 1-A playoffs
Sept. 7, 7 p.m................................... @ Tarboro Record: 4-7
Points for: 250
Sept. 14, 7 p.m..............................South Creek Points against: 343
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.............................@ KIPP Pride Two: The week in the season the Warriors
will host SouthWest Edgecombe.
Sept. 28, 7 p.m.............@ Northampton County Five: The number of touchdowns leading
Oct. 5, 7 p.m......................................... Weldon receiver Marvin Tucker caught last
Oct. 12, 7 p.m....................... Southeast Halifax season.
Key losses:
Oct. 19, 7 p.m....................@ Northwest Halifax Mark Williams, A’naize Warren.
Oct. 26, 7 p.m.......................Rocky Mount Prep Key returners: Devonte Barnes,
Marvin Tucker, Jaquaylon Thorne.
Did you know: The glory days still linger

Story by Samuel Evers When it was time for Lyons to choose 15-0 with a 38-20 win in the final game.
a school, his mother wanted him to go “And it wasn’t even that close,”
Not too long ago, North Edgecombe to Northern Nash. Instead, he wanted Phillips said. “We were state champs by
was the Twin Counties’ most dominant to go where his father had made his half time.”
team. The Warriors won two state titles memories. In his senior year, the Warriors
in the 1990s (‘94 and ‘97), reached “He talks about it. It’s a big deal — reached the final game again, this
several more championship games, something he can look back on from time losing after a failed two-point
boasted one of the state’s most prolific his sophomore year, he can say he won conversion, 22-20. It was a less-than-
running backs (Milton Shaw) and the championship,” Lyons said of his ideal way to go out, but his three years
broke the record for most rushing yards father, Ray Lancaster, who was on the on varsity stamped his group’s name in
in a season (5,980, ‘96). ‘94 team. the school’s history books.
Shaw, who played for the Warriors But the walking history book for “After we saw that ‘94 team, we didn’t
in the early ‘90s, then for Clemson and these current Warriors is assistant coach want to be the weak link,” Phillips said.
N.C. A&T, died last year. But much Calvin Phillips. An offensive lineman “Our group vowed to get back there.
of the foundation that made up that and linebacker for North Edgecombe in We just didn’t know we would do it
decade of great football is still around the mid-to-late ‘90s, he later went to to three times.”
the program today. play for East Carolina after a successful These days, he’s “chasing ghosts”
Just ask new head coach Jason Miller. career with the Warriors. with the Warriors as their defensive
“Every so often, I still get those guys As an eighth grader in ‘94, he and the coordinator. He wants another ring, in
who were on those teams coming up to rest of his middle school team traveled a figurative sense, to bring back that
me,” Miller said. “They want to know to Chapel Hill to watch the generation North Edgecombe glory. In a literal
when we’re going to win another one above him win their state title. sense, he needs another ring. He lost
like they did.” In ‘96, during his sophomore season, that thing in Hurricane Floyd.
Two players on the 2018 Warriors his team reached the state title game, “People ask me, ‘Why are you still
— Jamel Lyons and Ja’Quain Knight — losing to Murphy, 13-0. They regained here?’” he said, laughing. “I tell them, ‘I
had fathers on one of those title teams. the throne in 1997, finishing the year have to get my ring.’”

Rocky Mount
Able HomePrep
Health Care,LLC
program as it has the numbers to be
successful. He’d prefer freshmen and
AHHC employs qualitysophomores Personal Care at
to remain Services:
the JV level,
caregivers to assist rather than • Bathing
suit up• Grooming
on Friday nights
individuals and families when they aren’t ready.
• Dressing • Toileting
“Throwing them to the wolves isn’t
realistic,” Jackson •said.
Walking
“We need to
give them • Mobility • Eating to learn
the opportunity
We are dedicated to and perfect their skill sets and not be
helping our clients lead discouragedRespiteby Care:
playing varsity ball
against bigger and faster players.”
dignified, independent Jackson Community
said Alternatives
he envisions a
lifestyles in the comfort program
and Program where forplayers begin at the
Disabled
middle school level and progress into
college-caliber athletes.
It’s not a stretch for Jackson,
who has coached with the Enfield
Medicaid may pay for up
Warriors to League
Little 80 hours per squad
football
month for an in-home since 2005.
caregiver to provide
Some of those players are now
Katayvious Lawrence personal care services.
currentlyLight
on thehousekeeping
Jaguars’ roster.
“They trust me, and know when
the 2018 Jaguars

I say, ‘I have your back,” I mean it,”
by the personal
Jacksoncaresaid.program.
Most of the Jaguars’ top talent have
Story by Jessie H. Nunery
Photos by Sarah Louya We accept big bodies.
privateStevepay.
Hunter, a defensive
tackle, will return from a calf injury
Stability has not been a luxury the at Northampton County. That will that forced him to miss most of last
Rocky Mount Prep football program be the norm for now on. AHHC promise
We want to you... is based on
to season.
has enjoyed in recent seasons. build an identity asour family’sand
a program values Junior
and Donnie
our Tillery is ato6-foot-
commitment
Year by year, coaches have changed, not just be a year-to-year team.” 7, 285-pound offensive tackle, and
player retention has dropped, and The Jaguars are excellence
coming off athat2-9 has distinguished
linemen Able Home
Christian Pearce and Tyrone
the “A Passion
results forhave
on the field Compassion”
been season in 2017 — one Health
win came Davis
CarebysinceThey’llare both
its beginning 6-foot-5.
in 2000.
miserable. make room for fullback
forfeit — when Jackson served as an
Katayvious Lawrence, a junior whom
First-year coach Omar Jackson assistant. The New Jersey native said
Jackson said is a hard worker on and
seemingly has the patience for a Rocky Mount Prep had a schedule off the field.
Jaguars turnaround. that was too tough for its talent pool. There isn’t a lot of depth, but
In addition Call us today
to some of the for a complimentary
short- That has changed consultation…
some this year,weJackson
will come to you!
knows that is a process of
term, offseason efforts he has put in where the Jaguars have added a few developing and keeping kids in the
place along with a long-term vision, programs who are in their infancy or program.
Rocky Mount Prep might soon have rebuilding stages. “Programs take time to build,”
the program it has long desired. Sure, it would be nice to win a few Jackson said. “It may take three years,
“We’ve 1078
done Hwy
a lot48
of things Prep 114 moreEast
games
Mainthis
St. season, but 854again,
Tiffanybut Rocky
Blvd. #101Mount Prep will be a name
hasn’t been known to do,” Jackson Jackson is thinking past this fall. people speak of when they talk about
Roanoke
said. “We sentRapids,
a fewNC 27870
kids to camps, Conway, NC 27820
Jackson will be paying Rockyclose
Mount, NC 27804
football, and I plan on being here for
and we attended a 7-on-7 scrimmage attention to the junior varsity the day it happens.”
Jaguars
Schedule STATS
Aug. 17, 7 p.m...................................Columbia C lassification : 1-A, T ar -R oanoke
Aug. 24, 7 p.m.................@ Bear Grass Charter L ast year : D id not make NCHSAA
Aug. 31, 7 p.m.....@ Harrells Christian Academy 1-A playoffs
OPEN R ecord : 2-9
Sept. 14, 7 p.m..............................@ Louisburg O ne W in on the field for J aguars .
Sept. 21, 7 p.m.............@ Northampton County I t ’ s game against N orth E ast
Sept. 28, 7 p.m..................... Northwest Halifax C arolina P rep was won by forfeit .
F ive : N umber of times the J aguars ’
Oct. 5, 7 p.m.....................................KIPP Pride offense was shut out in 2017
Oct. 12, 7 p.m....................................@ Weldon K ey losses : M ontrell S tanley ,
Oct. 19, 7 p.m......................@ Roanoke Rapids T yrique W hitaker
Oct. 26, 7 p.m...................@ North Edgecombe K ey returners : K atayvious
Nov. 2, 7 p.m........................ Southeast Halifax L awrence , D onnie T illery
Jordan Bethea
Kyon Bryant
Rocky Mount Academy
Able Home
Health Care,LLC
Smelcer — who will play football at
AHHC employs qualityUNC-CharlottePersonal Care
this Services:
fall. Smelcer
caregivers to assist is the first Division
• Bathing I recruit from
• Grooming
RMA.
• Dressing
individuals and families Elsewhere, • Toileting Isaiah
quarterback
in their homes. Thomas• Hygiene • Walking
was recently cleared to
play after spending
• Mobility more than nine
• Eating
We are dedicated to months recovering from an injury.
helping our clients leadThomasRespite
injuredCare:
his left knee in the
playoffs last season, but was cleared
Community
dignified, independent to practice on Aug.Alternatives
7.
lifestyles in the comfort and Program
Thomas was afor
keyDisabled
two-way player
for the Eagles
Adults (CAP/DA)their title run,
during
safety of their own homes
locking down the secondary on
defense, as well as using his arm
Medicaid may pay and legs at the
for up quarterback
to 80 hours perposition
to gash defenses. The team, and
month for an in-homeThomas, caregiver
expect thatto provide
he will return
to form.
Jacob Braddy personal care services. Light housekeeping
Jacob Braddy, the offensive spark
tasks and meal preparations
plug of thearestate also championship
covered
the 2018 Eagles game, returns and the thought of
him having less competition in the
backfield to fight for carries should
Story by Patrick Mason We accept scare private
defenses. pay.
Braddy is a tough,
Photo by Alan Campbell agile runner who has proved that
AHHC promise he to you...
doesn’t haveis abased
problemon creating
Rocky Mount Academy returned RMA and Parrott Academy will ways to score against eight-man
to football royalty last season with play in Rocky Mount our tofamily’s values
open the and our commitment to
defenses.
a state championship. When the season. excellence that has On distinguished
the defensive Able
sideHome
of the ball,
“A Passion fortheyCompassion”
Eagles defeated Kinston Parrott “We know that we are the the front took a big hit. Gone are
Academy in overtime, halted defending champs and Health Care asince
we have its beginning
defensive stoppers in 2000.Griffin,
Thomas
a chance at three consecutive target on our back because of it,” Corbett Cobb and Jarrett Snipes.
championships for the Patriots. Hudgins said. “Last year, Parrott Hudgins said that while the defense
Now, the Eagles are heading into was coming into the game having does have returners, finding ways to
their post-championship season won two in a row and they were replace some of the mainstays will
Call us today for a complimentary consultation… we will come to you!
with expectations to repeat, and, gunning for it. Now I’m sure they’re be tough.
(252)won’t
like most teams, 535-4400 | (252)coming
have the same 973-8534
for us. It| www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
will be good to get “We lost a good amount of guys,
players across the board to make it that game out of the way early.” but we’re not rebuilding,” Hudgins
happen. But, in what turned out to RMA lost several key pieces from said. “Really, the biggest part for
be a interesting scheduling quirk, that title team. The offense will us was getting the new linemen to
the Eagles1078
won’tHwy
have48
to wait long to 114 lookEast Main
quite St.
different with 854 Tiffanyunderstand
running Blvd. #101 concepts and things
find out how they stack up
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 against a back Caleb Lambert
Conway, NC 27820 gone due to
Rocky Mount, NCthat.
like 27804Once we get everyone
tough team. graduation, as well as tight end Trey comfortable we’ll be fine.”

Eagles
Schedule STATS
Classification: NCISAA 2-A, Colonial Carolina
Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m.......Kinston Parrott Academy Last season: Beat Kinston Parrott Academy,
66-60, in overtime, to win 2-A NCISAA state
Aug. 24, 1 p.m..@ Virginia Episcopal School (Va.) championship
OPEN Record: 12-0
Points for: 559 Points against: 216
Sept. 7, 7 p.m...........@ Raleigh Grace Christian 201: That’s how many combined points Rocky Mount
Sept. 14, 7 p.m.......................... Faith Christian Academy and Kinston Parrott scored against each
other over two games. RMA won both by a combined
Sept. 21, 7 p.m................ @ Raleigh St. David’s six points, including a 66-60 overtime win in the state
championship game
OPEN 2: In Week 2, RMA will travel out of state to
Oct. 5, 7 p.m........... @ Kinston Parrott Academy Lynchburg, Va. to play Virginia Episcopal School
Key losses: Caleb Lambert, Trey Smelcer, Thomas
Oct. 12, 7 p.m.......Southampton Academy (Va.) Griffin, Corbett Cobb, Jarrett Snipes
Oct. 19, 7 p.m............................. Cary Christian Key returners: Jacob Braddy, Isaiah Thomas, Chandler
Gazaway, Peyton David
Did you know: RMA uses each

season to prove it belongs
Story by Patrick Mason foundation is built on a football field- don’t go hard here in practice we won’t
sized patch of grass nestled between go hard in the game.”
There’s always something to prove a thick forest of trees and a baseball It’s hard to say whether the gobs
on the football field at Rocky Mount diamond. of wins come from the Eagles being
Academy. No matter the size of success, Touchdowns are scored in right- more prepared than their opponents
eight-man football teams are often center field and straightaway left. Coach on gameday. Maybe it’s the caliber of
overlooked as the traditional 11-man Terrell Hudgins barks instructions athletes that come through the program.
game steals the spotlight. alongside the players as he participates in Trey Smelcer, a tight end and kicker on
To be a respected team in this realm much of the practices himself. Hudgins last season’s squad, became the school’s
of football is to win, and let the rest sort chugged down water after a drill, and first Division I football recruit when he
itself out. The Eagles have adopted this the players were drenched in sweat after
commited to play at UNC-Charlotte.
mentality and it has carried over to the a mid-week practice in August.
Rocky Mount Academy has been
on-field product each week during the All teams aim to work hard. RMA
season. at the top of the football world in the
just does it with gusto. Drills are timed.
Rocky Mount Academy is eight-man Walking on the field means running a eight-man realm. Now, the team is
football royalty, and showed as much lap as punishment. Players run in place building its profile. And some might
with a NCISAA 2-A state championship during instruction from coaches, and even want to poach some of the Eagles
last season over Kinston Parrott sideline-to-sideline sprints are a part of best players.
Academy. It was the RMA’s third title each workout. “I have some friends from Rocky
in five seasons, with Parrott Academy “When we go on the field we have Mount and Nash Central who wanted
acting as the spacer with back-to-back a lot of people expecting us to win,” me to go to their own school,” Thomas
titles of its own in 2015 and 2016. quarterback Isaiah Thomas said. said. “But I’ve been comfortable here.
But here in Rocky Mount, the “Coach gets on us when we’re not going This is home. We play hard and people
winning tradition reigns. And it’s hard, and we have that mindset of if we notice when we’re on their schedule.”

Faith CAble Home
hristian
Health Care,LLC
evolving into its current form.
AHHC employs quality “We’rePersonal startingCare at Services:
a completely
different point,” senior Landon Lewis
caregivers to assist said. “Last • Bathing
year, we•had Grooming
to learn how to
individuals and families get into stances. Now we
• Dressing • Toiletingare going from
one formation into another.”
in their homes. Indeed,• Hygiene
there isn’t•aWalking
lot of wasted time.
• Mobility
A recent Patriots• Eating
practice started
We are dedicated to 20 minutes earlier than scheduled.
helping our clients leadEach of Respitethe players Care:
were prepared and
separated into four stations. Time wasn’t
dignified, independent spent teaching Community Alternatives
formations, but rather
and Program
lifestyles in the comfortperfecting what hasforbecome
Disabled
a routine.
With Adults
its increased
(CAP/DA) depth, Faith
safety of their own homes Christian will have the luxury of playing
only a few athletes on both offense and
defense this season. An eight-game
Shaikey Hardy Medicaid may pay for up to 80 hours per
schedule begins with a pair of Virginia-
the 2018 Patriots month for an in-home based, caregiver

eight-man toprograms
provide before
the Patriots enter conference play that
personal care services.includes Light
rival andhousekeeping
defending champion
Story by Jessie H. Nunery
Rocky Mount are
tasks and meal preparations Academy.
also covered
Photo by Alan Campbell The Eagles knocked off the Patriots in
by the personal
the statecare program.
playoffs last season, but another
What a difference a year makes. of the losing that usually accompanies year of experience has the latter feeling
From watching a player put on a a first-year program and finishedWe 6-4 accept private pay.
in confident.
girdle backward, to simply teaching 2017. Weinstein and the Patriots won “All of us feel we are good enough
linemen how to get into a proper stance, their first four games. and have the drive to do well,” senior
Faith Christian didn’t look like much of AHHC promise to you... is based on
They return to the field this fall with defensive back Garrett Pannell said. “If
a football program last August. 28 varsity players, many ouroffamily’s
whom were we and
values play our
together as a team, we
commitment to have a
It was the school’s first venture into consistent attendees to the program’s good shot.”
varsity football, and there were times offseason weightlifting excellence that has Expectations
program. This
distinguished aren’tAble Home
specific.
when practicing with a football wasn’t group will take the field this fall with
necessary.
Health Care since Weinstein said he wants to see his team
its beginning in 2000.
improve daily. He said the toughness the
increased strength, looking more the
There were too many other things like Patriots showed last season served them
part of a varsity program than it did last
football terminology — and girdles — well. His optimism is cautioned by the
to solidify. season. possibility of injuries.
“I don’t think The Patriots attended a trio of 7-on-7 “If come
I had seen us for the first time
Callthere’s any question
us today for a complimentary consultation… we will
about it — last year, it was a foreign scrimmage sessions during the summer last year at this time, I wouldn’t have
to you!
language to (252) 535-4400
us,” Patriots | (252)against
coach Russell 973-8534
programs
established public school thought we would have won a game,”
| www.AbleHomeHealthCareNC.com
including Tarboro, Wilson Weinstein said. “But when I found out
Weinstein said. “Now, they understand
what it means. We’re a year ahead of Fike and Roanoke Rapids. they would work and work in the weight
where we were, no doubt.” Quarterback Sam Mills, running room, I felt like we’d win a game or two.
This August
1078is Hwy
certainly
48 different. backsEast
114 Shaikey
Main St.Hardy and 854 versatile
TiffanyI Blvd.
didn’t#101
know we’d win six. I guess my
The Patriots walk out onto the football athlete Hobart Brantley return to a expectations are higher than last year,
Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
field looking and feeling like a different
Conway,
more NC 27820
experienced offense Rocky
that, Mount,
despite NC 27804
but I think their expectations are higher,
program. Faith Christian skipped most a winning season, spent the entire year too.”
Patriots
Schedule STATS
Aug. 17, 7 p.m. .....Charlottesville St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) Classification: 2-A, NCISAA
Aug. 24, 7 p.m.....@ Lawrenceville Brunswick Academy (Va.) Last year: Lost to Rocky Mount
OPEN Academy in the NCISAA 2-A state
semifinals
Sept. 7, 7 p.m..............................Raleigh St. David’s Record: 6-4
Sept. 14, 7 p.m..................@ Rocky Mount Academy 43: Number of points in two losses the
OPEN Patriots were outscored by rival RMA
Sept. 27, 7 p.m.................... Raleigh Grace Christian last season
16: Number of seniors Faith Christian
Oct. 5, 7 p.m.............@ Southampton Academy (Va.) has on roster this season
Oct. 11, 7 p.m................................. @ Cary Christian Key losses: Nick Clark
Oct. 19, 7 p.m.................... Kinston Parrott Academy Key returners: Shaikey Hardy, Sam
Mills, Connor Vick
Did you know: Last year, the

Patriots started fast
This is a condensed version of an article school. The team practices on a finely cut And while the Patriots have dispatched every
that ran in the Telegram on Sept 28, 2017, field that used to be covered with trees. It opponent on their schedule, coach Weinstein
after FCS won its first four games in program took imaginative minds to shoehorn the cautions against thoughts of perfection.
history. football facilities into their current locations. “Nothing has been the best it can be,
Nick Clark doesn’t go hunting as often. A nearby soccer field had to become game we’re not perfect,” Weinstein said. “We’re still
Garrett Pannell hits a baseball less. ready for football. It needed goal posts, a searching for our identity.”
Russell Weinstein is part of the daily grind fresh, correct paint job, and the addition of The Patriots earned a three-point win
again. that tall tower teams use to record games and in the opening week, before going on to
Before 2017, those parts of the Faith practices. blow out their next two opponents by a
Christian School football team had the The weight room — a staple of every
combined score of 109-26. A Sept. 15 win
choice to spend Friday nights and after football team — had just a few dumbbells
over Southampton, 28-22, felt good.
school however they wanted. Now, they’re before being stocked by generous donors.
Then, RMA went on to beat
intertwined in a mix of classroom settings In 1993, when Faith Christian School was
Southampton 66-14 the following week. It’s
and crunching collisions. founded, realistic plans of having a football
“I would go hunting just about every day team would be more than two decades away. the lone common opponent the two teams
after school,” said Clark, a senior. “Now I’m Fast forward to Tuesday, where the share. The Eagles think they have a team that
out here running around.” Patriots are preparing for the biggest week can make a deep run in the playoffs.
Pannell, who was part of the Patriots’ of their careers. It’s easy to say when most And to say FCS hasn’t thought that far
baseball state champion this past spring, players have only known four weeks of ahead isn’t a knock on the first-year program.
spent his falls preparing for baseball. football — all of which ended in wins. “We’ve come a long way already,” Pannell
But when FCS announced in the fall of But this is where the Patriots find said. “Guys are really buying in and learning
2016 that it would field a football team the themselves, sitting on a perfect 4-0 record fast. All the guys on the field, when they
following year, a handful of athletes had with in-town rival Rocky Mount Academy heard that football was coming this year, it
to make schedule changes. And so did the coming to play at their house on Friday. brightened our smiles up.”

Craddock enters this
season looking for
Coaching
his fifth state title
as the Vikings’
head coach. His
team managed
to win three
state titles
from 2009
breakdown
through 2011,
and will get
started on
working toward
that feat again
this season.
TARBORO
JEFF CRADDOCK
Lee took over as head coach Taking over for his father In his second year as
in 2015, and the Bulldogs Raymond Cobb after the Patriots coach, Weinstein
have improved their 2012 season, Jonathan is coming off a 6-4
record in each season Cobb has coached season in which he
since. He inherited a the Cougars to five turned a first-year
program that endured consecutive playoff football program
back-to-back 0-11 appearances, into a winning
seasons. Nash including a third- team. Weinstein
Central hasn’t gone round exit in last coached at
winless since, and 2014, and a final Roanoke Rapids
four appearance from 2007 to
has two playoff 2013 where
appearances and in 2015. He has a he turned a
a pair of winning 43-23 record over lowly program
seasons over the his five years as into a three-time
past three years. head coach. conference winner.
NASH CENTRAL SW EDGECOMBE FAITH CHRISTIAN

CHRIS LEE JONATHAN COBB RUSSELL WEINSTEIN
Battle returns for a
seventh season as head Farriss began his
Hudgins guided
coach of the Gryphons. career in coaching
Rocky Mount
Last year’s 4-7 finish in 1999, but gets
Academy to a
was the lone losing his first crack at
state title last
season during his a head coaching
season, his first
tenure. Battle position this
such victory as
has taken two season with the
head coach.
teams to state Knights. He was
Hudgins is
championship an assistant for
entering his
games — 2015 Northern Nash
fourth season
and 2016 — last year, and
as the head
including winning inherits a team
man, and owns
the 3-A title in that went 1-10 in
a 27-7 record.
2015. 2017.
ROCKY MOUNT RM ACADEMY NORTHERN NASH

JASON BATTLE TERRELL HUDGINS ANDREW FARRISS
After 14 seasons as a
Foster returns to the Jackson is a first-year
middle school and junior
sideline for his 29th head coach for the
varsity coach, Miller
season with the Jaguars, taking over
is getting a chance
Firebirds, and the a team that won
this season to be
21st as head two games last
the main man in
coach. After a year. His main
charge. The East
run to the third goal for the
Carolina grad
round of the 3-A 2018 season
and Upstate
playoffs in 2017, is to help the
New York native
he’ll be tasked program build a
takes over a
with replacing 10 foundation it’s
Warriors roster
of 11 starters on been lacking in
he’s familiar with
offense this year. recent years.
going back to his
time as JV coach.
SOUTHERN NASH ROCKY MOUNT PREP NORTH EDGECOMBE

BRIAN FOSTER OMAR JACKSON JASON MILLER
Able Home
MASTER SCHEDULE
Health Care,2018
LLC
Aug. 17 Aug. 31
in-home health careRocky
services
Mount Prep at Weldon
Cary Green Hope at Southern Tarboro at Northern Nash Sept. 27 Courtland Southampton
Nash Rocky Mount Prep at Harrells Raleigh AHHC
Graceemploys at AcademyPersonal
Christianquality (Va.) Care Services:
at Rocky
Apex Middle Creek at Rocky Christian Academy Faith Christian Mount Academy
Mount High
Northern Nash at Hillsborough Sept. 7 individuals
Sept. 28 and families • Dressing
Oct. 19 • Toileting
Orange West Johnston at Southern Chocowinity Southside
in their homes. at Wilson Hunt at Southern
• Hygiene Nash
• Walking
Nash Central at North Nash Tarboro Wilson Fike at Rocky Mount
Edgecombe Nash Central at Northern Currituck County at SouthWest High • Mobility • Eating
Tarboro at Washington County Nash We are dedicated to
Edgecombe Nash Central at Wilson
Pasquotank County at North Edgecombe at Tarboro North helping
Edgecombe at
our clients lead Respite Care:
Beddingfield
SouthWest Edgecombe Raleigh St. David’s at Faith Northampton County Community Alternatives
Columbia at Rocky Mount Christian
dignified, independent Franklinton
Northwest Halifax at Rocky
at Northern Nash
Prep Rocky Mount Academy at Farmville Central
lifestyles in the comfort and Program for Disabled at
Mount Prep
St. Anne’s-Belfield (Va.) at Raleigh Grace Christian SouthWest Edgecombe
Northside-Pinetown at Tarboro
Faith Christian Oct. 5
Kinston Parrott Academy at Sept. 14 Wilson Fike at Southern Nash North Edgecombe at
Rocky Mount Academy Faith Christian at Rocky Franklinton at Rocky Mount Northwest Halifax
Mount Academy High
Medicaid may pay Rockyfor up Prep
Mount to 80at Roanoke
hours per
Aug. 24 Southern Nash at Wake month
Nash Central at for
Farmville Rapids caregiver to provide
an in-home
Rocky Mount High at Forest Central Kinston Parrott Academy at
Greenville Conley Havelock at Rocky Mount personal
Northern Nash care
at Wilson Huntservices. Light housekeeping
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Defensive
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Phillip Willoughby
Tarboro High School
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DOUBLE

Title replay: Relive

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4 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 5

NCWCSPORTS.COM *USA South Conference Game

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Morgan Garris Evans

Accepting New Patients

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 7

8 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

Written By Samuel Evers

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 9

10 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 11

Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Expertise & Cost-Compassion

12 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

Did you know: These Gryphons

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 13

Did you know: These Firebirds

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 15

AHHC employs quality Personal Care Services:

Medicaid may pay for up to 80 hours per

Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Expertise & Cost-Compassion

Did you know: That rock has staying power

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 17

Did you know: The Bulldogs

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 19

AHHC employs quality Personal Care Services:

Medicaid may pay for up to 80 hours per

20 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

Did you know: SouthWest

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 21

22 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

24 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 25

Tarboro takes home

after kicker Robert Brown recovered his

This story originally ran in the March 6,

Did you know: Tarboro is

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 31

the 2018 WARRIORS excellence that has to be taken out of theAble

“A Passion for Compassion”

Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Expertise & Cost-Compassion

32 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

Did you know: The glory days still linger

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 33

the 2018 Jaguars

36 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 2018

Did you know: RMA uses each

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 37

the 2018 Patriots month for an in-home based, caregiver

Did you know: Last year, the

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 39

NASH CENTRAL SW EDGECOMBE FAITH CHRISTIAN

ROCKY MOUNT RM ACADEMY NORTHERN NASH

SOUTHERN NASH ROCKY MOUNT PREP NORTH EDGECOMBE

2018 | Double Coverage - Twin Counties Football | 41

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